CHAPTER 2

That Morning 6:30 am

Judy laid there in the bed looking up at the ceiling. She was having trouble falling back to sleep. She was recalling the events from last night. Specifically the three words she never expected to hear. I love you. Those words kept flashing in her mind. She couldn't believe he really said those words. Did he really mean them or was it in the heat of the moment? The real question on her mind was whether she loved him or not. Judy rolled over and looked at Tom. She couldn't believe how peaceful he looked when he slept.

"God even when you're a sleep you're cute." She said softly.

She ran her fingers through his hair as he slept. He started to stir but went back to sleep. Since Judy couldn't sleep she decided that she would get up and make them an early breakfast. They both didn't have to be at work until 8:00 am so this would be a nice surprise.

Judy slowly moved off the bed careful not to wake Tom. She found a pair of boxers on the floor along with a white t shirt and put them on. Judy walked into the kitchen and started to look for something to make. The fridge barely had any food in it, just some eggs, cheese,butter, and a little bit of orange juice.

"Man I have to go shopping. This is ridiculous. Homeless people have more food than I do."

Judy pulled the eggs, cheese and butter out and found the frying pan underneath the cabinet. She turned on the radio and kept it very low so Tom wouldn't wake up. Judy then got excited because of her favorite song was on, Candy by Cameo. She started to dance and sing softly while making breakfast.

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Back in the bedroom

Tom went to reach for Judy and found that she wasn't there.

"Jude…" he said softly.

He called her name again softly still trying to wake up. When he didn't get an answer he started to get worried. Tom got up and put on his boxers and then his blue jeans. He walked over the bathroom to see if she was in there. She wasn't there either. Panic started to grip him as he started to head for the kitchen.

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Kitchen

In the kitchen Judy was jamming to the songs on the radio. She was sing and dancing now to Toni Basil's Mickey. She didn't realize that she was singing a little bit louder then before. She couldn't help but change the words to the song while reaching for the plates for the eggs.

"Oh Tommy, your so fine your so fine you blow my mind. Hey Tommy! Hey Tommy!

"Oh Tommy, your so fine your so fine you blow my mind. Hey Tommy! Hey Tommy!

Tom stood in silence trying his best not to laugh. He couldn't believe he was watching Judy Hoff's dancing and singing in her kitchen to Mickey and using his name. He couldn't let her embarrass herself anymore then she already was. He cleared his throat a little to let her know he was there.

Judy Hoff was just about to sing another chorus of "Oh Tommy, you so fine" when she heard someone clear their throat. She stopped dancing and dreaded turning around knowing that there was someone standing behind her who had seen her song and dance. If she could have, she would have died right then and there from embarrassment.

Without turning around she asked him.

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Not Long." Tom said.

"You were there the whole time weren't you?"

Tom walked in the kitchen and grabbed Judy from behind and pulled her close.

"Not the whole time. I just came in for the Oh Tommy your so fine part."

Tom started laughing and Judy did too. She couldn't believe that she did that and that he saw her.

"If it helps any baby, I loved it." Tom said still laughing uncontrollably now.

"Oh shut up and get those glasses down for the juice and if you tell anyone what just happened especially Doug I'll shoot you." Judy said hitting him on the arm.

"That's abuse you know, there are laws against that." Tom said still laughing.

"Don't push it Hanson. Come on breakfast is ready." Judy said still giggling at what just happened.

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After breakfast

Tom and Judy finished eating there breakfast and saw that it was getting late and Tom still had to go home and get changed for work.

Tom noticed that Judy was very quite during breakfast. She hardly said two words to him while they ate. He kinda figured he knew what was wrong. She was thinking about the three words he had said to her after they made love.

"What's wrong Jude?" Tom asked grabbing her hand and rubbing his thumb on her knuckles.

"Nothing, I'm fine." Judy lied.

"Don't tell me nothing, I know what's wrong."

"You do?" Judy said getting ready to take a sip of her orange juice.

"Yup, it's because I said I loved you last night and you're wondering if I meant it.

Judy almost choked on her juice when she heard him say that. She started coughing uncontrollably. Tom started hitting her on the back and asking if she was alright.

Judy waived him off letting him know she was ok.

"Was that it?" Tom asked.

Leave it to Tom Hanson to get right to the issue she thought.

"Yeah it was. When I heard you say it…..it…. caught me off guard. I understand if it was just said in the heat of the moment. We haven't seen each other because of our cases and sometimes our emotions can get the best of us. I won't be offended if you want to take it back."

Judy knew what she said was a bunch of shit. You don't take back I love you's. It would be like someone pulling your heart out,stomping on it,then handing it back to you saying oops sorry didn't mean to. She would be really pissed off if he took it back but would understand because she hadn't said to him.

Tom looked into those big brown eyes of Judy's and saw the conflict in them. He pulled her close to him and tilted her head up to him. He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. It was so gentle she barely felt it.

"Judy. I meant what I said last night. I LOVE YOU. All the time you and I have been apart just made me see that I want you in my life. Fuck what the department says about co-workers dating. I don't care. I love you and I want to be with you and I don't care who knows."

"Yeah but what about Doug and Ioki? They might be mad that we didn't tell them about us when we first started dating. Harry is my partner and Doug is yours. I feel like we betrayed them" Judy said holding Tom tighter.

"I don't think we have to worry about them. They know."

Judy pushed away from Tom.

"You told them and didn't tell me!" Tom cut her off before she started in on him.

"No. I didn't tell them. Harry was driving by one night to see you and saw my car parked here. He approached me about and when I tried to deny it he told me he was cool with it. And said it was about time. He couldn't take the tension between us anymore. He said he wouldn't say anything to anyone. He just said he will wait for you to tell him when you are ready."

"Oh Harry." Judy said to herself. All this time she thought she was keeping something from her partner but he already knew and never said a word. He was such a good friend. She would have to apologize to him for not trusting his judgment or his friendship.

"How did Doug find out?" she asked.

Tom shook his head and looked up at Judy with those puppy dog eyes of his that could make her melt and she knew it was going to be a bad.

"Well?" she asked afraid to really know the answer.

"Doug, that sneaky bastard got me drunk and waited until I didn't even know my own name to ask me if I was seeing you. I thought he was drinking beers right along with me. But no…that fucker was drinking ginger ale. He put ginger ale in the beer cans he was drinking and was giving me all the beer."

"Was that the day you called out from work puking your brains out? God, I still remember the stench in the bathroom when I went to go check on you." Judy said trying not to laugh at Tom. Only Doug would come up with a stunt like that.

"Yes it was. After I got better and beat the crap out of him, we talked and he said he would keep it to himself. So you see, all our friends are for us. So that's one less thing to worry about."

"Yeah, now only Fullers left." Judy said knowing that would be a hard sell. She knew that Fuller was not going to be happy and dreaded going to tell him that she and Tom are dating and had been dating right under his nose. She didn't like thinking she was playing him for a fool. She respected him a lot. He was like another father to her.

"I know Fuller will be angry but I'm tired of hiding my feelings for you. Whatever happens I'm going to continue seeing you. No general order is going to keep us apart. I wanna tell him today. No more hiding." Tom said with conviction in his voice.

Judy knew that tone in Tom's voice. He had made up his mind and that was that. There was no way of talking him out of it.

Judy ran her fingers through his dark brown hair and looked into those dark brown eyes.

She knew he was right. Fuller needed to know. She owed him that much.

"Alright, I guess we go public today then. Tom, before we do there is something I want to say to you." Judy was interrupted the phone ringing.

She ran to go get the phone with Tom right behind her.

"Hello. Good Morning Captain." Judy said.

Tom stood next to her trying to hear what was going on.

"No sir. You didn't wake me I was already up. You need to see me and the guys as soon as possible. Is there something wrong? Ok sir. I'll see you soon. Bye sir."

Judy hung up the phone and couldn't help feeling like this day was just going to get worse.

"What's up.. what did he say?" Tom asked. He saw the look on her face and knew something was wrong.

"Nothing really, he just wants all of in as soon as possible. He said he will talk to all of us when we get in. He said he left a message on your machine."

Tom didn't like the sound of this. He felt like today was not going to go well.

"You better get home and change." Judy said.

Tom ran into the bedroom and gathered up the rest of clothes and started to change. While he was changing Judy quickly washed the dishes.

Tom came out and quickly started towards the door. Judy opened the door for him and he saw the look in her eye. It was the same look he had like something bad was going to happen today. He pulled Judy close to him and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Don't worry. Everything will be ok. You'll see." He was lying to himself more than he was to her.

"I know. Now go before you're late." She said shoving him out the door.

"But I'm always late." Tom said sarcastically.

"You are impossible, now go." Judy said.

Judy closed the door and started to head towards the shower when she felt a pull inside of her. The feeling she was not sure about had made itself absolutely clear. She felt the feeling creep up and the words were sitting there on her lips. Something inside of her said run to the door stupid and tell him now.

Judy quickly ran out side not caring that she was still in Tom's t-shirt and boxers. She saw that he was jut about to pull out the driveway when she frantically called his name.

"TOM! WAIT!" she yelled.

Tom was just about to leave when he saw Judy frantically run out of her apartment calling his name. He quickly stopped the car. Got out and ran towards her.

"Judy! What's wrong baby! What is it?!" Tom yelled.

Judy ran up to him out of breathe and barely got out what she needed to say.

"I..love..you.." She said winded.

"What did you say" Tom asked.

"I said. I love you too." Judy said catching her breath.

Tom couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't think she was ready to say it yet. He felt his eyes starting to sting with tears.

"Judy, not that I'm not glad you are telling me this but, why now? Couldn't this have waited until later? Say, when you're not in my boxers and t-shirt in broad daylight?" Tom said looking around hoping no one saw the crazy lady running out of her apartment in only a t-shirt and boxers.

"I don't care. Besides you said I looked good in them anyway but, to answer your question. No. It couldn't have waited. Something inside me said tell him now how you fell because you might not get the chance again. I love you Tom Hanson. I should have said it last night and I'm sorry I didn't but I'll say it again now. I love you."

Tom was so happy he picked Judy up and started swinging her around and giving her kisses. Judy eeked in delight as Tom swung her around.

"Ok. Now you really have to go otherwise we will both be late." Judy said as Tom put her down.

Tom ran to his mustang and took one last look at Judy and mouthed the words I love you.

She said it back then ran back inside as he quickly sped off.

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At the chapel

Doug and Ioki were already there waiting for the others to get there. Doug walked over to his desk and sat down while Ioki sat on Doug's desk watching the door for Hanson and Hoffs.

"Hoff should have been here by now. It's not like her to be this late." Harry said.

"What are you talking about Harry? She still has 15 minutes to get here. Maybe she and Han…" Doug cut himself off forgetting that he wasn't supposed to tell.

Harry couldn't help but turn the screws to Doug. He knew what was going on but still thought it would be fun to make Doug squirm a little.

"Wait, Doug. What were going to say? Harry asked.

Doug tried to think fast.

"Maybe she and Hanson got caught in traffic and that's why she is so late? Doug said thinking that should be good enough to throw off Harry.

"So, they are riding together then in the same car?" Harry asked leaning in closer to Doug. Harry could see Doug was trying to come up with something but his mind was drawing a blank. He saw a bead of sweat come down his face. Harry almost lost it but kept going with is interrogation.

"So Dougie…." Harry said getting up off of Doug's desk and walking behind him.

"How long have you known?"

Doug started to feel a little hot under the collar. Another bead of sweat started to trickle down his face. He tried to avoid direct eye contact with Ioki. He knew if he looked into his eyes he was done for.

"How long have I know about what?" Doug said with his voice shaking still pretending not to know what Harry was talking about.

"C'mon Doug, you know what I'm talking about." Harry said.

"No Harry I don't." Doug said still not making eye contact.

"You know you wanna spill Doug. It's been gnawing at you. You wanna tell someone but you can't because you think Hanson will be mad at you." Harry said smoothly putting all his interrogation skills to work.

"There is nothing to tell Ioki. When Hanson wants to tell you he will." Doug said thinking that was the end of it.

"So he is seeing Hoffs!" Harry said slamming his hand down on the table.

"I didn't say that he was." Doug stammered out while looking Ioki in the eye. He knew then that he had made a big mistake and knew he was going to crack at any minute

"But you did say that he would tell me when he wants to. So that means he is seeing Hoffs. Just admit you know Doug. Just admit it!"

Doug knew he was beat and sang like a canary. "Ok. Ok. Yes, they are seeing each other. They have been together for three month. There, are you happy now?"

Harry patted his friend on the back. "See doesn't that feel better? You feel that weight off your shoulders? Feels good right?"

Doug shook his head yes while he hung his head in shame for being so easily broken and letting Ioki know his best friends secret. How was he going to tell Tom?

Just then Tom walked through the door. He was walking towards his desk and Doug could feel his stomach crunching. When Tom sat down and took his jacket off, Doug knew he should just get it over with. He knew he should just tell Tom before he found out that he betrayed his trust.

"Hey man. Listen I just wanted to let you know first that. I messed up man and I'm sorry." Doug said unable to look his friend in the eye.

"Doug, what are you talking about? Tom asked.

"I'm so sorry man. I didn't mean too. It just came out?" Doug said shaking his head.

"Doug! Focus! What the hell are you talking about? You didn't mean what? Tom asked getting a little annoyed.

"Man, I told Ioki about you and Hoffs. He just kept nagging and nagging. I tried to deny it at first and then I looked into his eyes and that was it man. I couldn't take it anymore and I spilled it all." Doug said hitting his head on the desk.

When he looked up expecting to see his best friend upset with him all he saw was Tom starting to laugh. The he heard the laugh come out. Maybe Tom's so mad he's gone crazy Doug thought.

"What's so funny man? I just told you I told Ioki. Aren't you mad at me?" Doug asked still trying to figure out what was so damn funny.

By now Tom was in tears from laughing so hard. He finally was able to pull himself together to say what he needed to tell Doug.

"Harry knew." He said still laughing.

"What?" Doug said.

"Oh man, he got you good. Harry knew before you did." Tom started laughing again when saw Doug's face turned a bright red.

"HARRRY!!!" Doug yelled as he leapt out of his chair to kill Ioki.

Ioki was laughing with Tom when he saw a huge Doug Penhall running after him.

"Oh Shit!" Harry said just before Doug was able to get a good grip on his jacket.

Harry started running towards the front door and almost ran into Judy as she was coming in.

"Hi Judy! Bye Judy!" Harry said as he ran past her trying to stay ahead of Doug.

"Hi Judy, I have to go kill you partner but I'll be right back". Doug said as he was running out the door.

Judy shook her head and walked over to her desk. She took her jacket off and sat down and looked over to Hanson's desk but he wasn't there. She figured he must be running late. Then she heard a familiar voice come from behind her.

"Hey beautiful, were you looking for me? Tom asked a startled Judy.

Tom moved from behind her which was a good thing because what ever perfume she was wearing was driving him crazy. He sat on her desk and looked into those deep chocolate eyes of hers.

"As a matter of fact I was. I always try and steal a glance from you." Judy said grabbing his hand her thumb rubbing his knuckles.

"Oh Miss Hoff's are we violating a general order? I believe that's sexual harassment. I might have to punish you later? Tom said wickedly

"What did you have in mind?" Judy said but before she could hear Tom's answer there moment was interrupted by Fuller yelling there names.

"HANSON, HOFFS in my office now! And where are Doug and Harry?" Fuller asked.

"I'm right here sir." Harry said running back inside with Doug no where insight.

"You might wanna give Doug another few minutes sir, he was right behind me."

Fuller just shook his head and waived the rest of them in his office. Sometimes he couldn't believe they were adults.

Everyone found there normal places inside Fullers office. Judy and Harry were on the couch. Hanson stood by the filing cabinet not really liking to sit down and Doug who was just now coming in out of breath took his seat right by the book case in the captain's office.

"Ok Cap. We're all here, why the early meeting?" Hanson said

"Well Hanson. Since you're so eager to know I'll just jump right in. That's if you don't mind?" Fuller said with a smile.

"That's fine with me sir. You may proceed." Hanson said waving his hand in approval.

"Don't test me today, son. Today is not the day for wise cracks." Fuller said with a very serious tone.

"Sorry sir." Tom said

"Now, I'm going to start with the good and then get to the bad news." Fuller said

Everyone shifted a little when Fuller said there was going to be bad news.

"Now listen up people. The Chief has decided to change one of our policies on dating in the department. He has decided that on a temporary basis he is going to allow officers to date each other. The catch is that you have to inform your superiors who you are dating so that there is no chance a sexual harassment suit will be filled against the department. So if any of you are thinking about dating someone in the department come see me and I will have you fill out this lovely form." Fuller said holding up the form.

Tom and Judy quickly look at each other and they both knew that after this meeting they would be filling out forms with Fuller.

Fuller caught the look between the two but didn't say anything because he figured he'll find out today if there was something between them.

"Now for the bad news, you all know the department has been having some man power issues on the road. They are pulling people from all over the department and putting them back on the road. I just found out this morning that one of you will be going back to the road."

Fuller took a deep breath before saying who the person was because he knew that all hell was going to break loose starting with Hanson when he announced who it was.

"I'm sorry Judy. Your name was pulled."

Before Fuller could go on the whole room erupted like an angry volcano.

"That's bullshit Captain and you know it!" Hanson said.

"Hanson." Judy said

Tom was so pissed right now he couldn't even hear Judy call his name.

"Tom! Just let the Captain finish what he was going to say." Judy said trying to calm the situation down.

Tom focused in on her voice and nodded his head.

"Thank you Hoffs. The reason why you were picked is because your service record is exemplary and frankly they need strong women on the road. I'm not going to lie, Hoffs I'm not happy with you leaving us. I fought tooth and nail to keep you but I was over ruled by some higher up jackass. I was a least able to use some of my pull to get you on a good squad with a good LT."

Judy listened to her Captain and took in what he said and knew there was nothing she could do. She was never one for disobeying orders well except with dating Tom. Judy as always would be the good officer she was and except her new assignment no matter how much she knew Tom didn't like it.

"Captain, how long will I be gone for? And when do I report to my new assignment? Judy asked feeling Tom stare at her without even looking at him.

"Your assignment is only supposed to last for 3 weeks and you report to Lt. Anderson down at Metro South."

"Metro South? I heard that place is a shit hole." Doug said

"Thank you Doug for your colorful commentary. Look Judy, they are starting to try and clean up the area. That's why they need good cops down there. Now if I thought that you would be in danger there Iwould pull you but I think you have a good head on your shoulders and could make a difference while you are there. I think in the end this will be a good experience for you. Just try and make the best of it. So with that you start your assignment Friday. You'll be on evening shift from 6pm -2am"

"Friday, that's 2 days from now? I don't even know if my uniform still fits me." Judy said still getting used to the idea of going back to the road.

"I know its short notice Hoffs so I'm giving you the next 2 days off to get ready for Friday. Don't worry about your cases we'll take care of them. You just take care of yourself out there on the road. Alright everyone dismiss."

Tom stormed out of the office before Judy had a chance to talk to him. Judy excused herself from the office to look for Tom.

Judy walked out side and found him standing by his mustang with his keys in his hand.

She knew Tom was more that just pissed. He was off the charts mad. She could see it in his whole face. She knew she would be taking her chances walking over but knew she had to make him understand.

"Hey." She said standing in front of him.

Tom wouldn't look in her direction. Gently Judy touched his face and brought his eyes back to hers.

"Tom. Please tell me what you are feeling?" Judy said in small voice

"What am I feeling? I'm feeling like this is bullshit! I'm feeling like this is not fair. I'm feeling like I'm going to loose you because I'm not there to back you up. I'm feeling scared and angry at the same time. It's not right. That's what I feeling!"

All Tom could imagine was Judy in uniform and getting hurt or even killed. He didn't like the fact that we wouldn't be there to back her up. That none of them would. They were a team both in the field and now in their personnel lives. He just couldn't shake the feeling that he was going to loose her like his dad and Amy. I can never have anything good for long he thought.

Judy walked closer to Tom and took his hand in hers.

"Baby, I feel the same way. Your right this is bullshit and I'm scared and angry too. I don't wanna leave you guys and the chapel. You're my family, I love you guys. But Tom, we're cops. We are here to serve and protect no matter if we wear the uniform or not. We know that sometimes we have to go places that we don't want. It's just part of the job. So please don't make this any harder then it has to be. You are not going to loose me. I promise." Judy said with her voice cracking.

Tom looked at Judy's face and saw tears streaming down her face. Now he felt like shit because he made her cry. He never wanted to be the one who caused her pain and now he was doing it. Tom pulled Judy into a hug and she started to cry even harder.

"Honey, I'm so sorry. You're right. I didn't mean to make cry. I'm an ass. I got so wrapped up in my feelings and I forgot how this is affecting you. Please don't cry any more." He said gentle caressing her back.

Judy looked into eyes and saw that he was hurting just as much as she was. Just then Judy had an idea.

"Listen. I don't wanna loose you and you don't wanna loose me. So we won't. I'm going to call you as often as I can while on the road and even leave you a key under my door mat so you can come into my apartment whenever you want. And, if you play nice with the Captain maybe he can get you an extra Pac set so you can hear me on the radio and know I'm ok. What do you think of that? Judy asked

"It sounds like you thought of everything. How can I stay angry when I look into your beautiful eyes, their telling me we are going to be ok. I will also leave a key for you under my mat. Well scratch that. Doug will probably find it and be letting himself in at all hours of the night. Can't have that so, I will just have a key made for you to put on you key chain. Ok?" Tom said wiping away the tears from her eyes.

"Sounds good to me, now come on back inside we have something to take care of." Judy said dragging Tom behind her.

"Take care of what?" Tom whined.

"Paperwork, so I can sexual harass you with out getting into trouble" Judy giggled

"Oooo…I like the sound of that Miss Hoffs".

Tom picked up Judy cave man style and swung her around on his back and ran into the building with her.

10 minutes later they were official a couple.

A/N: I hope you are enjoying the story. There is still more to come. Please review. Thank You.