A/N: With Ike on its way, I don't know when I'll be able to update again but please be patient and keep everyone down here in your thoughts and prayers


A/N: With Ike on its way, I don't know when I'll be able to update again but please be patient and keep everyone down here in your thoughts and prayers!

Chapter Four

"So how are you coming?" Fuller asked the two officers before him.

Tom had taken Judy back up to Jump Street after first taking her back to his place. Currently, she and Ioki were standing in Fuller's office relaying the new details of the case to him.

"I met with Rodger today," Judy was the first to speak, "He shared some interesting information with me like how his dad is putting all this stress on him to be a better football player and how he takes things to help him ease up before a game."

"Good job," Fuller nodded with recognition, "And Ioki? How are you coming?"

"We have a job tonight. I think I can take these guys in tonight if I just had some back up."

"Tonight?" Fuller raised an eyebrow, "Excellent work, Ioki! I will get you some backup. What time is the meet?"

"Eleven tonight at the south-side park."

"Great. I know you two will be relieved to have this case shut."

"Very much so," Judy smiled at her Captain, "Will you need me tonight?"

"No," Fuller shook his head, "It's best you get some sleep and just rest…"

"Really, Captain, I am capable of doing my job despite all of this…"

"Judy, you've always been one to follow orders, so follow this one: get some rest!"

"But Captain…"

"I mean it, Judy. You look completely bushed. Best get some rest and leave the bust to us."

"Yes sir," Judy mumbled.

"And Judy?"

"Yes, Captain?"

"Make sure Hanson gets some rest as well. I will hear back from the lab tomorrow on the finger prints and handwriting. Then everything gets shipped off to seven. I don't want you or Hanson to worry, alright? I am sure unit seven will do whatever they see fit."

"I know," Judy nodded, smiling weakly at her boss before exiting his office and heading over to where Tom was waiting for her. He was leaning up against a wall with his arms crossed across his chest and foot pressed against the wall.

"You ready?" He asked.

"Yeah. Ioki's shutting the case tonight."

"How are you with that?"

"I want to be there. This is my case too, you know!"

"Jude…" Tom couldn't help but smile at her remark, "You need to get some rest. This has been a very stressful time for you…"

"You sound like Fuller."

"Oh God!" Tom made a face causing Judy to laugh, "There's that smile!" Tom grinned, lightly punching Judy in the arm, "Come on, let's gedotta 'ere."

"Hanson?"

"Hmm?" Tom raised an eyebrow.

"Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome."

The ride to Hanson's apartment was silent. He didn't even turn the radio on which Judy knew indicated he was troubled as well. She glanced at the clock on the dash. In just a few hours, Harry would be making the bust – her bust!- without her. Judy couldn't help but feel sick to the stomach at the very thought. Judy tried to shake the idea from her head as they pulled up to the apartment complex.

"Home sweet home, huh?" Tom asked pulling his Mustang into the parking lot.

"At least for now. I just want to get back to my own home, no offense."

"Understandable. Maybe tomorrow after we get the info back on the roses and note."

"Yeah," Judy nodded as she silently followed Tom up the stairs to his apartment, "Looks like UPS left you something."

"I didn't order anything," Tom bit his lip as he lifted the box and carried it in to his apartment.

Judy placed her purse on the counter as Tom began to unwrap the brown paper. He was chewing on his lower lip as he lifted a box from the wrapping.

"What is it?" Judy urged.

"I don't know. Haven't opened it yet." Tom pulled the lid off the box and cursed upon seeing what was inside. Inside the box lay a doll with the head cut off and a note attached.

"What is it?" Judy asked, coming closer to see the contents of the box, "Oh my God!"

"There…there's another note." Tom lifted the piece of paper from the box and began to read: "You can run but you can't hide, Judy Marie Hoffs. I know you. I see you."

--

"Relax, okay?" Judy smiled, shaking her head as she took the note from Tom, "It's just another prank."

"No it isn't Jude. This is some scary shit. I don't know what's going on but I don't like it one bit."

"Tom…"

"Judy, come with me. We're taking you downtown."

"Downtown?" Judy laughed, "Tom what will we do down there? Talk to police? We are the police! Beside, Fuller said we'll get the results tomorrow and we'll go from there."

"You don't have to do this Judy."

"Do what?" Judy asked as Tom came near her.

"You don't have to do this. Not to me," he pulled her into a hug and held tightly on to her, vowing to himself he'd never let go, "You don't have to pretend you're fine around me."

"It's easier that way," Judy answered.

"No it isn't," Tom shook his head, "It isn't."

--

"Fuller, please!" Judy rolled her eyes, "Don't do this."

"I'm sorry Jude, but it's the only way. You are going to have to leave until we get this all cleared up…"

"I can't! I have cases…"

"Your life is more important. Now, this guy might just be harmless but I don't want to take the chance – not after this last confrontation."

"I'll be fine…"

"If you say that one more time, Judy I swear to God I'll…"

"Hanson!" Fuller snapped, "Now is not the time. Look, I suggest a vacation. Go visit family, friends! Just get away."

"I can't…"

"You bet your ass you can!" Hanson was shouting now, "Look, I'm not taking any more chances. You're outta here tonight."

"Hanson don't be ridiculous!"

"Me?" Tom chocked, "Me? Judy, I'm not the one who wants to stay while there's a freakin' stalker following me!"

"Hanson, don't…"

"No, Judy. Look, I am telling you – ordering you – to leave."

"You can't do that!" Judy shouted back.

"No, but I can," Fuller stepped in, "Now, you better pack your bags or I'll suspend you!"

"I feel like I'm in high school again being grounded by my father!"

"Believe me," Tom warned, "I'll be ten times worse than your father if something happened to you all because you decided to stay here!"

"Nothing is going to happen to me."

"And if it does?" Tom asked, "I'm not taking any chances with you, Judy."

"Hanson…"

"Please, go visit some family. I'm sure they'll appreciate the visit and ol' Cap over here and I'll take care of it."

"It's unit seven's job."

"So?" Tom shrugged, "I'm a McQuaid. We don't play by the rules. We'll get this taken care of as soon as possible."

"It's just…I don't want to leave. I feel like I'm running away from my problems."

"Judy," Fuller intervened, "It's not cowardice. It's caution and everyone that has a head on their shoulders knows the importance of caution. Besides, think of it as a day off – a three day weekend!"

"Fuller…"

"Judy," Fuller glared sharply at the young officer before him, "I don't want to see anything happen to you. Too much paperwork on my part."

"And if there's paperwork, he'll make me fill it out and I really am not in the mood," Tom smirked.

"Alright," Judy sighed, "What choice do I have? Hanson, take me to my place and I can pack my things and drive up to Otawatta to see my parents. Deal?"

"Deal."

--

"Is that all?" Tom asked as Judy placed a pair of shoes on top of the other items packed away neatly in her suitcase.

"Yeah," she nodded, "I think."

"Come on, I'm not doing this to punish you."

"I know," Judy sighed, "But it feels like it."

"We just don't want to see you hurt is all. Too much paperwork."

"You're worried and you know it!" Judy smirked. She knew it would do no good to mope so she had to just be strong and chipper. As usual.

"Am not."

"You're a horrible liar, Hanson."

"Shut up and get your suitcase. Now, what are you going to do when you get to your parents place?" Tom asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Call you," Judy recited, jadedly.

"Good. Be safe, okay?"

"I know, Hanson. Geeze, I feel sorry for your future daughter."

"Ha!" Tom couldn't help but smirk at the thought, "Will she hate me as much as you do at the moment."

"You're confusing hatred with frustration, Hanson."

"I'm sorry I'm frustrating you."

"It's not just you. It's Fuller. This whole mess. Missing my bust."

"Harry will take care of that for you."

"Yeah," Judy nodded, "Well, I got to be going. I told my parents I'd leave around seven. I should be at their house around ten and I'll call you first thing."

"Promise?"

"Promise," Judy smiled at one of her best friends, "I'll see you in a few days."

"We'll get him, Jude."

"You're the best of the best, Hanson. I don't doubt it," and on that note, Judy kissed Tom lightly on the cheek before grabbing her suitcase and keys, "Well don't just stand there blushing! Are you going to help me with my bag or not?"

"Oh! Yeah!" Tom grabbed the suitcase and carried it out to Judy's car. After waving goodbye, he watched her climb into the vehicle and drive off.

A/N: Suckie chapter I know but I was rushed. Anyways, I'll update after Ike.