ROOKIE BLUE (isn't mine)

COPPER

Thanks again guys for all the support!

-o-

Part 3

Andy was late. Again. Although she hated it, she was always running late. Every other morning, she had to run from the bus station to the barn and change as fast as possible to make it to the parade room in time. And today, she was late again. But for the first time in weeks, she was a woman with a purpose. She was ready to throw caution to the wind and see where it would lead her. She ran to the glass doors, had to stop before they hissed open, all these James Bond movies lingering in the back of her mind. How come when it's on screen, those doors would open every time the hero was chasing the bad guy? Here at the 15, he would just crash into the doors and the movie will be over before it begins.

She barged into the women's locker room, disrobed, put on a fresh uniform, fastened the clips and straps, check her reflection in the mirror, got her gear ready and took a sprint to the parade room. From the corner of her eye, she had a glimpse of Sam Swarek in a uniform, saw him wave at her from across the bullpen, put that information on hold until she had time to process it, and gathered with her fellow rookies at the precise moment they were entering the room.

"McNally, I'm glad you care to join us for parade," Oliver Shaw piped, "or do you need more time to polish your nails?"

"No sir."

Gail Peck glanced at her with a smirk on her face. She looked down and walked to the front row to sit near Traci. "I'm so hangovered," her friend whispered.

"Preach to the choir," Andy whispered back. She looked around but she could not spot Sam anywhere. Maybe she didn't see him at all. She sat back and relaxed. Her head was killing her.

"Settle down, settle down," said Best. "First off, Drugs and Gangs agreed to gave us back our very own hero here at the 15. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Sam Swarek!" The room erupted in laughter, animal noises and various cheers. And Andy's world fell apart. Traci frowned and said something she didn't hear. She looked to the door. Sam was spinning round, his arms raised in appreciation. She bit her lip, and looked away when their eyes met. "All right, all right, everybody calm down," Best continued. "I don't have to remind you that we're five days away from C day…"

Chris leaned to Dov. "What?"

"Christmas."

"Oh, okay."

"… not only will you have to perform your usual duties but like every year, you'll be in charge of monitoring the holiday seasons shopping spree. Rookies, this is your first Christmas on the job, so I'll advise you to be careful. It's not unusual that people get carried away and what looks like shoplifting isn't always what it seems. I'll encourage you to use your better judgment. Since Sam Swarek is back, you'll have a chance at seeing another form of policing."

The crowd roared again, while Best was grinning. Traci shot a puzzled glance at Andy who shrugged. "Today, McNally you'll ride with Sam Swarek. Shaw, you're with Peck. Williams, Nash."

Traci mouthed a 'no!' and Andy turned paler than she already was. She simply couldn't move. She had elaborated the most complex scenarios but she never thought she'd ever be partnered with Swarek.

"Serve, protect and keep the stores happy!"

"You know that can't have sexy time with your TO, right?" Traci said in her ear. "It's actually a rule… But who am I to say anything!" she mused. She walked to the bullpen with Andy in her wake. "You know what? He's great! Not at all what I pictured, but great." She smiled and dragged her friend to the desk.

"You're kidding right?" Dov was saying. "Was it a bad dream or our assignment is to help the elderly carry their bags?"

"Stop whining," said Gail. "It's actually our job. You had no problems with the water assignment last summer."

"Doesn't compare," said Dov.

Andy couldn't take her eyes away from Sam and Best, still in the parade room. Sam had his arms folded on his chest and he was shaved. She never saw him without his stubble and he looked strange. They were talking animatedly, clapping each others back and laughing out loud. That was so bad. Everyone and their cousins might have seen the two of them getting cosy at the Penny or even downtown. As if wasn't bad enough that Shaw had questioned her choice to ask Sam's help with the Harlowe case.

"Who's this Swarek guy?" asked Gail.

Andy shot her a stern glance. She didn't need Peck to go after the object of her affection right now. She turned around and walked away. "I'm gonna get my gear," she mumbled, heading to the locker room.

"What's got into her?" Gail raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe she's pissed because you're partnered with Shaw." Chris squared his shoulders. "He's been her TO from the beginning."

"If she wants to stay with Shaw, I'll have no problem riding with Swarek," she purred. Chris went red and tried to say something relevant but it got stuck in his throat. Dov chuckled.

"But he's a TO," Traci protested.

"Says the Detective's chick," snapped Gail. "You're all so pathetic."

Dov giggled. "Gail it's a rule!"

"Whatever," she turned around and headed to the parking lot.

When Andy went back to the bullpen, everybody was already gone. She tossed her bag on the desk. Where was Sam? Why didn't he tell her that she was his rookie?

"Someone's in a contemplative mood today."

She swirled on her feet to face Luke Callaghan. "Oh, it's you. I'm just… tired."

"I heard that Best assigned you to a new training officer?"

"Yeah, no big deal."

"It's actually a good thing Andy," said the detective. His voice was warm and yet guarded. "Swarek likes to colour way outside the lines. I'm not saying that he's a maverick but…"

"It's okay," she blurted, looking away.

"You can really learn a lot from him. He's a good cop. He's a loner but his records are spotless. See it as an opportunity to explore different avenues." She nodded briskly. He leaned towards her, careful not to touch her. "Andy, you're sure you're all right?"

"Yes, yes definitely," she scoffed.

"Good." He paused and stared at her. "Andy, if he pushes you around, you know you can call me? I mean it. We're still friends, right? You need anything, I'm here." His phone rang but he ignored it.

She looked at him, puzzled. Why exactly did she push him away? Luke was a great guy, he was smart, thoughtful, easy on the eyes. He would make a great companion. And he was available. She sighed. "Okay, thanks."

Detective Callaghan on line 3.

"No problem. Andy, I'm sorry, but I really have to take that call."

She nodded and watched him walked back to his office. It was going to be a long day.