It was half one in the morning and Jake Peralta woke to a banging on his front door. 'Jake it's me, I need to talk to you'. He instantly recognised the voice of his partner Amy Santiagio and immediately felt himself bristle. His mind went back just a few hours to when he was sat at Shaw's all alone waiting for Amy. They'd agreed to go on their first proper date that evening, finally after months and months of sexual tension and chemistry. He had been so nervous and excited but she had stood him up.
'You made your feelings clear earlier Amy. Just go away' he shouted through the door. When it was clear she wouldn't take no for an answer he yanked it open whilst demanding 'where were you? You could have just text me that…' As he caught sight of his partner his rant trailed off 'Jesus. What happened? Are you okay? We need to go to the hospital'
'Jake I'm fine. I had to come and explain to you. I promise I didn't mean to stand you up. I was on my way to the bar when someone shouted that a child was hurt in this alley. It was a lie though, they just wanted to get me off the street to get my purse' Amy said all this without looking at him, a slight tremble in her voice. As she stood eyes cast down towards the floor, blouse torn and bloody and hair wild and tangled. 'I'm so sorry Jake It was all my fault, I was so stupid'.
Jake had just frozen, unable to believe what he was seeing. He had seen Amy in many different ways over their years as partners but never like this; she was always so neat and put together 'No, it's not. Come in and we can talk' Jake murmured reaching out to grasp her arm and tug her gently over the threshold and into his living room. Steering her towards the sofa he finally got a glimpse of her face. A large bruise was already visible under her left eye and it was clear she had been crying. 'Do you want to tell me what happened Ames?'
She looked up and finally met his gaze, biting her lip. 'I was so stupid Jake, I'm a cop. I should know how to avoid this stuff, but I really thought a kid was hurt and I just went down the alley. It would have been fine but when he grabbed my purse I fought him. Only he wasn't alone and they had knives so there was no way I was going to beat them. I reckon if it was just me and him hand to hand I could have taken him mind' she added with a wry smile. 'I think I passed out and when I came round they were gone and had taken my purse which had my phone in. I didn't know what the time was but figured since I was always early and you are always late I'd be able to catch you so I got up and was just on the main sidewalk heading to Shaws but I felt super dizzy and think I passed out again. Next thing I can remember someone had called 911 and I was in the ER. I asked them to call the bar at the hospital but by this time it was gone twelve so you were long gone. I tried calling your number but couldn't remember it right. They patched me up but because I didn't have my wallet or keys I couldn't get home and I knew anyway that i needed to explain to you so I walked over here and here I am. Honestly Jake I'm so sorry I know this must have been awful for you'.
Jake was shocked. He couldn't believe that after all this she was just worried about him. 'No Ames, I'm fine, this wasn't your fault at all. We will catch these guys I promise, and tonight you can stay here. I'll find you something to change into.' His mind was already running through the next steps he would take to make sure his partner was okay.