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“Hey Lucy, can you check out this case?” Angela slid a file folder across their joined desks. “It’s a homicide, but the suspect’s life isn’t lining up.” Lucy nodded, flipping it open. After scanning it, she found a solution. “Get a warrant for some of these locations where he was last seen,” she handed the file back to Angela. “And then send a BOLO to the station so people know to look for him.” Angela smiled. “See girl, this is why you’re a detective,” she laughed. “I’ve been one for years and you managed to crack this one in record time.” Lucy sat back, smiling, remembering the steps it took to get where she is today.

Making a detective was one of the biggest accomplishments of her life. Primm had been investigated after Lucy made the lowest possible score on her exam, and to everyone’s shock, he had messed with her results and purposefully placed her at the bottom of the list. He had been fired immediately per the captain’s orders and escorted out by Tim and Lucy themselves.

On date night one evening in Lucy’s apartment, Tim personally handed her the new badge she would be wearing and proposed. She didn’t make 17th, she made 2nd place.  Lucy really couldn’t have life any better. Everything seemed to be going great.

That was, until today, when a familiar face Lucy thought she would never see in her life reappeared.

“Alright, listen up everybody,” Grey’s voice echoed throughout the bullpen. “We have a returning officer coming back to our station. I don’t know who it is, but whoever they are, welcome them with open arms.”
Lucy almost choked on her water as she saw the returning officer emerge from the locker rooms. None other than Doug Stanton walked in from the locker rooms, a smug look on his face. “Hey guys,” he sneered. “Guess who’s back!”

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Lucy stood there, absolutely stunned. No way was the guy who nearly let her best friend die accepted back at Mid-Wilshire. She looked over at Grey, who was standing by his office with Tim, mouths agape. 

The people around her began whispering to each other, with things like isn’t that the one who left Officer West to die or he’s kinda cute…

Lucy felt the world around her closing in as Doug made eye contact with her and smirked. “Well, if it isn't Officer Lucy Chen!” Doug loudly announced. “Me and her go way back. We were best of friends.” Lucy shook her head. “We were never best friends Doug,” she growled. “You left my best friend Officer West out to die. I’m surprised Grey even hired you back. You are far from being my friend.” Tim noticed Lucy’s discomfort and strode over to Doug. “Stanton!” He barked. “Leave her alone. And it’s not Officer Chen, it’s Detective Bradford.” The expression on Doug’s face when he learned that Lucy now outranked him was priceless. “There’s no way that a woman outranks me,” he sneered. “She probably slept her way to the top, right guys?”

No one said anything. Angela and Nyla stood up from their desks and glared. “For your information, Officer Stanton,” Angela said, putting an arm around Lucy. “You have three women who outrank you. And no, Lucy did not sleep her way to the top. She earned her place fair and square, just like the rest of us. You have no power to hold above us. Now, if you would excuse us, we have a homicide case to work on and you have to get to roll call before Grey rethinks his decision of rehiring you.” The bullpen went wild.

Doug stood there, jaw on the floor. He quickly recomposed himself and angrily stomped into the roll-call room. Grey strode in a few minutes later, tossing papers down onto the podium. “Alright people, calm down,” Grey bellowed, silencing the room. “As many of you may know, we have a returning officer. I don’t know why he’s back, but he is. Moving on, we have a sting operation with Metro today to take down a major drug trafficker. He’s known for cleverly evading police by changing his style and alias. I’ll hand it over to Sergeant Bradford for details.”

Tim stalked over to the board, pulling up the suspect’s photos. “As Grey just stated, our guy is very clever,” he clicked through several photos of the guy, either wearing different clothes or having a different hairstyle. “After months of tracking him, our CI has managed to pinpoint his last known location. Metro is going to raid this warehouse in a few hours, and we need people to keep a lookout on the scene before that happens. Make sure that our guy doesn’t leave.” 

Grey nodded. “I’m going to assign who is doing what,” he pulled out a list and looked around the room. “First off, lookouts. Celina and Nolan. Next, Aaron and Smitty. And finally, Stanton, since you’re returning, you’ll be riding with me and Detective Bradford.” Doug narrowed his eyes. “Sir, is there any way I can switch?” he questioned, leaning forward in his seat. “I don’t particularly feel comfortable riding with the detective. First-day jitters.” Grey rolled his eyes. “Officer Stanton, if you’re going to have that attitude, I’m going to assign you to the drunk tank for the next three weeks,” he threatened. “You’re lucky that you’re even a part of this operation. And a side note, Detective Bradford is someone you can learn a few things from. She does outrank you, after all.”

Stanton grumbled something under his breath as Grey dismissed them from roll-call. Tim had a bad feeling about Doug returning. This operation better goes smoothly,” Tim thought, watching Doug mutter something under his breath from the bullpen. Otherwise, Stanton is going to regret ever returning…

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“Ok everybody,” Tim said, glancing around at his team. “We’re about to make entry to the warehouse. Remember your instincts are what help you survive out there. Now, let’s go get this guy.” Everybody nodded as they strapped on their gear. Patrol had done a good briefing of the scene, so now they knew what they were up against. They quietly tiptoed up to the entrance, making sure to avoid the maze of trip wires. Mad Dog got into position to slam down the door as Tim radioed to patrol that they were making an entry.

“LAPD!” Tim bellowed as Mad Dog knocked the door down. “COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP! IT’S OVER!” Metro stormed inside, guns raised. What happened next wasn’t what anybody was expecting. 

Someone had apparently placed explosives all throughout the warehouse, as if they knew the cops were coming. When Mad Dog had slammed the door down, it was connected to the bomb, which sent Tim and his entire team flying backwards. Tim hit the ground with such force that it knocked the wind out of him. All he saw was Mad Dog frantically pulling his men away from the building before it exploded. Then everything faded to black.

“So, Chen,” Doug sneered from the backseat. “What’s up with you and Bradford?” Lucy groaned for the millionth time. Doug had been pestering her with useless questions for the past half hour, and it was driving her insane. “Me and Sergeant Bradford are married,” she snapped. “And would you please shut up before I pull this shop over and punch you in the face?” Doug cackled. “Whatever you say, Mrs. Bradford,” he said sarcastically. “You outrank me anyways.” Lucy gripped the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles were white.

 Grey sensed her discomfort and sighed. “Stanton, would you please stop annoying the detective?” He shot the officer with a warning glare. “It’s your first day back and we don’t need you making enemies with someone who’s much higher in rank than you. Now, shut up and focus on the task at hand. We’re waiting for the call from Metro that the suspect has been caught so we can clear the building of any leftover narcotics or gang members.”

As Doug was about to say something back, a call came over the radio. “Officers down!” Came Mad Dog’s frantic voice. “I repeat, officers down! I need an RA here ASAP!” Lucy’s heart stopped. I hope it’s not Tim he’s talking about…

The moment they arrived on the scene, Lucy’s worst fears were confirmed. She saw the warehouse that Metro had attempted to raid just a few minutes ago blown to smithereens. She parked the shop on the side of the road and ran over to Angela, who was talking to Mad Dog. “What’s going on,” she shouted. “Where is Tim? Is he ok?” Mad Dog hung his head. “I’m so sorry Lucy,” he choked. “But Tim, he… he got the worst of the explosion. They’re taking him to Shaw Memorial now. We’re unsure of his condition, but it’s not looking too good.” Lucy collapsed into Angela’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Hey, girl,” Angela murmured into her ear. “It’s going to be alright. Tim’s a strong man. He’s going to pull through. How about you head over to the hospital and see how he’s doing? I have to stay here and investigate the scene, but I’ll meet you over there, ok?” Lucy nodded against her. Angela looked over to Grey, who took Lucy into his arms and escorted her to the passenger side of the shop. “I’ll drive,” he stated. “You’re in no condition to be driving right now.” When he looked back at Doug in the backseat, he could have sworn he saw the man smirking. It’s probably nothing, but we need to keep an eye on him…

Chapter Text

Tim awoke to the sound of beeping. Loud beeping. His head was ringing from the explosion and was just painfully sore all over. He cracked his eyes open just a little to see he was lying on a hospital bed, bandaged up, with a few stitches, and a cast on his left leg. “You’re finally awake, it’s about time,” came a very familiar voice. “Lucy’s going feral in the waiting room. She just got here with Grey and Doug.” Tim looked over to see Tamara, sitting beside his bed. “Hey, good to see you T,” Tim gave her a pained smile. “Tell Lucy she can come on in. I’m awake now.” Tamara stood and saluted him. “Anything for the fallen Sergeant.” Tim laughed as she walked out into the lobby.

“Where is he?” Lucy slammed her hands on the reception desk. “I’ve been waiting here for twenty minutes now and no one’s telling me anything! He was involved in an explosion and as his wife, I need to see if he's alright!” Grey gave the scared receptionist a pressed smile as he pulled a teary-eyed Lucy away. “Bradford!” He barked. “Tim’s going to be alright. He’s in good hands. Now, I have to go keep an eye on Doug.” Lucy sniffled a little but knew Grey had other things to get to. She took a deep breath and sat down on a bench nearby, nervously looking down the corridor to see if anybody would tell her if Tim was ok.

Lucy’s nerves were put to rest when she saw Tamara walking into the lobby. “Tamara! Is Tim ok?” She jumped up frantically and strode over to her. “I’ve been waiting here all day and no one’s telling me anything!” Tamara smiled. “Don’t worry girl,” She smirked. “Your man is awake. He’s been asking about you the second he popped his eyes open. Tim’s in room 202. I’ll wait over here… you know… give you and Tim some privacy.” Lucy groaned. “Oh my gosh Tamara,” She let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re so funny. Anyways, thank you so much for that helpful information. I’m going to go see him now.”

Tamara watched as Lucy disappeared around the corner and then sat down. She pulled out her phone to listen to some music when she noticed someone was missing from the waiting room. Wasn’t Doug supposed to be waiting here for Lucy? Tamara thought. Where in the world did he go? She glanced around the room for any sign of him. Then she saw him outside, having a discussion with some men, who had black hoodies with the hoods flipped up. Phone on record, Tamara snuck out of the lobby very carefully, and darted into some bushes a few feet from where Doug was standing. He doesn’t have his body camera on him, Tamara noted. That makes this even more suspicious. 

“That plan was executed perfectly,” one of the hooded men boomed. “The LAPD will never see you’re on two sides. Getting Bradford out of the way like that- genius.” Tamara nearly threw up just hearing that. Doug was on TWO SIDES? “I know, I know,” Doug laughed. “Metro thought that this op was all private and confidential. But now that Bradford’s out of the way, for now, we can begin phase 2 of our plan. Get Chen and her little minion Tamara out of our way.” Tamara covered her mouth as the men walked away, cackling. Doug waited a few more seconds before walking back into the hospital. 

Tamara stopped her phone recording, knowing she had plenty of evidence to show Doug was responsible for landing one of her favorite people in the hospital. 

Sneaking back inside, she heard loud noises coming from the lobby. Lucy had just gotten back from visiting with Tim, and now she and Doug were arguing. “So, Chen,” Doug jeered. “You’re only a detective I heard because you slept with Bradford over there and in that moment of pleasure, he called Grey up and had him move you up on the list.” Lucy groaned. “For the millionth time Doug,” she hissed. “I did not sleep my way to the top. I earned this spot fair and square. Now, would you shut up before I use my hair-pull takedown technique? I've been dying to try on a real person, and you’d be a perfect test subject.” 

Doug’s eyes went wide. “Gosh Chen,” He grumbled. “You’re even worse than Bradford. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to check up on something.” Lucy rolled her eyes as Doug stomped away. But to his dismay, he ran right into Tamara. “What do you want, pipsqueak?” He mocked, smirking at her. “Or are you going to get out of my way and go cry to Lucy?” Tamara glared. “Wow Doug, so creative,” she sarcastically stated. “Look guys, Doug made a joke. Oh wait, he’s the joke. I swear, the toddlers I babysit would make a better officer than you if the LAPD is accepting people like you who have the IQ of a fish. And also, Lucy didn’t sleep her way to the top. She earned it, unlike you.” 

With a new burst of confidence, she strode past Doug with a smirk. 

Doug balled his hands into fists angrily. “That pipsqueak is going to get it,” He muttered. “This next plan better work, to finally get them out of the way.” He walked around the corner, a smirk forming on his lips. This plan was going to be perfect …

Chapter Text

“Tim, stop,” Lucy commanded. “You’re clearly in pain, and the doctor said to take it easy for the next few months.” Tim looked up from where he was, struggling to bend down and get a plate from the cabinet below. He was trying to prove he could do things by himself, but that was starting to become more difficult. Tim hated sitting around and doing nothing while he watched Lucy juggle being a wife, cop, caregiver, friend, and co-parent to Kojo. “I’m fine babe,” Tim grunted, still trying to reach for the plate. “I can handle myself.” Lucy rolled her eyes. She stalked over to where Tim was, grabbed the plate, shut the cabinet, and helped him to the couch. “You’re going to stay right here while I grab your meds,” she took the small orange bottle off the counter and handed him a pill and a glass of water. “Then I’m going to make you some lunch while you relax. I know you’re fully capable, but right now, you’re resting from an injury. Take it easy Tim.” 

She gave him a light kiss before walking over to the kitchen and warming up a bowl of her famous herbal soup. Carefully pouring it into a mug, she brought it over to him. He took a slow sip, relishing in how good it was. “Thank you Lucy,” he smiled at her. “You truly don’t know how much I appreciate and love you.” She smiled back. “I love you so much Tim,” she sat next to him. “No matter what, I'll always be there for you. You mean so-” Lucy was cut off by her phone ringing. Looking at the screen, the caller was an unknown number. Thinking it was a scam call, Lucy picked up to ask if she could be taken off the caller list, but to her horror, it wasn’t just a simple scam call. 

“Hello Lucy Chen,” a deep male voice said on the other end of the line. “If you want to see your little puppet Tamara Collins alive, follow my instructions carefully. Get into your car and drive to 929 Buena Vista St, South Pasadena, California. Then, hand over your phone and we’ll go from there, ok pretty lady?” Lucy held back tears, scared for her life. “Please, don’t do this,” She pleaded, hoping the man on the other end was willing to compromise. “Tamara did nothing to you. Let her go.” She heard the man snicker. “Oh, you think we’ll just let her go that easily?” he mocked. “Let’s put it this way. If you don’t show up to that exact address before 3 PM today, Tamara Collins is as good as dead.” Then the line went static. “We need to get down to the station,”she sobbed. “This is a hostage situation. They have Tamara.” Tim looked at Lucy with horror in his eyes. “Let’s go,” he commanded, grabbing his crutches and his truck keys. “Call Angela. She’ll know what to do.” Lucy nodded slowly, tears rolling down her face.

“Lopez! Harper!” Tim barked, his loud voice echoing in the bullpen. “Hostage situation.” The two detectives stood up quickly and rushed over to him. “We heard Tamara has gone missing,” Lopez grimaced, a concerned look etched on her face. “What do these guys want?” Lucy shook her head, tears still rolling down her face. “They want me to go to this address,” she choked out. “And if I don’t show up before 3 PM today, they’re gonna kill her.” Harper’s eyes went wide. “It’s 9:30 AM,” she said, looking at her watch. “We have got to get a trace on that number, then we can mobilize SWAT and Metro to be your backup Lucy while you go and get Tamara.” Lopez nodded. “We should call this mystery number back so I can get a trace on where this dumbass is,” she said. “I’m also going to get Wesley down here so we can be sure we’re staying on the right side of the law to handle this.” The detectives guided Tim and Lucy to an empty interrogation room with the proper equipment set up. 

Tim put an arm around Lucy. “Hey baby,” he comforted. “It’s going to be alright. We have all the backup we need so Tamara comes home safe.” Lucy nodded against him, sniffling a little. Minutes later, Lopez and Harper came back with Wesley to begin the trace. They set up a recording device to make sure that whatever the person on the other line says can be saved. “Ok Lucy,” Lopez said. “I’m going to need you to get your phone out and plug it into this device while the number is dialing. That’s how I’ll get a proper trace as to where Tamara is being held hostage.” Lucy did just as Lopez told her. The phone dialed and Lopez began the trace. To everyone’s horror, the mysterious criminal picked up the phone.

“Hello?” said a voice. “What do you want, Lucy Chen?” Lucy gulped. She had to keep the guy on the phone for at least a minute so Lopez could get a successful trace.“Um, I was just calling you to ask about what address you want me to go to, and if you’ve fed Tamara any food,” she babbled. Lopez motioned for Lucy to keep rambling, since the trace was almost complete. “Tamara’s allergic to um, strawberries and almonds so be sure to avoid cross-contamination if you give her anything.” The voice on the line groaned. “If you’re going to waste my time telling me this idiodic crap, you’ll have until noon today to get here or else Tamara is a goner,” they threatened. “You’ll be sorry if you don’t.” Then they hung up. 

“Ok, Lucy,” Lopez grinned. “Good job for keeping this idiot on the line. We got a trace on their location, and it seems to be  a fancy neighborhood right by some abandoned warehouses on the outskirts of LA.” Tim nodded. “I’ll call Grey and let him know to mobilize SWAT and inform Lt. Pine to mobilize Metro.” He crutched away slowly, heading towards Grey’s office. 

Harper turned her attention to the map and squinted. “Wait, I think I know where this house is located,” She turned the device towards the others. “This is Doug Stanton’s house. We need to tell Grey, right now.”

“Wait, you’re saying that the hostage house is Doug Stanton’s house?” Grey exclaimed; his eyes wide. “You mean one of my newly hired officers is not only threatening a detective, but holding Tamra hostage? You have got to be kidding me.” Lopez sighed. “It’s the truth sir,” she started, glancing at Lucy and Nyla warily. “Stanton has something against the Bradfords. He probably took Tamara as a hostage to get them back for something they did that he didn’t like.” Harper nodded. “Look, if Doug’s mad about something, you’ve seen what he does,” she said through gritted teeth. “And we’re going to have to figure out a way to flip the tables.”

Grey sighed. “Alright,” he let out a breath. “Tim’s on the phone with Lt. Pine. I’ll inform SWAT that we have a hostage situation being run by an LAPD officer. Go and get some patrol officers out there and give them strict instructions to blockade the neighborhood and clear pedestrians away from the street in case there’s gunfire.” Lopez nodded. “Let’s do this,” she turned on her heel and walked out the door, Harper and Lucy in tow. “We don’t have much time. Tamara’s time alive is running out.”

“I said, SHUT UP!” Doug roared, slapping Tamara across the face. “You’re such a brat. I hate you just as much as I hate Detective Hookup and Sergeant Bitchface. Keep your mouth shut or you get shot.” Tamara rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Doug,” Tamara quipped. “Out of all the people you really could’ve taken hostage, you had to pick me. I’m not special at all. I’m just your average local college student who just happens to be a Detective’s former roommate. Nothing special.” Doug growled. “I said shut it kid,” He clicked his gun, pointing it at Tamara’s head. “One more word and you’re as good as dead.” He pulled out some zip ties from his pocket and tied Tamara’s legs to the chair she was in and put duct tape over her mouth. “Now, that’ll keep her quiet,” one of Doug’s men cackled. “She’s such a bitch, not being a good girl and keeping her mouth shut when her superiors command her to.” He smirked as he stalked over to Tamara, towering over her. “Honestly, might as well have some fun with her while we’re waiting for Lucy,” he laughed evilly as Doug and the other men cackled with him. He ripped off the duct tape on her mouth and stalked closer. “You know, I’ve been in need of a little, somethin’. Open wide little girl, daddy’s got a deed he needs to fulfill.” Tamara’s eyes went wide with fear as he slowly unzipped his jeans and aggressively threw her head back. Tears sprung into her eyes as he forced himself upon her, shoving his vomit-worthy dick down Tamara’s throat. Holding back actual vomit, Tamara was unsure of what to do. She’d never given a guy head before, nor did she want to. The man was getting fed up though, pulling his gun from his pocket and glaring angrily at her. 

“Get to it little girl,” he sneered, aiming his gun at her face. “My pleasure from your pain doesn’t like to wait long, so give me some praise-worthy head otherwise, you’re dead.” While this was going on, Doug and the others sat back and watched, laughing their heads off. So, she tried to give him what she could, and once he had gotten what he wanted from her, he put the gun away. But to Tamara’s horror, he wasn’t finished. He removed the zip ties from her legs and ripped her skirt off, shoving himself into Tamara’s body. Tamara began shaking in fear as he aggressively raped her, cackling evilly as everything went black.