I've been playing with this idea in my head for a while. I love the idea of Luke and Sam being partners as I really do believe their banter brings some of the best chemistry to the show. They have the potential of having a great frenemy/bromance. Combining all of these factors together I couldn't help but explore how this would come into play if Sam's sister ever moved to Toronto from St. Catherine's and fell for Luke. I do not own Rookie Blue although I really do wish sometimes I did because then it would be a McSwarek fest every Thursday night all hour long.
"Swarek we gotta go now," I anxiously announce to my new partner as I walk into our office and grab my gear.
"What's up Callaghan?" Sam responded curious as to what just came in that has made me so amped up. "I've barely finished my first cup of coffee this morning."
"28 year old female at the hospital who was just raped by her husband," I said with disgust never understanding how a man can ever do that to a woman. "It's rare we get these cases immediately after the assault. She did the right thing and came in right away and I want her to know that."
"Let's go," Sam replied as he grabbed his jacket and note pad. "I'm driving buddy."
"Keep dreaming," I respond back with a smirk knowing I already have the keys.
"Idiot," Sam responded.
"Last time I checked you were the last one to earn that title," I threw back at him.
"Hmm, I fixed that. It's back on you now buddy," was all that came from Sam. I didn't respond knowing he was right.
Driving to the hospital we didn't say much which wasn't a big surprise. Silence seemed to be a constant theme with us in the last two months since we've been partnered. After Project Dakota ended I had no choice but to return to 15 Division. Tracy moved over to the financial crimes unit where being a detective was much more of a day job which suited her fine because of Leo.
Sam has only been a detective for about a year now. He made this decision after realizing he was never going to be able to do his job out on the streets if he didn't have some professional distance from Andy. He still worries about her safety of course, but their jobs don't intersect nearly as much, which means his head is clearer to make decisions based on his knowledge and experience and not his fear of losing Andy like we did Jerry.
The look on both of our faces must have been priceless that fateful day two months ago when Frank called us into his office and announced we would be the next big team at 15.
"What?" I yelled.
"No way in hell," Sam shouted back.
Before Frank could respond we both stormed out of the office and Oliver had to physically stop us to find out why we were both so clearly pissed off.
"Oh come on, think of it as a chance to become frenemies," Oliver said to us out in the hallway as we were still arguing about this bombshell.
"What the hell is a frenemy Ollie?" Sam asked perturbed.
"You know Sammy, like when you're enemies with someone but then find some common ground. Think Gail and Dov."
"Stop eavesdropping on Izzy's conversations with her teenage friends," I say clearly accusing him all the while staring at him like he's crazy.
"Hey I don't eavesdrop," Oliver said defending himself.
"That's not what you said during our last poker night," Sam shot back at him.
"Don't try and deflect brother, this could be your chance to give 15 Division the Bromance of the Century. Just think about the possibilities!" Oliver tried to continue but he started laughing and then couldn't stop until we both took a step towards him. This move sobered up our friend real fast. "Okay then, jokes over, gotta go." Shaw quickly stated before he walked away.
"They're crazy Swarek if anyone thinks this will work."
"Numbers must be low again, I can't think of any reason that would make Frank this crazy" Sam spats out. "I think he's had a mental break, someone needs to call Noelle."
It took a few days to overcome the shock of calling Swarek my new partner. Somehow the arrogant son of a bitch that always seemed to get what he wanted, became the person I'm supposed to trust the most professionally, and it seemed more than I could take. Apparently Swarek felt the same way because that first night at the Penny after Frank talked to us, I saw him downing more than his normal glass of whiskey. Andy seemed to find it amusing as she kept glancing at me and smirking until Sam caught her and glared back. I watched my ex-fiance stifle a laugh while she put those long slender arms around that idiot in hopes of cheering him up. I used to long for that to be me again, but after Project Dakota I gave up that hope forever. There wasn't a day that didn't go by during those six months that I didn't see Andy long for Swarek. I knew then it was over without a doubt.
Arriving at the hospital I turned off the car and turned to my partner. "The charge nurse that called in this report said the victim is pretty beat up but can be released after we take her statement."
"Let's do it, I want this bastard off the streets." Swarek sounded pretty determined and focused.
"Now that, Sammy, we can agree on."
"Ya and Hell didn't even have to freeze over," Sam said under his breath.
"Imagine that," I responded letting him know I heard what he said.
Opening the car door I remind myself to take a deep breath as I take my first step towards our new case. It's a little trick I do to mentally prepare myself for the difficult task ahead of me. It's never easy to interview a victim; I much prefer to go after the perp.
Walking into the hospital I'm overwhelmed by the sterile aroma that permeates around every corner. We flash our badges at the front desk and are immediately buzzed back to the emergency rooms. A middle aged nurse rushes up to greet us and introduces herself as Joanie. We quickly learn she's the charge nurse. I verify I have the right information for the victim-Angie Clark age 28-and after Joanie confirms Angie's information including her address we're pointed to room 12.
Swarek follows my lead as I do have more experience with these cases. I've been a little shocked that his arrogance hasn't gotten the best of him, but instead we've found an even balance during our diverse investigations.
I gently knock on the door before I hear a voice confirming that we can enter. I slowly open the door and I'm greeted by the victim lying in the bed. She gives me a half smile clearly unsure of how to respond to our presence. I immediately notice her swollen, bruised, and lacerated face. I see some of the bruising trailing down her arms, and although her legs are covered I know they're injured as well. My hand tightens around the door knob and I have to remind myself to stay professional.
Out of the corner of my eye I see Swarek tense up.
"Sarah, what are you doing here?" Sam asks.
It's then that I fully realize the other female in the room and I can't help but wonder how I didn't immediately notice her. She and Swarek embrace and when they pull apart I see his hands still lingering on her arms. The beautiful woman before me has the most amazing green eyes and long silky blond hair. She can't be any taller than 5'6 and it's obvious she takes care of herself.
"I was promoted from intake at Women's Crisis to being an advocate and meeting with women who need our services," Sarah responds.
I see a look of concern cross Swarek's face and I'm not sure what that's about. Before I can give it any more thought the advocate introduces herself to me.
"Hi, you must be Det. Callaghan. I'm Sarah. Sarah Swarek," she tells me while extending her hand to shake mine.
My first thought was how soft her hand felt and how easily it fit in mine. Then her words that sounded like a puzzle at first seemed to start to fit together. Swarek's sister! I'm at a loss for my own words but I manage to find my manners and shake her hand, and after a few seconds I've regained enough composure and was able to respond. "Nice to meet you." Her smile is so warm and inviting, for a minute I'm transfixed on her until I hear Swarek clear his throat and re-direct us to why we are actually here. I feel like a rookie allowing Sarah to interfere with my job. I drop her hand and I quickly change my focus but not before I notice the immediate loss I felt with her hand no longer in mine. Before I can berate myself for feeling this way with someone I have only known for a few seconds I force myself to focus.
"Angie, I'm Detective Callaghan and this is Detective Swarek." The broken woman before me slowly nods and I assess it's okay to continue. "First I want to tell you how sorry we are for what you had to endure. We're here to help you and make sure your husband is held accountable for what he did to you this morning. We don't want him to ever have a chance to hurt you or any other woman again."
I can see Angie's attempt to respond to me but instead she lowers her head and starts to cry. Sarah immediately holds her hand and kneels down so she's at eye level with Angie. Sarah starts talking to her in a soothing tone, reassuring her she is safe and not alone. I'm struck by the compassion Sam's sister displays for this stranger and I'm not surprised to see a sense of pride come across Sam's face when I glance his way.
After a few minutes Angie is able to regain composure and tell us the events that occurred this morning when her husband, Daniel Turner, came home from an all night drinking binge with his friends. We learn this is not the first time he has forced himself on her, although this is the first time she has really fought back. I'm determined to show her she did the right thing by reporting this crime.
After talking with her for an hour, and Swarek and I taking turns asking questions, we determine we've gathered enough information. We thank Angie for her courage and assure her we will do everything in our power to bring her husband to justice. I can hear Sarah telling Angie she will be right back and then follows us outside.
"Sam, you both need to be careful. Daniel is dangerous and will not go willingly. He's told Angie several times if she involves the police it will be a showdown," Sarah shares with us clearly concerned for her brother.
Sam takes a second to respond and I notice he looks genuinely worried. "Sarah we can take care of ourselves. I don't like that you're so close to this investigation. If he's really that dangerous he's not going to like anyone encouraging Angie to leave him."
"I'll be fine. I'm just going to take her back to the shelter once she's discharged."
"I don't want you going back to her house for any reason understood?" Sam demands.
"Yes little brother, understood." Sarah answers back with a tone of humor in her voice.
"It's not funny Sarah, this is serious," Swarek practically yells.
"Hey Swarek calm down, Sarah's a big girl I'm sure she knows what she's doing," I say in Sarah's defense. Sam didn't like that too much because if looks could kill I would be down stairs at the morgue in one of those freezers.
"Thanks Detective Callaghan," Sarah says to me clearly thankful for trying to reason with her overbearing brother.
"You can call me Luke," I let her know.
"You can call him Detective Callaghan," Sam immediately responds. "Let's go," Sam demands looking my way. Without giving me a chance to respond he turns back to his sister and kisses her on the cheek telling her again to stay away from Angie's house.
Before following after Sam I turn to Sarah, "thank you today for all of your help. You really made a difference with her". Wow, her eyes are mesmerizing.
She seems a little taken back by my words but smiles anyway. That smile can light up an entire room. "Thank you Det. Calla…I mean Luke."
I nod, "you're learning. I promise not to tell your brother."
"He's just over protective, he'll get over it."
"Hmm I doubt that!"
"You know I've heard of you," she says with mischievous look in her eyes.
"Callaghan now," Sam says as loudly as he can from around the corner without having to actually yell. Sarah just laughs but I can't help but be annoyed.
"Right, well I'll see you around I'm sure," I tell her.
"I hope so," she says as she turns around and walks back to the room and then glancing at me one last time, giving me a wink, before opening the door and disappearing. I'm left stunned. Did Swarek's sister just flirt with me?
"CALLAGHAN NOW!"
"I'M COMING." Time to go find Daniel Turner and put him away where he belongs and then I'll think about what just happened here between me and Swarek's sister.
