With Wesley

Wesley and Lucy were strolling with the twins through the cemetery after their shift.

Lucy asked, "Are you sure you want to do this? We could head home, cuddle with the twins, snuggle up together, and enjoy some hot cocoa."

Wesley chuckled softly and replied, "As tempting as that sounds, we need to do this. Being at home doesn't feel right. Maybe it's time we come here and say goodbye."

Lucy nodded as they wheeled the twins over to Zoe Andersen's grave. The headstone read:

Zoe Andersen
February 1, 1981 – March 19, 2019
Girlfriend, Mother, and Friend
"Improve, Adapt, and Overcome"

Lucy said softly, "I still can't believe she's gone."

Wesley sighed and said, "That's the problem. Everything's felt off since she died. And now, here we are, with the twins at her grave. They'll never get to know their mother."

Lucy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and said, "It's okay, baby. Zoe loved us all deeply. Don't forget that."

Wesley nodded, "I know."

Lucy suggested, "How about we sit by her grave and talk about how we've been feeling since she's been gone?"

Wesley agreed, "I'm okay with that. Just make sure we keep the twins close."

Lucy replied, "Of course. We don't want to leave them alone."

Wesley and Lucy settled down beside Zoe's grave, pulling the twins' stroller close to keep them within reach. The evening air was cool and calm, and the silence of the cemetery seemed to offer a moment of reflection.

Lucy looked at the headstone and said softly, "I miss our mornings together. Zoe used to wake up early, and we'd all have breakfast together. She'd make these amazing pancakes, and we'd just sit around the table, laughing and talking about our plans for the day."

Wesley looked at Lucy, his expression pensive. "Yeah, I remember those mornings. They felt so... normal. So complete. I didn't realize how much I'd come to rely on those moments."

Lucy smiled faintly, her eyes misting. "She had this way of making everything feel right, no matter how tough things were. Even on the hardest days, she had a way of brightening them up."

Wesley nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "She was incredible. I keep thinking about all the things she's missing out on with the twins. It's not just that they won't remember her, but that we won't get to share these little moments with her."

Lucy took a deep breath, her hand resting gently on the stroller's handle. "I try to hold on to the memories, to keep her spirit alive for the kids. I want them to know how much she loved them, even if they can't remember her."

Wesley squeezed Lucy's hand. "We'll make sure they know. We'll talk about her, share stories, and keep her memory alive. She would want us to be happy, to make the best of what we have."

Lucy nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. "You're right. It's just so hard sometimes."

Wesley leaned closer, his voice steady. "I know. But we're not alone. We have each other, and we have the twins. Zoe's love is still with us, and we need to keep that alive for them."

Lucy looked at the twins, who were peacefully asleep in their stroller. "I'm glad we're here together, remembering her. It feels right."

Wesley smiled gently. "Yeah, it does. And we'll keep moving forward, just like she would want us to."

They sat in quiet reflection, feeling the weight of their loss but also drawing strength from their shared memories and the love they had for Zoe.

As the soft glow of twilight enveloped them, Wesley looked at Lucy with a mixture of sorrow and determination. He leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers, a tender kiss that spoke of his love and the depth of his emotions. When he pulled away, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a small, velvet box.

Lucy's eyes widened as she saw the ring and she asked, "What's that for?"

Wesley took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the ring. "I was thinking of proposing to Zoe," he said quietly. "I never got the chance to ask her. We were waiting for the right moment, and then... well, life had other plans."

Lucy looked at him with a mix of surprise and sadness. "You wanted to propose to her?"

Wesley nodded, his eyes reflecting the pain of the lost opportunity. "Yeah. I'd been saving this ring for a special moment. I wanted to ask her if she would marry me, and make things official. I never got to do it."

Lucy reached out, placing a comforting hand on his. "Zoe would have loved that. She would have said yes in a heartbeat."

Wesley's voice trembled slightly as he spoke. "I wanted to give her that. To show her how much she meant to me. But now, all I have are these memories and this ring. I just didn't want to leave it unspoken."

Lucy squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with understanding. "It's okay. You loved her deeply, and she knew that. You showed her every day. This ring... it's a reminder of your love for her, and it's also a part of the future you envisioned with her."

Wesley nodded, his gaze shifting back to the ring. "I guess I just needed to share that with you. I didn't want to keep it buried inside."

Lucy gave him a reassuring smile. "Thank you for sharing that with me. It's important to remember those things, to hold on to what was beautiful about our lives with her."

Wesley took her hand and gently placed the ring back into the box, closing it softly. "We'll keep her memory alive, and we'll keep moving forward. For her, and the twins."

Lucy leaned in and kissed him again, a gesture of support and love. "We will. Together."

As they sat beside Zoe's grave, their hands intertwined, they found solace in their shared love and commitment to honoring Zoe's memory. The ring remained a symbol of what could have been, but also a reminder of the strength they drew from each other and the future they would build for their family.

Wesley gently opened the velvet box and looked at the ring one last time, a bittersweet smile on his face. He took Lucy's hand and squeezed it for support, then knelt in front of Zoe's grave.

With a deep breath, Wesley carefully placed the ring in a small, shallow hole he had dug in the grass. He covered it with earth, the soft dirt mingling with the emerald grass as he pressed it down. He let the final clumps of soil fall into place, smoothing out the patch of ground.

Lucy watched in silence, her heart aching for Wesley but also feeling a deep sense of understanding. When Wesley was finished, he gently patted the earth, making sure it was smooth and undisturbed.

He stood up and wiped his hands, turning to Lucy with a solemn expression. "I wanted to give it to her," he said quietly. "Even if it's just a symbol now, it's a part of my promise to her. I wanted her to have it."

Lucy stepped closer and took his hand. "She has it now. And she'll always be with us. In our hearts and in everything we do for our family."

Wesley nodded, a tear sliding down his cheek. "Yeah. She'll always be with us."

They both took a moment to stand in silence, feeling the weight of their loss but also the warmth of their shared memories and their love for Zoe. The ring, now buried in the ground, symbolized a promise that was never fulfilled but a love that continued to endure.

As they stood up, Wesley wrapped an arm around Lucy's shoulders, and they walked back to the twins, who were sleeping peacefully in their stroller. They stood together, united in their grief and their hope for the future, knowing that Zoe's spirit would always be a part of their lives.

https://youtu.be/gXNyR5hUb30

Wesley stood silently in front of Zoe's grave, his eyes fixed on the engraved words as he began to sing softly. His voice trembled with emotion, each note carrying the weight of his grief.

"I fell by the wayside, like everyone else. I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, but I was just kidding myself."

Lucy rested her head gently against Wesley's shoulder, finding comfort in his presence. She listened to his voice as he continued, the lyrics resonating deeply with both of them.

"Our every moment, I start to replace. 'Cause now that they're gone, all I hear are the words that I needed to say."

The words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the love and loss they shared. Wesley's song, a tribute to Zoe, was a blend of sorrow and remembrance, while Lucy's closeness was a silent testament to their shared strength and love. Together, they stood by Zoe's grave, their hearts aching but united in their grief.

Wesley's voice was soft but heartfelt as he sang, the lyrics a raw expression of his pain.

"When you're hurting beneath the surface, like troubled water running cold. Well, time may heal, but this won't, so before you go... was there something I could've said to make your heart beat better?"

Lucy smiled gently at the sound of his voice, finding solace in the shared moment. She joined him, her voice a tender echo of his sentiment.

"If only I'd known you had a storm to weather. So, before you go... was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting? It breaks my heart how your mind can make you feel so worthless."

Together, they sang in quiet harmony, their voices intertwining with their grief and love. The song was a poignant tribute to Zoe, reflecting their sorrow and their yearning to have done more.

Lucy and Wesley sang in harmony, their voices a blend of grief and love.

"So, before you go... It was never the right time. Whenever you called, it went little by little, by little until there was nothing at all. Every moment, I start to replay. But all I can think about is seeing that look on your face. When you hurt beneath the surface."

Lucy gently cradled Mason, holding him close, while Wesley took Nora in his arms, both of them seeking comfort in their children.

The song continued, their voices intertwining as they sang again.

"Like troubled water running cold. Time can heal, but this won't. So, before you go... was there something I could have said to make your heart beat better?"

As they rocked the twins gently, their voices remained steady and soothing.

"If only I'd known you had a storm to weather. So, before you go... was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting?"

Their heartfelt duet, soft and tender, became a lullaby for the twins, a bittersweet reminder of their loss and love for Zoe.

Wesley and Lucy sang together, their voices filled with emotion:

"It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless. So, before you go... would we be better off now if I'd let my walls come down?"

Wesley continued solo, his voice soft and reflective: "Maybe. I guess we'll never know."

Lucy responded, her voice tender: "You know, you know. Before you go. Was there something I could've said to make your heart beat better?"

They harmonized once more: "If only I'd known you had a storm to weather. So, before you go... was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting?"

Wesley finished with the final, poignant lines: "It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless. So, before you go."

Wesley and Lucy stood by Zoe's grave, holding the twins close, their hearts heavy.

Wesley softly spoke to Nora, "Mommy Zoe loved you so much, and she always will."

Lucy gently said to Mason, "Mommy Zoe loved you too, sweetheart."

They carefully placed the twins back into their strollers. Lucy turned to Wesley and asked, "Shall we head back home?"

Wesley nodded a sense of resolution in his voice. "Yeah. Let's go home."

The next day

At Wesley's apartment

At Wesley's apartment, the soft hum of the morning filled the space as he and Lucy settled in. Wesley gently lifted the twins from their bassinets and cradled them in his arms.

He dialed Melissa's number and waited for her to pick up. "Hey, Melissa, it's Wesley. I was wondering if you could come by and babysit the twins for a bit this morning. Lucy and I need to catch up on some things."

Melissa's voice came through warmly. "Of course, Wesley. I'll be there soon."

Wesley thanked her and hung up. He glanced at the twins, who were cooing and reaching out for their morning feed. He placed them gently in their cribs, making sure they were comfortable and settled.

With the twins taken care of for the moment, Wesley headed to the kitchen. He pulled out ingredients for breakfast and started preparing a simple meal. The aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee began to fill the apartment, creating a comforting and homely atmosphere.

Lucy joined him in the kitchen, still in her pajamas but with a more relaxed expression. "Anything I can help with?" she asked, leaning against the counter.

Wesley smiled, handing her a bowl of fruit. "Just set this on the table. I've got the rest covered."

As he cooked, Wesley glanced at the clock, anticipating Melissa's arrival. The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm light over the space. It felt good to have a moment of normalcy, even amidst the lingering ache of loss.

As Wesley continued cooking, Lucy approached him from behind. She slipped her arms around his waist and gently rested her head against his back. Her lips brushed softly against his neck, sending a comforting shiver through him.

"I love you," Lucy whispered, her voice tender and sincere.

Wesley paused for a moment, letting the warmth of her embrace sink in. He turned slightly, enough to meet her gaze. His face softened into a smile, and he placed his hand over hers.

"I love you too," he said quietly. "More than words can ever really express."

Lucy squeezed him gently, and they stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms. The world outside felt distant and irrelevant in that warm cocoon of intimacy.

As Melissa's arrival drew closer, Wesley reluctantly pulled away, giving Lucy a reassuring kiss on the forehead. "Let's get this breakfast ready before she gets here," he said, his tone light and affectionate.

Lucy nodded, her smile bright and genuine. She moved to help him with the final touches, and together they prepared breakfast, their hearts a little lighter and their bond a little stronger.

After finishing breakfast, Wesley and Lucy were tidying up the kitchen when the sound of the twins crying filled the apartment. Wesley looked up, concern flickering across his face.

Lucy, sensing his unease, turned to him with a reassuring smile. "I've got this," she said, her tone gentle and confident. "Why don't you finish up here? I'll take care of the twins."

Wesley nodded gratefully and wiped his hands on a towel. "Thanks, Boot. I appreciate it."

Lucy walked over to the nursery, her steps steady and calm. She found Nora and Mason both fussing in their bassinets. With practiced ease, she scooped up Nora first, soothing her with soft coos and gentle rocking. After settling Nora, she turned to Mason, who was still crying. She picked him up, holding him close and whispering comforting words.

Wesley watched from the doorway, admiring Lucy's nurturing touch. He finished cleaning up the kitchen and, once done, walked over to the nursery. He leaned against the doorframe, a soft smile on his lips as he observed Lucy caring for their children.

"Everything going alright?" he asked, his voice low and affectionate.

Lucy glanced up and smiled, her eyes bright with love. "Yeah, just needed a little cuddle time. They're settling down now."

Wesley stepped into the room and approached her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "Thanks for handling this. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Lucy looked up at him with a loving smile. "We're in this together. Always."

They shared a quiet moment, their family close and content. The twins, now calm and settled, looked up at them with sleepy eyes. Wesley and Lucy exchanged a tender glance, their hearts full as they cherished these small, precious moments together.

As Wesley and Lucy were finishing up with the twins, the doorbell rang. Wesley glanced at Lucy, who gave him a reassuring nod, and then went to answer the door.

Melissa stood there, a friendly smile on her face. "Hi, Officer Wick. I'm here as requested."

Wesley returned her smile and stepped aside to let her in. "Hey, Melissa. Thanks for coming. We need you to stay a bit longer today."

Melissa raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident. "Is everything okay?"

Wesley nodded. "Yeah, everything's fine. But Lucy and I have work later, and we realized we need some extra help with the twins. Would you mind staying until after our shift?"

Melissa's expression softened, and she gave a nod of understanding. "Of course, I don't mind at all. I'm happy to help."

"Great, thanks," Wesley said, relieved. "We're just finishing up here. If you could give us a few more minutes, we'll get the twins settled and then be ready to head out."

Melissa stepped inside, ready to assist. Wesley and Lucy quickly prepared the twins for their next nap, ensuring they were comfortable and content.

As they finished up, Wesley glanced at Melissa. "I appreciate this. It means a lot to us."

Melissa smiled warmly. "No problem at all. I'm glad to be able to help."

With everything in order, Wesley and Lucy headed out, grateful for Melissa's support and ready to tackle their shift.

At the station

Wesley and Lucy entered the briefing room as the rest of the team gathered. Once everyone was seated, Grey began the briefing.

"Per Captain Weatherby, we have some immediate protocol changes," Grey announced. "First, no more placing boots on top of lockers. Any boots left up there will be discarded at midnight and noon daily. Second, every officer must provide a business card to every citizen they interact with. If a citizen refuses the card, you must document it in a police report."

Lopez frowned and muttered, "Sir, with all due respect, this is ridiculous."

Grey replied firmly, "It's not our place to question, Officer Lopez. Command believes these changes will increase efficiency at Mid-Wilshire."

Just then, the door opened and a man walked in. Grey acknowledged him with a nod. "Captain."

Wesley assumed this must be Captain Weatherby.

Grey asked, "Can I help you with something, sir?"

Weatherby replied, "I need an updated vehicle list."

Grey responded, "Yes, sir. I'm in the middle of a roll call, but I'll get that to you right after. Since you're here, would you like to address the day shift?"

Weatherby looked a bit puzzled. "Did you tell them about the new protocols?"

Grey nodded. "Yes, sir."

Weatherby gave a small, awkward smile and said, "Alright then. Keep up the... uh, good work."

With that, Weatherby exited the briefing room. Grey turned back to the team. "Alright, last bit of business. The District Attorney's office has a witness in protective custody and needs our assistance with surveillance."

John raised his hand. "Sir, I'd like to volunteer."

Grey looked at John. "I usually don't assign rookies to these types of details, Officer Nolan. Officer Bishop would need to agree."

Bishop shrugged. "Protection details are pretty dull, so that's a no from me."

Grey nodded. "Looks like you're out of luck."

Wesley stepped forward. "I'll take the details. John and I haven't had much chance to 'bond' as T.O. and rookie anyway."

Grey smirked. "Looks like your brother's volunteering to cover for you. Trying to distract yourself from home issues?"

Wesley shook his head. "No, sir. I'm just ready to work."

Grey's tone softened. "Your girlfriend was murdered, Wes. It's okay to be overwhelmed. But remember, you also have twins at home."

Wesley nodded. "I understand, sir. I've got a babysitter at home. I'm ready for the assignment."

Grey gave a curt nod. "Alright then, you're on the detail. Let's get back to work."

Grey added, "One more thing. When you return your cars at night, you'll need to drive by the garage for a mechanical inspection and mileage report. Just another new protocol."

Wesley and John exchanged glances and then headed out of the briefing room. They quickly changed out of their uniforms in the locker room, eager to move on with their day.

Later

As Wesley and John exited the locker room, Jackson hurried past them. John remarked, "He must've left his boots up on a locker."

Wesley asked, "You up to date on protection detail protocols?"

John replied, "I think so."

They headed toward the garage, and Wesley explained, "Here's how it goes: Tim calls it the 'LOSR System'—not for the people we protect, but because it's what we're supposed to be. L-O-S-R—Listen, Observe, Secure, Report. Listen for any movement or information that might affect the mission, observe the subject's behavior and changes in the environment, secure the area to prevent threats from breaching the perimeter, and finally, report any suspicious activity to your superior officer immediately. That means me."

Approaching an unmarked car, John asked, "What about the 'e'?"

Wesley looked puzzled, and John clarified, "'Loser' has an 'e' in it."

Wesley chuckled, "The 'e' stands for 'engage,' but we leave it out because you're not supposed to engage the subject unless it's a life-threatening situation. We're here to guard, not become best friends or braid his hair. Got it?"

John nodded, "Got it. I don't even know how to braid hair. I was going to learn if we had a daughter, but..."

Wesley opened the car door and got in, followed by John. As John closed his door, he added, "Never mind," and they prepared to head out.

On the streets

Wesley and John drove in silence for a while, the hum of the engine filling the space between them. The city lights flickered past as they made their way to the location for their protection detail.

John broke the silence, glancing at Wesley, "Hey, Wesley, can I ask you something?"

Wesley kept his eyes on the road, "Sure. What's up?"

John hesitated, then said, "I know it's been rough since Zoe passed. How are you holding up?"

Wesley's grip tightened on the steering wheel for a moment before he responded, "I'm managing. It's been tough, but... I have to keep moving. The twins need me. This work helps me focus."

John nodded, "I get that. I know it's not easy. You're doing a good job, though. It's just... sometimes you need to talk or take a break, you know?"

Wesley offered a small, appreciative smile, "Thanks, John. It's good to know you're here, and I appreciate the concern. Just doing what I can."

John said, "We've got each other's backs, remember? Just don't be afraid to lean on us if you need to."

Wesley nodded, "I will. I just try to keep my head in the game. But it's good to know I'm not alone in this."

Wesley said, "And while we're on duty, it's Officer Wick."

John nodded, "Right, sorry. I forgot you were promoted to P2. Congrats, by the way."

Wesley replied, "Thanks. Just remember, we need to stay focused. We're not here to chat like we're family; we've got a job to do. Is that clear, Boot?"

John, realizing he might have overstepped by bringing up Zoe, responded, "Understood. Sorry if I crossed any lines, sir."

Wesley nodded, appreciating the acknowledgment. They continued driving in silence for a moment, the tension from the previous conversation easing.

John eventually broke the silence, trying to refocus on their mission. "So, do you know anything about the witness we're protecting? Any details we should be aware of?"

Wesley glanced at John, grateful for the shift in conversation. "Not much, just that they're high-profile and have been receiving threats. We'll get the full brief once we're on site. But for now, stick to the 'LOSR' system and stay sharp."

John nodded, "Got it. Listen, Observe, Secure, Report. And no engagement unless it's necessary."

Wesley affirmed, "Exactly. We're here to keep them safe, not to get personally involved. Let's make sure we do our job right."

Later

Wesley and John arrived at the safe house, and John said, "This is the place."

Wesley pulled out his radio and said, "7-Adam-100 on scene at the mutual aid call. I'll make contact in 10 seconds."

Dispatch responded, "Roger that, 7-Adam-100."

Both officers got out of the car and walked up to the safe house.

John glanced at Wesley and asked, "So, should I expect a rough day? Any surprise tests or something?"

Wesley replied, "Not in the mood for jokes today, Boot."

John nodded, "Got it, sir."

When they reached the door, Wesley knocked and announced, "LAPD. Wick and Nolan."

The door opened to reveal a man with a badge and a firearm. Wesley and John stepped inside, and the man closed the door behind them.

As Wesley and John entered the safe house, another man stepped forward and said, "Uh, Officer Nolan?"

John stepped up and replied, "Nolan."

The man said, "Hey, I'm ADA Sean DelMonte. Jessica Russo mentioned you'd be helping out."

Wesley added, "Sir, Officer Nolan is a rookie. I'm his superior officer, Wesley Wick."

Sean looked surprised and said, "Oh, sorry. I just assumed he'd be in charge. The last person Jessica dated was a Navy SEAL."

John raised an eyebrow, "Seriously?"

Sean nodded, "Yeah. A strong handshake, like a vise grip—"

Wesley interrupted, "Can we get the briefing on our protectee?"

Sean nodded, "Of course. Brad Hayes. He worked for Border Patrol in Temecula for 12 years, rose to second in command, then turned on us. He started using his knowledge to help cartels, charging them a fortune to smuggle people. Now he's naming names."

John said, "No wonder he's hiding out here."

Sean added, "Exactly. He's testifying before a grand jury tomorrow. Shieff's department will handle shift changes. Here's my card."

Sean handed a card to Wesley, "Use the cell number if anything comes up, no matter how minor."

Wesley took the card and said, "Will do."

Sean shook their hands and said, "Deputy. Nice to meet both of you. Sorry again for the mix-up."

John replied, "No worries."

As Sean and the Deputy left, John asked, "Navy SEAL?"

Wesley said, "Focus, Boot. Now do a sweep of the house. Identify ingress and egress points, escape routes, and sight lines. Report back in 10."

John nodded, "Yes, sir."

Wesley moved to the window and pulled the curtain aside. Brad, one of the occupants, said, "How's it going?"

John replied, "Fine, thanks."

Wesley glanced at John, who commented, "Oh, right. No 'e' in 'loser'."

Brad replied. "There is an 'e' in 'loser'."

Wesley shook his head, "Not that kind of loser. L.O.S.R.—Listen, Observe, Secure, Report. That's our protocol for protective details. Don't get sidetracked, Boot. Do the sweep."

John said, "Right, sorry, sir. I'll get on it."

John moved off to conduct the sweep, and Wesley continued to survey the area from the window.

Brad said, "You know, you're being pretty hard on your rookie."

Wesley walked over and replied, "First of all, he's not just my rookie—he's my older brother. I need to keep our professional relationship clear, even when it's someone I care about."

Brad said, "So, treating him poorly is how you keep it professional?"

Wesley's tone hardened, "If you have any more to say, I'll be happy to move you upstairs, put you in a bed, and handcuff you to it. So, zip it."

Brad continued, "You know, you could try being a little less of a hardass. Maybe if you showed some kindness, you'd get better results from your brother."

Wesley's patience wore thin as he snapped, "Brad, you don't know anything about our dynamic. Just stay out of it."

Brad persisted, "Oh, come on. You've got some issues with how you handle him. It's almost like you're trying too hard to push him away."

Wesley's frustration boiled over. He took a deep breath and said, "Look, I don't have time for your armchair psychology. Just do your part, and let me do mine. And if you have any more to say about how I handle things, just shut up. I've had enough."

Brad raised an eyebrow but fell silent, clearly taken aback by Wesley's intensity. Wesley's frustration was palpable as he took a moment to regain his composure.

Wesley turned his attention back to the task at hand. "John's doing the sweep. We need to make sure we're ready for anything. Let's focus on the job."

Brad mumbled, "Alright, alright. I'll keep my mouth shut. But remember, you might want to find a way to balance being tough with being fair."

Wesley nodded curtly and moved to a different part of the room to check the security cameras. He kept his tone steady and professional. "Just make sure you stay out of trouble. We need to be vigilant."

Later

John returned after completing his sweep. "I've got the layout noted—main entry, windows, and possible escape routes. The house is about 1,900 square feet. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small attic. Sight lines are blocked from the east—"

Brad interrupted loudly, "I'm bored!"

Wesley shot him a sharp look. "Not our problem."

Brad groaned, "Seriously, this is killing me. No internet, no phone. They gave me newspapers. What am I supposed to do with those? I'm not a caveman."

Wesley's patience was wearing thin. "Sir, we're here to keep you alive, not entertained. So please step back and let us do our job."

Brad glanced at John and said, "Your buddy doesn't like me, does he? Probably thinks I'm a traitor."

John responded calmly, "We're not here to judge you, sir. Our only concern is keeping you safe."

Brad shrugged and said, "Well, if you're going to be all business, I'm going to relax a bit. I'll grab a beer. You guys want one?"

John shook his head, "No, thank you."

Brad sneered, "Shocker."

John watched as Brad walked off and Wesley motioned for him to follow. Wesley sat down on the couch, and Wesley's tension was evident.

Brad's voice cut through the quiet. "Officer Nolan."

John looked up, "Yes, sir?"

Brad said, "I read about you in the newspaper. Your captain was killed in the line of duty. I heard she left behind two twins and a man they didn't name."

Wesley's face darkened with frustration at the mention of Zoe.

John responded firmly, "Sir, I'd recommend you avoid discussing Captain Andersen at this time."

Brad's curiosity was piqued. "Why? I'd like to know about her. What was she like?"

John's expression grew serious as he replied, "Sir, it's really not a good idea to talk about Captain Andersen right now."

Brad didn't let up. "Why not? I'm just curious. It's not every day you hear about a captain who dies in the line of duty, leaving behind a family."

Wesley's patience was fraying, and he clenched his fists. "Sir, I'm going to say this once. Leave Captain Andersen's name out of your mouth."

Brad looked taken aback but persisted. "Why? What's the big deal? I'm just trying to understand the person behind the headlines."

Wesley's voice rose with barely contained anger. "The big deal is that Captain Andersen was the mother of my children. I'm the one she left behind. So keep her name out of your mouth!"

Brad's eyes widened in realization. "Wait a minute... you're—"

Wesley cut him off, his tone icy. "Yes, I'm the unnamed man she left behind. So do us both a favor and shut up about her."

Brad looked at Wesley, then at John, understanding dawning on his face. "I... I didn't know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

Wesley's expression remained stern. "Apology accepted. Now, let's focus on the job at hand."

Brad nodded, stepping back and falling silent as Wesley and John returned to their duties.

Later

Wesley was searching upstairs when his phone rang. Seeing it was Lucy, he knew he needed to answer or she'd worry.

Wesley picked up and said, "Hello?"

Lucy's voice came through. "Hey, I was just checking in. Also, I wanted to let you know my dad's in the hospital."

Wesley's concern sharpened. "What happened?"

Lucy sighed. "He won't tell me. I'm a bit worried."

Wesley said, "I wish I could be there with you, but I'm tied up with this protection detail."

Lucy responded, "I know. I was just calling to see how it's going."

Wesley hesitated, lying, "It's going okay."

Lucy's tone turned knowing. "You're lying. John told me."

Wesley shouted from upstairs, "Boot!"

John yelled back, "What, sir?"

Wesley asked, "Did you tell Lucy about how it's really going?"

John called back, "Yeah!"

Wesley muttered under his breath, "Damn it."

He returned to the call, his voice softer. "Okay, fine. It's not going great. But I'm managing."

Lucy's voice softened with concern as she replied, "Wes, you can't just yell at people like that. You need to stay calm, especially in situations like this."

Wesley exhaled, trying to rein in his frustration. "I know, Luce. It's just... this guy is pushing my buttons. He's not taking anything seriously, and it's getting under my skin."

"I get it," Lucy said, her tone gentle but firm. "But losing your cool isn't going to help. You're better than that, and you know it. Remember, you've got to be the one in control, no matter what."

Wesley nodded to himself, her words sinking in. "You're right. I'll keep it together. Thanks for the reminder."

"That's what I'm here for," Lucy said with a small smile in her voice. "And don't forget, if you need to talk, I'm just a call away. We're in this together, okay?"

"Okay," Wesley agreed, feeling a bit of the tension in his shoulders ease. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Lucy."

"Anytime," she replied. "Now go do your job. I'll handle things on my end."

"Will do," Wesley said, a bit more at ease as he hung up the phone. He took a deep breath, centering himself before heading back downstairs to face the day with renewed composure.

Downstairs

As Wesley descended the stairs, he noticed John finishing up a call of his own. Wesley pressed his phone closer to his ear, his voice low and urgent. "Yeah, we'll keep it locked down here. Let us know as soon as you have more information."

Ending the call, Wesley approached John. "The D.A.'s office just discovered a credible threat against our guy—a cartel-hit team. They're trying to figure out if the safe house has been compromised."

Their eyes shifted to Brad, who was oblivious to the rising tension. John looked back at Wesley, his voice steady but concerned. "Are they sending backup?"

Wesley frowned. "That's unclear. They're scrambling to assess the situation."

Brad, noticing the exchange, called out, "Hey, guys. Something going on? You seem stressed."

Wesley shook his head, attempting to keep the situation under control. "Nothing you need to worry about."

Brad wasn't convinced. "If there's a problem, I deserve to know. It's my life on the line."

Wesley's patience wore thin. "Sit your ass back down."

Brad challenged him, "Make me."

Before Wesley could respond, the house suddenly shook with a deep rumble. Wesley instinctively grabbed onto a support beam as the earthquake intensified. "It's an earthquake!" he shouted over the noise.

After what felt like an eternity but was only a couple of minutes, the shaking subsided. Wesley straightened up, his breath heavy as he steadied himself.

Brad, with a hint of amusement, commented, "That was a pretty good one."

Wesley ignored the remark, already focused on the next step. "I'm going to check the house, make sure everything's still secure. Keep an eye on him," he instructed John, pulling out his phone as he headed upstairs.

Wesley attempted to call Melissa, but the call failed to connect. He frowned, his concern deepening as he tried Lucy's number next. When that call also didn't go through, a sense of unease settled over him.

His mind raced with possibilities, and his grip tightened on the phone as he stared at the screen. Each second of silence only amplified his worry, a knot forming in his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, but the nagging feeling that something might be wrong wouldn't let go.

Wesley's thoughts kept circling back to the twins and Lucy, and the frustration of being unable to reach them made his anxiety spike. With no other options, he clenched his jaw and tried to focus on the situation at hand, but the worry gnawed at him, making it hard to concentrate.

Later

Wesley heard a commotion downstairs and bolted down the stairs. He found John pinning Brad to the floor, firmly securing his wrists behind his back.

"Give me your hands! Now!" John ordered, locking the handcuffs in place with practiced efficiency.

Brad winced, "Ow."

Wesley's eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. "What the hell happened here?"

John glanced up, still holding Brad down. "Just keeping things under control."

"You good?" Wesley asked, scanning John for any signs of injury.

"Yeah, I'm fine," John replied, his breath steady despite the tension. "Any updates on that hit squad?"

Wesley shook his head, his voice grim. "Nothing. The radios are down, and I can't get a call through. We're on our own."

Later

John hauled Brad up and set him against the fireplace, eliciting a grunt of discomfort.

Brad winced. "Would it help if I said I was sorry? I think the earthquake triggered my fight-or-flight response."

"Save it," John muttered, not in the mood for excuses.

Wesley approached, phone in hand, frustration evident on his face. "I can't get through to the DA's office or the station. The radios are down, phone lines are jammed. We can't risk staying here if this place has been compromised. Get ready to move."

Brad, still nursing his bruised pride, argued, "That's a terrible idea. Running around the city with no cover or concealment? We should stay put from a tactical standpoint."

John shot him a hard look. "You don't get a vote. You sucker-punched me."

Ignoring the exchange, Wesley moved toward the window, scanning the outside for any signs of danger. Suddenly, a loud thud echoed from upstairs.

John tensed. "No one else is in the house, right?"

Wesley's eyes darkened. "If there is, shoot them."

Gun drawn, John cautiously made his way upstairs. Wesley followed suit, keeping his focus on the window. Suddenly, he caught sight of movement—a glint of metal.

"Cover!" Wesley yelled, ducking down as a barrage of bullets shattered the glass.

John narrowly avoided a shot, instinctively raising his gun and firing at the figure on the stairs. Two shots rang out, and the intruder went down.

Wesley quickly dropped to his knees, gun poised for any further threats. "We need to get out of here! Back door!"

John hesitated. "What if there's a gunman out there too?"

"Then you shoot him! We're sitting ducks here. Move!" Wesley commanded.

Brad, panic rising, protested, "I'm not going anywhere!"

John dashed toward Brad, while Wesley barked out a final warning. "Move!"

Taking no chances, Wesley crawled to the window and fired back at the sniper. With the immediate threat neutralized, he bolted after John toward the back door.

As Wesley emerged, John instinctively aimed his gun at the noise, lowering it when he recognized Wesley. "We need transportation," Wesley said urgently.

John nodded toward the front. "In case you haven't noticed, Wes, there's a sniper between us and our car."

"Hold here. Head on a swivel," Wesley ordered, making a quick decision. He rushed toward the gate, slipping through to scout for a way out.

Wesley spotted a car nearby and sprinted over. With a quick, forceful strike, he shattered the window with his elbow and swiftly unlocked the door. Sliding into the driver's seat, he closed the door behind him and set to work hotwiring the vehicle. Sparks flew as he connected the wires, his focus razor-sharp.

"Come on, come on," Wesley muttered under his breath, willing the engine to turn over.

Suddenly, the car roared to life, and the stereo blared out the opening notes of a familiar song: "Baby, come back! Any kind of fool could see..."

Wesley couldn't help but grin. "Love this song," he said to himself as he threw the car into gear.

He sped around to the back entrance, coming to a stop with the engine idling. Wesley jumped out, his Safari Arms Matchmaster already drawn and ready. John and Brad hurried over.

Brad eyed the vehicle and smirked. "Nice car. Inconspicuous. And I didn't peg you for a Marvin Gaye fan."

Wesley shot him a look that could cut steel. "Shut your mouth and get in the back of the damn car!"

The trio piled into the car, with Wesley taking the wheel and John sliding into the passenger seat.

John glanced at Wesley. "What's the plan? Back to the station?"

Wesley shook his head. "No. That's exactly where they'll expect us to go. The safest move is to disappear—go somewhere they'd never think to look."

A spark of realization crossed John's face. "I know just the place."

At a beach

John guided them to a secluded beach, where the sound of crashing waves replaced the chaos they'd just escaped. Wesley drove slowly, scanning for a discreet spot to park. Finally, he pulled the car into a small, out-of-the-way area and shut off the engine.

"Yep," Wesley said dryly, surveying the empty stretch of sand, "this is definitely the last place I'd look for us."

The three of them stepped out of the car, and Wesley moved to open the back door for Brad. As Brad climbed out, he groaned slightly. "I hate to be that guy, but... I'm gonna need some sunblock. I burn real easy."

Wesley didn't miss a beat. "I don't have any, but I can bury you up to your neck in sand and put a trash can over your head."

Brad quickly backtracked. "I'm fine."

Wesley grabbed Brad by the arm and firmly guided him toward the lifeguard tower.

Later

The trio huddled on the lifeguard tower, with Brad casually leaning against the center post while Wesley leaned on the railing, scanning the horizon. John paced back and forth, his mind racing with possibilities.

"It'd be a lot nicer without these cuffs," Brad muttered, glancing down at his restrained wrists.

Wesley didn't even look at him. "Tough."

John's phone buzzed, and he quickly checked it. "Texts are back online," he announced, reading the message from the ADA. His face darkened as he looked up at Wesley. "The hit team wasn't trying to kill Hayes—they were trying to rescue him." He showed the text to Wesley, his voice laced with disbelief.

John turned to Brad, anger rising. "You were in on it the whole time? You set us up to be killed."

Brad shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, yeah. As much as I love the idea of being a barista in Armpit, Arizona, I've got other plans."

Wesley, expression hardening, dropped to his knees and began patting Brad down, searching for something—anything—that could explain how they'd been compromised. His hand brushed against Brad's boot, and he yanked it off, revealing a small GPS tracker embedded in the sole.

"GPS tracker," Wesley said through gritted teeth. "Son of a bitch."

Brad feigned innocence. "That's not mine."

John's eyes widened as the sound of engines roared closer, the unmistakable rumble of approaching vehicles. He looked up to see two black SUVs barreling down the beach toward them.

"We've got to get out of here," John said, urgency spiking his voice.

Brad's face paled. "Uh-oh."

Wesley stood, swiftly pulling out his Safari Arms Matchmaster, positioning himself at the edge of the tower, ready to defend. He yanked Brad up with one arm, using him as cover as they braced against the tower.

"What do we do now?" John asked, his voice tight with tension.

Brad, ever the weasel, tried one last play. "You guys should just let me walk away. I mean, nobody gets hurt."

Wesley's patience snapped. As he forced open the tower door, Brad continued his taunting. "Think how you'd feel if another buddy got killed in the line of duty."

That was the last straw. Wesley elbowed Brad hard in the back of the head, knocking him out cold. "Shut up," Wesley hissed, watching Brad crumple to the floor with a grunt, finally silenced.

John, tense and alert, glanced at Wesley. "So, what now?"

Wesley's eyes were fixed on the three men advancing toward the lifeguard tower. "They can't afford to kill Hayes. They'll have to come up here and get him."

John frowned, taking in the situation. "You do know there are three of them, right?"

Wesley turned to him, a cold edge in his voice. "And you do realize I'm a former assassin trained to kill? Right?"

John swallowed hard. "Right."

"Hook him up," Wesley ordered.

Without hesitation, John dragged Brad to the front of the tower, securing him to the railing with the cuffs. Once Brad was restrained, John ducked into the tower, seeking cover.

Wesley, moving with the precision of his training, leaped off the side of the tower, out of sight of the approaching men. He slid underneath the structure, pulling himself up into a hidden position beneath the tower's floor, ready to strike.

He waited, heart steady until he saw the shadows of the men passing overhead. Timing it perfectly, he dropped silently to the sand, his gun drawn as he crouched and moved toward the back of the tower.

Wesley crawled over a wooden beam, positioning himself to the left. When one of the men looked away, Wesley acted swiftly. He crept up behind the man, grabbed him, and with a swift kick to the leg, forced him down to his knees. "Drop the guns in the sand! Get down on your stomachs, now!" he barked, his voice a controlled growl.

John emerged from his hiding spot, gun trained on the other two men. "No."

"Get down now!" Wesley repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The other two men, sensing the lethal intent behind Wesley's words, dropped their guns and slowly lowered themselves to the sand. Wesley, not taking his eyes off them, expertly cuffed the man he had taken down, all while keeping his gun trained on the others.

John approached the remaining two, his voice steady. "Hands behind your back."

As they complied, Brad's voice broke the tense silence from his position at the front of the tower. "So I'm guessing my immunity deal's out the window?"

John looked at Wesley, who gave a slight nod. "Yeah, Brad," John said, moving to secure the last suspect. "That deal's off the table."

With their captives subdued and cuffed, the two officers stood guard, the beach now eerily silent, the tension broken only by the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

Later

At the station

Sean, Wesley, and John walked together toward the bullpen, the weight of recent events still hanging in the air.

Sean broke the silence, "So I guess it's our bad."

Wesley raised an eyebrow. "Your 'bad'? Your team was supposed to give Hayes a thorough pat-down before bringing him to the safe house. How did they miss a tracking device?"

Sean sighed. "Well, they didn't. The deputy who patted him down admitted to slipping Hayes the tracker. He's in custody now, too."

John frowned. "So what's going to happen to Hayes?"

Sean replied, "He's facing a slew of new charges, including two counts of attempted murder. He's looking at a 20-year sentence if he keeps cooperating."

Wesley spotted Lucy at her desk and said, "Can I catch up with you guys later? I need to check on someone."

Sean nodded. "Yeah, we'll be in Sergeant Grey's office."

Sean and John headed off, while Wesley approached Lucy, who was engrossed in a booking report.

Wesley greeted her with a grin, "Boot."

Lucy looked up, a smile spreading across her face. "Hey, Wesley."

He glanced at the stack of papers on her desk. "Booking reports are only three pages. Why do you have five? Tim mentioned it."

Lucy shrugged. "I thought this arrest warranted a mental health report addendum."

Wesley's smile softened. "The guy shattered your dad's arm. Are you sure you're not trying to make amends with him?"

Lucy sighed. "I'm pretty sure that's impossible, but Tim's right. This guy needs help, not just prison. I want to do what I can to get him that help."

Wesley's expression warmed. "Good, Boot."

Lucy hesitated. "Wait, was that a test?"

Wesley chuckled. "What, you think Tim has a monopoly on those?"

Lucy laughed.

Wesley's smile turned tender. "I'm so glad you're safe."

Lucy nodded, her eyes softening. "I'm glad you're safe too, sir."

Wesley's voice grew serious. "Please tell me you contacted Melissa."

Lucy nodded. "Yes, I did. The kids are safe."

Wesley sighed in relief. "Thank God."

Lucy's worry was evident. "I was so worried when I couldn't get ahold of her or you at the hospital."

Wesley gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I'm not going anywhere, Boot. You never have to worry about me."

Lucy's smile was full of affection. "I love you, sir."

Wesley's eyes mirrored her sentiment. "I love you too, Boot."

At night

Wesley and Lucy left the precinct and headed to Wesley's apartment, the day's events heavy on their minds but tempered by their mutual relief. Wesley's Mustang roared to life, and they made their way through the city.

As they approached Wesley's building, Wesley's anxiety about his family's well-being increased. They parked, and Wesley led Lucy to the elevator, his hand occasionally brushing hers as if to reassure himself that she was still there.

When they reached his apartment, Wesley fumbled with his keys before unlocking the door. The sight of the door opening to a familiar hallway offered him a small measure of comfort.

Wesley opened the door and called out, "Melissa? Kids?"

Melissa, still looking flustered but composed, came out from the living room. "Wesley! Lucy! Thank goodness you're here."

Wesley's eyes darted to the twins, who were asleep in their crib, oblivious to the chaos outside. Relief washed over him. "They're okay?"

Melissa nodded, her face tired but relieved. "Yes, they're fine. I held them close during the earthquake and made sure they were settled. They slept through most of it."

Lucy walked over to the crib and looked down at the peaceful faces of Nora and Mason. She turned to Melissa. "Thank you so much for taking care of them."

Melissa smiled warmly. "It was no trouble at all. They're wonderful kids."

Wesley walked over to Melissa and took her hand gently. "You did an amazing job. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Melissa squeezed his hand in return. "I'm just glad I could help. And you two look like you could use some rest."

Lucy nodded in agreement, looking at Wesley. "We should get some rest ourselves. It's been a long day."

Wesley looked back at the twins, a smile on his face. "I think I could use a break. How about we all grab some takeout and relax for a bit?"

Melissa's eyes brightened. "That sounds like a good idea. Let me get the number for that place we all like."

Lucy chuckled softly. "I'll help you with that. It's the least we can do after everything."

As they made their way to the kitchen, Wesley took a moment to observe the calmness of the room. For the first time in a while, he felt like things were falling back into place. The chaos of the day was still fresh, but the sight of his family—safe and sound—provided a beacon of normalcy amid the storm.

The group settled down with food and shared stories, the tension of the day slowly melting away as they enjoyed a rare moment of peace. The noise of the outside world faded as they focused on what truly mattered: each other and the little joys of everyday life.

After enjoying their meal and catching up, Wesley excused himself to check on the twins. He quietly walked to the nursery, the faint sounds of Nora and Mason's gentle breathing filling the room.

He approached the crib, and the sight of his children sleeping so peacefully made his heart swell with love. He carefully adjusted the blankets around them, making sure they were snug and comfortable. Wesley gently placed a hand on each of their tiny heads, feeling the warmth of their soft, baby skin beneath his fingertips.

Nora stirred slightly, her tiny fingers flexing as if reaching for a dream. Wesley smiled and brushed a few stray hairs from her forehead, whispering, "Hey, little one. Sleep tight. Daddy's here."

Mason, nestled next to his sister, let out a tiny sigh but remained asleep. Wesley's eyes softened as he looked at his son, his heart aching with love and relief. He whispered, "And you too, buddy. Rest well. We've got a lot of adventures ahead."

With a final glance, Wesley quietly turned off the light, leaving just a faint nightlight to keep the room softly illuminated. He left the nursery, feeling a profound sense of peace.

In the living room, Lucy was chatting with Melissa, her voice a soothing backdrop to Wesley's thoughts. Wesley returned and joined them, feeling a renewed sense of calm after checking on the twins.

He sat down beside Lucy, taking her hand in his. "Thanks for being here. It means more than I can say."

Lucy gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're welcome. I wouldn't be anywhere else."

Melissa, finishing up her notes, looked up and smiled. "I'll get going now. I'm sure you two could use some privacy after everything that's happened."

Wesley nodded gratefully. "Thanks again, Melissa. I don't know what we'd do without you."

"Anytime," Melissa replied warmly. "Call me if you need anything."

As Melissa left, Wesley and Lucy settled on the couch, their hands still intertwined. They sat in silence for a moment, savoring the tranquility of the evening.

Wesley leaned in, resting his head against Lucy's shoulder. "It's moments like these that remind me what's important."

Lucy nodded, her voice soft. "We'll get through everything together. We always do."

With the weight of the day's events beginning to lift, they found solace in each other's company, their focus now solely on the peaceful night and the promise of a new day ahead.

To be continued...