Chapter 21: "Don't move": Tiffany and Stuart

Stuart was sitting on his desk, talking to OA when Tiff walked in. "What are you doing here?"

She placed her backpack on her chair before taking off her jacket. "Last time I checked I work here."

He smiled. "No, I meant it's supposed to be your special day. You got the day off."

"Well, Erika had to work and Brian is, you know..."

Maggie called their attention. "Guys, we got a case."

The team went inside the warehouse. After an intense gunfight, they rounded up the suspects. Maggie and OA led them outside while Tiff and Stuart made the final sweep. They took note of possible evidence and made sure they cleared off the scene. However, Stu noticed something on the floor and went to inspect it. He heard a gun click and someone said "Don't move."

When he turned, he saw the man holding Tiff's shoulders with his right arm and a gun on his left pointing at him. She was facing Stuart and he could see the serious expression on her face.

"Let her go!"

The man sneered. "I will, if you let me go."

He was about to ask for backup when Tiff made a surprising move. She stomped on the guy's foot which caused him to drop his gun. She held the man's right arm and lifted the man over her shoulders. She twisted his arm as he landed on his back, screaming in pain. Just in time, Maggie went back to check what took them so long.

The team already celebrated her birthday the day before since she takes the day off on her actual birthday to spend with her siblings. The team collectively pooled their money to give her a box of garden tools and supplies for her plants.

So she wasn't expecting anything. Maggie and OA already left since they have plans for the night. She was finishing up paperwork when her partner walked in with a box and placed it on her desk. "Happy birthday, Tiff."

Recognizing the logo as a famous bakery and cake shop downtown, "How did you get this?"

"Well, someone told me recently that you can have things delivered now."

She smiled as she opened it - a small cake shaped like a snowflake. Surprised, she asked "Why a snowflake?"

"Because you're as unique as a snowflake."

Tiff snorted, not believing the reason for a second. He sheepishly said "Okay, it's one of the few already available and can be delivered tonight. Unless you want a Barbie-themed or a football one."

"Oh I would love a Barbie cake with pink icing and sprinkles."

It was his turn to snort. "Sure, I'd get that next time." Which got a laugh from her. "I would've ordered the football one but I know you like baseball more. So, snowflake it is."

Tiff shyly smiled. "Thanks, partner."

Notes:

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