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Chapter Text

Prologue

Beep! Beep! Beep!

He fell asleep last night, forgetting to turn off his television. The last thing he remembered was watching some sort of documentary about old castles before he drifted off to sleep.

He was now wondering if he was still dreaming as he looked around his strange surroundings. He was still sitting on his two person couch, and the TV was still in front of him, but this time it appeared to be attached to a white smooth wall.

The floor was the same smooth white surface, along with the four walls and ceiling that surrounded him. He looked at his hands and gasped when he couldn't see his familiar skin.

"What the fuck?" He whispered, staring at his now translucent shape. He checked the rest of his body and realized he wasn't wearing anything at all and his body looked like a faded image of a person without any discernable details.

A chime from the TV attracted his attention and he narrowed his eyes at what he saw on the screen.

[Welcome to the Reincarnation System! Please select options.]

[Select World]

[Select Character Appearance]

[Select Character Traits – select 3 options from characters]

He pinched his arm, trying to wake up, but he couldn't even feel any sensation at all. After several tries he gave up and walked around the room, trying to figure out what was happening to him. There weren't any doors and windows in the white room, and he knew he was trapped.

The TV and his old couch were still there, and he sat back down, trying hard to think about his predicament. He wondered why he wasn't panicking since he hardly felt any anxiety or trepidation about his current condition. He knew he would have been freaking out right about now.

He looked back at the TV and the message it showed and realized he was in one of those situations he read in fantasy books and novels.

What the hell, he knew he might as well try and select options to see if this was all happening. He was curious though of what worlds would be available for him to be transported to and he suddenly felt a bit of excitement at the thought of appearing in Star Wars, or even Star Trek. There were several options, he was a sci-fi geek and enjoyed watching shows like Battlestar Galactica or Babylon V. He approached the TV and pushed on the [Select World] option, but there was no reaction from the TV screen. He tried several times and gave up on his lack of progress and sat down on the couch.

Right, he remembered his TV was an old and cheap Sony flat screen TV, it was a durable brand, but the old model meant it didn't have any touch screen capability or even wifi. He mostly relied on watching programs through cable or plugging in shows through the USB port.

He looked around and shifted in his seat, looking for the remote. He looked up again when he heard the chimes from the TV screen and realized he had sat on the remote control. The options tab for the world he could reincarnate in started to show its selection, scrolling down in a rapid pace.

Wait! Fuck! He quickly sat up and pulled the remote from under his seat and realized a few of the buttons were stuck, and the plastic casing had a few cracks in it.

He immediately tried to whack the remote on his palm to release the buttons, but it only served to worsen his problem. A chime sounded and he saw a green square appear on a world called [The Rookie] and the option continued to his character design.

He wasn't able to focus back on the screen as he tried to pry off the cover for the remote's battery but he realized he was too late as the TV changed its screen.

[Congratulations on selecting your options!]

[Soul transfer commencing in 10 seconds.]

[Enjoy your new life!]

He watched the countdown as it reached zero, powerless to stop the process. He stared at the broken remote control in his hands and closed his eyes as the brightness in the room intensified.

What the fuck is The Rookie was his last thought.

Episode 1

"You okay?"

He opened his eyes to see the face of a woman, concern etched on her face as she leaned over him. He blinked and looked around and realized he was lying on the smooth floor, surrounded by dozens of police officers.

He tried to speak when a wave of memories flashed in his head and he closed his eyes in pain. He remembered the reincarnation process and more and more details came into his mind as he arrived in this new world.

His name was Jack Routh, yes the same surname as the Superman actor. He also had his appearance and was currently twenty-four years of age. He remembered a screen that appeared as he arrived in this world before he lost consciousness.

[Select World – The Rookie]

[Select Character Appearance – Brandon Routh Age: 24]

[Select Character Traits – select 3 options from characters, primary, secondary, tertiary]

[Jack Reacher]

[Charlie Puth]

[Lucy Worsley]

It was his first day here in Mid-Wilshire, transferred from Rampart after spending a week there. He had just graduated from the academy a few weeks ago. He was just reassigned to the LAPD Mid-Wilshire police station since his T.O. at Rampart would take month to recover and he had just entered through the doors to report for duty.

"You took a nasty fall." The woman replied. She was an attractive woman, in her thirties, wearing a suit over a white blouse with a matching knee-length gray skirt.

"I'm sorry." A policeman behind her apologized quickly. He was carrying what looked like stacks of boxes in his hands. On the floor beside him, he saw a box filled with books and papers and realized it was what hit him on the head.

The woman quickly produced a pen light and aimed it at his eyes, looking for signs of concussion.

"I'm alright, thank you." He quickly rose to his feet with the woman's help and picked up his bag and uniform. The woman was pretty strong and she had a firm grip.

"Check on your T.O. if you feel any signs of dizziness or visual impairment." The woman suggested and turned around and faced the other police officer. She had a nice view from behind as well and an attractive figure. "Quigley, you better be in my office when I get back there. We'll have a discussion on proper safety behavior in the workplace."

"Yes, captain!" The officer named Quigley rushed to pick up the remaining box and scampered off. He stared back at the woman who helped him and realized she was the station's captain.

"Officer Jack Routh, reporting for duty!" He snapped up to attention, nervous as he realized he was checking out the top boss. He hoped she didn't notice his staring.

It looked like she noticed, judging from the small smirk on her lips and the knowing look in her eyes. "You better hurry up Officer Routh, roll call is in fifteen."

"Yes, captain." He quickly nodded and rushed to the locker rooms. He was still trying to sort out his memories and ignored the stares he received as he hurried to get his gear stored.

The locker rooms were busy, but he was able to reach his assigned locker without difficulty. The long sleeves of the uniform for rookie police officers were stifling, and he stared enviously at the short-sleeved uniforms worn by the senior officers.

"Jack Routh? Is that you?"

He turned around when he heard his name. He spotted a man, John Nolan as his new memories informed him wearing the same long-sleeved uniform for rookies. The older policeman was in his forties, and he recalled he was one of the hardest working cadets in the academy.

He had to since he knew the man was unfairly targeted by a few of the instructors due to his age.

"Nolan." He greeted back and gave a quick handshake.

"Where's West?" He asked. He knew the man was close friends with their batch's overachiever and they had plans to join the same station with Chen. Jackson West always performed the best in exams and broke his famous father's records in the academy.

"There were some problems with Jackson." Nolan appeared uncomfortable as he answered. "Let's head to the roll call. The sergeant is pretty strict with punctuality."

He shrugged and followed his fellow rookie as they entered a large briefing room, with glass walls on three sides. He sat down beside his colleague and waited as he observed the officers starting to gather inside.

Nolan appeared to be in deep thought, so he refrained from asking more questions. He noticed a few eyes were observing him, but he ignored them and used the time to understand his reincarnation. He was curious about the character traits he had unknowingly selected and wondered how they would affect his new life in this world.

He was familiar with the first two names, but was surprised that he could select real-life characters as part of his options. Jack Reacher was of course a badass character in the books and TV show, and he hoped the character's traits would help him in his new job. If being a police officer didn't work out, he knew at least he had other options with the other two character traits he accidentally selected. Who was Lucy Worsley though?

Lucy Chen walked in, rousing him from his thoughts and he returned the nod of greeting, though he noted the uneasy expression on his fellow rookie's face.

"He's Jackson's replacement." He heard Nolan whisper to Chen. They both looked disappointed for some reason, and wondered what happened to their famous batch valedictorian.

"I just wish he told us what he was going through," Chen replied. "We're his friends. He shouldn't have to cut us off just like that."

Curious about what he was hearing, he was eager to learn more when he saw a bald older black man with sergeant stripes on his sleeves walk in, and the chatter in the room lessened.

"Before we begin, we have a new rookie here joining us this morning. I understand you went to the academy with Nolan and Chen, and you already saw action when you were assigned at Rampart for a week." The sergeant walked around their table, observing him with sharp eyes. "I'm sure you already received a speech from your sergeant over there, but you'll have to hear another from me. Stand up."

He quickly stood up and faced his fellow police officers, and he returned their assessing gazes.

"You've earned the right to be here, but you'll have to prove yourself to stay. The way we do things matters. Protocol and tradition are the metal from which every cop in this city is forged. Understand?"

"Yes sir." He replied with a nod.

"Sit down." The man, with the nametag Grey, stated as he returned to the podium. "Our new rookie here, Officer Jack Routh will be assigned to Officer Lopez as his Training officer to replace Jackson West."

A hand shot up beside him, and knew Nolan was about to ask a question. "Sir, what happened to Officer West?"

"Let's just say there are some deficiencies in his training that his training officer discovered." Sergeant Grey replied.

"But sir, Jackson's the best in the academy." Lucy Chen piped in. "Even Jack can confirm he has the top marks in almost every exam."

"Academy training and exams cannot fully prepare you to face the real dangers we face every day in the streets Officer Chen." Sergeant Grey replied. "That's why the captain and I specifically requested a replacement who has proven himself already. You ran in to save your wounded T.O. on your second day while under fire, didn't you Routh? You managed to provide cover fire and incapacitated one of the suspects. I saw the bank robbery on the news."

"Yes sir." He replied with a nod. New memories continued to rush in, and he slowly started to understand his new situation. "The four suspects were taken into custody with no fatalities."

"Good work." Grey nodded. "Report to Lopez. That's all. Be safe out there."

Angela Lopez

She ignored the nudge from Talia as her new boot stepped closer. Her friend was right. He was eye candy, with his athletic frame and handsome face. If she didn't know any better, she would have guessed he was some model for a police-themed photo shoot. It would certainly increase recruitment numbers for female applicants.

"Quit it." She hissed to her friend and took a moment to compose herself.

The introductions went smoothly, and she kept a close watch as he prepared their equipment and shop. She ordered him to review the daily protocol when checking their equipment, and she nodded her approval as he recited every instruction perfectly as he ran through the checklist. It didn't hurt that she found his voice pleasing to listen to. It was rich and soothing and with a quiet strength behind it when required.

Damn, he really won the genetic lottery.

"Why do you want to become a police officer, Routh?" She asked while they were on their way out of the station. She decided to let him sit behind the wheel, to test his awareness and driving skills.

"It was the only option I had, Ma'am." Routh replied, maintaining his eyes on the road.

She didn't believe his answer for a second and scoffed. "Don't give me that crap Routh. I'm your training officer, and I don't appreciate being lied to."

"I'm not lying." He insisted. "There was no other choice, I just have to accept it."

"Then what's your goal as a police officer?" She asked. "Any career path you want to take?"

"I was thinking of going to Metro." Routh admitted. From his memories, Metro was the path to D Platoon. "Maybe detective."

"I'm preparing for the detective exam." She shared. "If you continue with your performance like you did while you were in Rampart, then we'll have no issues. A good showing from you reflects on me as your T.O."

"I'll be happy to help you then, Officer Lopez." Routh briefly turned his gaze on hers with a smile on his face and she looked out the window to hide the flush on her cheeks. She was a no-nonsense cop, but her new rookie was too handsome. She knew it would be one of the difficulties she would face in dealing with him, but she didn't mind it. It was far better than trusting her back on a cowardly rookie who froze up in a gunfight.

She shared the incident with Captain Andersen, but she also discussed her worries about possible retaliation from West's father, the commander of Internal Affairs. Thankfully the captain had her full support, and assured her there was no political fallout after submitting her report and reviewing their body cam footage.

The short clip of Legacy Jackson West freezing up, refusing to discharge his weapon in a firefight to support her despite her pleas as he shook in fear was enough to convince the brass.

She remembered Commander Percy West's face as he reviewed the footage in its entirety. It included her conversation with Jackson in the shop as they returned to the station, and his admission of his newfound fear and inability to deal with the danger he encountered.

He begged her not to report the incident and asked for a second chance, but it was too serious to ignore. She could tolerate a lot of screw-ups from her boot, but courage in the line of fire was an essential part of being a police officer. Her life was more important than her ambitions to become a detective.

Jackson's father was stone-faced, his lips set in a tight line when he finally finished reviewing the footage. He had thanked her for her discretion and the process for Jackson's replacement was quickly ramped up. He must have pulled some strings with the chief of police, as a replacement for his son was quickly found and reassigned to their station.

Their first report was about a possible burglary in process. It turned out to be a memorable one, as two female exhibitionists got their thrill breaking into other houses and having sex. She was annoyed when the two exhibitionists tried to have sex in the back of their shop, and it ended up with Routh having to use more restraints to control their suspects.

It was nearing lunch when they received an emergency. A toddler was left inside a vehicle, a gray Corolla. They quickly joined the other five vehicles in a grid pattern, the tension palpable in all their faces. She did not want to see or hear a report of a dead toddler. She could see Routh's jaws were clenched tight, and she knew he was feeling the same way.

"There." Their shop sped up and she saw what her rookie spotted. Nolan was desperately trying to smash open a car window with a baton to no avail. They quickly arrived on the scene, and before she could pull out her tool for breaking a car's laminated window, she noticed Routh walking towards the car as he started to remove his uniform.

Before she could even follow him, Routh had his uniform wrapped around his right hand, leaving him with his white undershirt. He threw a powerful punch, shattering the car window and unlocking the car from the inside. Nolan quickly rushed to the rear passenger and scooped out an unconscious toddler trapped in a car seat.

She let out a sigh of relief as the toddler started crying, while emergency vehicles started to converge in their location. Talia Bishop arrived next with her shop, and they watched as their two rookies handed the child to an ambulance that just arrived.

"Did I just see that?" She heard Talia ask.

"Do you mean if you saw my rookie shattering a car window by punching it, then yes, yes you did." She replied while her eyes locked on to the Routh's muscular body. "Damn."

"Yeah damn. But they both panicked." Talia replied, holding up a breaker tool. She held the one in her hand and shook her head in amusement and relief.

"Your rookie used a baton, mine used his fists." Routh shook the glass shards in his uniform and started to wear it back.

"Wanna swap?" Talia offered.

"This one's mine." She replied with a proud smile.

After a stern lecture to her boot about panicking and reminding him about using the correct tools for emergencies, she allowed him to treat her to lunch, as was tradition. The steak burrito was adequate and she decided to give Routh some bonding time with his fellow rookies.

There was a problem though, as Routh appeared to be sitting on his own, away from Nolan and Chen.

"Do you think there's an issue there?" Talia asked as she put her tray of food on the table.

"Maybe they're not that close in the academy compared to Jackson." She mused and took a bite of her burrito.

"That's fine, but to eat on your own?" Talia replied. "I didn't peg him as the quiet and broody type."

Routh looked content sitting alone, and the contemplative expression on his face was enough to deter anyone from joining his table. She noticed a few women were tempted to join him, but veered away once they saw how serious he looked as he ate his meal.

"He got that mysterious, lone wolf appeal though, judging from those stolen selfies." She observed, spotting a few girls pretending to take selfies while in reality trying to get a picture of the hot cop in the background.

The rest of their shift ended more peacefully, and she realized she didn't have to watch him closely since he was already on the force for a week in another station. He was already comfortable on the routine, as he turned in their equipment and report.

"Good work today." She gave a nod to Routh and headed to the lockers for a shower.

She was still intrigued by his unusual behavior during lunch and decided to ask his classmate in the academy for more information.

"Chen." She called out to Bradford's rookie. Tim was still recovering from his gunshot wound, and it would take a few more weeks for him to return to active duty.

"Yes, ma'am?" Lucy Chen turned to her, having just finished storing her belongings in her locker.

"What can you tell me more about Routh?" She asked. "I noticed he didn't eat lunch with you and Nolan."

"That's just how he has been ever since I met him in the academy," Chen explained. "We called him the lone wolf. He doesn't get close to anyone, but he's a reliable partner in team training."

"So he's an introvert." She observed.

"Not all the time, he can choose to be charming if wants to. Problem is he doesn't want long-term relationships." Chen looked bitter for a moment, and she realized why the female rookie looked uncomfortable when she saw Routh appear that morning. That meant they had a history together, but she knew better than to pry. Not yet.

"But at least he's honest about it." Chen continued. "He doesn't lead you on."

"I see."

"If you manage to get him drunk, try to make him sing," Chen added, this time looking mischievous. "He has a wonderful singing voice."

"I'll keep that in mind if the three of you don't wash out. So keep your focus on your job." She replied. "Thanks, Chen."

The next morning, she knew Sergeant Grey had something planned for their morning briefing, judging by the barely concealed smile he wore as he waited for the time to start.

"All right, settle down. I just got a disturbing video. I've never seen anything so horrific." Sergeant Grey began and pointed at the TV with his remote. The screen flickered to life, showing a body cam footage of someone running.

Talia groaned beside her, telling her who the footage belonged to. Nolan was running in pursuit of a suspect, the father of the boy who was left in the Corolla. He tried to cut through a parking lot, his breathing clearly labored as he struggled to maintain his pace. He tried to climb up a chain link fence, but got his foot stuck on the opening.

Laughter soon erupted around the room as he struggled to free himself, while in the background Chen gave a textbook flying tackle, pushing the drugged-out father off his feet and into the ground.

"Such grace and athleticism have never before been seen in the LAPD." Grey continued, ignoring the laughter in the room. "Is that a gazelle wearing the blues? Or a dinosaur from a long-forgotten age?"

The footage shifted, this time showing Nolan trying to break a car window with first his fists and then with a baton. The laughter in the room stopped, as they watched the serious situation that they all heard.

"This next video shows the importance of maintaining situational awareness. Panic and fear can interfere with rational behavior." Grey sounded more serious. The video continued and showed Routh approaching as Nolan turned to the voice that called out to him. Routh had finished wrapping his uniform around his fist, and she heard a few in the room let out exclamations of surprise as her rookie shattered the car window with a powerful punch.

"While this might be impressive, may I remind Officer Routh that we cannot solve all our problems with our fists?"

"Yes sir," Routh replied looking embarrassed.

"Alright, next is a BOLO for Lance Selby's associate, Carlson Floyd for parole violation." Grey started to distribute the information sheet on their suspect. "He's as dangerous as Selby, and we nearly lost Bradford because of his partner. Use extreme caution. Whoever gets him off the street, has a one day off. That's it"

"We better wear vests today." She suggested to Talia. She did not want to end up like Tim if their suspect was as violent as Selby.

Their patrol that morning was busy. A couple of calls for domestic disputes and a quick chase for a DUI. Their shift was about to end when they received a call from Talia Bishop.

"7-adam-15, requesting additional units to 1350 Bellview Street. Possible location of our BOLO suspect. We're en route."

"That's the same address." She muttered and quickly replied on the radio. "7-adam-07. Show us responding."

The atmosphere in the shop was tense, and she was tempted to tell Routh to increase his speed when she noticed he was already doing seventy. She was worried about Talia and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw their shop arriving near the address at the same time they did.

"How do you want to do this?" She asked as they parked a block away from the address and discussed their strategy on the sidewalk.

"C.I. said he might return to the address to recover a hidden cache of weapons." Talia replied.

She was about to reply when they spotted an old Bronco move out of the alley where Tim and Chen were ambushed. Three men were inside and the driver immediately spotted their location.

"Hey, isn't that…" Nolan trailed off as Floyd and his men turned their weapons out the window.

"Shit!" They all ran to the back of her shop as the men started to shoot at them.

"7-adam-07. Shots fired, in corner of Bellview and Clinton. Need backup." She heard Routh on the radio as she returned fire. They were outgunned, as Floyd and his associates used semi-automatic rifles and higher caliber ammunition.

All she heard were pings of bullets hitting her shop and flying past her. It was like déjà vu, she thought as she recalled another incident. She glanced at her boot and saw him returning fire on his side of the shop, preventing the men from encircling them. This time it was different though, she had covering fire and her boot wasn't paralyzed with fear.

Nolan and Bishop took turns to cover them, but they were all pinned down as her shop continued to amass dozens of bullet holes.

One of the gunmen suddenly stopped firing, followed by another. She peeked on her side of the shop and saw the driver slumped down on the steering wheel. The passenger beside the driver was leaning to the side, blood staining his side of the window. The remaining shooter jumped out of the Bronco and started running with a semi-automatic rifle in hand. He didn't get far, as he fell down with a well-aimed shot on the back.

She ran to the Bronco, her weapon ready in case of any movement from the driver and passenger, but lowered her weapon when she saw their state. Talia and Nolan had the remaining suspect in cuffs as he moaned in pain from the gunshot wound to his lower back.

She looked beside her to see Routh staring at the two dead men, both suffering from a gunshot wound to their heads. She was about to radio in their status when she saw Talia doing it for her.

"I think you'll need this." Routh offered his firearm to her as the sounds of sirens became louder.

"It will be fine." She replied and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Just follow the procedure, okay? Keep your weapon holstered."

"Yes. Thank you, ma'am." Routh remained still, staring at the dead men. It looked to her that Routh shot the driver with a bullet to the head, and judging by the exit wound the bullet also hit Floyd in the passenger seat. That was one hell of a shot.

"7-adam-07." She called to her radio. "Notify the watch commander that the primary suspect is deceased. Two fatalities and an injured third gunman in need of an ambulance."

"Copy."

"Time of death?" She asked.

"One seven three three hours."

She guided Routh to Talia's miraculously undamaged shop and sat him in the back seat. She winced in sympathy, she knew taking someone's life was one of the hardest experiences a police officer would ever get to experience in their careers. She secured the scene and returned to stand beside the Bronco, staying on guard to protect any evidence.

More vehicles and a few ambulances arrived on the scene, as the EMTs started to treat their third gunmen. Grey stepped out of his vehicle, with their captain following behind him. She met up with them halfway and stopped beside her bullet-ridden shop so that Routh wouldn't be able to hear their conversation.

"What happened?" He asked.

"Floyd and his crew started shooting as soon as they us." She reported. "We were discussing our plan to approach the house when their vehicle suddenly appeared out of that alley."

"We hid behind my shop, and were pinned down here." She pointed at the spot between the two parked police vehicles. "Routh called for back-up and we returned fire. They were all using high-caliber weapons."

She grimaced as she spotted the high-caliber rounds' destruction of her shop equipment. The vehicle was a write-off by now, from what she was seeing. She did not want to imagine what would have happened to her and Routh if the shooting started while they were still inside their vehicle.

"You were lucky." Captain Zoe Andersen added.

"We were." She agreed. "We would have been dead if we didn't consult with Bishop and Nolan first on the sidewalk."

"Who shot the gunmen?" Grey asked.

"Routh." She turned back and glanced at her boot for a moment before she continued. "He was on my right, returning fire to prevent the gunmen from surrounding us. It happened so fast."

"It looks like a single bullet killed both of them." Grey observed the scene. Investigators started to gather evidence and photographs of the deceased gunmen. "Hell of a shot."

"That's what I thought too." She replied.

"How is he?" Andersen asked.

"He's in shock. Haven't said more than a few words before you arrived."

"Understandable." Andersen nodded her head. "I'll take care of him."

She watched as the captain entered Talia's shop from the other side and sat beside Routh. She could see them talking and turned around when Grey spoke to her.

"You did good. You exercised proper caution, and because of that all of you are walking out of here without any injury." Grey stated. They both turned to Bishop and Nolan as the pair approached their position.

"The third gunman will be rushed for surgery." Talia reported. "EMT thinks he's going to make it."

"Who took down the third gunman?" She asked.

"Routh." Nolan replied. "I saw him take one final shot and saw our gunman fall down soon after."

"Good." Grey replied. "If our gunman lives, it will be even better for Routh's investigation."

"Sir?" Nolan looked confused. "Why is Jack being investigated?"

"It's a homicide, Officer Nolan." Grey replied in a somber tone. "And at this moment, Routh is the suspect."

She was slightly irritated when the captain returned and informed her that she wasn't chosen as his companion officer. She was already thinking about the procedures and the process to guide him through the investigation.

"Captain, he's my boot." She protested.

"It's his choice, Lopez." Andersen replied.

"Who did he pick?" She asked.

"Me." Andersen replied.

"Wise choice." Grey observed, giving her a warning look. Andersen didn't know she also had experience with taking a life but the sergeant was warning her to keep her mouth shut. "The Captain has experience in these types of situations. I think Routh would benefit from a police companion who experienced the same thing he has."

"That's what I told him." Andersen replied. They watched as Routh got out of Talia's shop and started walking towards their group. "He looks like he's managing well. I'm taking him back to the station."

She watched as Routh followed the captain in her unmarked car and sat inside the passenger seat. They soon left the scene as more investigators arrived and she joined Nolan and Bishop in securing the area from onlookers who already had their phone cameras out to take pictures and videos.

It's a simple guilty pleasure story. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Text

Episode 2

He had taken a life. He remembered aiming for the driver who was relentless as he unloaded an entire clip on them. He feared they would soon be overwhelmed and decided to take a shot aimed at his head. What was currently disturbing him was that he wasn't feeling anything at the moment. Why wasn't he feeling guilty? He was calm. Too calm.

His gorgeous captain was driving him back to the station. She had offered to be his police companion for the entire process and he quickly accepted when she mentioned her own experience of taking someone's life.

"Something's wrong with me." He whispered.

"Why?" His captain asked.

"I'm not feeling any guilt." He admitted. "I just reacted."

"It will hit you later." Zoe Andersen replied, giving him a quick glance. "We can't talk or discuss what happened until you speak with your attorney and the investigators. I just want you to know you did the right thing."

"Thank you." He replied. He tried to recall the firefight, and the bullets whizzing by his head whenever he returned fire. His marksmanship wasn't the best in the academy from what he recalled, and suddenly remembered the character traits he selected. He knew Jack Reacher was a marksman, he wondered if perhaps some traits of the famous fictional character were slowly being integrated into his mind and body.

This would also explain why he wasn't feeling any guilt for killing two gunmen. Jack Reacher had a simple mindset when it came to violence- kill or incapacitate using extreme force to those who were trying to kill you.

He realized this could be a potential problem. He needed to control his impulses since he was now a cop, not some hobo wandering the country with just a toothbrush and without any permanent place of residence.

It was surreal for his mug shot to be taken, but Andersen was quietly giving her support behind the camera and he appreciated his captain and the new station he was assigned to. She made sure he had something to eat and drink, and while they couldn't speak to him directly, he saw the nods of support from the other cops when he met their gazes.

He was massaging his arm near where the needle punctured his skin to get his blood sample when his attorney appeared in the interrogation room. He calmly answered any questions, and the process continued with his union rep discussing possibilities if his case went to a civil trial.

The most interesting meeting came from Commander West, head of Internal Affairs. His questions were short only at the start, requiring him to answer in one or two sentences.

"Do you have any non-lethal weapons available? Taser? Pepper-spray?" Commander West asked.

"Yes, but at the time of the engagement, these tools were useless for the situation." He replied. "The three gunmen were using high caliber weapons, with armor-piercing rounds judging from the bullet holes I noticed in our shop's interior."

"The suspect and his crew were at a distance of around fifty yards and I determined that it would be ineffective for the nonlethal weapons." He continued. He watched as the commander wrote some notes and gave a quick glance at the one-way mirror inside the interrogation room. He knew other investigators were watching from the other side. "The bullets were already bursting past our cover. They were shooting over the engine block of our shop and aiming for the back seat. It was only a matter of time before one of us was killed. I decided I had no choice but to resort to lethal means."

"How many rounds did you fire?"

"Eight." He replied. "The first five rounds were to suppress the shooters and the last three I aimed to take them down."

"Did you hit what you were aiming at?" Commander West leaned forward.

"The third round hit the driver's door mirror." He replied. "The second one hit the shooter on the forehead, between the eyes. Fire from the vehicle immediately stopped and he slumped forward to the steering wheel. His head was the only exposed part of the shooter. The last bullet hit the suspect who abandoned their vehicle on the lower back."

"I see." He noticed the head of internal affairs looked confused for a moment. "Finally, with police work involving rapidly changing and dangerous fluid environments, is there anything you would have done differently?"

"No."

He surrendered his badge and weapons to Commander West and was told not to leave town while the investigation was underway. It was now morning, and he realized he nearly spent the entire night sitting in the interview room. He was about to leave when he was called back into the captain's office. He was amazed and how refreshed she looked despite knowing she left the station at a late hour.

"The media would soon get a hold of this. You might want to call any family and friends." Zoe Andersen offered him the landline phone on her desk. "I think it would be better for them to hear this from you than from seeing it in the news."

"I'm fine." He replied. "There's no one to call. Thank you though."

"Parents? Siblings?" She asked and he watched as she took out his file and started reviewing his information. "Girlfriend?"

"I'm an orphan, and an only child." He responded. "There's no significant other for the moment."

"I see." Andersen continued reading his file. "Your file is more interesting than I thought, Routh. Ancient and Modern history degree and a minor in music. What's your favorite period?"

"I really don't have any favorites, but I focused my thesis on seventeenth-century architectural and social history." He replied as new memories came in. He was starting to suspect Lucy Worsley was some British Historian, based on the staggering amounts of information he suddenly knew about the Tudors and medieval fashion. He didn't realize skirts were that complicated. "But if you were to ask me to give a quick lecture about my degree, I'd first give a lesson about the kitchen."

"The kitchen?" His captain looked amused.

"The cooking fire, the hearth was the very center of the medieval home." He explained. "You know back then for commoners, they only had one common living space. Their living room and bedroom were centered around the cooking fire. It's where everyone gathers, to stay warm, share stories, discuss topics, and where myths and legends come to life. And our hearth whatever our ethnicity, our ancestors gathered around flames at night as they ate. They told stories about things over which they had no control, like where they tell their children where thunder comes from? Or why is there fire coming out of a mountain?"

"Everything you can't understand and control you gave a name to a god. These gods developed their personalities around the hearth and more legends and myths of their character grew. You could say the kitchen was the birthplace of our imaginations."

"Intriguing. Please continue." His captain looked interested, and he wondered if she was doing this on purpose to distract him from what happened hours ago. He decided to continue, since the knowledge he had was even fascinating to him, and he felt a distinct pleasure and satisfaction in sharing the knowledge he had. He wondered if this was part of Lucy Worsley's trait.

"But now sadly we lost the hearth. We don't eat around tables anymore. Everyone's doing something else. Nobody gathers and shares stories, we lost our focus, we lost our hearth. The kitchen symbolizes the relaxed feeling of sitting around the fire, listening to stories, which I think is a primal thing, listening together."

"Captain?" He watched as Zoe Andersen stared at him with glazed eyes and a small smile, a far different contrast to the normally cool and calm visage he observed from her so far.

"I wouldn't have skipped lectures if you were my history professor." She commented. "Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It was fascinating to understand history from your point of view."

"Thank you."

"You also enjoyed Officer Routh's lecture, didn't you?" He turned around once he realized the captain wasn't speaking to him.

He saw his T.O., Bishop, Nolan and Chen hanging around the hallway outside her office.

"I was waiting for my rookie to make sure he's fine getting home." Lopez admitted. "I'm sorry captain, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

"But that was fascinating." Bishop replied. "You sure you're in the right profession boot?"

"If he were a university lecturer, we wouldn't be here." Nolan stated.

"It was a team effort." He replied and turned to his T.O. "I'll be fine mam, I'll use the one week of paid administrative leave to look for better living arrangements closer to the station."

"Good idea. Contact me if you're having problems finding a good location." His captain offered.

He nodded in agreement and walked out, eager to investigate the apartment he was living in based on his memories.

Lucy Chen

She watched as Jack Routh disappeared down the hall and she followed her temporary T.O. to the briefing area, confused. She had never seen Jack that animated in all the months she'd known him in the academy.

She never even knew he was that passionate about ancient history. With psychologists for parents, she had a more informed view of human behavior, and yet Routh confused her.

She asked him out on their first month in the academy, but he declined her attempts to get closer to him. She would have felt bitter about it, but he had rebuffed every interest directed at him without any hesitation. There were rumors about his sexuality that started from a few of the rejected women, but they all came to a stop when her class saw him dancing with another woman not from their batch.

She started a relationship with a fellow cadet, John Nolan halfway through their training. Thoughts of her former crush were gone from her head until he appeared on their second day as police officers as a replacement for Jackson.

Things became more complicated for her and John, having confessed to him that she found Jack attractive when they started dating, since she believed in being honest before getting into a relationship. Now it seemed like it was causing more tension with her and John. She could feel how awkward he felt when he was around Routh.

"Would you please tell me what's going on?" She asked him during their lunch break. Thanks to her more relaxed temporary T.O. her lunch breaks lasted a full hour.

"It's nothing." John replied, and she could see the lie instantly.

"John." She grabbed his hand and squeezed. "Please. We won't be able to get past this awkward stage if we're not honest."

"It's Routh." John admitted. "Ever since he showed up, I felt like I'm being left behind."

"You're not the only one." She replied. The first two days of Jack Routh's appearance were still being discussed around the station. Punching a car window to shooting back against criminals armed with semi-automatic rifles with a double headshot made Routh a popular topic. She had already answered half a dozen questions about him from the women in the locker room, and even those that were from the night shift that hadn't met him yet.

"You didn't feel like that with Jackson." She observed.

"It's just, standing next to him, I kind of feel inadequate." John confessed. She understood his meaning, Jack Routh stood out with his six foot three height and muscular Olympic build. Combined with his wavy brown locks and handsome face, the effect was devastating on the female population in the station. She even noticed the Captain giving Routh second looks when she thought no one was looking. She knew only her original T.O. came close to his manly appeal.

"And with you having admitted that you asked him out before…" John trailed off. "It made me worry about our relationship."

"I'm not denying he's eye candy." She admitted. There was already a nickname for him in the locker room on his second day. E.C. depending on who was speaking, since he was both eye candy and easy on the eyes. "But I chose to be with you. E.C. won't get between us."

"E.C?" John asked in confusion.

"That's what they call him." She explained as she struggled to control her blush at revealing one of the female locker room secrets. "Forget what I said."

John appeared to look amused at her mistake as he leaned forward and teased her. "E.C. for eye candy right? What kind of candy do you think you would call me?"

"Butterfingers." She replied, joining his game. "Cause of your smooth fingers."

"I am a skilled contractor." John replied proudly. They both laughed after a moment and continued with their lunch.

"Now tell me about this runaway bride." She asked.

Zoe Andersen

She thought she would be alone as usual on the treadmills but there was already someone who was running full sprint on the machine she usually picked. The spot was great, as it provided a nice view overlooking the park across her apartment building.

She decided to use the weights and wait while the unknown sprinter was finished with his session, when she saw the familiar faces of her neighbors looking in the runner's direction. She noticed they were distracted, their movements erratic and uncoordinated in the various weight machines. She followed their gaze and understood immediately.

The runner was a tall hunk, wearing a gray shirt and jogging pants. The sweat around his body caused his shirt to stick to his skin, showing off his toned physique. She saw the man's reflection in the glass window and immediately realized who it was.

She returned the weights to the rack and decided to have a bit of fun, also curious at how one of her rookies was in her apartment building gym. He ignored her as she moved beside him, feeling the stares of the other women behind her back. She set up a mode and started running beside her rookie.

"Good workout?" She asked. She nearly laughed when Jack Routh nearly tripped in his run when he turned to look at her. He quickly lowered the speed, and settled for a fast walking pace.

"Captain!" He replied. "What are you doing here?"

"I was about to ask you the same question." She replied. "And please, call me Zoe when we're not on duty."

"Okay, Zoe." She noticed he still looked uncomfortable speaking her name but ignored it. "I just moved in this morning. You… you live here?"

"What are the chances right?" She asked. "What floor are you on?"

"Eighth floor." Routh replied. She remembered her elderly neighbors beside her unit had just moved out a week ago, deciding to migrate to another state. She would miss the sweet elderly couple, they constantly spoke through the balcony that was only separated by a thin and opaque divider that reached just above her head. There was enough room however to pass plates of dishes if she leaned on the balcony railing, and the kind old woman handed her dishes with her original recipe for special occasions.

"802?" She asked.

"Yes, how did you know?"

"It looks like we're going to be neighbors." She smiled as a thought crossed her head. With her position, she knew Routh would be unwilling to piss her off if he started throwing noisy parties and playing loud music. He would make the perfect neighbor and she really preferred her peaceful and relaxing sanctuary, away from the problems of the station. "I live in 801"

"Uhmm great?" Routh looked uncomfortable.

"If you're having second thoughts with having your captain as a neighbor you better tell me now." She stated. "Though I have to say, I'm not a fan of loud music and noisy parties."

"I'm not a fan either." Routh replied. She figured he was, judging from his quiet nature. "I better get going, cap… I mean Zoe."

"Go on ahead. I was just waiting for you to finish on the treadmill. That's my favorite spot." She replied.

"The view is relaxing." Routh agreed and turned off the machine as he finished his cool down. He wiped his sweaty arms and face on a nearby towel and turned to face her with a rare smile on his face. "See you at the station next week, and please call me Jack."

"See you later Jack." She replied. She was not surprised when she continued running on her now favorite machine that the rest of the ladies in the gym converged on her location. It looked like the E.C. effect was as potent outside the station as it was inside.

She continued to enjoy her day off, and nearly forgot about her new neighbor as she was reading a book about mythology. Routh's impromptu lecture made her pick up a book that reminded her of his lecture about the origin of mythological gods. She was reading about Hestia, the goddess of the hearth when she heard a beautiful yet unfamiliar tune from a piano.

It wasn't loud, if she closed her balcony door the noise would be gone or if she turned on her TV or music the noise would easily cancel out the faint melody. She closed her eyes, trying to see if she was familiar with the music

[See you again - piano instrumental]

The melody was both beautiful and sad, and she realized that the music was coming from her new neighbor. She remembered Routh had a minor in music and decided to investigate and headed out to the balcony.

The music was louder and she tapped her fingers to the melody. The music ended too quickly for her tastes but then her other senses were assaulted as a fantastic scent drifted through her nose.

She could smell roasted chicken, garlic, herbs, and other spices. Her mouth watered and she unconsciously swallowed. It wasn't time for dinner, but she wouldn't mind having a taste of what Routh was preparing.

"Routh?" She asked through the divider. She heard the sounds of utensils being dropped on plates and saw a figure approach the barrier. Jack Routh leaned along the rail and what she saw she knew would cause most women to salivate and it wasn't because of the wonderful smell of cooked food.

Jack Routh was wearing an apron over a white tank top, showing off his sculpted shoulders and arms.

"Captain?" He asked. "Do you need something?"

"What do you have cooking over there? It smells good." She admitted.

"I decided to throw a little celebration for myself and cooked a specialty dish." Routh replied.

"And you didn't invite your captain?" She asked.

"Relax." She added quickly upon seeing how uncomfortable he was. "I didn't mean to be a nosy neighbor. I'm not usually like this, but I really liked the smell of whatever it is you were cooking and got curious."

"You're free to come over." Jack invited her without any hesitation. "I cooked food that's more than enough for the two of us."

She was aware of the need to maintain distance with her fellow officers under her command, but the offer was too good to pass up. Besides, she was just being a good neighbor.

"Okay, give me five."

She brought two cans of beer as her contribution to the meal, and she had to be honest, it was one of the best meals she ever had in a long time. The roasted chicken with a side of truffle mashed potatoes made her sleepy, and she didn't bother to act all prim and proper in front of a subordinate.

The ambiance of the place and the company played a part in the enjoyment of her meal. It was peaceful and pleasant, allowing her to relish the flavors in her mouth.

"You're an academic, a musician and a good cook." She joked at the end of the meal. "Tell me Jack, what other hidden talents do you have?"

"I'm boring." Jack admitted, waving his hand as if to physically discard her compliments.

"That melody you played wasn't boring." She reminded him. "I'm not familiar with it. What was it called?"

"I composed it." He admitted as he glanced at the electronic piano tucked away in the corner. "It's called See You Again."

"Does it have lyrics?" She asked. "It's a catchy melody, especially the first part."

"I do." Jack replied, pointing to a stack of music sheets on the piano.

"Mind showing it to me?" She couldn't help but ask.

"Maybe later, it's not finished yet." He looked like he was teasing her. "I could show you a sneak peak captain, but it's going to cost you."

"Go on." She wondered what he was about to ask and played along.

"Heard police captains sometimes get complimentary tickets to the Dodgers." He stated. "Do you think you can spare a ticket?"

"I'll see what I can do." Is that all? She knew she was right not to doubt Routh's intentions. She was afraid he would bring their work into the conversation, like asking for extra vacation days. But he kept it personal, just as she liked it. Work-life balance was her motto after all.

It shouldn't be too difficult, a quick phone call and she could secure a ticket with a good seat. "Just one ticket?"

"Just one, captain."

She fell asleep immediately after her nightly ritual, and felt refreshed and energized as she prepared for work. She was in the basement and in her car, when she saw Routh walk out of the basement elevator sporting a leather jacket and shades.

He moved in a relaxed manner, and she remembered that he still had a few days to go before he was required to report for duty on Monday. The investigation was nearly over, with the I.A. clearing Routh after an exhaustive round of interviews with his colleagues and reviewing the body cam footage of everyone involved. It should have just been a few days, but the double headshot raised some eyebrows up at the department.

He mounted a large gray and white motorcycle, she wasn't an expert on bikes but she recognized the small BMW logo on its side. His helmet matched the paint job and she had to admit he pulled the look well.

She was not pleased when he revved up his engine and then shot out of the basement parking lot like a demon. He better not break any traffic laws.

Angela Lopez

Tim Bradford was an idiot. How could he think that they wouldn't be there when he was discharged? The stubborn idiot even insisted on carrying his bag, despite the wince of pain she noticed as he reached and slung his backpack over his shoulder.

"We're taking you home." She ordered. "Don't say no, Tim. You scared us."

Tim grunted and allowed Bishop to take the bag off his shoulders. "Thanks. How's my boot doing?"

"Restless. She's getting impatient." She replied. "The other two rookies saw some action, and she's left twiddling her thumbs hoping her temporary T.O. will answer any call remotely dangerous."

"Good. I want her to be hungry." Tim replied.

"Is this another twisted Tim test of yours?" Bishop asked.

"What else could it be?" He replied as he entered Lopez's shop. "How is the legacy's replacement? Did he cower like a little girl too?"

She snorted as she remembered Jackson West's embarrassing incident. "No, he's the exact opposite."

"How so?"

"Remember the news about Selby's partner in crime getting taken down a few days ago? He took that shot." Bishop replied.

"I heard rumors." He replied. "Did he really make a double headshot from fifty yards out while under fire?"

"Two shots and three shooters went down. It happened in a matter of seconds." She replied.

"One moment armor piercing rounds were raining through our cover and the next…" Bishop snapped her fingers. "Just like that."

They were in a busy intersection and just stopped as the red light came on. She looked around as was her habit and noticed the big bike beside her and the face of the rider standing patiently with his visor up. "Speaking of my new boot, that's him. I didn't know he got around in a big bike."

"S1000 RR." Tim nodded in approval. "Smart choice, not that expensive, but it's a comfortable ride."

The light turned green, and the bike accelerated from them and headed downtown. It might look cool as heck, but she didn't like being left in the dust and flipped on her lights and accelerated after her boot.

"What are you doing?" Tim asked. "He was under the speed limit. That bike just accelerates that fast."

"Checking up on my boot." She replied. "Haven't seen him in three days."

The rider noticed he was being flagged and slowed down and turned to a side street with less traffic. He pushed his bike up on the kickstand and turned off his engine.

She suppressed a smile as her boot approached her side and removed his helmet, revealing messy hair and looking like he came from a fashion shoot.

"That's your boot?" Tim asked.

She didn't reply and lowered her window, allowing Routh to approach her.

"Good day, officers." Jack Routh greeted them. "Something I can help you with?"

"I'm just checking up on you. How have you been?"

"Busy, I spent the last few days moving into my new apartment. It's just a five-minute drive from the station. I'm on my way to order some furniture downtown."

"This is Officer Bradford, Chen's T.O." She said once she noticed Routh looking at the backseat.

"Good to see you back on your feet sir." Routh greeted with a nod.

"Thank you, Boot. But sucking up to a T.O. doesn't work on me. " Tim replied. "Heard about the shooting, how are you holding up?"

"I'm trying to learn to live with it. That's all I can do." Routh didn't appear to be bothered by Tim's rudeness.

"That's all we can do."

"Visit the food truck near the station when you're done." She told her rookie before the mood became more somber. "I'm treating Bradford for lunch since he just came out of the hospital, I might as well include you."

Routh quickly accepted her offer and hopped on his bike and put his helmet back on. She noticed him glance back at her, revved up his engine a few times, and then took off in a heartbeat.

"He's got to be baiting you." Tim snorted in amusement.

"I'll make sure his order is extra spicy." She muttered.

Lunch was more interesting than normal, as Routh finally appeared, catching the attention of everyone seated between the food trucks. Her boot approached her table, sat down on an empty chair and took off his helmet.

She was fascinated at how oblivious Routh was from all the attention he was getting.

"Hollywood." Quigley approached their table and directly addressed Routh. "Good to see you, oh and Bradford's back on his feet!"

"Hollywood?" Routh asked.

"That's our nickname for you, coz you're like an action star!" Quigley grinned. "Heard you were looking for a place…"

"Save it Quigley, he already found an apartment and moved in." She interrupted the older officer.

"Too bad. Anyway, see you around." Quigley left and sat back at his table.

"I think you're smart enough to know better than to accept any offered from him." She addressed her boot.

"I heard in the lockers that he's living in a camper van in the parking lot. Is that true?" Routh asked as they all started on their lunches. She watched avidly for any reaction, but her boot continued eating like normal.

"It's a dead end there. It sucks away all ambition." She replied, watching his face intently. There was no flush, no sweat, he wasn't pretending it wasn't spicy. She took a tentative bite of her own food and it also tasted normal.

Behind her, she heard a coughing sound and saw Nolan rushing to the food truck to get a bottle of water.

"So that's where it ended." Talia commented.

Chapter Text

Episode 3

Monday arrived and he was suiting up in the locker room, engaged in some small talk with Nolan who was more friendly than usual.

They headed to the briefing room, and he noticed a good amount of officers were present. Sergeant Grey was already waiting by the podium and then applause erupted as Tim Bradford finally showed up.

He saw the blue inflatable donut his T.O. placed on Bradford's seat, and Chen's T.O. took out a pen and stabbed the object, causing everyone to laugh at the prank.

"Alright, alright, settle down." Grey stopped clapping and walked around the room as he began his briefing. "Let's get to it. You ready Officer Nolan?"

It was just like in the academy, it was obvious Grey was picking on Nolan. "Because once again, we start with you."

"I'm flattered." Nolan replied.

"Don't be." Grey informed them of a current case. Bishop and Nolan were able to apprehend two members of a four-man crew that robbed a cash advance teller. Two had escaped, while the stolen bag of money was taken by a bystander on the train, busking for change.

He looked up from the information sheet handed to him by Chen when someone knocked on the door. Their police captain came in, wearing a salmon skirt and a dark suit. The floral blouse was a nice touch and showed a bit of her cleavage.

"What can we do for you captain?" Grey asked.

"Nothing much, I just want to welcome back Bradford and Routh. If both of you need anything, let me know."

"Yes, ma'am." They both replied simultaneously.

Captain Andersen provided more information about their plans to capture the remaining two bank robbers and connected their crew with previous incidents in the past few months.

Their first arrest came from responding to a silent alarm from a small grocery store. He followed behind Lopez and they observed a female figure in a blue outfit and mask, demanding the cashier to fill the bag with money. The suspect also had a gun in her hand.

He took out his weapon and remained on guard.

"7-adam-07, we have a 211 in progress in our location, requesting backup." Lopez spoke on the radio. "Let's wait for her when she gets out."

"Affirmative."

The woman in blue rushed out of the grocery and they quickly pointed their weapons at the suspect.

"Police! Drop your weapon!" Lopez yelled out.

The suspect was startled and immediately dropped her gun to the ground and ran down the street. He immediately ran in pursuit as he holstered his weapon and quickly caught up to the suspect with his longer strides. He quickly tackled her to the ground and removed the cuffs from his duty belt.

After cuffing the woman, he took off her mask, causing Lopez to look on in amazement as she observed the suspect's face.

"Sue Cliffords?" Lopez asked.

"You know her?" He asked as he pulled the suspect to her feet.

"She played ball for the Trojans. Best three-point shooter in the NCAA." Lopez replied.

"Nice to meet a fan." The suspect replied.

He listened as Lopez interrogated their suspect as he pushed her inside their shop, his hand guiding her head so she wouldn't hit the roof. The former athlete busted her knee and her career vanished in an instant.

"Do you have a plan B?" Lopez asked him.

"I'm thinking of applying for faculty for any institutions that have a spot if this doesn't work out." He admitted. "If that doesn't work, then I'll go to the music business, and compose and write songs for a living."

"Chen said you had a good voice when you're drunk," Lopez replied. "It's good to have a plan. Statistically one in three rookies washes out in their first year. My old boot washed out on his first day, so I think you'll do fine."

"The Jackson West washed out on his first day?" He asked. "He was leaps ahead of us in preparation in the academy."

"Just goes to show not everything can be learned in the classroom." Lopez answered.

"What about you, what's your Plan B?"

"Hello! This is officer Booty boot! Shout out to all the single ladies out there!" The radio blared out over the general frequency.

"What the hell was that?" Sue Cliffords asked from the back.

They returned quickly back to the station where Grey met with them as they processed their suspect.

"It's a tragedy. You can see it on her face when she blew out her knee. She knew her career was over." Grey shook his head as he checked their paperwork.

"She didn't have a Plan B." Lopez watched Sue Cliffords walk around her detention cell.

"You should always have a plan B starting now." Grey replied, staring at him.

"I have one sir, and a plan C." He replied.

"And what career is that, Officer Routh?" Grey asked.

"My boot here is a history buff. He plans to teach if things don't work out here. He's also a musician. He has a degree and everything. Heard it when he was speaking with the captain."

"Really?" Grey looked intrigued.

"He gave a short lecture on the history of the kitchen." Lopez replied. "The captain enjoyed it, and so did we."

"Let me get this straight." Grey folded his arms and looked at him with clear interest and amusement. "You gave the captain, a lecture about the history of the kitchen, and she didn't take offense?"

"The captain looked like she was looking forward to more, but she was too busy with her schedule." Lopez explained. "Boot here has a way with words. You should have been there sir."

"Do you think you can use that knowledge of yours and use it as a way to engage more with the community?" Grey asked.

He was surprised by the proposal, but the idea appealed to him. He didn't have much to do at the moment and nodded in agreement. "I could give a lecture on the relevance of the home and how they connect with how we live our lives today. We could have a trial period on weekends."

"Let's plan this then. Submit a proposal." Grey looked delighted. "I'm sure the captain would approve this."

He spent half his lunch creating a rough outline for the content of his proposed lecture. The second half of their shift was unremarkable. He was listening to Lopez on how she got the idea to apply for the LAPD from a pamphlet when Grey called them for an emergency meeting in the bullpen.

He reached the office area and noticed several dozen police officers surrounding the captain, with a whiteboard behind her. Half the men were wearing tactical gear, and he knew they were from Metro, B platoon.

"Listen up." He had to admire how his neighbor was able to grab the attention of all the officers with her sheer presence alone. "We have the final location of the remaining two suspects."

She pointed to the two, a male and a female.

"The female suspect Severa did two tours as a door gunner in a Blackhawk. She's more dangerous than Bower, but don't underestimate him either. He left a lot of collateral damage in his wake."

The sergeant from Metro stepped forward and continued the briefing. He observed the map, and guessed their patrol group would be assigned for perimeter patrol. Grey gave additional instructions and they followed the convoy of swat units and stopped at their assigned area.

They split off in pairs, and he followed Lopez, keeping a wary eye out for movement. He soon heard gunfire and listened to the progress on the radio. B platoon was engaged in a gunfight, as the speaker on the radio asked for additional support and an airship. It sounded like there were more than two gunmen in the house.

"Stay sharp." Lopez whispered. They both ducked down as they heard gunfire, closer to their location and he realized it was the area that Nolan and Bishop decided to patrol on foot. Lopez decided to follow Bishop and by the time they arrived at the location, the suspects and their fellow officers were long gone.

"Let's get back to the shop." Lopez decided to monitor the situation inside their vehicle. It was a rapidly changing situation, and they both breathed a sigh of relief when they heard Bradford and Bishop had both detained their suspects.

The ride back to the station was more pleasant, as Lopez continued to share her plan B. She wanted to start a security firm, offering her services to companies.

"That's going to take a lot of capital." He observed.

"That's why I purchased my own house as soon as I could afford one." Lopez replied. "The rent in this city is insane. The only problem is I'm thinking of upgrading my property, but the quotes from the contractors are astronomical."

"Why don't you ask Nolan for advice?" He suggested. "He was a contractor and had his own business before he enrolled in the academy."

"That's not a bad idea." Lopez admitted. She parked the car in their designated spot and waited for him to finish checking the shop before locking it.

Chen was happy as she greeted him when they reached the main area. "Good work out there."

"Thanks, Jack. It took some creative thinking on my part, but I was glad I was able to pull it off. Brower was determined not to go down without a fight." Chen replied. "Why don't you join us for some drinks? Nolan said the beers in the bar where we're going are cheap."

"Just don't stay out until the early morning Chen. You have to report for duty tomorrow morning." They both turned to their captain who joined them.

"Captain." They both greeted her.

"It's getting late, so we should all get home and rest." Andersen suggested. "But before you go, here Routh. Just as I promised."

"Thank you, captain." He received the Dodgers ticket and carefully tucked it in his front pocket. "This is for you, as we agreed."

"It's finished?" Andersen looked surprised.

"I finished it during my break." He admitted with a small smile. They both watched as the captain hurried out the door to her car.

"What was that about?" Chen asked.

"She requested my creative skills." He patted the ticket inside his front pocket. "This is payment for that service."

"Uhuh." Chen gave him a strange look. "You're not going to elaborate, aren't you?"

"I'm afraid that's private." He smiled and continued to the locker room after Chen gave the address of the place they were going to go to.

He decided to take a shower in the apartment was better, since Grey and Bradford were having a heart-to-heart moment and hurried to remove his uniform and equipment so that he wouldn't attract their attention.

"This is nice." Nolan's idea was to drink in a bar near the beach. As the tables were full, they decided to bring their drinks and sat on the sand listening to the crashing waves.

"We jog here frequently during weekends." Nolan shared. "You should come join us."

"It was never the same since Jackson left." Chen added. "It would be nice to be a trio again."

"Are you sure I'm welcome? I don't want to step into Jackson's shoes."

"Don't think like that." Nolan slapped his shoulder. "Ouch. Are you wearing a suit of armor under your jacket?"

"Just my guns." He jokingly curled up his arm to show off. This caused Nolan to laugh while Chen hid her giggles with her hand.

"You were never like this in the academy." Chen admitted. "I wish you were this friendly and open back then. What happened?"

He reviewed his memories and realized he was mostly working on autopilot before his consciousness transferred to his new body. He tried to think of a suitable answer and realized the best answer was one closely aligned with the truth.

"I guess I found my purpose here in this world once I stepped into the Mid-Wilshire police station." He admitted. "I didn't have this much fun in Rampart, so this place must be special."

"I think so too." Nolan replied. He held out his beer can in front of him for a toast. "To new beginnings!"

"To new beginnings!" He and Chen tapped Nolan's beer can with theirs and they finished their own drinks.

He was glad he accepted Chen's invitation. Her question answered a lot of his worries about his past behavior. This was a new beginning and he would make the most of the life he had been given here. One problem remained that bothered him- he didn't know what the TV show The Rookie was all about.

The next morning there was a new interesting development. Grey decided to switch up their T.O.s with him being assigned to Bradford, Chen to Bishop, and Nolan to Lopez. But there was a catch. Grey wanted them to find out something personal about their T.O.s by the end of their next shift.

He immediately knew right away that this was a test of integrity and camaraderie among the officers. The reward of a day off for the winner and cavity search duty for the loser only confirmed his suspicions.

"So what's it like to ride with Lopez?" Nolan asked him as they prepared their war bags and equipment.

"Let's just say, it will be an experience." He replied and finished his documentation. "Bradford would push me hard, wouldn't he?"

"No. You? You're the super rookie." Chen answered. She looked the most stressed among the three of them. "You'll be fine."

"Unless, he would try to tear you down and make sure it's not getting into your head." Nolan suggested.

"Thanks for the advice." He replied and carried his war bags to Bradford's shop where he was waiting. His temporary T.O. was talking with Bishop and Lopez and he decided to start the routine inspection of their shop.

"I see you've trained him well." He heard Bradford speak with Lopez.

"Can I just have him back please?" Lopez complained. "We're already in sync, shifts run faster and smoother with my boot."

"You need to learn to share, Lopez." Bradford smirked and hopped into the driver's seat. He quickly followed and buckled up. "I want to see if he lives up to the stories."

"Just don't complain to me if you get frustrated." Lopez replied.

"I definitely won't." Bradford quickly replied.

"Please, you hate losing and being proven you're wrong." Bishop added.

"It's going to be an exciting day." Tim Bradford declared as they started their patrol. "I was glad when Grey paired us up."

"You are?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. It's going to be a privilege to see the super rookie everyone's-" Their vehicle immediately stopped, forcing him to grab into the side handles.

"I've been shot! Where are we boot?" Bradford yelled. "I'm bleeding to death! You have to call for help! Where. Are. You?"

"North Mansfield." He replied immediately. "Cross street Beverly Boulevard."

"Where's the nearest medical facility?" Bradford demanded.

"There's one on Third Street." He answered. "Seven blocks from our current heading."

Bradford turned back to the road and resumed driving. "You're no fun."

They continued driving and approached a vacant lot near the edge of their patrol area. "Had us attached to a raid. I was injured so I was not able to see those vaunted marksmanship skills of yours."

They approached an unmarked maroon car where four men in civilian clothing waited. The four men left the vehicle, with the driver wearing a yellow hoodie smiling as he clasped hands with Bradford.

"Detective Singh."

"Bradford. When are you going to make the jump out of patrol? You're too good to be there."

"Never, I work for a living." Bradford replied.

"Who is this?" Singh asked Bradford as the detective nodded his head in his direction.

"It's the super rookie. The one that made that double headshot." Bradford answered.

"You're that guy? I thought they were exaggerating." Singh replied as he offered his hand in welcome.

"I was just glad no one else got hurt." He shook the man's hand.

"You ready to mix it up?" Singh asked.

"Yes sir."

"Good." Singh turned to Bradford and started his briefing. "We got a known gunrunner two blocks up. We could pin at least three murder weapons on him. We're going to put eyeballs on his place, make sure he's home then we go in hot."

"Let's see that shooting boot." Bradford slapped him on the shoulder and got back into the shop.

They quickly received confirmation that their suspect was in the address and moved out in formation.

"Be on your toes boot. These guys are armed for war." Bradford warned. He followed his T.O., weapon drawn as they headed to the fence while the rest of the team would push straight in. They ignored the dog barking and continued to circle around until they reached the back of the property.

The raid started and bullets started to fly, punching holes in the wooden fence.

"Let's go boot!" Bradford aimed at a suitable location and provided covering fire. He quickly followed and started discharging his own weapon. The raid was well planned, their location allowed for the assault team to fire without worrying about hitting them.

The suspect and his gang returned fire, but they were surprised at the bullets he and Bradford shot from their position. The gang was caught between two firing arcs, and he managed to hit one active shooter on the back. Bradford did the same with another shooter, and the rest of the gang quickly surrendered when they saw some of their men bleeding on the ground screaming in pain.

It was over in moments, and Bradford yelled out for a clear signal, indicating he saw no threats in the yard. Reinforcements rushed in, and started to provide first aid to the gang members who were incapacitated.

"Clear!" He heard Singh yell out and saw him step into the backyard.

"Two down inside." Singh stated. "You guys okay?"

"Yeah. We both tagged a shooter when you breached." Bradford replied. "They were drinking beers in the backyard and were surprised by our ambush."

"Good work. Looking forward to working with the two of you again with how smooth this operation turned out.." Detective Singh added. "I owe the two of you a beer. Come by on Friday and we'll swap stories."

Ambulances started arriving, and he followed Bradford back to the front of the house.

"Nice work out there boot. I'm glad you were not instantly aiming for the head. I thought it might have gotten to you." Bradford replied.

"I don't aim to kill unless there's no other way sir." He replied. "It's always center mass, just as we were trained to."

"That's good." Bradford started to head back to their parked shop two blocks down the street. "C'mon. I'll show you where Singh and his guys eat. They have the best kebabs in the city."

The next day, Nolan and Lopez were able to extract crucial information from a convict who tried to escape from the courthouse. He shared time-sensitive information about a drug deal going down this afternoon in a parking lot. It was supposed to be a large shipment of cocaine, and the captain designated it as a priority. They barely had an hour to prepare.

He and Bradford were assigned to the northern entrance, while Bishop and Lopez were each assigned to the other two exits. Grey would provide intelligence in an unmarked vehicle, pretending to be pulled over by Nolan in a specific spot to allow him a better vantage point to scope out their suspects.

"We take them out, hard and fast. Just like yesterday." Bradford advised him.

"Yes sir."

The situation completely deteriorated when the drug deal started. They all moved in at once, although the driver of the red car was able to get past Chen by running over a sign on the sidewalk.

The suspected men in a Dodge pick-up truck that Grey spotted started to rain fire on their position, forcing him and Bradford to jump out of their shop.

"You take the right, I'll move along the left!" Bradford called out and he nodded and proceeded to find cover along the row of parked cars. His temporary T.O. had fewer cars to use as cover and saw him pinned down by two shooters.

He ducked down as a spray of bullets hit his cover and moved to another location. Nolan and Bishop came in for support, diverting the second shooter's attention. He quickly moved along the ground and saw the first shooter trying to outflank Bradford ahead of him, spraying bullets from his semi-automatic weapon. He lunged and bashed the man's head on a car window, knocking him unconscious.

This allowed Bradford to move up and tazed the driver and he quickly secured his suspect in handcuffs. Just as the situation escalated, it also died down that quickly. Bradford had incapacitated the driver while Nolan pulled the second shooter's feet from under him, knocking him out as well.

"Everyone all right?" Lopez asked.

"Peachy." Bradford replied, standing up and dusting off his uniform and the shards of glass from his hair.

They waited as backup arrived and soon heard news that Bishop and Chen were able to detain the suspect in the red car.

"Good job all of you." Sergeant Grey said as he finished relaying information about their situation on the radio. "Since all three of your rookies performed above expectations, I decided that there will be no punishment for the challenge I set yesterday."

Back at the station, they were all standing in a line in front of Grey in the briefing room, while their T.O.s sat on the chairs behind them eating sandwiches. The captain was leaning on the doorframe, listening in on the meeting.

"So since there will be no punishment, I'll start with Chen. Time to come clean. What did you learn about your T.O.?" Grey began.

"I'm sorry sir I was unable to gain any insight on Officer Bishop." Chen replied.

"That's disappointing. How about you, Officer Nolan?"

"I failed in my assignment too, Sergeant."

"Alright. Alright." He noticed Grey give a quick glance at the training officers behind them.

"What about you, Officer Routh? Any insights on Officer Bradford?"

Since they were just having fun now, and the purpose of the challenge was proven in the operation an hour ago, he decided to play.

"I do Sergeant." He replied. He ignored the sounds of laughter behind him and remained standing at attention. From the corner of his vision he saw the captain covering her mouth to hide her smile.

"Really, what did you discover about Officer Bradford?" Grey leaned forward in interest.

"He's a sore loser, Sergeant." He answered truthfully. The muffled laughter increased and he even heard snorts of amusement from Lopez and Bishop.

"Would you agree with his insight, Officer Bradford?" Grey asked. The man looked to be barely maintaining his composure.

"I…. I'm just motivated to win, Sergeant." Bradford replied.

"I guess you're the winner." Grey stepped back and smiled. "You and your T.O. will get a day off on Monday."

"Thank you sir."

"Sir, technically, I'm still his T.O. until he returns for the next briefing." Bradford spoke out. "That means I win that day off."

"What? No!" Lopez answered.

"Technically, what Bradford said is correct." Their captain joined in on the fun. Lopez groaned in defeat and he felt Bradford slap him hard on the back.

"Let's go boot." Bradford led him to the locker room as they were dismissed. "I want to take a closer look at your bike. Is it modified?"

"All stock sir."

"Mind if I take it for a spin around the parking lot?" Bradford asked.

"Uhmm sure sir."

"Good, I haven't tried a wheelie in years."

It was the first time their training officers joined them for a night out, and permitted them to call them by their first names when they were not on duty. He guessed they had broken an unspoken barrier and reached a new stage in their training.

They arrived at a music bar, where he saw a few other fellow officers enjoying their Friday night. Chen immediately dragged Nolan to the stage to sing her favorite songs where a live band accompanied them and he tapped his fingers to the beat of the song on the table, appreciating Lucy's musical talent.

"So Jack, do you think you'll grace us with a song?" Angela Lopez asked.

"I think I'll need a few more beers for that." He wasn't resistant to the idea and he might as well test the traits he gained in his reincarnation.

"If you sing a song, I'll buy a round of beer for everyone on the table." Angela offered.

"And if you sing a second song, I'll do the same." Talia Bishop added.

"But it has to be a song I've never heard of before." Angela gave him an eager smile. "You told me that was your Plan C right? I want to see a glimpse of that."

"What's plan B?" Tim asked.

"History professor and we already heard one of his lectures." Talia replied.

"Alright fine. Anyone have a pen?" He asked and finished his beer.

Tim gave his and he wrote down a series of chords to show to the band. Several musical artists and songs didn't exist in this world and he decided to introduce them. He wasn't planning to take credit for them anyway. He just wanted the music that existed in his old life to exist here as well, and it would help him feel that this world was his new home.

He waited for a few more minutes as Chen and Nolan finally finished their number.

"That was a blast!" Lucy declared after she finished drinking a glass of water.

"That's the last time you will pull me to the stage." John Nolan complained.

"Relax, you weren't that bad." Angela replied. "Besides, Jack here will perform for us."

"No way!" Lucy exclaimed. "Go! What are you waiting for, the stage is empty!"

"Jack's singing?" John looked surprised.

"Yeah, now go!" Angela playfully pushed him towards the stage while the rest of their table cheered.

He reached the stage and greeted the guitarist, bassist, pianist, and drummer who were taking a break after Lucy's performance.

"Hi, mind if I sing a song with your band?" He asked.

"Sure." The guitarist replied with a friendly smile.

"I'm afraid it's a new composition." He handed out the written chords on the tissue paper. "It's a simple repeating pattern, and I'll have to borrow the piano."

"Be my guest." The female pianist moved aside and even prepared the microphone to match his height.

"Watch out for the cues." He explained to the drummer, but it's mostly a steady rhythm, nothing complex."

"Alright, I'll give it a try." The drummer replied.

He moved to the keyboards and the lights on the stage prevented him from seeing the people at the back where his table was located. He tapped the microphone amidst whistles and cheers as the crowd realized there would be another performance.

"Hi, this song is called Payphone."

[Maroon 5 – Payphone]

Zoe Andersen

"What do we have here? A get together?" She asked as she approached a table filled with her officers.

She decided to accept a Friday night out invitation from her two friends, but they bailed out at the last minute due to an emergency. She was tempted to just go home when she a table at the back filled with the rookies and their training officers.

One person was missing though, to her slight disappointment. She didn't realize the music bar was so popular with her officers and decided to join their table to salvage her Friday night.

"Mam!"

"Captain!"

"Relax." She replied as she sat on an empty seat beside Angela Lopez. "I'm here to unwind, the same reason you're all here. Unfortunately my friends didn't show up and I was planning to go home until I saw your group. Mind if I join your table?"

"Not at all Captain." Lopez replied with a smile. "You just arrived just in time."

"In time for what?" She asked.

"Hi, this song is called Payphone."

She looked at the stage and her eyes widened in surprise. Jack Routh was on stage, and he was preparing to sing a song.

"How did this happen?" She asked as she sat up, happy she had a clear line of sight to the famous super rookie of her division.

"You could thank me later, mam." Angela said proudly.

"She bribed him with a free round of drinks on the table every time he sings." Bradford explained.

"That's genius." She remarked.

I'm at a payphone, trying to call home
All of my change, I spent on you

"Whoa." She heard a gasp and noticed the crowd focus on Jack's surprising vocals. The noise from the bar lowered as conversations stopped and focused on the new singer on stage.

Where have the times gone?
Baby, it's all wrong
Where are the plans we made for two?

He started playing a melody on the piano, accompanying his vocals. She noticed the musicians around him were surprised, standing still and not playing their instruments.

Yeah, I, I know it's hard to remember
The people we used to be
It's even harder to picture
That you're not here next to me
You say it's too late to make it
But is it too late to try?
And in our time that you wasted
All of our bridges burned down

The drummer started playing a beat on the snare and the guitarist and bassist joined in quickly.

I've wasted my nights
You turned out the lights
Now I'm paralyzed
Still stuck in that time when we called it love
But even the sun sets in paradise

"He's amazing." She whispered.

"Yeah" Angela replied nodded.

"Oh my god! He's so good." Lucy Chen gasped.

I'm at a payphone, trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone?
Baby, it's all wrong
Where are the plans we made for two?

The entire bar was silent, as even the servers focused on Jack's performance. She heard a commotion behind her and saw more people trying to enter the music bar all at the same time. They had probably heard Jack singing and wanted to see for themselves.

If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairytales are full of shit
One more fucking love song, I'll be sick, oh

Jack resumed playing the now familiar melody and she felt her heart beat faster as she saw him under the stage lights, sweat glittering on his forehead and face. He really was too much.

She saw Tim was staring at his drink, looking torn and she instantly knew he connected to the song and its lyrics, just as she did.

You turned your back on tomorrow
'Cause you forgot yesterday
I gave you my love to borrow
But you just gave it away

She held back tears as she remembered the horrible time she experienced with her former husband. She quickly rubbed her eyes and continued listening to the song.

The other musicians were getting more familiar with songs structure, and it only added to the appeal of Jack's performance.

You can't expect me to be fine
I don't expect you to care
I know I said it before
But all of our bridges burned down

I've wasted my nights
You turned out the lights
Now I'm paralyzed
Still stuck in that time when we called it love
But even the sun sets in paradise

"Is.. Is anyone recording this?" Lucy asked. She noticed the rookie's eyes were wet. She was obviously crying.

"Since the beginning." Talia replied with a smile.

She made a mental note to ask for a copy from Bishop.

I'm at a payphone, trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone?
Baby, it's all wrong
Where are the plans we made for two?

If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
And all those fairytales are full shit
One more fucking love song, I'll be sick
Now, I'm at a payphone

Ooh, yeah, yeah
Now baby, don't hang up
So I can tell you what you need to know
I'm begging you, just please don't go
So I can tell you what you need to know

It was a bittersweet song, especially the lyrics at the end. She already knew what was wrong with her previous relationship, but still tried to find excuses, unable to bear the thought of being alone. Jack's amazing vocals drew her in.

I'm at a payphone, trying to call home
All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone?
Baby, it's all wrong
Where are the plans we made for two?

If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
And all those fairytales are full shit
One more fucking love song, I'll be sick
Now, I'm at a payphone

There was a quiet pause at the entire bar for a few seconds before the entire establishment erupted in applause. The cheers continued as the musicians exchanged high fives with Jack, and even the female pianist hugged him.

He stepped off the stage and the applause continued, with many stopping Jack to introduce themselves or express their love for the song. Jack finally reached their table after a minute of navigating through the tables and the well-wishers.

"At least we know his Plan C will work." Angela stated.

"Does that deserve a round?" Jack asked once he reached their table. He sat down on the only empty chair beside her and realized he had not yet recognized her presence. Lucy looked like she was struggling not to jump at Routh and hug him, while John stared in amazement.

"You bet boot!" Angela signaled for a server. A girl quickly rushed forward, though her eyes constantly darted to Jack who was wiping away his sweat with a tissue. "A round of drinks for the table please."

"Right away." The waitress replied and quickly headed to the bar.

"The stage lights felt like I was in a sauna." Jack tugged at his collar, trying to let air cool down his chest.

"Here, you can have my water." She offered her glass and Jack nodded in thanks as he drank the contents within seconds.

"Thanks… wait." Jack looked surprised as he stared at her. "Captain?"

"I decided to crash your night out." She explained. "That was a good song."

"Thank you." He replied.

The server arrived with another staff, and they were all surprised when several appetizers joined the drinks that Angela ordered.

"Compliments of the management." The server replied with a smile.

"Remind me to kidnap you if we're planning to go to karaoke bars." Angela joked as she took a serving of the nachos drizzled in ground beef, peppers and cheese.

"You're already making a living Jack." Tim joined in as he started on the appetizers.

"Now you have to perform a second song." Talia commented. "We can't finish all of these without another round of drinks."

"Let me eat first, then let's see. I'm starving."

The table soon got used to her presence and they continued to drink and eat as other singers performed on the stage, using the Karaoke machine while the band took a break. None were as amazing as Jack's performance, and already a few customers from other tables were looking again at their table hoping he would sing.

"I don't want to sing again." Lucy denied John's suggestion to sing solo on stage. "Not after I listened to Jack's performance."

"You're actually a very good singer." Jack replied.

"Really?" Lucy asked.

"I told you." John Nolan answered. "You weren't called the karaoke queen at the academy for nothing."

"Can you make your next song a little more… happy?" She asked Jack once she noticed he was done eating. "I'd like to hear something I can dance to."

"I guess I have to, since it's the captain's orders." Jack replied, causing everyone on the table to laugh.

"You know what I mean." She crossed her arms and gave him her best mock glare.

"Yes mam. Anything for the captain." Jack stood up, causing her and her fellow officers to cheer once more. The other customers saw Jack heading back to the stage and joined in the cheering as well.

"Is he, like an actor? Or someone from a band?" A young woman from a nearby table tapped her shoulder to ask.

"No, this is more like his hobby." She replied.

"But that's such a waste! He's so talented and gorgeous!" The woman declared. "Can I have his name and number? It looks like you all know him from work."

"Sorry, but we value our privacy." She replied.

"He already has fan girls." Angela chuckled and leaned closer to her fellow T.O.'s ear, but her sharp hearing caught what Lopez whispered. "The E.C. effect is at full strength tonight, Talia."

She heard that term a few times before in the locker room, when she used the shower while the other women gossiped around her, unaware of her presence. She knew it was their collective nickname for Jack.

Jack continued to speak with the band, this time writing on a piece of paper as the band members crowded around him. She saw them nod in excitement while Jack appeared to be humming a tune and using his hand to indicate the timing. The female pianist was preparing her another microphone stand, and guessed she would serve as backup vocals.

The crowd started clapping in unison, impatient for Jack's performance. Finally Jack moved in front of the keyboards, now relocated at the front of the stage with his own mike adjusted for his height.

"This one is called Sugar, as requested by my boss Zoe."

[Maroon 5 – Sugar]

Jack pressed a few notes and started singing, but this time the drums joined in quickly with a quick beat.

She ignored the gazes from the people around her as Jack mentioned her name, though she was inwardly amused at his antics.

I'm hurtin', baby, I'm broken down

I need your lovin', lovin', I need it now

When I'm without you, I'm somethin' weak

You got me beggin', beggin', I'm on my knees

The crowd immediately started clapping to the beat, and a few even stood up to move closer to the stage. She was amazed at the pitch his voice could reach and found herself tapping her foot to the beat unconsciously.

He looked like a genuine pop star as he effortlessly attracted attention with his panty dropping looks and amazing musical talent.

I don't wanna be needin' your love

I just wanna be deep in your love

And it's killin' me when you're away

Ooh, baby

'Cause I really don't care where you are

I just wanna be there where you are

And I gotta get one little taste

The crowd erupted in cheer at the start of the chorus as almost everyone in the room started jumping on the spot. More and more people rushed in front of the stage to dance, making the area crowded and she could only see the top half of Jack Routh.

Your sugar, yes, please

Won't you come and put it down on me?

I'm right here, 'cause I need

Little love, a little sympathy

Yeah, you show me good lovin', make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life

Your sugar, yes, please

Won't you come and put it down on me?

"This is awesome!" Angela cheered as she danced on her feet. "Go Jack!"

Beside her Talia Bishop was dancing to the beat, her arms raised up and clearly enjoying the music.

"This is better!" Bradford yelled to the table. He was right. She liked this tone more.

Babe, my broken pieces, you pick them up

Don't leave me hangin', hangin', come give me some

When I'm without you, I'm so insecure

You are the one thing, one thing I'm livin' for

It looked like Jack took her request to heart. The music was fantastic, perfect for dancing and the lyrics were uplifting.

"Let's get closer!" Lucy suggested, and they all headed closer to the stage while the men stayed behind at their table. She could see better now amidst all the people jumping and screaming around her.

I don't wanna be needin' your love

I just wanna be deep in your love

And it's killin' me when you're away

Ooh, baby

'Cause I really don't care where you are

I just wanna be there where you are

And I gotta get one little taste

Sugar, yes, please

Won't you come and put it down on me?

I'm right here, 'cause I need

Little love, a little sympathy

Yeah, you show me good lovin', make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life

Your sugar, yes, please (Your sugar, yes, please)

Won't you come and put it down on me?

She could feel the vibrations every time the chorus came as people started jumping again. She soon reached the area packed with people in front of the stage as Jack displayed his impressive vocal range.

Her heart skipped a beat as she locked gazes with Jack for one moment. She was astonished to see him wink at her and gave a playful smile. Naturally the girls around her screamed louder, thinking it was for them.

Did the rookie just flirt with her? She could barely hear herself think with all the screaming women around her.

"Wooo!!! Go Jack!!!" Lucy cheered as she somehow managed to get to the very front of the stage.

Yeah

I want that red velvet, I want that sugar sweet

Don't let nobody touch it unless that somebody's me

Jack took off the microphone from its stand and moved away from the keyboards to stand closer to the crowd, this time pointing at Lucy, Talia and Angela.

I gotta be a man, there ain't no other way

'Cause, girl, you're hotter than a Southern California day

And I wanna play no games, you don't gotta be afraid

Don't give me all that shy shit

No makeup on, that's my sugar!

He now interacted with the backup vocalist, both of them staring at each other while they playfully danced while singing.

Sugar, yes, please (Please)

Won't you come and put it down on me? (Down on me)

I'm right here, 'cause I need (I'm right here, 'cause I need)

Little love, a little sympathy

Yeah, you show me good lovin', make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life (Yeah)

The crowd started singing along as Jack returned back to the keyboards and resumed playing while he sang.

Your sugar, yes, please (Your sugar, yes, please)

Won't you come and put it down on me? (Down on me)

Sugar, yes, please

Won't you come and put it down on me? (Down on me)

I'm right here, 'cause I need (I'm right here, 'cause I need)

Little love, a little sympathy

Yeah, you show me good lovin', make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life

Your sugar, yes, please (Your sugar, yes, please)

Won't you come and put it down on me?

(Down on me, down on me, ooh)

"Thank you!" He shouted to the crowd and gave a bow, followed by the band as applause erupted from the crowd. The noise was louder this time and it was fortunate that the girls were at the front of the stage as Jack was nearly attacked by the other women when he stepped off.

She joined the group and they slowly made their way back to the table. It was a hard exercise in crowd control, as she found herself being at the front of their group, pushing people to the side to allow Jack and the rest of her subordinates to move forward.

"I think it's time to change venues" Tim suggested once they reached the table. The cheers didn't stop as poor Jack continued to be mobbed by new fans and admirers. His polo shirt was practically torn as people tried to get his attention.

Thankfully Bradford had the foresight to pay for their bill before the song ended and they were able to leave their table before they were overwhelmed.

"Why don't we head to the beach and cool off?" Angela suggested. She liked the idea, the temperature inside the music bar was stifling from the crowd of people packed into the venue.

They quickly rushed out, laughing as Jack had to dodge a few more insistent admirers at the entrance and hustled to the beach that was only a few blocks away.

"I must say, you girls would make for an excellent bouncer team for VIPs." Nolan remarked, earning him four pairs of glares while Tim and Jack laughed.

"I think someone is requesting extra cleaning duty." Talia replied. "Don't you think so captain?"

"It looks like it." She replied with a smile. "Are you volunteering for cleaning duty, officer Nolan?"

"No mam! I mean yes mam!" John immediately replied looking flustered.

"Relax boot."

They reached the beach a minute later, and the group enjoyed the refreshing breeze. Tim volunteered to look for bottled waters and sodas for them to drink and walked away, heading for a nearby store while the rest sat on benches at the edge of the beach.

"Those were amazing songs." Lucy remarked. "I enjoyed the lyrics, especially the second one."

"Both were great." Angela added. "They're like exact opposites of each other in the course of a relationship."

"I think you must have been heartbroken and madly in love at some point to be able to write those lyrics." Lucy observed. "Do you mind me if I ask Jack?"

"It's fine but unfortunately I didn't write those songs." He replied as he fiddled with his shirt. Several buttons were missing and he showed his forearms lined with scratches.

"They're too catchy to be unrecognized, but okay." Angela replied, giving a quick look to her, Talia, and Lucy.

If Jack didn't want to admit he wrote and composed those songs, they wouldn't insist on the subject.

"That must sting." She took Jack's arms and moved them closer to where she could see them better under the street light.

"Those women's nails are certainly sharp." Nolan observed the line of scratches on Jack's forearms.

"I'll take care of it when I get back home." Jack replied. "I'm more annoyed at my shirt. I just bought this."

"They were certainly enthusiastic." Angela looked at the ruined shirt and shook her head. "Yeah, that's beyond salvageable. Sorry."

Tim returned with a plastic bag full of bottled water and soda, and the drinks were passed around.

Lucy wanted to take off her shoes and run on the sand, but Tim discouraged her.

"I wouldn't do that. You wouldn't want to step on syringes or any other crap buried out there without proper protection."

"I see, thank you."

"Addicts also wander here at night." Talia added, pointing to a few figures walking down the beach. "You'll learn all about it if you earn the right to work the night shift."

That reminded her, they were about to have an exam about their knowledge of their rook book and once they passed that, they would start their night shift. It was a tough exam, since Grey has high standards and considered anything below 80 percent a failing grade.

If one of the rookies failed the exam, he or she would be held back, and retrained again, while the rookies that passed would move on ahead with a new stage of their training.

"I'm thinking of forming a study group this weekend." John suggested and looked at his fellow rookies. "Are you two on board?"

"Why not?" Lucy replied and turned to Jack. "How about you?"

"Sure, just tell me where to meet tomorrow." Jack replied.

It was a good idea for the rookies to form a study group, and she was happy with the attitude they showed. She was hopeful they would all finish their probation and succeed with what she had seen so far. As far as she was concerned, the rookies had their weakest link removed.

It was 8 pm, and they started heading back to their cars. Lucy and John left in their own cars, while Angela left with Tim and Talia, leaving her alone with Jack.

"Go ahead, I'll call for an Uber." She stared at her phone and started to book a ride. The entrance to the music bar had a long line, and more people were coming in.

"Captain, why don't you hitch a ride with me?" Jack offered. "You can use my helmet, and I promise to slow down."

"May I remind you of California law of 1992 Officer Routh?"

"We'll buy another one on the way." Jack pointed to a motorcycle shop further down the road. "It's where I purchased this bike."

"No wheelies." She warned him. She was glad she wore jeans this time and boots.

"Yes captain." Jack promised. He showed her where to put her feet and she wrapped her hands around his waist as they took off from the parking lot of the music bar.

It felt too fast for her, but she enjoyed the new sensation, she had never been on a big bike before. Jack had a pleasant scent, and she didn't mind wearing his helmet. He also had rock-hard abs to hold to.

Feeling excitement for the first time in years, she ignored the riding position where she basically had her ass out for everyone behind them to see.

A quick one-minute ride later she was accompanying him inside a motorcycle shop. Jack quickly purchased another helmet, with matching colors to Jack's bike and his own helmet. He also bought a motorcycle backpack that had straps to secure a helmet. She hopped back into the bike with him, with her wearing the backpack. She wondered how her friends would react when they saw her now.

Jack was a safe rider as they made their way to their apartment building, and she enjoyed the feeling as they moved and weaved around traffic smoothly.

"Hey girl! Introduce me to your man!" A group of three women in a convertible teased her when they were waiting for the light to change to green.

She was getting annoyed at their comments and ignored them and leaned closer to Jack.

Fifteen minutes later they had finally arrived at their building. She took off the helmet and handed it back to Jack.

"Thanks for the ride."

"You're welcome captain." He replied. She rolled her eyes and gave him a look.

"You're welcome, Zoe." Jack repeated.

"Better." She nodded and they both stepped off the elevator and headed to their doors.

She dropped to the couch and immediately opened her phone, and waited patiently as Talia Bishop posted two videos in a newly created group chat with Lopez. She played the first song and closed her eyes, listening to the lyrics and music composed by her neighbor. She couldn't believe a man with that talent and looks was living next door. She pressed her face on the throw pillow and let out a squeal.

She was officially a fan.

Chapter Text

Episode 4

He was having fun.

The review nights with his fellow rookies allowed him to form genuine friendships with the two. It no longer felt awkward when he was around. For some reason, Lucy Chen only agreed with a group study if all three of them were present. There was now some strange sort of reversal, compared to his first few days at the station. John and Lucy appeared to be awkward around each other and both were using him as a buffer against the other.

It was interesting, interacting with these two made him feel like he wasn't forcefully dumped in an unknown TV show anymore.

At least he was getting his bearings now with his situation. He enjoyed being a cop. The next discussion among them was what career path they should choose.

"Detective, definitely." John Nolan agreed with him when Lucy asked what his plans for the future were. "That's my goal too Jack."

"I'm thinking of working undercover." Lucy Chen shared. "I think you'd do well in metro."

"Isn't that too dangerous?" John asked.

"What? You don't think I'm capable? Lucy challenged him.

"Not at all." John looked flustered. "It's just I have heard stories… anyway, pick detective Jack. I don't think metro fits you."

"Metro guys have the best tactical skills." Lucy argued.

He let them argue for a few more minutes. "Did you guys break up?"

Immediately they turned to him with surprise and worry on their faces.

"You knew?" Nolan asked.

"It wasn't hard to figure out." He answered. "You two were close in the academy. I've seen the two of you spend time walking together all the time. When I arrived here I figure that you two were dating."

"We were dating." Lucy admitted. "But it's a casual thing, you know? I decided to focus on my career as a police officer first."

He could see the hurt expression on John's face and offered the older man a can of beer to comfort him. He could see he still had feelings for her, and that now answered why Lucy never joined them for rook book review when he wasn't available.

"You two were using me as a chaperone so you wouldn't fight." He stared at the two.

"Sorry." Lucy apologized.

He tried to lighten up the situation and decided to distract John. "Do you want to go out and accompany me to the public library and then drink after?"

"I'm sorry." John replied. "I already have plans with Hawke."

"The Hawke?" He asked.

"That's right. He told me he wants to get back on patrol." Nolan answered.

Nolan and Hawke were tight at the academy. He was one of the instructors that supported John instead of belittling him.

"Where are you planning to go?" Lucy asked.

"I want to check out the National History Museum." He replied. "It's part of my preparation for the community lecture series that Grey is proposing."

"I heard about that!" Lucy looked excited. "I instantly signed up for your first lecture. Can I go instead?"

He glanced at Nolan who gave a slight nod. "Alright, let's pack up our notes. Don't complain if I spend a few hours there."

"I won't. I'm also curious to see what they have on display." Lucy replied.

"We'll go on ahead." He called out to Nolan and left the luxurious mansion grounds where his fellow rookie lived in.

Lucy's car was a beautiful Datsun 280z. Unfortunately it hadn't been well maintained and it failed to start.

"I'll tell Nolan my car won't start." Lucy started typing on her phone. "I'll see if he can have it running, you can go ahead. Sorry Jack."

"I do have a spare helmet." He pointed to his backpack that contained two gray and white painted helmets. She quickly agreed, and a minute later he could hear her screaming through her helmet and she clutched tightly on his torso as they headed to the museum.

"That was a thrill." Lucy looked flushed as he parked his bike. "I don't think I can do that every day, but it was fun."

"You get used to it." He replied.

They spent an hour touring the museum. He couldn't find any inspiration and went to the toilet. After he was washed his hands, he stared at the toilet paper he was using to dry his hands and he suddenly had an idea. He found the origins of common expressions interesting and decided to propose another topic aside from the history of the home.

He also noticed Lucy was fascinated with true crime drama, and he wondered if discussing the history of Jack the Ripper would attract interest.

"Yes! OMG yes!" Judging by Lucy's reaction, he might be correct.

"I'd love your take on that famous serial killer." Lucy continued. "True crime drama has many fans."

After dropping off Lucy, he met with Grey at his office as the sergeant reviewed the proposed topics.

"Yes, I can see a focus on Jack the Ripper to be intriguing, but that's sending the wrong message to the community." Grey explained. "Keep the topics here like the home and commonly used expressions. Maybe we can use the famous serial killer lecture on Halloween."

"We'll start a trial run next Saturday. Tell me if you need anything, I heard the brass expressed some interest in our idea." Grey continued.

He spent an hour on the gun range to practice his marksmanship and finally collapsed on the couch once he got back to his apartment. He was about to fall asleep when he heard knocking on his door.

"Jack?"

He groaned and opened the door to see his captain looking frantic. "Thank god you're here. I need a ride to headquarters. There's an emergency regarding Hawke and the chief of police wants me asap and my car is in for repair."

"Say no more." He stretched and grabbed his keys and backpack and followed after his captain.

Seeing how urgent the topic was, he increased his speed, and got into the main headquarters in record time.

"I'll wait for you." He called out as Andersen ran into the entrance. He displayed his badge to the security desk and headed to the area exclusively for cops. He heard the vending machines inside had better choices and it seems the rumor was right.

He was enjoying a canned cappuccino as he scrolled through his phone, ignoring the other officers who passed through. Finally, his phone showed a message from his captain. He replied, telling her he was in their break room. A few minutes later Andersen came in and sat across from him.

"Thank you, the chief is mad that Hawke is dragging the name of the cops down the dirt." Andersen shared. "He had a domestic dispute with his wife and punched her boyfriend."

"Is he going to press charges?" If the victim did, Hawke's name would be in the system and they would no longer be able to discipline him discreetly.

"If I recall, Nolan is supposed to be with him right now in some bar." He replied. "Hawke and Nolan were tight in the academy."

"Let's go. I've heard of a bar retired and senior members go to." Andersen looked determined. "I want to head this off before it tarnishes the division's reputation. It's only a matter of time before the judge signs a warrant. I want him in custody before it arrives. Playing nice is over."

He found the captain sexy as hell right now and followed after her as she stormed through the lobby.

He only needed a quick look at her phone and memorized the location. Ten minutes later he removed his helmet and noticed Nolan's vehicle in the parking lot.

"Do we log this in?" He asked.

Andersen nodded and called the dispatch on her phone and reported their location and situation.

He followed after the captain, and looked around to see plenty of retired or off-duty cops inside the bar. He spotted Nolan and Hawke seated at a table near the middle and pointed their location to Andersen.

It looked like both officers were drunk and Hawke's cheeks were flushed red as they laughed at their table.

"Officer Hawke." Andersen stepped in front of them.

"And if it isn't the illustrious Captain Andersen." Hawke spat her name. It was clear he held no respect for her and her rank. "You continued to block my application to your division, and you have the guts to come here?"

"I tried to show you courtesy for your years of service but I could see I'm right in my judgment." Andersen folded her arms. "Your wife's boyfriend suffered a missing tooth and a fractured jaw. You're coming with me to the station to get the situation under control."

"And what If I don't want to?" Hawke challenged.

"You have no choice Hawke. Word is the warrant would be out by tomorrow morning. You wouldn't want to be hunted down like a dog." Andersen declared.

Hawke suddenly jumped into action and tossed his mug at Andersen. He was able to pull her to the side and it just missed her head as the mug crashed on the wall behind them. Nolan also jumped back and immediately moved behind Hawke though his movements were sluggish. Other cops now paid attention and a crowd formed around their area.

"You're under arrest Hawke." Andersen declared.

"Is that the lone wolf hiding behind your skirt?" Hawke asked when he noticed him. "So you got yourself back-up, but I beat his ass in the academy. Are you brave enough for a little tussle Captain? I'm afraid your boy toy bodyguard isn't up to par."

"The captain doesn't need to bother with you." He stepped forward. It was clear Hawke wanted to start a brawl. "I'll give you a good beat down."

His memories back at the academy were that he was mostly on auto-pilot. Constantly at the middle of the curve. Average. His new memories with added traits made him a different person today.

"Alright." Hawke greened and stepped closer to him and raised his fists. "Show me."

"We're going to start in three." He made a show of removing his jacket and stepped closer and raised his own fists. "One. Two..."

He quickly grabbed Hawke's wrists and pulled him close for a head butt. He felt a blinding pain in his head but ignored it and delivered three elbow strikes on Hawke's neck as he lay dazed over a table.

Hawke collapsed down on the floor unconscious and he grabbed his jacket from the back of a chair and put it on again while Nolan was able to procure cuffs from a bystander and secured Hawke.

He looked around and saw astonished faces around him and he hid his smile. Reacher was a monster in unarmed combat and didn't play fair.

"Good work officer Routh." The captain replied as they heard sirens grow louder and saw the flash of red and blue lights through the glass window.

"What was that?" Nolan asked. "I've never seen you move like that in the academy."

"Never behave the way your enemy expects you to." He replied. "Hawke and I sparred nearly a dozen times, we all did. I used his assumptions against him."

"What is it with you and possible concussions?" Andersen asked as she checked his eyes for dilation. "Should I start ordering you to wear a tactical helmet Officer Routh?"

Andersen rode back with the responding units after the reports were made and he went back to his apartment. He was glad for his day off tomorrow, but decided to head to the station in the morning to use the computer and printers for his upcoming lecture. He didn't have anything to do anyway and his time was his own.

He was well on his way in creating an outline for his lecture on commonly used phrases when Grey beckoned him to join the briefing.

"I know it's your day off today Routh, but you must learn a valuable lesson here." He began as the officers prepared for his daily briefing. He was the only one in civilian clothing in a sea of uniforms. "If it's your day off, don't show up at the station or else your superiors would see you and make you do things and take advantage of you."

The officers laughed and he earned several pats on the back.

"Notice Bradford is relaxing at his home while you're here because I saw you working on a desk. Who's the smarter man?"

"It's clearly Officer Bradford, sergeant." He replied.

The briefing continued. Grey complained about the night shift leaving a lot of cases for them to pick up. He was about to leave when the briefing ended when Grey asked him to stay.

"The captain told me what you did." Grey explained as he sat on the table in front of him. "Good work on covering the captain from that glass mug."

"How is your preparation for Saturday?" Grey asked. "I saw the sign-up sheet, it's already full."

"Brass is participating too, how about you do a dry run for me in my office? Let's see what you have."

He was five minutes in to his lecture, with an amused Grey in front of him when they were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"What's going on here?" Captain Andersen asked.

"Just evaluating what Routh has prepared for Saturday, Captain. Anything I can do for you?"

"You should have called me." The captain muttered and pulled up a chair and turned it around. She quickly sat and faced him as she crossed her legs. "Please continue."

Angela Lopez

She watched as her boot continued his lecture, and she was intrigued at the expression of interest and amusement of Andersen and Grey.

"Wish I was there." Talia replied. "How's your boot doing?"

"He attracted too much attention." She sighed as she waited for Chen to finish the check up of their shop. "Now I feel like he's my boot in person only. He's already tight with Grey and the captain."

"Don't have anything left to teach him?"

"I'm now wondering if the rookies' scores in the academy were rigged to allow Jackson to come out on top." She explained. "Routh quickly learns from his mistakes, and rarely makes the wrong judgment. I'm afraid it would look poorly on me as a T.O."

"Wouldn't the super rookie's performance reflect on you positively?" Talia asked.

"If only." She replied. "Have you uploaded the video yet? I heard there interested members willing to join the ECGC"

"From where?"

"He was apparently spotted in headquarters waiting for the captain." She explained. "Got a few ladies interested. It only increased after the video with his takedown of Hawke was leaked."

"But what was he doing there in the first place with Andersen?" Talia asked.

"Maybe he lives close by her apartment and she decided ride pillion with him was faster so she wouldn't be late in her meeting with the chief."

"They're awfully close." Talia observed and they both watched the bright smile on Andersen's face as she listened to Routh's lecture. "Do you think there's something going on between them?"

"Captain's not like that." She replied. "Even if she did, I couldn't blame her and as long as it doesn't interfere with police work."

Morning was hectic as they continued to follow up on the cases left by the night shift. Thankfully by lunch things were mostly back to their normal load. She was surprised to see Tim sitting beside the food truck with Routh.

"What's going on?" She asked as she joined their table.

"Boot here is asking me for help for some modifications on his bike." Tim looked smug and wagged a ticket in his hand. "And he just paid the price for my assistance."

"That's a dodger's ticket." She observed.

"And premium seat too." Tim relaxed in his seat. "Nice doing business with you boot. Let's head out once they're finished with lunch. I've got some buddies in motors that could help you with your problem."

Jack left their table and joined his fellow rookies.

"What's with you acting like a buddy to my boot?" She asked Tim. "Where's the Tim Bradford I know?"

"Your boot's doing well. Too well." Tim replied. "We just have to see how he handles failure."

She turned to her boot and realized Tim was right. Jack hadn't experienced any significant mistakes so far. Not that she wanted him to fail, but she needed to see his grit and tenacity after crashing. She was worried, her earlier confident demeanor about her super rookie vanishing.

Their next briefing went smoothly, although there was a complication when Grey mentioned the phrase Ride along V.I.P. She held her breath as Grey assigned the task to Bishop who immediately asked for a sick day in protest.

The deep worry she had felt yesterday grew as she was called into the captain's office and she narrowed her eyes when she saw the chief of police inside with what was clearly the V.I.P.

The Captain and Sergeant Grey looked worried, as the VIP continued to address Nolan, calling him James instead of John.

"And there he is!" The VIP approached her boot who only stared at the elderly man with an expressionless face. "The star rookie with the classic Holllywood looks. Are you determined to pursue this career path Mr. Routh?"

There were frowns on all their faces, except for the chief who appeared to be enjoying the opportunity to entertain the VIP.

"I'm afraid so. Who are you? Jack asked.

"That hurt." The man stepped back as if he was struck by a physical blow.

"He's not a fan of movies." Nolan thankfully stepped in. "This is Rupert Payne. He has directed some of the most popular action franchises in the last decade."

"Thank you James."

"It's John." Nolan replied.

"How about I have these two for the ride-along?" Rupert Payne suggested. "It would be a wonderful story, the world's oldest rookie and the star rookie together in patrol. I could learn so much."

"I'm afraid it's against policy." Captain Andersen stated in a firm tone. "They're rookies, and they're place is beside their Training Officers, to learn how to become real cops."

"But didn't you say these two are some of the finest officers you have ever seen?" Payne addressed the chief. "Surely the two of them would be able to address any danger we encounter when we're out on patrol."

"I did say that." The chief appeared to be deep in thought.

She realized she was whispering "please say no" repeatedly as Bishop nudged her with an elbow.

"Very well, you'll join Officers Nolan and Routh on your ride along today." The chief decided. "I'm counting on the two of you."

Fuck. Her boot was in real trouble now without her to look out for him.

Andersen looked like she was resisting the urge to throttle the chief with the way her fists kept clenching by her side.

"If you'll wait by the bullpen, we will have these two join you shortly."

Once the VIP, the chief of police and his aide left, Grey sat down on a chair and rubbed his forehead. "Fuck."

"You can say that again." Andersen seethed.

"Fuck." Grey repeated.

"Under no circumstances that you would respond to a violent crime." Andersen addressed the two rookies. "I'll check up on your shop constantly. Am I clear?"

"Yes captain." Routh responded at the same time as Nolan.

"Show him procedure, show him and us what you have learned so far." Andersen continued. "Bishop, Lopez, plan a patrol route that makes your shop available for back-up for these two. Monitor their movements."

"Oh boy." She breathed out once she got into her shop.

"Here we go." Talia replied.

They monitored the situation on the radio as Routh's voice acknowledged that they were checking out a 459.

"It's just a burglary." Talia commented. Their interest grew when Routh reported the discovery of a mummified body.

"That should keep them busy for a few hours, if they're smart about it." She observed. Technically they could leave once forensics arrived, but they could hang out and make up some procedure about securing the perimeter.

Nolan and Routh responded to a family disturbance after lunch and she shared a worried glance with Talia. Their concern grew when Nolan reported that a suspect was armed with a knife and was requesting back-up.

"Go go go." Talia muttered. She stepped on the gas and flipped on her lights.

They arrived and saw Nolan pointing his weapon at a large man with a knife, while Routh was grappling with another man on the ground. Their VIP was recording the entire scene on his phone as he giggled in excitement.

Everyone was yelling and she drew her weapon alongside Talia as they moved beside Nolan to cover the rest of the family.

"He started it man! He started it!" Routh finally secured the suspect and made him lay on the ground. Routh looked angry as he wheeled around and faced their V.I.P.

"You think this is amusing?" Before she could stop him, Routh displayed incredible strength and lifted Payne off the ground by his vest. With his height, Payne dangled a foot off the ground.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Payne wailed in fear.

"Routh!" She yelled. She had never seen him like this before. "Drop him now!"

Routh's action's caused the rest of the family to calm down as they stared at the developing scene. Even the large man dropped his knife.

"You made it worse." Routh's voice was like steel. There was a powerful electric feeling around him, like he could explode into action at any moment. "You giggled like a fucking girl at a family in crisis! How dare you?"

"I'm sorry. Please. I'm sorry." Payne cried.

Routh dropped the director and crumpled to the ground beside the suspect Routh secured. Payne stared with wide eyes at Routh as he towered over him, his back against the sun.

"Yeah that's right!" The secured man looked happy.

"Routh back to the shop." This should not have happened. She seethed in anger as they secured the two suspects at the back of her shop, while Nolan escorted the shaking Payne into her own vehicle.

They rode in silence, well mostly. The larger man seemed to have an impairment as he continued to apologize for burning the pancakes. The other suspect was apparently his brother and he tried to calm him down.

"It's alright. I burned pancakes too! It's just that stupid smoke alarm right?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't mean to." The larger man sobbed.

"It will be alright. We're riding with good cops today. Did you see how he lifted that jerk up in the air?"

"Yeah. It was funny."

"It looked like he would piss himself if you held him up any longer." The brother addressed Routh. "Thank you for protecting our dignity, Officer."

She listened to the conversation as she watched Routh drive. She now discovered an aspect of Routh, he had terrible, no terrifying temper when he was pushed to his limit.

She noticed blood continued to drip down the back seat and she narrowed her eyes.

"Routh, you didn't tell me you were injured."

"It's just a scratch, an accident." Routh replied.

"Well you're dripping blood on my shop." She snapped.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" The large man began to cry again.

Once she processed the two suspects, she drove Routh to the hospital to get him checked out and ordered him to stay in there. She then hurried back to the station for the meeting she was dreading.

The Captain was waiting with Grey, while Nolan and Bishop stood in front of them.

"Took you long enough." Grey observed. "Where's your boot?"

"Had to bring him to the hospital for stitches." She reported.

"I didn't know he was injured." Nolan replied.

"How is he?" Captain Andersen immediately asked. "Is he alright?"

"He was bleeding on the ride back to the station. He said it was a scratch." She rolled her eyes in frustration.

"Then let's see the bodycam footage from Nolan first." Grey suggested.

They watched in silence as Nolan and Routh approached the suspect with a knife. In the yard there was a pan filled with burned pancakes while a smoke alarm continued to beep in the background.

"Please stay back." She heard Routh's voice. Between the two rookies, they managed to de-escalate the situation. A family member rushed to turn off the alarm, and once it was turned off, the large man with the knife calmed down.

"You burned the pancakes right?" Routh asked as he holstered his weapon. "It's fine. I did that a couple of times. too"

"You just forgot the bubbles. Remember?" The large man lowered the knife as he mumbled the word bubbles.

"We flip the pancakes once we see bubbles, that way we won't burn it." Routh repeated in a gentle and calm tone. "Why don't you drop the knife and maybe your mom here can cook a new batch with you?"

"Fantastic! Great acting!" Payne came into view with a phone camera. "This setting is perfect! You're perfect!"

"You're making fun of my family?" The brother moved to attack Payne and was about to pull something from his pocket but Routh tackled him to the ground. Before that, she could see the man turn towards Routh, his knife slicing his back in a long arc.

"Let me at him! Let me go!" The brother shouted.

"Everyone stand back!" Nolan ordered.

"Yes! Yes!" Payne giggled as he continued filming. "Show me more!"

"He started it man! He started it!"

"Routh's bodycam footage is next." Grey played the other body cam footage on the screen.

She watched as Routh grappled with the brother and blocked a few thrown elbows. She knew the rest that would happen but continued watching anyway. She wanted to see his boot display his anger and phenomenal strength.

Once he secured the brother in cuffs, he quickly turned to Payne. She noticed the look in the director's face morph to fear as he realized what he had done.

"You think this is amusing?" She heard Routh's voice again, and noted the difference between his normal speaking voice and this. Routh did not increase his volume or shout, but the effect was still menacing to her.

Routh quickly reached Payne and pulled him up by his bulletproof vest seemingly without any effort.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" The brother was right, Payne looked like was about to piss himself.

"Routh!" She heard herself shout. She didn't realize there was a tinge of worry in her voice. "Drop him now!"

"You made it worse." Jack Routh continued lifting the man. "You giggled like a fucking girl at a family in a crisis! How dare you?"

"I'm sorry. Please. I'm sorry." Payne looked pathetic, far from the condescending ass he was this morning.

Payne dropped to the lawn and cried, staring up at Routh with fear and wide eyes.

"That's the end of it." Grey replied with a sigh. "What a mess."

"This shouldn't have happened in the first place." Andersen leaned back in her chair and folded her arms.

"Will Payne press charges?" Nolan asked.

"No." Andersen gave a small smile. "He spoke to me as soon as he got here. He even apologized. He told me to tell Officers Routh and Nolan that it was his fault for escalating the situation. He even put it into writing so he can't sue us later."

"He did all that?" She asked.

"Yes, and he wanted to thank Routh personally for shaking some (his words) god damned sense into him." Andersen replied.

"That will be all." Grey dismissed them and they all stood up and started to leave Andersen's office.

"Lopez, hold up." The captain called out.

"Yes captain?"

"Routh's still in the hospital right?"

"Yes mam, I'm on my way to pick him up."

"Good. Tell him I'll wait in my office after you give him a dressing down. I'm going to suspend him for three days and assign him counseling."

"He really didn't hurt him." She replied. "Is counseling necessary?"

"I'm afraid so, but it is policy. I'll make sure it's unofficial so there would be no record." Andersen replied.

The drive to the hospital was quick, and she found her boot waiting in the lobby. He was wearing his white undershirt, with his torn and blood-stained uniform held in his other hand.

"I've never seen you lose control like that before. What happened?" She asked.

"It surprised me, a memory from my childhood." Routh admitted.

"Well you're going to counseling because of that, and you're suspended for three days. Use that time wisely and see if this is really the career path for you." She stated. "We're held to a higher standard boot, and I was expecting Nolan or Chen to fail before you. It turns out you were too good to be true."

She watched as Routh's face fell when he heard her words. It sucks, but she needed to get tough on him.

"Be thankful it's not going to be permanently on your record, because Payne didn't press any charges. You dodged a bullet." She continued.

"Shit."

"Yeah, your actions have consequences." She snapped back. "Congratulations on learning this lesson."

Zoe Anderson

"Thank you Lopez. That will be all."

Lopez gave her boot a final glance before she left her office.

"How are you doing?" She watched his face and observed him for a few seconds.

"Okay." Routh replied. He looked uncomfortable but continued staring straight at her. Good. That meant he was willing to listen to what she had to say.

"You're a cop Jack. You can't emotions control you. You need to rise above it." She stepped closer to him and tapped a finger to his chest. "That was not your job to scold him, do you understand?"

Jack nodded and looked down at his feet for the first time. "Overcoming that impulse would be the hardest thing you would do at this job."

Jack's eyes looked back at her and she stared back. The moment was broken when her phone beeped an alarm.

"Lopez must have told you, but you're suspended for three days. Use that time to see a counselor for three sessions then report back for duty." She handed out a card containing the counselor's information.

"Is the test lecture canceled?" Jack asked.

"You're not off the hook with that. You're suspended from patrolling, not barred from visiting the station in a personal capacity." She smiled. "How's your injury?"

"It wasn't deep enough to require stitches, but it stings a lot. Please ignore any sounds you might hear when I shower." Jack replied.

"That will be all, Officer Routh. You're dismissed."

She grabbed her bag from the couch and left her office as she followed the rookie. She could see faint dots of blood on Jack's white shirt and realized he would need help in changing bandages later.

She was relaxing in the balcony of her apartment an hour later when she heard Jack cursing, and remembered his predicament. She moved to grab her own first aid kit and walked to his door and knocked.

"It's me." She called out.

"Captain… Zoe" Jack said when he opened the door.

"Move over, I'm helping you with your bandages." She ordered and headed inside his apartment.

"There's no need…" He trailed off at her raised eyebrow. She was impressed at how quick he picked up on her cues.

"Have you showered?" She asked.

"You didn't hear any screams yet, so no." She noticed he was using humor to hide any nervousness he felt.

"Where are your bandages?" She asked. He pointed at a plastic bag filled with bandages and disinfectant and inspected the contents.

"Good, you picked up these water-resistant ones. You're lucky I'm here, they're tricky to apply correctly." She beckoned for him to sit with her back facing him and told him to pull off his shirt.

It was then that she realized her first mistake the moment she saw his back. She was tempted to run her fingers through his broad shoulders and muscled back and willed herself to focus on why she was there in the first place.

Jack barely made a sound as she peeled the bandages on his back.

"This will sting." She warned as she started applying disinfectant to his wounds with a cotton ball. Jack hissed in pain but remained in place and she finally started applying the water resistant bandages. She used it as an excuse as she traced his muscles.

"That feels better, thank you ma'am." Jack replied and stood up and checked his new bandages on the mirror.

She swallowed at the sight of Jack's bare torso, his sculpted chest, the chord of muscles of his arms, and the six-pack. Her eyes focused on the faint trail of hair that started to form below his navel and disappeared under his belt. She wanted to see where it would lead to.

"That should last for a couple of days." She stated and gathered the packaging to keep herself from staring and dumped them in the plastic bag. "Call me if it's time to change them."

"Thank you Zoe." Jack smiled. "I really appreciate this. I owe you a few dinners."

"Make that roasted garlic chicken again." She joked and quickly left the apartment.

She closed her eyes once she was inside her unit and breathed a sigh of relief. Being in Jack's presence was like a drug, she knew it was dangerous but she couldn't help but look. She stared at her hands and remembered the feeling of her muscles under her fingers.

She shook her head, stripped, and immediately headed for the shower. She needed to cool down, but her fingers drifted to her groin and she moaned in pleasure as she imagined what could have happened if she pushed a little more. Her other hand played with her breast and nipples and she leaned back at the sensation of the water falling down her back.

She imagined her body writhing against his, his face between her legs soaked in her secretions, his talented tongue flicking her clit…

She bit her hand as she reached her orgasm. She nearly fell down on the floor and grabbed the walls for support as her legs shook.

"Holy shit." She whispered, breathing hard. She never had an orgasm that was so intense. Usually she needed a longer stimulation time and a toy, never with just her fingers. "I'm in so much trouble."

It turns out having Jack suspended for three days was a blessing in disguise, as she was sure she would be unable to look him in the eye during briefings. She submerged herself in paperwork and was surprised and slightly disappointed that she was done by lunch. It meant she would have time for her thoughts to wander and she had an overactive imagination.

Grey immediately appeared in her office informing her of an incident. Nolan had shot a suspect, an armed robber in self-defense. They both rushed to the scene of the incident and found Nolan standing at the entrance of the room, looking numb with a faraway gaze.

"Grey, I want Grey." Nolan answered when she asked who he wanted for a police companion for the duration of the investigation.

"Why are they hard on Nolan this time?" She heard Chen ask her T.O. in the bullpen. "It wasn't as intense when Routh shot those two in the head."

"Because this time Nolan was alone when the incident happened." She answered, surprising the rookie. "He didn't have eyewitness statements from two veteran training officers to back him up. It will be all on him."

"And we were facing semi-automatic weapons with armor-piercing rounds in that thirty-second engagement." Bradford added.

"Let's just trust the process. Nolan would be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is finished." She continued to her office and waited for Commander West to arrive.

"Let's hope it's as clear cut as you say." Commander West replied when she summarized what happened.

"I'm sure." She left her office, finally finding the time to go home and rest, leaving Grey to watch over Nolan.

It took a great amount of control to ignore the smell of food coming from Routh's balcony but she persisted, until she heard him knock on her door. She made sure her hair was fine in front of the mirror before she opened it.

Routh was standing there with a white shirt, shorts, and an apron. He was carrying an aluminum tray in both hands, containing a half of a garlic chicken.

"I figured you were busy because of what happened to Nolan, so here." Jack offered the tray to her.

She could jump for joy when she saw a good portion of mashed potatoes beside the roasted chicken.

"This is wonderful. Thank you." She replied. She inquired about his progress in his first counseling session, and noted how reluctant he was to share more details. It was a normal response for a typical male cop, as most viewed counseling as a sign of weakness.

As soon as the door closed she grabbed her utensils and dug in, happy that she didn't have to waste time preparing her own food.

The next morning she felt well rested as she entered her office. She had prepared the laptop with the footage. She had a feeling Nolan would visit her and request to see the footage. She didn't want him to view it yet, it was still too early for him. But like she did, they all wanted to see if they made the correct decisions.

Well, except Jack. He did express regret for taking lives, but was convinced that his actions were appropriate in his situation. He didn't even request to see the body cam footage.

Nolan knocked on her door and she invited him and asked him to close the door. The conversation they were about to have was sensitive.

"How are you doing?" He looked like he hadn't slept. His gaze was distant, with deep eye bags under his eyes. She knew guilt was haunting him.

"Good. No. I don't know." He was a mess. "There's something I hope you can help me with. I wish to see the body cam footage of the event, if that's okay?"

Nolan rambled when he's nervous like he was right now.

"You have a right to see it, but I think it's too early for that. I've been where you are. Mine was a rapist instead of a robber. It was in an alley instead of a bedroom." She took a moment as she recalled the events of her own incident. No, she was stronger now. "I understand you want answers, but watching the footage, I don't think you're ready for how traumatic it can be."

"I need to see it." Nolan insisted. "Please."

"Okay." She opened the laptop and turned it around so it was facing Nolan. He seemed surprised at how prepared she was. She moved around her desk to watch the footage with him and offer her support. They watched as Nolan warned the suspect repeatedly. The suspect suddenly turned around with his gun aimed for Nolan.

Nolan flinched at the sound of the gunshot and she reached over and closed the laptop.

"He was scared." Nolan rambled on as guilt clawed on him. "Maybe he wasn't going to pull the trigger. Maybe I could have talked him down."

"Hey." She cut him off before he could continue. "That's not what I saw."

"You think he was going to kill me?" Nolan asked.

"I think you did exactly what we trained you to do when you saw that your life was in jeopardy." She replied.

She assured Nolan that he would have the full support of the department, after the brother of the man he shot was let out on bail. The man was already speaking to reporters about police brutality and that his brother was murdered in cold blood.

Her afternoon was busy, speaking with narcotics division and the FBI. Bradford's wife was joining an operation proposed by the lead detective. She approved it, but was surprised when Bradford stormed in when she was in the middle of a meeting.

She couldn't tolerate such blatant disrespect to her authority. She asked the two agents to give her privacy and rounded on Bradford.

"You barge into my office again without knocking and I will put you on admin leave. Is that understood?" She snapped.

Bradford was upset and she finally allowed him to join the rescue squad since she could see how anxious he was. It calmed him down and even apologized for barging in and promised not to do it again.

The next day was filled with meetings, coordinating with two important subjects that took most of her time. The investigation on the shooting was nearly finished, and she was keeping an eye on Narcotics and their preparations with Bradford's wife, who was a former undercover before her career tanked because of drug addiction.

Grey kept her appraised on Nolan's situation, and read the reports from Routh's counseling sessions. The Psychologist determined that Routh was fit to report for police duty.

Hopefully tonight she would get some well-deserved rest and relaxation as she fell on her bed. She knew of a perfect way to achieve that. It also helps knowing that the subject of her fantasy was just mere feet away from her.

It wasn't meant to be.

As soon as she started with her eyes closed and toy in hand her phone rang. She quickly shut off her vibrator and listened as Grey informed her that Nolan was attacked inside his home and sustained injuries.

She quickly put on a skirt and a blouse that she just tossed on the floor and headed to the door. She was outside her apartment and was about to head to the elevator when she noticed the light under 802 was still on. She hesitated, but then decided to ask Routh to accompany her. It would be good for Nolan to see his fellow Rookie checking up on him.

"Jack, you up?" She asked as she knocked.

"Yes captain?" Jack yawned as he opened the door. "Was I too loud? I was watching a movie."

"Not at all. I'm wondering if you'd care to go with me to see Nolan. I got a call from Grey."

"Of course. What happened?" He asked. He immediately took the pants hanging on the back of a chair with the belt still looped around the waist and started to put it on. He took out his leather jacket from his closet and put it on as well.

"Nolan was attacked at his home." She replied. "I'm going to check on him."

"Then let's hurry." Jack reached for the keys to his bike and his helmet bag.

"We're taking my car. It's safer and there's barely any traffic at this time." She turned around and walked to the elevator.

The drive to Nolan's house was spent mostly in silence with Jack giving directions since he knew the quickest route.

"He lives in the guest house of a mansion owned by his best friend." He explained. "Turn right here."

"This is an expensive neighborhood." She observed as they drove past large mansions.

"Tell me about it. My bike and Chen's beat-up Datsun got weird looks whenever we visited him to review for exams."

They parked outside the property gate since the driveway was now filled with first responders. She could see a few shops and Grey's car as well. The cold air chilled her and she rubbed her arms for warmth.

"Captain, please wear this." Jack took off his jacket and offered it to her.

"Cute." She replied and shook her head as they reached the gate. "But I can handle a little chill."

"That's not it." He glanced at her chest and she looked down and immediately blushed in embarrassment. She realized in her rush to get to Nolan that she wasn't wearing a bra and even forgot her jacket. Her nipples were poking through the thin silk blouse and a gentle breeze told her she forgot her panties too.

She took the jacket and put it on, feeling how warm it was. She was a little turned on at the idea of wearing the jacket of the man she was preparing to masturbate to before she got the call. She sighed and realized she needed to focus and forcibly ignored what she was feeling. She hurried over to the house and spotted Grey talking to Nolan.

"Captain." Grey greeted her but raised an eyebrow when he spotted Jack behind her.

She ignored his look and asked for a briefing on the situation as Jack made his way to Nolan who was being treated by a paramedic for his wounds.

"The brother who made bail attacked Nolan and he had a gun with him. He managed to subdue him and they wrestled for the gun until Nolan finally subdued him. The brother is on his way to the station as we speak for processing."

Jack was still speaking with Nolan and she joined him and sat on Nolan's other side. He was trying to convince him to go to the hospital, but Nolan refused despite the numerous visible wounds on his face.

"I'm fine mam." Nolan replied as the paramedic finally finished treating his wounds.

"Good thing you were able to gain control of the gun." She stated.

"Officer Nolan!"

She looked up as Commander West appeared. She gave a nod to Jack and they both stood up and allowed the head of I.A. to approach Nolan.

Jack headed to where Grey was and she remained close by to hear Nolan's official statement. She listened carefully and even asked a few questions of her own for clarification as the rookie ran through the series of events. Nolan's answers were coherent for the most part, but she noticed that hesitated for a moment when asked if he was alone during the home invasion.

She finally decided to leave once the interview was over and headed to Grey and Jack.

"We should assign Nolan to the front desk to let him calm down." Grey suggested. She liked the idea and gave her approval. "Do it. He needs some peace of mind after the last 48 hours."

"And I don't want to overstep my authority, but we need Routh back." Grey added. "Patrol's schedule is messed up, and we're falling behind our schedule. Night shift is making noise."

She considered Grey's proposal, technically Jack finished two and a half days of suspension and turned to her suspended Rookie. He had one more day to serve, but she could consider the half day he was asked to go home as part of his punishment. "Do you think you've learned your lesson Officer Routh?"

"Yes, mam. I'll do better." Jack looked eager and she glanced at Grey who gave a slight nod.

"Get your badge and your weapon from Sergeant Grey tomorrow morning." She ordered. "Let's go."

She was still thinking about Nolan's statement and it must have shown in her face since Jack noticed it.

"Something bothering you captain?" He asked.

"Nolan. Something's off with him when West interviewed him." She replied. "He hesitated for a brief moment when he said he was alone. The facial marks were there, indicating he was not truthful."

"Chen must have been there." Jack replied, looking out the window. "I saw two unwashed glasses on the sink. Please don't give them trouble for it, they're doing their best."

"Why would he lie about her?" She asked. On one hand, Nolan and Chen lied, and on another, she realized they were just trying to protect themselves from scrutiny and gossip.

"They were together since the academy, and then broke up since Chen wanted to focus on her new job." Jack explained further.

She just thought they were close friends and didn't realize they were intimate. "Then why would he lie about her if they broke up? No one, not even I.A. would bat an eye."

"She must have been there to offer her support and give him some comfort." Jack theorized. "And then when the home invasion happened, they realized they could jeopardize their careers if they were discovered to have been intimate that night."

"That's stupid." She shook her head in disbelief. "Lying for such a simple thing is not worth it."

She decided after some thought not to disclose this new information, and she had to admire Chen's decision to focus on her career rather than maintaining a relationship with a fellow Rookie. She would be a hypocrite if she condemned Chen for acting with her feelings and glanced at Jack. She practically devoured her neighbor with her eyes whenever she had a chance.

All this thinking made her hungry, and she needed to cool off. Thinking about Jack made her feel aroused.

"Do you want to get something on a drive-through? I need a snack, something unhealthy and greasy." A chocolate milkshake would be perfect too, she thought.

"Sure, if you're paying."

He was still staring out the window, though from time to time, she noticed him glancing at her. She looked down and realized the jacket was open, revealing her unbound breasts that were poking through the blouse, and they bounced every time her car hit a bump. She felt her skirt had also ridden up while driving, and she felt a thrill as she felt his eyes on her body. Could she do it?

The tension in the car was thick as they pulled to a drive-through. She didn't care as the man in the booth stared at her chest and legs as he handed out their orders. Was the man able to see up her skirt? They both got shakes and burgers and ate their food while her car was idling in the empty lot.

Their gazes became heated as they ate, and she sent another message as she unbuttoned the top of her blouse, showing more of her cleavage. She smiled and sucked her milkshake out of her straw as Jack shifted in his seat and adjusted his pants. She gripped the steering wheel tight as anxiety and feelings of passion churned within her.

She resumed the drive and allowed her tight skirt to ride further up to her waist as she shifted in her seat, and she felt horny and thrilled at the sensation of being exposed. This time was different, she was setting the pace and she was the one making the decisions. She had control.

She wondered what Jack could see, as they reached their apartment building. She didn't bother adjusting her skirt and blouse as she handed back his jacket, his eyes practically devouring her body. It gave her much-needed confidence and her reluctance to continue whatever it is between the two of them left as they rode up the elevator and walked down to their doors.

"You want to come in?" She asked. Jack didn't hesitate and followed after her.

The door barely closed when their lips met. She moaned in pleasure as his hands caressed her ass and thighs and she spread her legs to allow his hands more room to wander. She stepped back and decided to give him a show.

"Take out your dick." She ordered as she pushed him to sit on her couch. "I want to see it."

Jack obeyed and unbuttoned his pants and fished out his hard penis. She licked her lips and started to unbutton her blouse. "Whenever we're here, we can continue this. In the station, I'll be your tough, uncompromising captain. Can you handle that?"

"Yes." Jack replied while he slowly stroked his already erect dick.

"Good. You like what you're seeing?" She asked, lowering her hands. Only her erect nipples prevented the blouse from opening completely. "Show me, play with yourself."

"Fuck you're so hot." Jack admitted as he began to play with himself, his eyes focused on her body.

She allowed the blouse to fall off her shoulders, baring her breasts to him. Her nipples were rock hard and she felt herself drip down her thighs from arousal.

"You're hot too." She admitted and slowly slid her skirt down her hips. "You got my pussy wet when I think about you. See?"

She got a thrill exposing herself in such a vulgar manner. She spread her legs, and posed for him with her hands on her hips, allowing Jack to see every part of her. "I'll be harder with you than the other two rookies. Can you handle that Officer Routh? Is my body worth it?"

"Anything, just so I can have you." Jack admitted, and she his lust-filled eyes staring at her own.

Jack removed his shirt, and soon his boxers joined his pants on the floor. They took sight of each other' bare bodies, drinking in the view for a moment.

"Taste me Jack." She grabbed hold of Jack's dick and led him to her bed. She hopped on the bed, leaned back on the headboard and spread her legs, allowing him to see even more of her. She spread her lips with her fingers showing all of her to him. She was dripping wet with arousal. "See if my body is worth all that."

His tongue was magnificent and he had no hesitation in diving in to taste her sex. She knew she was loud as she moaned in pleasure, and her fingers curled around his hair as she guided his handsome face to her pussy. She wanted every inch of his face covered in her juice, marking her territory. She wanted him badly.

She reached her orgasm a few minutes later, and dragged Jack by his hair and resumed kissing his lips, tasting herself as their tongues battled for dominance. She reached for his hard dick and maneuvered the tip of his penis to her entrance.

"Last chance." She whispered. "As soon as this magnificent dick enters my body, you'll be mine."

They stared straight at each other's faces and he answered her as his dick slowly pushed past her lower lips and into her cunt.

"Ohhhhhh!" She moaned in pleasure and closed her eyes. Jack started to pinch her nipples and she groaned in pleasure. "Fuck me harder!"

They both grunted as the sound of their fucking reverberated around the room. Wet slaps followed by her groans as Jack increased his pace. She felt her orgasm building once more and leaned over and bit Jack in the neck.

"Fuck! Fuck! You're so tight!" Jack moaned. "Captain!"

"Yes! Fuck me! That's it! Harder!" She encouraged him, as her pleasure continued to build.

"I'm close!" Jack whispered as he gritted his teeth, trying to maintain control.

"Nearly there! Stay with me!" She wanted to reach her orgasm at the same time as Jack. The pleasure was unbearable, she needed to release soon.

"Cum! Fucking cum in me Jack!" She yelled as one of her fantasies came out. "Breed me!"

"I'm cumming! Take it!" Jack delivered powerful thrusts and stilled as he came deep inside her, moaning with pleasure.

"Oh yes! Cum in me!" She screamed as she reached her peak. She locked her arms and legs around his body to trap him as her orgasm ran through her trembling body.

She didn't know how long they rested, but she became aware that Jack was once again hard and he started to fuck her once more with slow and smooth strokes.

"Again?" She mumbled, still trying to recover from her intense orgasm but welcomed another round.

"You're too fucking hot." Jack panted as he maintained a slow and leisurely pace. "I always get hard around you, even when we first met."

She felt pleasure at his admission and thrust her hips to meet his slow strokes to encourage him to increase his pace a bit. "That… that early?"

"Oh yeah. I fantasized about you." Jack admitted.

"Jack… Jack… You should know." She pulled him close to her body and turned their positions so she was the one on top… "I'm a jealous bitch. And I don't like to share."

"Oh yeah?" Jack gave a smile and reached out to play with her breasts. "I don't like sharing what's mine too."

"If you want your cock to remain inside my pussy…" She lifted her hip and impaled herself fully on his dick, causing the both of them to groan. "…Then you only get to fuck me. No one else."

"I was never attracted to anyone but you in this world." Jack admitted. "If I'm yours, then you're mine. This hot body is mine. All mine."

"Then we're exclusive." She grinned and increased the pace of their fucking. "I'm a possessive bitch, and I like marking what's my territory. Now cum in me again, I don't care if I get pregnant. Are you okay with that?"

"Fuck yes. I'll put a baby in you!" Jack grabbed her hips and fucked her hard causing her to wail in pleasure. "Fuck Fuck Fuck!"

"Do it! Cum in me!" She shrieked as she came for a third time and collapsed on Jack. She felt him sucking on her nipples as her lover moaned as he pumped his seed in her.

They fell asleep cuddling and it was already morning when they both woke up from the increasing light through the window. His larger body allowed her to sleep on top of him in comfort, and she sighed in pleasure as she felt his hands start caressing her back. She felt a strange sensation between her legs and realized Jack's cock was partially buried inside her.

"This is the first time I slept with a cock inside me." She whispered.

"It's a first for me too. It's very comfortable." Jack admitted.

"Then feel free to stick it when we're sleeping." She offered, getting turned on by the idea. She was in control when they were awake, and the thought of him ravishing her body when she was asleep was a turn-on.

"Really?"

"Dead serious. You can fuck me even when I'm sleeping. I'm giving you permission." She felt his dick harden inside her. "It looks like you like the idea."

"Are you kidding?" She felt Jack kiss the top of her head. "I get to fuck this hot body of yours whenever I want even if you're sleeping? Of course I'd like that!"

"So it looks like we're a couple now." She smiled.

"Yes. Exclusive couple." Jack replied.

"Now hurry up and cum in me, I need to shower."

She yelped as Jack reached up and pulled her body closer to his. He changed his position, his hand under her knees and carrying her weight, as he slowly moved to stand up. She reached forward and hugged his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist for stability. His dick sank deeper into her womb and she moaned as he slowly walked into the shower with her impaled on his dick.

"Why can't we do both?" Jack asked.

Shower sex was new to her, but it was a fun experience. Jack never got tired of her body, as he fucked her from behind as she washed her hair with shampoo. She swallowed her cum as she gave him a blowjob under the shower. It was a novel experience and she looked forward to mornings like this.

They had a long talk over breakfast about professionalism in the workplace. It was ironic as she was impaled on his cock when they discussed the topic as they both shared a chair eating cereal.

After a passionate kiss, Jack moved to his apartment and headed out to the station first, eager to resume his role as a cop. She already missed his cock inside her pussy. She looked into the mirror as she prepared her clothes for today, an outfit that would get a reaction from her lover but still maintain the professional standards expected of her. She needed to get her head in the game, and today would be the first test in their secret relationship.

She knew it was worth it.