Chapter Text
Two weeks later, Lucy and Tim sat nervously in Sergeant Grey’s office, waiting for Sergeant Grey. Tim had been cleared in the shooting death of Isabel, due to not only his and Lucy’s statements, but also due to the statements of every cop that had been on the scene. Tim had also found out every cop that had been on the scene had threatened to turn in their badge if Tim received anything besides a full clearance on the shooting. Tim was grateful for the support from his colleagues, but he and Lucy were at Mid Wilshire today for a different reason.
Apparently a decision had been reached concerning Lucy’s future with the LAPD. Lucy nervously tapped her foot on the floor as Tim reached over and squeezed her thigh. “Relax.” Lucy nodded and huffed at him. “I’m trying…I just want this so much, Tim.” Tim reached over and gently kissed her mouth. “I know you do; but regardless of what happens…I’m in this with you, for the long run.” Suddenly Sergeant Grey appeared in the doorway of his office. “Bradford, Chen…come with me.” Lucy nervously glanced at Tim, who winked at her, before they both stood up, and followed Sergeant Grey out of his office.
Lucy nervously glanced at Tim again as they entered the roll call room…which was packed; even the Chief was there. Sergeant Grey looked at Lucy. “Follow me.” Lucy nodded and followed Sergeant Grey to the front of the roll call room, while Tim strode to the side of the room, somewhat close to the podium and leaned against the wall. Sergeant Grey cleared his throat to get the attention of everyone in the room. “We’ll get to the morning briefing in a minute…Officer Chen, front and center.”
Lucy’s eyes went wide as she hurried to the podium. Sergeant Grey stepped aside as the Chief took the podium and cleared her throat, as she turned to face Lucy. Tim was practically holding his breath, looking intently at the Chief as she began to speak. “Officer Chen…it is the decision of this department to reinstate you, effective immediately. You are cleared to return to full active duty.”
Tim slightly pumped his fist, and silently cheered Lucy, as her eyes flooded with tears as the Chief smiled at her. “What you did, to protect your fellow officer…well, I honestly don’t know anyone else who would have made that kind of sacrifice, though I suspect the reasons why are complex. Not to mention, you saved his life again, and single handedly took down a major player of one of the largest drug cartels in existence.” Lucy smiled at her before looking over at Tim, her love for him written all over her face. “To be fair, ma’am, he saved my life too.” Tim winked at her before Lucy looked back at the Chief.
The Chief smiled and nodded at Lucy before continuing. “I had over 300 people contact me on your behalf…I’d be a fool to deny this community your shining example of service.” The Chief then handed Lucy her new badge as Lucy blinked back tears. “Welcome to the LAPD, Officer Chen…again.” The roll call room erupted into cheers and applause, as Lucy got a standing ovation. She sobbed as she shook the Chief’s hand. “I never thought I’d be a cop again…thank you so much Chief.” The Chief smiled at her. “Never say never. Congratulations, Officer Chen. We’re thrilled to have you back.”
Lucy let out a watery laugh…and then headed straight for Tim. She stopped in front of him, smiling as she fought back tears. “This never would have happened if you hadn’t come for me. You gave me my life back.” Lucy fought back a sob as she smiled at him. “Thank you.” Tim grinned at her, and used their longtime inside joke. “For what? Doing my job?” Lucy laughed as she tearfully threw her arms around him.
Tim gave her a hug hard enough that lifted her off the ground as the cheers got louder. They hugged for a long time, before Lucy looked at him, grinning stupidly at him, as he still held her off the ground. “I love you, Sergeant Bradford.” Tim chuckled at her. “I love you too, Officer Chen.” And right there in front of everyone, Tim and Lucy kissed each other hard, as the cheers, whistles, and applause got even louder. Even the Chief herself got a little misty eyed. Between Isabel and everything that happened with her and because of her, and losing Lucy albeit temporarily, Tim thought he’d never get his happily ever after; but he did, because Lucy, the love of his life, was finally home…all the way home. You know what they say…never say never.
THE END