Notice: I'm trying to find a good writing style for me. Lately I've been trying to find the right chapter format. For this I'm adding chapters one at a time but in one "chapter" so bear with me. Which also means that I will be editing as I add on, so please be patient as grammar mistakes are cleaned up along the way, and feel free to add constructive criticism.
the story line may change as well, so if you are confused reread it. I get ideas and sometimes that deviates from the original plan
Chapter 1: Prologue
After the episode where Chris saw women being killed because of their gender, she goes to an interview about the life of a cop. At first, Chris was hesitant because she didn't want her team to know about her history, but she didn't want to lie in the interview. The story of Chris when she was 14, when she was both abused and harassed but a group of men, her moms death, and just general hardships they won't understand. There is more to it, but that is the general scope. Finally at the end of the episode, Chris does end up doing the interview. Now in the show, that's all we hear about it, but here is my take on it if the team did find out about the article.
Chapter 2: Promise
It had been a month after the interview and to be honest, Chris forgot about the story she published for the mayor, until it came out in the magazine. Chris didn't think much of it, thinking that her team wasn't going to see it in some magazine, but she didn't realize that the mayor had it published in the newspaper, that every LA cop reads; except Chris.
Deacon POV
I'm coming home from work and I enter the house, my kids all run to me and I hug them tight. Annie follows a bit behind and is holding a newspaper in her hand and Victoria in her arm.
"David, can you put them to bed, I have Victoria?" She asks and of course I agree to it, wanting to be helpful. Although, Annie has a serious face and I'm wondering if Nate, Lilia, or Sam got into trouble at school that I'll need to sort out in the morning. After tucking each one in, which is its own SWAT mission, I meet Annie in the kitchen and she walks in after putting Victoria to bed. That same paper is on the counter.
"David?" Annie starts, her eyes show both sympathy and fear. That's when I know this isn't some school trouble or a family dilemma, this is a SWAT problem
"Annie? Is there something in the newspaper that's got you worried? I promise it can't be as bad as it sounds" I say, the paper is always full of lies and twists of the truth; but she knows that. Annie sighs as she grabs the paper and turns to the second to last page and hands it to me. I take it, thinking it must be about those attacks on girls from a month ago. Instead I read: Life of SWAT Officer Christina Alonso: Life in blue as a Women
"Annie, if Chris wants to do this then that's her choice. Besides I know Chris, she isn't going to say anything bad. She loves her job." I say but Annie stops me there
"David, just read it" She says almost begging
"I will. But you aren't mad at her are you?" I ask. I know Annie loves SWAT and she knows I will always put her and kids before SWAT, but I'm not going to let her trash Chris.
"No! Of course not. I guess she really didn't tell you guys then" Annie says, with those words I begin to read the article. The first paragraph is just who Chris is and how she joined the LAPD, the K9, then SWAT. I look up at Annie and I'm about to ask why she wants me to read this, but I see tears forming in her eyes so I just keep reading. The second paragraph is just the daily life of any SWAT officer, then the third paragraph is about the hardships she's had on the job because of being a women. That is alone shocks me, I never knew what kind of problems she faced, things I never thought of. Lastly, the conclusion is when Chris is asked why she wanted to be a cop and her childhood. That's when I'm spellbound, I read about Chris' life as a girl and her mom who was a drug addict who was killed in a car crash, and how Chris found out because some policemen were laughing at her mom who was turned into Highway Hamburger; right in front of her. I don't want to keep reading but my eyes just keep going. I learn that Chris was attacked at 14 and harassed by a group of men who thought she was someone else, and how she never told anyone until a few years ago; her family. My eyes widen when I see the last quote from Chris.
"When asked why she never told her team, Christina said 'it's hard to be women in this line of work. It's different, I go into the field everyday with my team and I can't have them see or treat me differently because, honestly, that would feel worse than when I did when it happened. I'm telling you now because I'm sick of being afraid, I wanted to be a cop so no girl has to go through that and so that none of them have to feel the fear I felt for years. I love my team to pieces, but I can't tell them and I won't unless they read this'" with that the article concludes and it's over. I look up to Annie who cries silently
"I wish I knew, that's terrible, no one should go through that" she says as her crying becomes louder
"Annie" I start before taking her into my arms as she cries. I want to cry, I never knew Chris' past let alone that awful day, but I don't cry because I want Chris to know that I'm not going to treat her differently. That's a promise I make to myself and a vow that I will keep
Chapter 3: Match
Hondo POV
I'm about to go to bed when my phone starts ringing, I look at it and I see a joint call from Deacon, Street, Tan, and Luca. I'm wondering why Chris isn't in this call, I sigh, I think that these guys are planning to prank her tomorrow. I'm hesitant about answering, I know that she'll kill us if we do this, but when I answer it I'm surprised to find out that it isn't a harmless prank at all.
"Hondo? Did you read the paper?" Deacon asks getting straight to the point "I did, then Luca called saying him and Street read it and Tan just read it. We thought we should discuss it, obviously without Chris"
"Deac, I haven't read the paper. I have enough paper work I need to read and that's before I get to Daryl and all the paper work he brings home." I say, that's when I see all their faces as I sit up in bed. All look awful and their eyes seem to be serious "ok I'll read it, is there a reason Chris isn't in this?"
"Just read it, second to last page, WHOLE thing. We'll wait" Luca says, I go to the living room and grab the paper and begin to read it. At first I don't see what the fuss is, Chris never told us about the interview but who cares. As I go along towards the end, that's when I start to see part of the problem. I never realized just how much Chris struggled being a women in SWAT, not too bad though. I understand why she would rather be seen as a guy than girl, it's easier in a SWAT sense or when she does any girl thing that's all they see. I get all her points she makes, but I don't think it's a huge deal. But at the end I see it, I never knew about Chris' past that much, it never felt right to pry. But reading this makes my heart ache, I never knew, but it hurts more that she wasn't ever going to tell us, that she doesn't trust us. I pick up the phone again and the guys can tell I read it by the change in my expression, now matching theirs.
"Ok, I see the problems. But what do you want to discuss? Just go in there and pretend nothing has changed" I say
"How are we supposed to do that?" Street says on his shared feed with Luca. "What do we do just be like 'hey Chris I read the article. But don't worry about it'" he says sarcastically and is rewarded with semi-soft punch from Luca
"Not funny! He has a point Hondo, we aren't going to just move past this. You read it yourself, she wasn't going to tell us anything, I've learned more about her after reading 2 paragraphs then I have in all the times I've talk to her for the past 6ish years." Luca says
"Look why don't we just ignore the topic. I think a lot of cops read it, that didn't seem like her plan" Tan says "I wish she told us and we didn't find out this way, but what are we gonna do? I think Chris is going to face a rough day tomorrow"
"I agree, meaning we need to be there for her. But don't change your attitude towards her, because we would just justify her reason not to tell us" Deacon says and everyone just seems to nod and after a bit longer everyone hangs up and I go to sleep. I dream about a little Chris being pulled into a van as she screams and looks at me while I watch helplessly.
Chapter 4: Kindly
The next day the team shows up a bit early and are surprised to see Chris there already. She acts like nothing happened, mainly because she has no idea that the mayor just published the article in the paper and every LA cop knows her more than they really should.
"Hi guys!" She says as she looks as them all "I was thinking this weekend, Sunday, you guys could come to my Uncle's house? My Uncle Sarzo is having a BBQ and he invited us all and I don't want to be there by myself like a loner" as she chuckles lightly
"Sure" Hondo says
"Whatever you need" Street says and is rewarded with a shove from Luca. Chris looks at them weirdly and it is clear to the guys that she has no idea that they know about the article
"Alright, thanks I'll let Sarzo know later today ho-" she starts but not before their phones buzz
Phone: Robbery Armed thieves
With that everyone leaves and heads toward the main command center. Chris walks in the hallway and a few guys came over and gave her sympathetic pats on the shoulder and other shoot dirty looks. Some cops felt bad for Chris and other were angered by her words and saw her as weak and ungrateful she's on SWAT. Chris gives confusing looks and her team tries to keep the water semi calm, but then Mumford shows up.
"Hey Alonso, why didn't you just tell us all. Also, those hardships you mentioned, I actually do understand them. I can see how painting your nails can make you look weak" He says as he chuckles to himself as he walks away. Chris is starting to figure it out that people know her story. Nonetheless, she keeps walking where Hicks tells the team what to expect and sends them on their way. On their way out to Black Betty, Officer Cole, a patrol officer that does not like women in SWAT and failed Chris once because of her gender, comes out. Cole is very traditional and did not like Chris' article as he was part of it even if he was anonymous. Chris never exposed people.
"Christina!" He shouts angrily, the team turns just in time to see Cole shove Chris a bit too hard to call it a playful shove. "I read your stupid article, if you really feel this way about the 'hardships' of being on SWAT, then leave and make room for people who are more grateful!" Cole is about to shove her again and Chris moves a side and Cole falls down because he put all his weight on where Chris once stood.
"Easy" Chris starts as she offers her hand kindly "I'm happy to talk about it with you later. But right now I'm on call" Chris helps him up and she goes into Black Betty. The guys exchange glances before they too hop onto Black Betty
Chapter 5: Quick and Easy
In the car the guys try to make small talk, but it is clear to Chris that something is up and since they are about to go on an op, they might as well make things public.
"Guys, something's up and I can tell" She says and everyone just looks at her "hello? Earth to anyone?" Waving her arm
"We read that article Chris" Street mumbles and everyone shoots dirty looks his way. Chris' face was confused at first, but then figured it out and she makes a small laugh that was to heavy to be a fun laugh.
"Seriously? Is that what everyone is referring to? Look, it happened a long time ago and I made peace with it so I'm good" She says but that doesn't change her teammates faces or feelings. At the bank they all file out and Hondo says they will all go in and Chris will launch a sound grenade then they storm in and arrest them.
"On my count" Hondo says as they get into position "3...2...1!" And with that they barge in and the quickly spot the suspects, two men who are armed and have bags of money. Chris sneaks away and launches the grenade and is follow with the explosion. The team swoops in and arrests them, quick and easy, and head back to HQ.
Chapter 6: Nothing
Once there Chris immediately runs into Officer Cole. This time he has two patrol buddies with him and they all look really angry with Chris. All three policemen have tried and failed to become SWAT
"Alonso, we need to talk alright?" Cole says "alone" he adds, eyeing the guys
"Fine by me" Chris says but Street steps in front of Chris
"No way!" Street says on voice that is barely below a shout
"Alonso? You got these big boys protecting you? How sweet" Cole says and in return gets some laughs out of his patrol buddies
"No. I'm good, let's talk outside and Street, out of my way" Chris says angrily as she tries to side step him but Street moves to be in front of her. He is about to say something when Hondo and Luca shove him out of the way and the whole teams leaves their friend to deal with those patrol buddies and Cole.
In the locker room everyone, minus Chris, surround Street. They don't feel much better about leaving Chris with those hotheads, but they didn't really have a choice.
"What was that for!" Street shouts "you all know that wasn't a good idea"
"Street! What are you thinking!?" Deacon says and even though he is mad, his eyes show fear "all you did back there was get her humiliated right before those losers go and 'talk' to her"
"Deacon's right Street, but I wish he wasn't" Tan says and everyone looks at him "I wish she wasn't out numbered in this situation, but you did the exact thing she didn't want. She doesn't want to be the damsel in distress who needs saving. She wants to be like any other SWAT member"
"What are we gonna do?" Street asks, he anger petering out and shame and fear taking its place
"Nothing" Hondo says quietly "absolutely nothing"
Chapter 7: Snaps
It was another hour before their phones would buzz again
Phone: hostage situation
They all filtered into the command center, the guys get there and Chris is already there. They haven't seen her since Cole asked her to talk. Chris looks alright, but something is off, some thing is off with her eyes and stance.
"Alright, this should be pretty easy. I think the suspect is willing to negotiate but we will see" Hicks says "sending the detail and floor plan to you, just do what you are suppose to do" with that everyone says yes sir and they go to get geared up. In the locker room, it's even more evident that somethings off. She is slower to get ready and her head stays down, like she doesn't want to look at anyone or more likely, wants no one to look at her.
"You ok?" Street asks as he puts a hand on her back, in response Chris winces which makes everyone look at her
"What did he do Chris?" Hondo asks and the others try to move closer to asses for injuries. And in a second Chris snaps
"I'M GOOD!" She says in a harsh tone which makes everyone back up, she then takes a deep breath "sorry, I'm good. The last thing I want is for you guys to get involved. I don't need you all acting like heroes" Chris then walks out and it is clear a limp is starting to form on her right leg
"Does she really think she's going to get far on that leg?" Tan asks only half joking
"I don't know, but we are going to find out" Hondo says and everyone then turns "I don't care what she said, we are going to find out" and everyone leaves remembering they have a job to do
Chapter 8: Nightmare
The mission was easy, the suspect negotiated in a matter of minutes and before you know it, the crew is back at HQ. Chris goes to use the bathroom, while gone, the guys convene at the motor pool.
"I think Cole did something stupid" Luca says, referring to Cole and Chris' confrontation
"What can we do about it Luca?" Deacon says "she isn't telling us nothing and Cole for sure ain't saying anything"
"Hi guys, what's up?" Chris says walking back in, everyone goes silent, she takes in the group "god. Are you still talking about that thing with Cole. Don't you dare step in this, I can handle it" she says a bit disgusted
"Did you? Tell us what happened if nothing did " Hondo asks with an eyebrow raised
"Not yet" Chris says "but I'll handle it and I don't need you goons telling me what to do"
"Chris, this has nothing to do with what happened. An officer attacked you outside and he's walking around free!" Tan says angrily
"Look. You wouldn't be doing this unless you agree with all those other guys who shoot me dirty looks. I put it out there and this is the price I pay. Eventually everyone will get sick of it and move on" Chris says and everyone just lets it drop. They'll figure something out later.
"Are we still cool to go to Sarzo's this weekend?" Deacon asks, wanting desperately to change the topic
"Yea" Chris says and a alarm sounds "shifts over " they all walk out into the parking lot when Chris stops and picks something up from her car, a note.
Christina Alonso, I know who you are and I'm here to tell you to watch your back, or else. But until then watch out for the women in LA, they're going to need it
-Your Worst Nightmare
Chris' hand shakes slightly and she put the note in her pocket and is about to go back in HQ and tell Hicks when she feels Hondo's breathing behind her. She turns and he looks at her expectantly.
"What?" Chris asks
"What did you just read? Is it something serious?" Hondo asks
"Kind of, I'm going to give it to Hicks and I'll see you later" She answers as she walks back into HQ
Chapter 9: Jone
Deacon POV
I walk into work the next day and I find Chris sitting on a bench with her gear already on.
"You're here bright and early" I say and she looks up, and that's when I see a big bruise right on her right eye
"Hey Deac, look this might sound sucky but I'm meeting with Hicks and Hondo in a few minutes" She says before standing up and taking a few steps, clearly avoiding me. I have to applaud the effort, she walks straight and is trying not to limp, but the pain is evident on her face. I would say something but then Street enters; oh boy.
"Hi gu-Chris what happened to your eye?" He asks and Chris doesn't respond and leaves. Then here comes the rest of the pack
"Icy this morning" Tan says when she's out of earshot
"Yea, I don't think she feels good" I say, finally after a few minutes Hondo walks in after the meeting with Chris and Hicks, all I say is "what happened with that note yesterday?" And Hondo looks at us all
"The note addressed to Chris threatening her and we need to be careful. Chris, Hicks, and I think that this has to do with that RedDot website" He says and we all start to bombard him with questions "look I know as much as you do. Just do your jobs and nothing bad will happen" with that Hicks calls the team to command
"Alright, we are executing a warrant on Mr. Jone Bettle. Just pick him up and we need to search the house for any evidence for the attack on women in LA." Hicks says and all eyes turn to Chris, and now Hicks sees the bruise "Alonso? Where did that come from?"
"An accident sir. I don't feel any pain" Chris answers and now Mumford comes into command and looks at Chris' eye as the bruise continues to grow
"Oh god Chris! Did you get that eye because of your article? If it is, they will pay, I know I was being a jerk yesterday but the article and your words are well and justly stated" Mumford says quickly, Mumford can be rude at times but he means well
"Look I'm ok, I went to the doctor's last night and I'm cleared" Chris says and I can tell that was a lie, but I'm not saying anything. With those words we go on our way to pick up Jone.
At the house, Hondo pairs us up and I'm with Chris. I'm pretty happy about this, I never get to be with Chris and it's a nice change, plus I think Street is better off with Hondo right now. Me and Chris search the top floor, Street and Hondo the ground floor, and Luca and Tan the basement. I see Jone first and I signal to Chris.
"Hands in the air" I shout and Chris goes to put handcuffs on him when he smacks her in the face and she staggers. She stands right back up, but not before he pulls a taser from his pocket and tases her and her face and body fall with pain.
"There's more where that came from and it's not coming from me" Jone snarls
"Down!" I say as I tackle him and effectively get the taser away, I'm putting on the cuffs when Hondo comes in
"Oh god what the hell happened?" He says. I'm about to open my mouth when Chris says from behind
"Nothing we couldn't handle, right Deac?"
"Oh god no, Chris got tased by this suspect" I say "not to mention he threatened that other suspects are going to hurt her" and now Hondo is on Chris
"What! Why didn't you start with that Chris?" He shouts "you need to go to the hospital"
"I'm not going anywhere. Let's get him back to base" she snaps before standing up and begins to search the house
Chapter 10: Leaving
Hondo POV
We are back at HQ and I can tell Chris isn't feeling to well. The search was pretty good, we found illegal guns and plans to attack Central Park, which we were able to avoid. After that mess, we tried to get her to go to the hospital and she refused, then we tried to surround her on the walk in so she didn't have to look at anyone, but she pushed her way ahead and looked straight ahead and walked with pride. Well, until Cole came in front of her.
"Alonso" he says with a false cheer "I heard you got tased, did you do something naughty" at that everyone starts to laugh, I look to Chris and her eyes harden.
"At least, unlike you, I did something productive today other than berate others" she fires back, which must have set off a nerve because Cole shoves her into a wall, he just over stepped a boundary. Not thinking, I pull Cole off and toss him off Chris, the action leads to Cole on the floor. Of course this is when Hicks walks in.
"Hondo?" He asks and Cole get in his side first
"He attacked me Sir! Can you believe this, I was just casually talking to Chris when he right out attacked-" he starts, but a voice shuts him up
"It's my fault sir, I talked back to him and he was clearly not having a good day, I take responsibility for Hondo's actions, mine, and Officer Cole's" Chris says, she stands tall and shows no fear,
"Alright Alonso, let's go into my office" Hicks says "Hondo, get the suspect into interrogation. NOW". I take one last look at Chris, she looks pale and her breathing is erratic.
"Always coming to her recuse, good job Sargent" Cole says to me once out of Hicks' earshot. What did I do
In interrogation, Jone admits he does know about the attacks, but that he isn't the right hand man or the main dude we are after. He also says that more pain is coming Chris' way. I send his butt to jail and I try to find Chris so I can apologize for stepping in, instead I run into Deacon
"Deacon! What happened to Chris?" I ask almost frantic, Deacon gives a small sad smile
"I think you should give Hicks more credit. I heard him yelling at Chris, he said that he knew she was lying back there. She didn't say for some reason, I think he knows what Cole did outside yesterday, anyway he sent her to Wendy and she's still there." Deacon says, I thank him and I go to Wendy's office. I'm about to knock when I hear Chris inside
"I'm fine really, it's going to take way more than a few punches to knock me off my feet" Chris says
"Chris, you don't need to put up a front here. Nothing is being recorded or heard in this room" Wendy says patiently
"You want my honest answer, but I can't give it to you. All that does is push me more into a corner, as for that threat earlier today, I'm not letting that stop me" Chris says slightly angrily and she opens that door and storms away so fast that I have to move back to not get run over. Dr. Wendy comes over to me
"Hi Hondo" she says kindly "I'm assuming you heard that last part" and I nod which makes her sigh "Hondo, I can't say too much but she has a lot of her plate. With that article, these threats, and this problem being very personal to her, that can take a toll on anyone." With that she leaves, leaving me more stuck than ever.
Chapter 11: Breaking Point
Chris POV
My life is going down hill, fast. My body aches from Cole's fun yesterday, I'm scared, but I'll never admit it; ever. With everything going on around me, the last thing I could do is look weak and boast their morale while I suffer. I'm walking down the hallway when, surprise surprise, it's Cole, I stand taller and try to show confidence towards him.
"Alonso" He says chuckling "did you tattle on me?"
"You think I would go that low? Man, that would make me weaker than you Cole" I say, his eyes harden
"Watch your step, you might be surprised what happens next" he says as he leaves and Street appears
"You o-" he starts, I get he is looking out for me, but I don't need sympathy
"I'm fine, Street" I snap, and this seems to call all of 20-David to us because in a second here comes Deacon, Tan, Luca, and Hondo
"We got a new mission, shooting at an all girls prep school" Hondo says and we all go into Black Betty while Luca presses on the gas. No one was says it, but we all think it, this is from that RedDot website and my stomach turns inside out. So much blood is spilt for no good reason. We get there and we clear the whole in a fast pace, leaving only the science lab department needing to be swept.
"Chris, your with me on the top floor! Deacon and Luca ground floor, and Tan and Street sweep the rest!" Hondo shouts and we obey. To be perfectly honest with myself, I don't think me going with Hondo was a good idea. With my luck lately, who knows what kind of problems we might face. We enter the top floor and there are the two shooters, we train our guns are each one as the shooters take in the scene.
"Ahh, well just our luck it's Metro SWAT" the oldest of the two says and he grins "and the girl! What luck, ready Tim" and his partner smiles as he drops a sound grenade. The sound is deafening and even though I don't let go of my gun, like Hondo, I'm suddenly being tackled to the ground and strong hands go to my throat.
"CHRIS!" Hondo shouts as he wrestles the older guy while the younger one is on top of me. I use every punch I can think of to try and get him off, but he's persistent, I can start to see black dots at the edges of my vision and I barely make out the rest of the team entering while they all try to get this Tim guy off. It takes another minute, to the point where I'm not sure if I'm really breathing, but finally that idiot let's go when Hondo, Luca, and Deacon all jump on him. Once he's off, I relax and use all my strength to breathe in and out. They all swarm while Tan and Street rush to me.
"You good? Chris? Answer me?" Tan says and Street picks me up and leans me against him. As an answer I cough a bit and give a weak smile.
"I need an R/A at location. Officer is down" Hondo says in the radio, oh great
"Hondo" I wheeze "I'm" I cough "o" cough "k"
"Sorry Chris, I'm not letting you go that easily. I can see the bruises already" Hondo says in a firm but gentle voice as the guys surround me and arrest the suspects
"Come on Chris, since when have you been afraid of EMTs?" Deacon asks sitting beside me while I lay on Street
"I'm" cough "o" cough "o" I try but it hurts to much to talk. The EMTs check me over and thankfully clear me as long as I'm careful. We are on our way to HQ when Hondo breaks the silence
"Chris? Please take the rest of the day off, Hicks' will clear it once he takes a good look at you" he says and that's when I reach my breaking point
"All of you are killing me" I say "you realize that you are acting like a bunch of babysitters towards me ever since this article came out" and their faces show shame, every single one
"Chris, yes we know but that hasn't changed how we see-" Deacon starts, but I already know what he's going to say
"Deacon just stop. This is the exact reason why I never told any of you! Nothing you say is going to change this situation, I'm not leaving unless I'm dead" I snap and every just looks at me. The rest of the ride is silent and I just walk out of Black Betty, leaving my team behind
Chapter 12: Six
Street POV
I'm walking with Luca on the way to the car when Cole walks past us. After that mission, nothing happened. Chris was taking it pretty hard and she just walked around by herself and whenever we go to her, all she did is walk away.
"Hey Luca?" I ask and he turns to me "I'm going to speak with Cole can you come with me?"
"Sure, just don't do something stupid" Luca says and together we walk back towards Cole
"Excuse me, Officer Cole?" I start "names Jim Street but you can call me Street" reaching out my hand as he shakes it
"Hi Officer, I'm Luca. We both wanted to talk to you about Chris" Luca says and Cole smiles evilly
"So she sent two Big Boys to protect her. That's really sweet, listen, my beef with her is our business-" Cole answers and I lose it
"So did you hurt her yesterday or no?! If you did, you better admit it now before I beat your sorry ass!" I shout as I step closer but not before Luca pulls me back a bit
"You made a mistake doing this. Chris already has a lot coming at her. Don't make it worse" Cole whispers in my ear as he walks away
Next morning
I walk into HQ and everyone is there except Chris, they all look miserable and Luca looks like he's about to cry
"Did she take personal day?" I ask and Hondo just looks at me
"Listen Street, we all feel pretty bad about how we treated her and we all wanted to get revenge on Cole. But when you attacked him yesterday, he was able to get Chris in trouble for it" Hondo says "she isn't in a lot of trouble and she's here, I just sent her to grab some stuff around the building while we deal with you and Luca" oh no, this wasn't how it was suppose to go. I look over at Luca and his face is red with shame.
"I didn't attack him, yes I was about to, but I didn't lay a hand on him" I say "I just asked if he attacked her two days ago. Then he said that Chris had a lot in the future waiting for her and that I better not make it worse"
"He's right Hondo, that's what happened. Now what kind of trouble is Chris in?" Luca asks
"Just inventory tonight. Hicks had to give her something" Hondo replies "I think Cole did his own damage. He spread rumors that Chris sent you all to attack him and now everyone, except for SWAT, hates her. All of patrol seems to be determined to make Chris' life hell, both physically and emotionally"
"You'll see when she comes back in" Deacon says it seems like that was a cue because Chris enters right after. Her neck is more black than her skin color, her face is forming an even bigger bruise, her right arm is all scratched up, and that limp is becoming harder to hide.
"I got it Hondo, what's the agenda for today?" Chris asks and Hondo just looks at her
"Chris, you are going to Dr Wendy's and you ain't leaving that office until Dr Wendy says so" He replies
"You got to be joking. You do realize she isn't going to clear me" Chris says "I'm fine and I don't need some shrink, no, anyone telling me otherwise. Guys, I've already had a bad morning, I don't need this too"
"Chris, just go" I say and she just stares at me
"Because you know what is best for me. I had to face 30 something patrol officers this morning because what you and Luca did. Don't go telling me what is best because all you ended up doing is putting more of a target on me" She says "I'll go but I'm on call no matter what" and with that she leaves. Everyone looks at each other and then they turn to me
"What?" I ask
"Street, just lay off her" Hondo says "we all need to, Chris has a point, I admit it to. Chris' life is kinda being turned upside down and all we've been doing is acting like all those losers are right about her, we have been doing the exact thing we promised we wouldn't do. Treat her differently"
"So what now? You already sent her to Dr. Wendy" Deacon points out
"That was an order, now we need to try even harder to treat her normally, but watch her six" Hondo answers
Chapter 13: Open Up
Chris POV
I get the guys are trying to help, but now I'm stuck on inventory tonight because of their actions. Hicks told me that he knows that Cole attacked me outside a few days ago and that I could press charges. But I refused and unlike my team, he understood and only reminded me to be careful. Dr. Wendy was easier than I thought, we just talked about normal things and to be honest, it was nice. I can't do that with my team right now, they worry about me and I can't seem to convince them to stop acting like parents that need to watch their little daughter. I'm walking to to the motor pool because there's a shooting at a park. In Black Betty, we are silent and I decide to make the first move
"Guys, I'm sorry for being a jerk lately. I shouldn't have snapped nearly as much as I have. I just want you guys to trust that I can fend for myself. I appreciate that you all really care, but I need do this on my own" I say
"Chris, we are sorry we confronted Cole on our own without telling you" Luca says "we thought it would make it better but it didn't"
"What did the patrol guys do?" Street asks
"I've been tripped a lot, shoved, I got a rock thrown at my car, and a lot of mean comments. Nothing I can't handle" I say
"Chris, we are all sorry for acting like you can't hold your own. This situation though, this isn't just about that article anymore. This is about your safety in the field and someone is looking for your head" Hondo says and I leave it be because he's right. We get there and everyone except ten people is in safety. The shooter is all by himself, he looks up and immediately looks at me.
"Metro SWAT! Hands up drop the gun" Hondo says and he just laughs
"Why should I? I got nothing to lose" He says and he takes aim and shoots, right at me. I try to move out of the way but it's too late. The bullet hits right at my heart and I fall back, landing on the ground. Thankfully, even though it hurts terribly, it's not deadly. Luca shoots the suspect in the arm in retaliation.
"Don't think this is the end, Alonso! You better watch your back!" He exclaims as Hondo arrests him while everyone else surrounds me
"Chris?" Tan asks as he helps me up
"Caught in the vest" I say trying to catch my breath
"You sure?" Street asks
"Yea. I just need to catch my breath" I answer
"Sorry Chris, this was too close. I'm might need to pull you out" Hondo says
"And that's going to stop me getting shot at? Hondo, if you pull me out, that will make you all targets and I'm not having it" I say standing up
"Chris, you aren't our human shield. We are all paid to get shot at, and you aren't doing us favors having to make sure that you don't get shot at." Deacon says
"No. No way" I said
"Chris, if you stay in the field you are paired with Deacon from now on, at all times, he doesn't leave your side, got it?" Hondo orders
"Ok" I say but that doesn't change my feelings. I don't want Deacon hurt or even killed while I have to face Annie and the kids. The rest of the day is uneventful, I'm doing inventory and while everyone leaves after shift, Deacon comes and helps me out. We keep a peaceful silence and it's nice.
"Hey Chris? Want to have dinner at my place?" Deacon asks kindly, I know that he's being nice but I couldn't accept
"I can't Deac" I say, I don't want to bring harm to his family
"Chris, this is just a friendly offer. I know you aren't busy because I'm with you right now" Deacon says "what's going on? You can tell me, I'm not going to judge or tell anyone" that makes me open up a little bit
"Alright, I got a message attached to that rock thrown at my car and it says that I'm going to be attacked tonight" I say "I can't have it be when I'm with you Deacon, or anyone. If something happened to you and Annie or the kids. I wouldn't forgive myself. Thanks for helping with inventory" and with those words I walk away.
Chapter 14: Piece of Cake
Deacon POV
I'm going home and I can't help but feel anxious. I know I told Chris I wouldn't tell anyone, but that wasn't exactly what I had in mind that she'd tell me. In the car I dial Hondo
"Harrelson" Hondo says
"Deacon" I answer
"Deacon" Hondo says tiredly
"I got a problem. But I don't know what we can really do" I say
"I know Chris is going to be attacked tonight" he says, and I'm silenced "she already was, Hicks told me after Chris confessed a few minutes ago. Deac, she was shot outside of HQ. It was just a graze, thankfully, but she's going to live at HQ until this problem is solved. Don't tell anyone yet, I'm on my way over and I'll tell the team tomorrow" oh god, this reminds me of when my family was forced to be at HQ when those men were hitting my family. Chris is part of my SWAT family and I'm going to be there.
"Ok, I'll head over to" I say and I hang up before Hondo says otherwise. After that call, I call Annie on the phone and she picks up after one ring
"David, you ok? You still aren't home" She says anxiously
"Yea Annie, about that, I'm sorry but I'm heading back to work" I answer
"Alright, at least tell me why" Annie says calmly, she's a rock, Annie. That's why I love her
"It's Chris, someone is after her. She was almost killed leaving HQ, don't tell anyone yet." I say
"Oh dear god" she says "you're right go be with her and don't leave until she can. Can you tell her I send my love and also David?"
"Yes?"
"I think you have a mole in SWAT. Someone has to know she was leaving" Annie says firmly "love you"
"Piece of cake" I say as she hangs up
Chapter 15: Mole
Hondo POV
I'm walking into Command when there's Chris and an EMT. Chris holds an ice pack to her head while the EMT packs up and leaves. When she sees me, she gives me a small smile, but I can tell that it's forced.
"Hey Chris, how you doing?" I ask
"Not great, not awful. You didn't need to come here" she says
"Nonsense, we are a family and this is what we do" Deacon says coming from behind me
"You didn't need to come either Deac, go be with Annie" Chris says
"Chris, Annie wants me here instead of at home. So here I am" he says laughing and I think that makes Chris feel better
"Chris? Did you get any idea on who the shooter was?" I ask
"No, too dark and he or she wore a mask" Chris answers "who else did you tell?"
"Just us two, Hicks,and Wendy" I say "we will alert the team tomorrow"
"Do you really have to?" Chris asks, her eyes pleading
"Yes" I say "Chris, we trust you, now you need to trust us" with that she sighs and walks away and I look at Deacon
"What are we going to do Deac?"I ask
"Honestly, Annie told me that we might have a mole in SWAT" he says and I look at him "I agree with her, someone knew that Chris was leaving" I take this in and I look at Deacon
"We are going to Hicks"
Chapter 16: Hicks
Hondo POV
We walk into Hicks' office and he's pacing the floor.
"Sir?" I ask "could we have a moment"
"Sure, but Hondo, don't bring anymore bad news" Hicks says
"We think someone at SWAT is giving people information about Chris. These attacks on her only happen when we respond to the call, someone had to alert them that 20-David would be there. Also, Annie brought it to my attention that someone also had to have told the shooter that Chris was leaving" Deacon says and Hicks sighs
"Yea I was just getting to that conclusion myself. Now there were 15 patrol Officers that were here, Chris, and you Deacon. Now I'm assuming that is wasn't you" Hicks says "but all those officers are giving her a lot of trouble"
"Is there any way we can narrow down the field?" I ask
"Sure, we could probably figure it out tonight. But Chris probably won't press charges so there's nothing we can do until then" Hicks says "I know Alonso is facing a lot right now and she doesn't want any help with it. But you all need to convince her that this is the best idea and find our mole"
"Yes sir" we both say as we turn to leave
"Good luck" Hicks calls backs
Chapter 17: Please
Luca POV
I'm walking into work with Street, I feel really bad about confronting Cole. I guess it wasn't my place but if Chris wasn't going to then I had to do something. We are about to walk in when Hondo meets us at the door.
"Follow me" he says quietly as we go into a storage room that hasn't been used in years. Everyone is already there, even Chris. "Alright, Chris was shot in the head yesterday night. She isn't leaving this place without one of us or more, and we need to find out who is giving the RedDot website information on Chris" I'm silent and I look at Chris, her eyes are hard and her stance tells me she is trying to act tough.
"So what are we going to do?" I ask
"Well that's up to Chris" Deacon says and we all turn to her, I can tell that she's surprised by Deacon's answer. She didn't know about this part "she doesn't want to press charges and-"
"You aren't pressing charges?!" I shout "why the hell not!"
"I don't want to, look my life is hell right now and this will just make it worst" Chris answers
"Seriously?" Street asks "since when do you care what other people think of you? Besides it won't be that bad"
"You clearly have no idea what I have been facing Street!" Chris says, her eyes for the first showing weakness "I've been beaten every frickin day, I've been threaten, shoved, and laughed at all because of something that happened years ago. I can't live in a world like this, and pressing charges just adds fuel to the fire and I'm going to get burned" with those words Chris walks away, we can all tell she's trying not to cry
"Hondo? Are we sure she's ok?" I say after a couple of minutes "it looks like she's barley holding on"
"I don't know Luca, I really don't" Hondo says with a sigh "we are going to find the mole and Luca?" I turn "go find Chris and try, actually don't try, get her to press charges"
"Alright" I say and I walk out and follow the hallway and it doesn't take long to find Chris, she's coming out of the bathroom and Cole is in front of the door. I find a hideout and I listen in
"Alonso, what's your problem?" Cole asks angrily "I heard you got a pretty bad beat up recently. Did you go and cry in the bathroom" I look at Chris and I can tell that she did no such thing. She'll only cry if she's certain she'll be alone or she's just beyond caring.
"Yea right. Cole what the hell is your problem?" Chris argues back "the way I see it, you are scared of me not the other way round. Why else would to have your friends do your dirty work" Cole then takes Chris by the shirt and shoves her against the walk which makes her wince. Quickly I take out my phone and start to record the two.
"Listen to me Alonso, I know that you know I'm working with them" he says
"I'm not stupid, I figured it out awhile ago and it seems that you can't fight me by yourself" she says and as an answer Cole slams her into the wall again and Chris' legs go limp
"You watch your back, maybe before I just wanted to get revenge on the women around here. But now? I want you, I want to hurt you, I want to see you break, I want to see you die" he says and he drops her and she falls to the ground. He walks towards me so I pretend I just got there, turning off my phone
"Hey" I say to him as I walk past in a voice I try to keep calm. Once he's out of view I see him pull out his phone, with him gone I run to Chris, she sits up when she sees me and I can tell her eyes are full of tears that she is trying desperately to blink away
"Luca" she says so quietly that I barley hear it
"Hey, I saw it" I say gently "I have it on my phone" she looks at me
"You're joking. Luca, you could get in a lot of trouble for that" she says
"That doesn't matter anymore Chris. You don't need to press charges, because I am" I say in a firm voice as we stand up
"No!" Chris says "no! No way! Luca, I swear, please don't" her eyes show fear and I don't know what to say. I walk away from her and towards Hondo, she follows and yanks my arm back.
"CHRIS! I don't care who you are, I'm now a witness to it and I am not sitting on the sidelines anymore" I say slightly angry. I look at her and I can tell she's scared "it's going to be alright, I'll word it in a way that shows you had no idea"
"He knows where my family lives and all of you. If you do this, he could kill them or the team" Chris says frantically. That gets my attention
"How do you-" I start but she cuts me off by bringing me back to that old storage room
"I figured it out the day he attacked me outside. Luca, I know what he has done and that he is feeding those men my information. I don't care what happens to me, but I couldn't live with myself if he sent people after Deacon's family, or anyone on the team, or my family" Chris begs "please, I'll figure something out by the end of the shift. Please"
"I'm sorry Chris, they need to know" I say as I walk away
Chapter 18: Too Late
Deacon POV
All of us are looking at the people from last night and are trying to figure out who is our mole. Suddenly, Luca runs to us and is waving his phone in the air like it's some sort of treasure.
"Luca?" Hondo asks
"I got proof of Cole saying he is the mole now-" Luca says then stops looking just past us. We all turn and there is Officer Cole with a smirk on his face.
"You all think you are so smart. Officer Luca? I thank you for taping me, now I have my reason to justify my actions. I hope you can face her later" he says in a slow and cunning manner before leaving.
"Luca?" I ask "what happened?" And so Luca explains everything that happened from when he found Chris and how she said that Cole knows where everyone lives. And how Chris is refusing to press charges because she doesn't want to hurt anyone.
"What are we going to do?" Tan asks
"This is a tough decision" Hondo says carefully
"One that I'm making" Chris says and everyone turns "you heard him yourself. If you tell Hicks anything-"
"You might want to hold in those words Alonso" Hicks interrupts "come with me Chris" They leave and everyone is silent. After a few minutes, I hear Chris crying.
"Dear God" I whisper and I begin to pray.
"Let's meet her at Dr. Wendy's office" Hondo says quietly and we all follow him.
After about an hour, Chris enters the office and Wendy welcomes her in.
"What happened Chris?" Street asks immediately
"He killed them" Chris says coldly "shot them dead an hour ago"
"Chris? Why don't you and I just talk in private?" Wendy suggests and we all start to awkwardly shuffle out of the room. I have to grab Street's arm and practically drag him out. Once everyone leaves, I can hear Chris crying again. Hondo leaves for a few minutes to talk to Hicks about the situation
"Hondo?" I ask
"Hicks told me that Chris' family all died in a hit and run. The sources all point to the hit men being part of the RedDot Website. Guys, Cole sent them this morning. I'm positive."
"We're too late" I say as tears roll down my face
Chapter 19: Broken
Chris POV
This can't be happening, my aunt, uncle, cousins, nieces, and nephews are dead; because of me. I never cared what happened to me, as long as they were safe. This whole time they cared for me and this is how I repay them? I was supposed to be the one in danger. If anything, my body should be being buried right now. I don't know what to do.
"Chris? Chris. Chris!" Dr. Wendy shouts, trying to get my attention
"Yea?" I answer
"Are you ok?" She asks
"Sure" I say
"Chris. I know this is tough for you. I'm here to listen to you" She offers
"I don't know what to say" I say
"How do you feel?" She answers "it's going to be ok Chris. Just breathe"
"Breathing isn't going to bring them back. I'm breathing while their cold. I'm alive and they're dead. They didn't deserve this, I shouldn't be here right now" I say, the words just tumbling out of my mouth.
"Chris, you couldn't have predicted-" she starts
"I knew this could happen. I thought if I played it right, I might be dead sure, but they wouldn't be" I say then I turn and see a pair of shoes under the door. I walk past Wendy and open the door, Cole is standing there listening to me with a few friends.
"Officer! Get out now or I'll have to report you" Wendy says
"Doesn't matter, I got what I wanted" he says "how are you Chris? Maybe if your friend kept his mouth shut and didn't film me, maybe this wouldn't have had happened. Your dear friend Luca told on me and this is the consequence" with that he runs away. I watch him leave and I realize as I sink to the ground. He's right, Luca found out then three minutes later my family dies? They're dead because of my team. The team that kept saying I was strong but they didn't mean it. I can't trust my team and my family is gone, I've got no one to turn to, I'm broken.
Chapter 20: Break
Hondo POV
For awhile, we are all silent, I can hear Chris crying not even 5 yards to my right and I feel awful. When we all swear an oath to the badge, we understand that one day we might not come home. But when it's your family that's gone because of our job, we didn't swear to that.
"Chris?!" Deacon says as Chris walks towards us. She looks at us and is silent
"Hey Chris" I say "how did it go?"
"How do you think it went Hondo?" She says, almost angry "this wouldn't have happened if Luca didn't snitch on Cole." we turn to Luca, his eyes are red stained and his face goes red
"You can't blame him Chris. Remember that Cole sent them not Luca" I say trying to keep her mind straight
"And he wouldn't have sent them if Luca didn't record him. If any of you didn't intervene, so destined to help me. I'm just that weakling that needs to be protected aren't I. I thought out of everyone, you all could trust me. I have to go" she says "I need to plan my family's funeral since you guys kept trying to intervene" as she walks away, I feel my heart break.
"Hondo?" Street asks
"Yea Street?" I answer
"Is she going to be ok?"
"I don't know kid, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the last straw for her. Cole has taken her reputation, her family, and her trust in us away from her. That can break anyone. Only time will tell" I say sighing
"I'm sorry" Luca says under his breathe. We could hear him repeat those words all day. So much so that I can still hear it in my ears.