2 weeks later

At the station

Lucy, John, and Jackson stood in Zoe's office with Zoe and Grey. The atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and nervous energy.

Zoe smiled warmly as she addressed the rookies. "Congratulations on reaching 100 shifts."

Grey nodded in agreement. "Not many rookies make it this far in their probationary year. It's worth celebrating."

Zoe added, "Yes, it's a significant milestone."

Grey then gave a wry smile. "But remember not too much celebration."

Zoe continued, "For your first 100 shifts, your training officers have been guiding you. Today is different."

Jackson, catching on, said, "Plain Clothes Day."

Zoe confirmed, "Exactly, Officer West."

Lucy, puzzled, asked, "What exactly is Plain Clothes Day? And where's Wesley?"

Grey explained, "Your T.O.s will be out of uniform, observing you in a strictly observational role."

Zoe added, "Tim requested a personal day, so Wesley will be your T.O. in plain clothes, Officer Chen. Your T.O.s will not provide advice, assistance, or intervention. All decisions will be entirely yours."

John, seizing the opportunity, asked, "Does this mean I get to pick where we have lunch?"

Grey replied with a grin, "Yes, Officer Nolan. For today, you're on your own. And that should be a bit unsettling."

Zoe added, "This is a true test of your capabilities. How you handle today's challenges will reflect on your future here."

Grey asked, "Any questions?"

Lucy raised her hand, "Uh, yes, sir. What if we run into serious trouble?"

Grey's response was straightforward, "Handle it. If it becomes unmanageable, your T.O. will step in."

Zoe reinforced, "But understand this—if your T.O. has to step in, it will be noted. This is your opportunity to show what you've learned. I want to see you all excel. Good luck."

The rookies nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation as they prepared for the challenge ahead.

With Wesley

Wesley, Lopez, and Bishop watched as the three rookies chatted and made their way down the stairs.

Lopez remarked, "I can't believe Tim's not here to experience this himself. You should be having your Plain Clothes Day today."

Wesley shrugged. "It's okay. I'll have my Plain Clothes Day tomorrow. Grey gave me the green light."

Bishop added, "It's surprising they're letting a rookie take on the role of a T.O. in plain clothes."

Wesley turned to Bishop with a smirk. "Are you worried about me, Bishop?"

Bishop chuckled and shook his head. "Just curious, Wick. It's not every day we see a rookie stepping up like this."

Lopez grinned. "Yeah, but it's good to see you taking charge. Shows you're more than ready."

Wesley smiled. "Thanks. I've got faith in those rookies. They've been learning fast."

As they continued watching the rookies, Bishop asked, "So, what's the plan for today? You've got something in mind?"

Wesley glanced at Lopez and said, "Just keep an eye on them. Making sure they handle things on their own. It's their day to shine."

Lopez nodded. "Sounds like a good approach. They'll need to learn how to handle situations without constant guidance."

Bishop agreed. "And it'll be a good test to see if they're ready for the next steps."

Wesley watched as the rookies disappeared into the crowd. "Exactly. It's a big step for them. I'm looking forward to seeing how they handle it."

Lopez added, "Let's hope they rise to the challenge."

Wesley nodded. "They will. They've got what it takes. Now, let's grab a coffee and keep an eye on things from a distance."

The three of them walked off together, ready to observe the rookies from afar.

As the three rookies approached the plain-clothed officers, Lopez remarked, "They grow up so fast, don't they?"

Bishop replied, "Please, they're just as green as they were yesterday."

Wesley, noticing Lucy's smile, called out, "What's got you grinning, Boot? I'm not even here."

Jackson chimed in, "Let's get our gear and head out."

The three rookies walked over to grab their gear at a station.

Lopez quipped, "My washout number is three. What about you guys?"

Bishop added, "Same here. I wouldn't be surprised if Wesley's about to experience his first washout today."

Wesley shot back, "Who knows? Lucy tends to overthink things when it comes to her decisions."

Lopez and Bishop exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the lighthearted banter as they all subtly tried to get into the rookies' heads.

John said, "Don't let them get to you. They're just trying to psych us out."

As John grabbed both bags, Bishop commented, "Already making a mistake."

Lopez noticed the two bags and asked, "If we're not supposed to be here, why grab two kit bags?"

John looked momentarily confused. "Oh."

Jackson explained, "We're supposed to have two bags in case they need to take action."

Wesley smirked, "First mistake avoided. Plenty more to go."

The three T.O.s walked off, chuckling, with Lopez saying, "That was fun."

Bishop added, "Just a little."

Wesley agreed, "Yeah, it is."

Lopez then asked, "I wanted to ask you something about your brother before we head out to observe the rookies."

Wesley raised an eyebrow, "What do you want to know about him?"

Lopez said, "I heard he's pretty high-profile. What's it like having someone like him in the family?"

Wesley chuckled and said, "It's a mixed bag. On one hand, it's impressive and a bit intimidating. On the other hand, it means he's got a lot of pressure and expectations to live up to."

Bishop nodded and added, "I've heard he's done some high-profile cases. Must be a lot to live up to."

Wesley said, "Yeah, he's been involved in some big cases. It's hard not to compare sometimes, but we both understand the pressure and respect each other's work."

Lopez said, "That's pretty cool. It must be nice to have someone like that to talk to about the job."

Wesley smiled. "Definitely. It's good to have family who gets it."

Lopez grinned. "Alright, let's see how the rookies are holding up."

The three T.O.s walked off, their conversation shifting back to the day's activities.

As Wesley, Lopez, and Bishop headed toward the area where the rookies were stationed, their conversation turned back to the new officers.

Lopez said, "So, what do you think of the rookies so far?"

Wesley shrugged and said, "They've got potential, but they're still figuring things out. Lucy's got a good head on her shoulders, though. Jackson's been steady, and John's got the enthusiasm, but he needs to focus."

Bishop nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Lucy's sharp. She's got that instinct that's hard to teach. Jackson's steady, but sometimes he can be a bit too cautious. John's a wild card. His heart's in the right place, but he tends to leap before he looks."

Lopez said, "True. I think they're going to have their moments, but they've got the basics down. It'll be interesting to see how they handle today without us backing them up."

Wesley grinned. "I'm looking forward to seeing how they handle the pressure. It's a good test of their skills and decision-making."

Bishop said, "Yeah, the real challenge is how they adapt on the fly. Rookies often freeze up when they're not sure of their next step."

Lopez added, "And this Plain Clothes Day is a perfect trial for that. They're on their own, and they'll need to rely on their training and instincts."

Wesley said, "Exactly. It's a valuable experience, even if it's tough. They'll learn a lot from it."

As they approached the rookies, Lopez looked back at Wesley and Bishop. "Let's see how they're doing and give them a bit of space to figure things out."

Wesley nodded. "Sounds good. Let's make sure we're around if they need us, but give them room to learn."

The three T.O.s approached the rookies, ready to observe and offer guidance if necessary, their discussion of the rookies' strengths and weaknesses fresh in their minds.

Later

Wesley watched as Lucy packed the back of the patrol car, an envelope with her name on it clutched in his hand.

Lucy glanced over and asked, "What's that?"

Wesley replied, "It's your evaluation."

Lucy shut the trunk and raised an eyebrow. "But we haven't even started yet."

Wesley shrugged. "I've got a good sense of how today will go."

Lucy shot him a skeptical look. "You don't know that. You're just trying to mess with my head."

Wesley watched as she got into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt. He crossed his arms, a hint of a smile on his face. "Oh, I'm sure."

Lucy chuckled as she opened the door and walked back toward him. "Thanks, I guess."

Wesley closed her door and settled into his seat, waiting for her to take the driver's side. When she got in and buckled up, he handed her the envelope. "Don't open it until the end of your shift."

Lucy took it and looked at him. "Whatever you wrote in here, I'm going to prove you wrong."

Wesley nodded slowly. "I'm counting on it. If today goes as I expect, that's the evaluation you'll get. But if you surprise me, I'll gladly rewrite it."

Lucy smiled, determination in her eyes. "Yes, sir."

With that, they set off, ready to tackle the challenges of Plain Clothes Day.

On patrol

As they drove through the streets, Lucy said, "This is the first time you've let me drive."

Wesley kept his gaze forward. "I'm not here, Boot."

Lucy replied, "Right, of course. Sorry."

They passed a van, and Lucy noted, "Why would someone from the power company need a video camera?"

Wesley's attention shifted as their patrol car made a U-turn. As they approached a house, Lucy spotted a girl changing clothes upstairs and a man filming her. She said, "That sick bastard. He's filming her."

Lucy activated the sirens and the man quickly shut off the camera. Into the PA system, she commanded, "LAPD, stop!"

The man didn't comply, so Lucy pursued him. As she closed in, she swung open the car door, striking him and causing him to fall.

Wesley watched with a smile as Lucy exited the car.

Lucy approached the man, telling him, "Hands behind your back."

The man protested, "Easy."

Lucy handcuffed him, then forcefully pushed him against the car. The man protested, "I didn't do anything!"

Lucy retorted, "Yeah, well, your camera says otherwise. Do you even work at the power company?"

The man responded, "Lawyer."

Lucy said, "Yeah, you're going to need one."

She grabbed her radio and said to Wesley, "7-Adam-19, show us one in custody, 3rd and Arden."

After putting the radio away, Lucy guided the man to the back of the patrol car and remarked, "Did you include this arrest in your evaluation, Officer Wick?" She opened the patrol car door and added, "Watch your head. Get in."

Wesley shook his head, knowing that her attitude might lead her to overlook something, but he remained silent, arms crossed as he observed her handling of the situation.

Later

Wesley was leaning against the van, absorbed in his phone.

Lucy, having just opened the trunk, said, "Just got off the phone with dispatch. My suspect, Todd Collins, is on parole for a 261. He's a tier 3 sex offender and a 290—violent habitual. That's a pretty solid arrest, right?"

Wesley, clad in a black leather jacket with his badge and gun at his side, glanced up from his phone to look at her.

He didn't respond, simply returning to his texting.

Lucy continued, "Okay, let's see. I've got the victim's statement, seized the suspect's phone, canvassed for witnesses... Yep, we're all set."

Wesley shot her a look, prompting Lucy to ask, "What?"

Wesley shrugged. "Didn't say anything."

Lucy countered, "But you're giving me a look."

Wesley replied, "What look?"

Lucy said, "That look. Am I missing something? Wait, don't answer."

Wesley said, "Wasn't planning to."

Lucy nodded. "Good. Because... I made a solid pinch here."

Wesley gave a wry smile and nodded in return as his phone chimed. He slipped it back into his pocket and headed toward the passenger seat of the patrol car.

Lucy followed, saying, "All right. Let's go."

Back at the station

Wesley watched as Lucy secured the man she had arrested in a cell. A smile tugged at his lips until he noticed her pulling out the evaluation envelope.

When she read the note inside—"I said AFTER your shift!"—Wesley's smirk widened.

"I know exactly what you're going to do, Boot. Just like I knew you'd overlook processing all of your suspect's property," Wesley said.

Lucy looked puzzled. "What are you talking about? I took everything Todd Collins had—his wallet, camera, phone, keys."

Wesley raised an eyebrow. "Mm-hmm. So, tell me, how did Peeping Todd get to where you arrested him?"

Lucy replied, "He drove. Like I said, I have his car keys."

Wesley shook his head. "But not his car. Most child sex offenders have a network with other offenders. They share videos of their sick desires, which leads to more victims and suspects. Where do you think they keep this evidence?"

Lucy, catching on, said, "In their cars."

Wesley nodded. "Exactly."

Lucy finished, "...in case parole officers search their houses."

Wesley walked over to her, his tone serious. "His car is a treasure trove of evidence—other crimes, more victims, DNA—evidence we might never have obtained otherwise. And you just left it out there."

Lucy stammered, "W-- Um..." She quickly moved to process the oversight. "He was fiddling with his phone the entire time he was running."

She rushed to the lockers where personal items are stored, pulled out Todd's bag, and began to examine his phone under Wesley's watchful eye.

Lucy's eyes widened as she read a text message: "Cops got me. Get my van."

Wesley asked, "Did you notice a van, Boot?"

Lucy's face lit up with realization. "There was that blue work van. It was right there!" She hurriedly put the phone back in the bag and returned it to the locker.

Back at the location

Lucy sped back to the arrest location, slamming on the brakes so hard the tires screeched.

She and Wesley jumped out of the patrol car, Lucy scanning the area frantically.

Wesley crossed his arms and observed her.

Lucy pulled out her radio and said, "Control, we need a reverse directory for a vehicle registered to Todd Collins."

Dispatch responded, "7-Adam-19, Todd Collins owns a blue '98 Econoline E-350 van with California plates: Six-Paul-Charlie-Ida-Zero-Niner-Three. The vehicle was impounded from your location about an hour ago."

Lucy's confusion was evident as she looked back at Wesley. "You had the van impounded?"

Wesley said, "Yes, once it was clear you missed that detail."

Lucy asked, "But why did we rush back here?"

Wesley replied, "So you could identify the mistake yourself. That's what today's about."

Lucy stammered, "W—And it's just a bonus that you get to embarrass me?"

Wesley said, "Don't blame me for how easily you let yourself get thrown off by one look. Out here, when you're on your own, you'll face challenges you didn't expect. The only way to handle it is to stay in control of your environment at all times."

Clearing his throat, Wesley added, "And just because you're my girlfriend doesn't mean I'll overlook your mistakes. Tim and I taught you to follow all the evidence we collect, and that's exactly what you missed. It's crucial to get it right, Boot."

Lucy's face flushed with frustration. "You know what, Wesley? I'm sick of your games. You think you're teaching me a lesson, but all you're doing is making me doubt myself."

Wesley's expression hardened. "This isn't about games, Boot. It's about making sure you're ready for anything. Out here, mistakes can have serious consequences. I'm trying to prepare you for that."

Lucy snapped, "Prepare me? You're just trying to one-up me! You set this up so you could look good, not to help me."

Wesley's eyes narrowed. "That's not true. If I wanted to look good, I'd let you make mistakes and clean up the mess later. Instead, I'm trying to make sure you don't make those mistakes in the first place."

Lucy took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "And I'm trying to prove myself, but you keep throwing roadblocks in my way. How am I supposed to learn if you keep undermining me?"

Wesley's jaw tightened. "I'm not undermining you. I'm pushing you to be better. This job isn't easy, and it's not about making friends. It's about being good at what you do, and sometimes that means facing hard truths."

Lucy's eyes flashed with anger. "Well, maybe I don't need you to remind me of every mistake I make. Maybe I need you to be supportive, not just critical."

Wesley sighed, frustration evident in his voice. "I'm trying to be supportive in my own way. But if you can't handle the pressure, maybe you're not ready for this job."

Lucy's face went pale, and she turned away, her voice shaking. "You know what? Maybe I'm not."

Wesley watched her for a moment, his anger softening as he saw the hurt in her eyes. "Lucy..."

Lucy shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... let me handle this."

Wesley nodded, stepping back. "Fine. But remember Boot, I'm here to help, even if it doesn't always feel like it."

Lucy took a deep breath and turned back to the patrol car, determined to prove Wesley wrong and show that she could handle the pressure. 

Wesley watched her, torn between frustration and concern, knowing that his tough love was meant to push her to be better but also recognizing that it had its limits.

Lucy watched Wesley go to their patrol car as he got inside, he slammed the passenger door of the patrol car with a jarring thud. She flinched, the sound echoing through the quiet street, amplifying the tension between them.

Wesley sank into the seat, his frustration evident in his clenched jaw and rigid posture. Lucy stood for a moment, staring at the van that had been impounded, struggling to regain her composure. She knew she had to keep it together, but the sting of their argument was still raw.

Taking a deep breath, she walked to the driver's side and got in, her movements stiff with irritation. She avoided looking at Wesley as she started the engine, the low rumble filling the silence.

Wesley glanced at her, his expression a mix of anger and regret. "You know, Lucy," he began, trying to soften his tone, "I didn't mean to make you feel like I'm against you. This job... it can break you if you let it."

Lucy's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Yeah, well, right now it feels like you're breaking me."

Wesley rubbed his forehead, the frustration evident in his voice. "I'm not trying to. I'm trying to make sure you're prepared. This isn't just about today; it's about your entire career."

Lucy's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and hurt. "And what about us? What about our relationship? Does that mean nothing to you?"

Wesley sighed heavily, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "Of course it means something. I care about you more than anything. But out here, it's different. I have to push you to be the best."

Lucy's voice was quiet but resolute. "Maybe I don't need you to push me in the way you think is best. Maybe I just need you to be on my side, even when things get tough."

Wesley looked away, feeling the weight of her words. "I get it. I'll try to do better. I just... I want to see you succeed, Lucy. And sometimes that means being tough."

Lucy nodded, her expression softening slightly. "And I want to succeed too. But I need to know that you believe in me, not just in my mistakes."

The patrol car rolled through the streets, the atmosphere between them tense but slightly more understanding. 

Wesley glanced over at Lucy, his frustration giving way to a more genuine concern. "I do believe in you, Boot. I just need you to believe in yourself, too."

Lucy gave a small nod, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. "I'm working on it. Just... give me a chance to prove it."

Wesley nodded, the silent acknowledgment hanging between them as they continued their patrol, both of them grappling with the balance between personal and professional challenges.

Later

Lucy pulled up to a house, and she and Wesley got out of the patrol car. They were immediately greeted by a dog barking furiously at them.

Lucy approached the fence, calling out, "Hello? LAPD. Anyone home?"

Wesley stood by the car, watching as Lucy tried to calm the dog. "Hey, girl. It's okay," she said soothingly. But the dog's barking only intensified, causing Lucy to step back, startled.

Wesley quipped, "Not exactly what I meant by controlling your environment."

Just then, a neighbor emerged from her house. "That dog barks all the time," she said, shaking her head.

Lucy asked, "Ma'am, do you know if the dog's owner is home?"

The woman nodded. "Mm-hmm."

Moments later, a man came out, yelling at the dog, "Shut up! Shut up, Missy!" The dog continued to bark, and the man kicked dirt at her.

Lucy interjected, "Hey, whoa. There's no need for that."

The man shot back, "Honey, she's my dog. I can treat her however I want."

Lucy replied, "Sir, I'm not your honey. I'm his." She gestured to Wesley, who smiled and subtly displayed his badge and gun, moving his black leather jacket aside.

The man seemed to reconsider. "All right. I apologize."

Lucy continued, "Sir, we've received a complaint about your dog."

The man glared at the neighbor. "And I wonder who made that complaint! Emma, you called the cops?!"

Emma responded, "Your dog's a menace. It's just bark, bark, bark—all day long."

The man shrugged. "It's a dog. Barking is kind of their thing."

Wesley nodded, "He's not wrong about that."

Lucy took charge. "Ma'am, please step aside. I'll handle this."

She turned to the man. "Sir, you need to find a way to keep your dog from barking so much."

The man retorted, "No problem. I'm good at making bitches shut their mouths."

Wesley tensed, ready to step in, but remembered he was only there to observe. He couldn't intervene unless Lucy was in danger.

Lucy's face hardened. "Have a nice day, sir."

As Lucy and Wesley headed back to the car, Missy the dog began barking again. The man shouted, "Shut the hell up," and kicked more dirt at her.

Lucy stopped and walked back. "Hey, stop kicking dirt at the dog, or else."

The man looked puzzled. "Or else what?"

Lucy's voice was steely. "If I have to come back here, or even get a hint that you're abusing this animal, I will make you my personal project. Do you understand?"

The man's demeanor changed; he tensed up, clearly intimidated. Lucy turned and said to Wesley, "I'd say I controlled that environment."

Wesley shook his head, knowing this situation was far from resolved. "We'll see about that."

Later

At the station

Wesley and Lucy walked into Grey's office. Wesley said, "Sir, Dispatch mentioned you wanted to see us."

Grey nodded and said, "Yeah, shut the door."

Lucy glanced at Wesley before moving to close the door.

Once it was shut, Grey began, "You know, I remember my Plain Clothes Day quite vividly. It was a long time ago, but the pressure to perform was intense. My T.O. watched me like a hawk, and the stress got to me. I made a lot of mistakes—stupid ones, completely out of character. That's why, Officer Chen, I sympathize with what you're going through."

Lucy looked puzzled. "Sir?"

Grey continued, "We've received a conduct complaint from Rodney Acker. He's the man with the dog."

Wesley sighed, recognizing the name as the dog owner they had dealt with earlier.

Grey said, "Acker claims you verbally threatened him to control his dog, 'or else.'"

Wesley asked, "Is there any way to smooth things over with this guy?"

Grey shook his head. "I've tried, but he's adamant. He wants to pursue this formally, so Internal Affairs has been notified. Captain Andersen is in meetings all day but wants to speak with you at the end of your shift."

Lucy, looking worried, asked, "Sir, what kind of disciplinary action am I facing?"

Wesley interjected, "Don't jump to conclusions. They might blame me since I'm the rookie here, too."

Lucy turned to Grey. "Sir, please ensure they don't hold Wesley responsible for this."

Grey nodded. "I'll make sure they know. But you should understand, that threatening a civilian is a serious breach of conduct for any officer. As a probationary employee, even minor infractions can have significant consequences."

Lucy's anxiety grew. "How serious are we talking about?"

Wesley said, "Worst case scenario, you could be my first rookie to wash out on Plain Clothes Day."

Grey then addressed Wesley. "Officer Wick, could you stay for a moment? I need to speak with you privately."

Lucy nodded, "Sirs," and exited the office.

As Lucy left the office, Grey turned to Wesley and said, "Alright, Wesley. Let's hear your side of the story. What happened out there?"

Wesley took a deep breath and said, "We were called to a neighborhood because a dog was barking non-stop, and the owner was getting aggressive with the animal. When we arrived, the dog was barking at us, and Lucy tried to calm it down, but the owner wasn't exactly helpful."

Grey nodded, prompting Wesley to continue.

Wesley said, "The owner, Mr. Acker, was rude and dismissive. He told the dog to 'shut up' and kicked dirt at it. Lucy tried to address his behavior and let him know that if we had to return due to further complaints, there would be consequences."

Grey frowned. "And did she threaten him?"

Wesley hesitated before responding, "She told him that if we had to come back, or if we got any indication that he was abusing the dog, she would make him her 'personal project.'"

Grey's expression hardened. "Did she go overboard?"

Wesley considered his response carefully. "Lucy was trying to assert control, but it came off as overly aggressive. I'm sure it wasn't her intention to escalate things, but it did."

Grey rubbed his temples and said, "Look, Wesley, I know Lucy's intentions were probably good, but statements like that can easily be misinterpreted. With the current climate, any perceived threat can be taken very seriously."

Wesley nodded. "I understand, sir. I'm just concerned about how this will impact her. She's been doing well and making progress. I don't want this to derail her career."

Grey said, "It's not just about her performance. It's also about maintaining professionalism and ensuring our actions align with department standards. We need to demonstrate that we handle every situation appropriately."

Wesley replied, "Of course. I'll make sure she understands the gravity of this. Is there anything I can do to help mitigate the situation?"

Grey considered this for a moment before saying, "Just ensure she's prepared for her meeting with Captain Andersen. She needs to be honest about what happened and show that she understands the implications of her actions. That will go a long way."

Wesley nodded. "I'll talk to her. Thanks for the guidance, sir."

Grey waved him off. "Alright. You're dismissed. I'll update you on what happens with Captain Andersen."

Wesley left the office, feeling the weight of the situation but determined to support Lucy through the coming discussions with Captain Andersen.

As Wesley was about to leave Grey's office, Grey called him back.

"Hold on, Wesley. There's something else we need to discuss," Grey said, his tone serious. "From what I've seen, it seems like some of the things you and Tim have been teaching Lucy aren't sticking. Have you two talked about the importance of phrasing and maintaining professionalism in high-stress situations like this?"

Wesley looked a bit taken aback. "We've discussed the importance of staying calm and professional. Lucy's usually very good at that. I didn't expect this situation to escalate like it did."

Grey leaned forward. "It's not just about staying calm. It's about how you communicate with people, especially when you're in a position where you have to enforce the law. Words matter, and in this case, Lucy's phrasing could be seen as threatening. That's a problem, especially for someone in their probationary period."

Wesley nodded slowly. "I understand. We've talked about de-escalation techniques and how to handle difficult situations, but maybe we need to revisit those conversations and focus more on the nuances of communication."

Grey said, "Exactly. It's one thing to know the right steps to take, but it's another to apply them effectively in the field. Sometimes, how you say something is just as important as what you say. Did you and Tim specifically address the need for precise and measured language during training?"

Wesley shook his head. "We covered it broadly, but perhaps we didn't emphasize it enough. It's clear now that Lucy needs more focused guidance on this."

Grey sighed. "I appreciate your willingness to address this. Make sure that during your next training sessions with Lucy, you focus on how to phrase things in a way that's firm but not antagonistic. It's about maintaining authority while also being respectful and clear."

Wesley nodded. "I'll make sure of that. She must get this right. I want her to succeed, and I want to support her in improving."

Grey gave a reassuring nod. "Good. I'm confident you can help her get back on track. Just remember, it's a learning process for everyone, and part of that process involves recognizing and correcting mistakes."

Wesley thanked Grey and left the office, determined to address the feedback with Lucy and ensure she understood the critical importance of effective communication in her role.

In a courtyard

Wesley was in the courtyard, savoring his lunch with Bishop. As he chewed on a fry, Bishop asked, "If Chen messed up, why didn't you step in and fix it?"

Wesley shrugged. "It's Plain Clothes Day. Stepping in would be like cheating. Tim's all about letting rookies handle things on their own."

Bishop nodded, concern evident. "True, but this could cost her job."

Wesley's tone grew serious. "Tim and I won't let that happen. If it comes to it, I'll take the hit to make sure she stays on the force."

Bishop raised an eyebrow. "I thought this was Tim's rookie."

Wesley smirked. "It's complicated. Even if Tim's not here, we look out for each other."

Bishop glanced toward the detective and said, "You think he's come back too soon?"

Wesley shook his head. "No such thing as too soon."

Bishop gave him a skeptical look. "Wesley, drop the tough-guy act. The guy lost his partner. Some cops never recover from that." He then stood up. "I'll be right back."

Bishop walked off to speak with the detective.

Wesley resumed his meal, deep in thought.

Later

At night

Lucy pulled up to Rodney's house again that night, parking the car with a sigh. "This man filed a complaint against me. We shouldn't be back here."

Wesley glanced at her. "You're right. You shouldn't be. But I'm fine."

Lucy frowned. "Aren't I supposed to be making all the decisions today?"

Wesley nodded. "You are. And right now, you decided to let me help you."

Lucy said, "Sir, I appreciate that you care about my future, but this is--"

Wesley cut her off. "Relax, Boot. I'm not letting anything happen to you. But you need to control your anger. Stop trying to impress me and just be yourself. Got it?"

Lucy nodded. "Yes, sir. Did you get in trouble because of me?"

Wesley said, "Grey questioned why it seems like Tim and I aren't getting through to you. I told him you were acting from the heart, but it came off a bit aggressive."

Lucy smiled. "Thank you, sir."

Wesley gave her a reassuring nod. "No problem. Stay here."

He stepped out of the car and approached Rodney's front door, knocking firmly.

Wesley said, "LAPD."

Rodney opened the door and glared at him. "What do you want?"

Wesley replied, "Mr. Acker, Officer Chen got a bit overzealous."

Rodney scoffed. "Overzealous? I'd call it a threat under the color of authority. We'll see what a jury decides."

Wesley said calmly, "I understand you're upset, and that's reasonable. Let's see if we can resolve this."

Rodney raised an eyebrow. "Go on, I'm listening."

Wesley continued, "If there's anything I can assist with, anything you need a police officer's help with, just let me know."

Rodney picked up the phone and dialed. "Hello? Watch commander, please."

Wesley looked confused. "Why are you calling my supervisor?"

Rodney replied, "Because I'm filing a harassment complaint against you, too."

Wesley said firmly, "I'm not harassing you, sir. I'm here to find a solution. If you prefer to proceed with the complaint, you can tell me to leave. It's not harassment if I'm making a genuine effort to resolve the issue."

Rodney's expression hardened as he spoke into the phone. "I'll be filing a formal complaint against Officer Chen and now against you, too."

Wesley took a deep breath and said, "Before you proceed, Mr. Acker, let's just take a moment to step back. If there's a specific issue you have, I'm here to address it. I'm not here to escalate things."

Rodney ended the call and looked at Wesley with a smirk. "You know what? I'm done talking. I'll let the department handle this."

Wesley nodded, maintaining his composure. "Understood. If you change your mind or decide you want to discuss this further, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help."

Rodney started to close the door, and Wesley added, "One last thing—Officer Chen was trying to do her job and keep the community safe. If you have concerns about her approach, it might be worth discussing those with her directly rather than escalating it. Have a good night, sir."

Rodney said, "Oh, I will. But you, I'm not so sure."

Rodney hesitated, then shut the door with a final thud. Wesley turned and walked back to the patrol car, where Lucy was waiting.

She looked at him, concern evident on her face. "How did it go?"

Wesley sighed. "He's not interested in working anything out. We tried."

Lucy said, "Hold on a second."

She got out of the car, and Wesley followed, putting his seatbelt back in place. Lucy popped open the trunk and grabbed a pair of binoculars.

She focused on the garage door, noticing what looked like stains. "Is that blood?"

Wesley took the binoculars from her and looked through the lens. "It could be blood, but it's not clear."

Lucy's eyes lit up. "If it is blood, I've got probable cause to search that garage."

Wesley raised an eyebrow. "If you're wrong, Mr. Acker will accuse you of retaliation. That could get you fired and add a significant amount to his settlement claim. The smart move is to walk away."

Lucy hesitated, torn between the urgency of her instincts and Wesley's caution.

Wesley gave her an encouraging smile. "So, what's it going to be, Boot? It's your call."

Lucy placed the binoculars back in the trunk, closed it, and walked past the fence. Wesley followed closely, noticing Rodney's wary gaze from the window.

As they reached the dog, Lucy asked, "Missy, what's going on in there?"

Rodney burst out of the back door, panic in his voice. "No, don't open that!"

Lucy ignored him and opened the door, revealing Emma, the neighbor, lifeless on the floor.

Rodney's face contorted with distress. "It was an accident! She got in my face and wouldn't shut up!"

Lucy immediately pulled out her cuffs. "You're under arrest!"

Rodney lunged at Lucy, but Wesley reacted instinctively, drawing his gun. Lucy dodged the attack and shouted, "Hey!"

She restrained Rodney, commanding him firmly, "Get on the ground. Now!"

Rodney complied, dropping to the ground as Lucy pinned him down. Wesley holstered his gun, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

At that moment, Wesley realized his concern was not just for his rookie but for the woman he loved.

Lucy directed Rodney, "Hands behind your back. You're under arrest."

Wesley walked into the garage, surveying Emma's body. Missy, the dog, continued barking. Rodney shouted, "Shut up, Missy!"

Lucy reassured the dog, "That's a good girl."

Wesley approached Missy, kneeling to her level. "Come here, girl." He gently petted her, murmuring, "Who's a good dog? You are." He gave her a comforting hug, trying to offer some solace amidst the chaos.

Later

At the station

At the station, Wesley walked up the stairs to Zoe's office and noticed Lucy staring into the room.

Wesley said, "End of shift, Boot. Don't you want to see your evaluation?"

Lucy turned to him and said, "Why bother? The captain's probably going to fire me anyway. What does it matter now?"

Wesley replied, "Just open it."

With a heavy sigh, Lucy took out the envelope and read the note aloud, "Officer Chen second-guessed every decision she made."

Wesley said, "The point of this was to push your buttons."

Lucy responded, "Clearly, you succeeded, sir."

Wesley said, "Yeah, but you came through when it counted. You took the risks and made the right call. Now I've got to rewrite this damn thing." He grabbed the paper from Lucy's hand and tore it up.

Lucy smiled, "You still love me, right? Even when you're hard on me?"

Wesley's expression softened. "I love you to the moon and back. Don't take everything I say too seriously. I'll always care about you, and I'll always love you, no matter what."

Lucy's eyes welled up with tears as she pulled Wesley into a tight embrace. She buried her face in his shoulder, letting the tears fall freely.

Wesley held her close, gently stroking her back. "Hey, it's okay," he murmured, his voice tender. "I'm here. You did great today. You've got nothing to worry about."

Lucy sniffled, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "I just... I was so worried I'd messed everything up. I didn't want to let you down."

Wesley pulled back slightly to look at her, wiping away a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "You didn't let me down. You learned, you adapted, and you made it through. That's what matters."

Lucy managed a shaky smile, still holding onto him. "Thanks for believing in me. It means a lot."

Wesley smiled back, his eyes full of warmth. "Always. You're stronger than you think, Boot. And I'm proud of you."

They stayed like that for a moment, lost in the comfort of each other's presence. The weight of the day seemed to lift, if only for a little while, as they held onto each other.

Wesley watched as Zoe approached the door, and Lucy turned to him, her voice filled with uncertainty. "Wes, what's going to happen to me?"

Zoe opened the door and addressed Lucy with a professional tone. "Officer Chen, please come in."

Wesley and Lucy released their embrace. Lucy gave Wesley a reassuring nod before stepping into Zoe's office. As the door closed behind her, Wesley leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the closed door. Though he couldn't hear the conversation, he watched intently, hoping for the best.

When Lucy emerged from Zoe's office, Zoe called out firmly, "Officer Wick! You're up next."

Wesley walked into Zoe's office and closed the door behind him. He took a deep breath and asked, "So, is Lucy getting kicked from the program?"

Zoe shook her head. "No, Wesley. I'm going to inform Internal Affairs to close the investigation. Given the circumstances and the way Lucy handled the situation in the end, they'll be dropping the case."

Wesley let out a sigh of relief. "That's a huge weight off her shoulders."

Zoe continued, her tone shifting slightly. "However, we do need to address the harassment complaint Mr. Acker filed against you."

Wesley tensed up. "What's going on with that?"

Zoe said, "Internal Affairs is looking into it. Acker's claim that you were harassing him is serious, even if you were trying to resolve the situation. I'm going to make sure they understand that you intended to de-escalate the situation and help Lucy, not to intimidate or harass."

Wesley nodded, trying to keep his composure. "I appreciate that. I just want to make sure everything gets sorted out."

Zoe offered a reassuring smile. "It will. But remember, you need to be cautious. Even when trying to help, how things are perceived can have serious consequences. Let's get through this and focus on what matters: making sure we all come out of this stronger."

Wesley nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Got it. Thanks for handling this."

Zoe gave him a supportive nod. "You're welcome. Now, let's go over what we need to do next."

Wesley sighed deeply. "I'm going to guess it's me stepping down as a secondary T.O., isn't it?"

Zoe looked concerned. "No, that's not it. Why? Is something wrong?"

Wesley said, "When Mr. Acker attacked Lucy, I wasn't thinking of her as just my rookie."

Zoe nodded, understanding. "You were thinking of her as your girlfriend in danger."

Wesley continued, "And I ended up drawing my gun without thinking. I was supposed to observe, but it was tearing me apart and I couldn't help her. I know I need to maintain a professional distance, but it was so hard to stand by."

Zoe placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's natural to feel that way, Wesley. But you have to find a balance between your professional responsibilities and personal feelings. It's not easy, but it's important to stay focused on your role, especially in critical situations."

Wesley looked at her, troubled. "I just don't want my personal feelings to compromise my duties."

Zoe gave him a supportive smile. "You won't let that happen. You're dedicated, and you care deeply about your team. Just remember to stay mindful of your role and seek support when you need it."

Wesley looked at Zoe with a hint of uncertainty. "So, do you still want me to be a secondary T.O.?"

Zoe took a moment before responding. "Yes, I do. I believe in your ability to guide and support the rookies. But it's crucial to address these issues head-on. You've shown you can balance your responsibilities and personal feelings, but it's important to stay mindful of that balance."

Wesley nodded, still processing the situation. "I appreciate that, Zoe. I'll do my best to keep my emotions in check and focus on being effective in my role."

Zoe gave him a reassuring smile. "I know you will. Just remember, you're not alone in this. Lean on me if you need to, and don't hesitate to reach out for support."

Wesley took a deep breath, feeling a bit more settled. "Thanks, Zoe. I'll keep that in mind."

Zoe nodded. "Now, let's focus on getting through this. We'll work together to make sure everything's handled properly."

Later

At the courtyard

The four rookies gathered around, sharing a moment of camaraderie. Lucy turned to Jackson and said, "It's a shame you didn't get a shot at breaking your dad's record."

Jackson shrugged and replied, "Doesn't bother me. Breaking records and racking up arrests isn't why I became a cop. What about you?"

John grinned and said, "Me? I joined for the wool pants."

Everyone laughed, and Jackson raised his glass. "Alright, time for our 'to me' toast. To no longer live in my father's shadow."

Lucy lifted her glass and added, "To not having to apply for a mall cop job in the morning."

John held up his glass and said, "To me... honestly, guys, I've got nothing. Unlike you, I had a perfect day."

Jackson and Lucy chuckled at that.

Wesley raised his glass with a smile. "To me, still being a secondary T.O., even when I thought today might be my last."

They clinked their glasses together, each toasting their victories and lessons learned.

The group raised their glasses and said, "Cheers," before taking their shots.

Lucy grinned and said, "Mmm, that's good. Alright, if you'll excuse me, I've got something to take care of."

She glanced at Wesley and cleared her throat.

"Before I head out, Officer Wick, I wanted to give you this." Lucy handed him an envelope. "It's my evaluation of you."

Wesley raised an eyebrow. "That's not how this works, Boot."

Lucy shrugged. "Well, if you don't want to read it, you don't have to."

Lopez noticed the envelope and asked, "Are you going to open it?"

Wesley tore it open and pulled out the receipt.

Bishop leaned in and asked, "What's that?"

Wesley smirked. "It's our bar tab."

Laughter erupted around the table.

Wesley looked at Lucy and said, "If you wanted me to pay for how I treated you today, you could have just asked."

Lucy chuckled and replied, "But then it wouldn't have been a prank. I had to get you back for last week."

Wesley raised an eyebrow and said, "So, it's a prank if I pay it anyway?"

Lucy grinned mischievously. "Exactly. The real fun is watching you squirm before you do."

Wesley chuckled and shook his head. "Alright, you got me. I'll settle up."

He reached for his wallet, and the group laughed, enjoying the playful moment.

Lopez teased, "Looks like you're paying for your prank, Wick."

Wesley smiled and said, "Fair enough. I guess this is what I get for messing with you guys."

Lucy gave him a playful wink. "Just remember, payback's a two-way street."

Wesley handed over the money and the group continued their laughter and celebration.

Lucy pulled Wesley up from his seat and said, "Alright, it's time for us to head out."

Wesley grinned and followed her. "Sounds good. But before we go, I want to say... I love you, Boot."

Lucy smiled warmly and replied, "I love you too, Sir."

They exchanged a final, affectionate look before saying their goodbyes to the group. Wesley wrapped an arm around Lucy as they left the bar together, enjoying the quiet, shared moment.

As they walked out of the bar and headed towards the car, Wesley glanced over at Lucy and said, "Hey, should we talk about earlier? You know, when we both kind of lost our cool?"

Lucy took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, I think we should. I didn't mean to make things worse, and I'm sorry if I came across that way."

Wesley squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I know. I just... I care about you and sometimes that makes things more intense. I didn't want to add to your stress, and I'm sorry if I did."

Lucy looked up at him, her expression softening. "It's okay. I guess we both got pretty emotional. I just felt like everything was falling apart, and I didn't handle it the best way."

Wesley nodded. "Me neither. It's not easy being in this kind of situation, and I should've been more patient with you. I'm glad we talked it out, though."

Lucy gave him a small smile. "Me too. Let's make a promise to communicate better, even when things get tough."

Wesley smiled back, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Deal. And remember, even when we argue, it's because we care about each other."

They continued walking to the car, feeling a renewed sense of understanding and connection.

To be continued...