Chapter 10 - Undercover

Lucy

2 weeks later…. (8 Months Probationary…)

"What's going on? Are we not having roll call today?" I asked John and Jackson as we approached the briefing room.

"Sergeant Grey said they had something special going on. No roll call," Jackson answered.

As we turned the corner in search of our T.O.'s we all stopped in surprise.

"Is that…" John's words were just left hanging.

Jackson squinted. "Wait…is that really…"

"Yes," I interjected. "That's Tim's ex-wife." What was she doing here?

"What is my T.O. and your T.O. doing with her?" John asked.

It was only Grey, Tim, Harper and Isabel in the briefing room, and from the looks of it, they were in deep conversation.

"I don't know…"

But I was about to find out. As if everyone in the room knew that I was standing outside, Grey looked directly at me, pointed, and motioned for me to come in.

I left John and Jackson outside, as I made my way into the briefing room. Isabel was looking at me as if she was trying to place me, while Harper had a proud and excited look on her face. Grey and Tim both looked cautious, Tim more mad than actually cautious.

"Uh, what's going on?" I asked.

It was Grey that spoke up first. "Officer Chen, you're familiar with former officer Isabel Bradford?"

I nodded at Isabel. "We've met. Good to see you again."

It actually was good to see her again, because she looked well. I could tell that Tim's words to her the last time he had seen her must've helped. Her skin was no longer pale, she didn't have dark circles around her eyes, and her hair looked clean and healthy just among the obvious and notable changes.

I looked from Isabel to Tim who still looked really upset, which gave me pause. Based on his last conversation with Isabel and even what I knew from what Lopez told me, this is what Tim has wanted since she left him in the middle of the night years ago.

Why did he seem so angry?

Not that I would know what he was thinking or feeling—ever. It didn't help matters after the raid where we had that moment where I thought we might have kissed— or where I thought it was headed.

I know now that would have been a grave lapse in judgement, not just because he was dating the impressive, beautiful, and talented criminal profiler from the FBI, but because he was my boss and my T.O. There are rules and policies against that sort of thing.

Not to mention, he was extremely infuriating, bossy, and challenging as hell. Not that any of that seemed to stop or sway the feelings I was suddenly having for him.

For the last two weeks, we have practically pretended as if that moment in the warehouse never happened. It was probably best for the both of us, since all I really needed to focus on was being the best probationary police officer there ever was. There was a strong possibility that I might have a chance right now.

"Isabel needs our help, and Harper thinks you might be the perfect fit," Grey continued.

I beam at the confidence from Harper. "Of course, sir."

Tim scowled. "You should hear what it is first."

Isabel pressed her lips together, easily picking up that Tim was not happy, and that partly being her fault.

"Tim told me you are aware that as a former cop, I was working undercover in narcotics?" I nodded. "Last night, I received a call on my old undercover line."

"It's a line that we use in undercover work that comes right here to the station. We give it to our C.I.'s or others we might form personal relationships with, that can get us the message and protect our covers, even after the assignment might be over," Harper interjected.

"The call came from a girl I had become friends with during my first undercover assignment many years ago. It was an extremely small drug ring that I managed to break up before it ever got big. Apparently, over the years they have had the ability to build it back," Isabel informed.

I could tell by her slumped shoulders and dip in her voice that she felt it was her fault. Her fault because she hadn't been around to keep an eye on things and stop it from growing. It had been her case, and her responsibility to make sure if things were changing that she had alerted her command.

"The girl—Annie Dobs—was just the girlfriend at the time of Adam Hurley, who was in charge. I learned he was shanked over six months ago in prison."

"Why?"

"My guess, because he failed to keep the operation in working order. He cost his boss a lot of money," Harper answered.

"Who was his boss?" I asked.

"An up and coming in the drug business and good friends with Wade Jones."

I glanced over at Tim, his jaw clenched. I could understand the reason he was upset. The last time we had heard that name or even came across him was when we had to rescue Isabel from his clutches when we had been looking to make an arrest.

"Since Jones has warrants out for his arrest, he has been laying low, and giving more of the business to his friend—Jimmy Biggs. Jimmy had Adam killed in prison so he wouldn't be able to take over and continue to run the business while in prison. That left Annie in a desperate situation and instead of reaching out and asking for help, she turned to Jimmy. Her call last night, she's scared and she mentioned she is in over her head. She called me saying I was her last opportunity for help to pull her away."

"It's been years, Is. You don't even know the players in this game and we don't have all the information. You could easily expose yourself or Lucy," Tim said.

"Which is why we would meet with Annie first. Get the intel and like always run the information down and confirm if it is accurate. If it is, we can come up with a detailed operational plan."

Tim stood, crossing his arms over his chest. "Except you aren't a cop anymore."

"Lucy and I are," Harper said.

Tim glared at her. "Lucy is a rookie not even out of probation yet. To include her in this kind of mission is irresponsible."

My eyebrow raised. "You don't think I can handle something like this?"

"Alright, that's enough," Grey cut in. Everyone in the room quieted down. "Officer Chen, we know this is a tall ask, and Officer Bradford is also correct that Isabel is no longer a cop. For now, we are asking that you accompany Isabel on her meeting with Annie Dobs to secure the information and then we can make a strategic decision from there."

"Tim and I will be backup the whole time," Harper added.

This was my first opportunity to really show that I have the skills and the ability to do undercover work. I know I had to formally wait for the test before I could apply, but having experience to explain during the oral exam of the test made my chances even better.

"Yes, I'll help."

Isabel looked relieved, while Tim's scowl deepened. He shook his head and stormed out of the briefing room, leaving me with Isabel and Harper.

"Don't let him upset you," Harper said. "As a T.O. it is his job to want to protect and look out for you," she said.

"Plus, all my baggage doesn't help," Isabel added. "He never liked the fact that I wanted to work undercover, and you see how that turned out."

She was trying to make light of the fact that she had slipped and become an addict, but even I could see being newly sober it was still a little raw. Especially, being back in a place full of people that had been her friends and colleagues who had known what she had done. To me, that just proved how brave she really was and how much she must care for this Annie Dobs to come back in and face everyone who would likely judge her.

"Look, I promise you, Lucy, if I didn't think you could handle this or that you had the right skills to do the job, I wouldn't have recommended you," Harper said.

That made my chest swell with pride. It felt so good after the rough couple of months I have been through to know that other officers like Harper thought I had the skills and ability to be amazing at other things.

"So, what's the play?" I asked.

"You and Isabel are going to meet with Annie in an hour at a hotel they used to meet at back in the day," Harper answered.

"Since Annie is in need of help, we are going to hold off on your full backstory until we know what she needs. I'll tell her you worked with some heavy hitters on the east coast."

I nodded.

"I guess we should get going."

As Harper and Isabel filed out of the room, Tim was there waiting for me. He still looked upset about the fact that I was being asked to work undercover, but he had dialed in some of his anger.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" he asked.

"Yes. Look, I know you don't think I can handle this—"

"It's not whether I think you can't handle this. You're still in probationary period, and I don't like that they want to bring you in on something you haven't had a lot of experience with," he explained.

"I promise. I'm good." I paused, trying to figure out the right words to say this. "I know I am still early in my mentorship with you, but I have been thinking about this for a while. I really think I can excel at undercover work, and Harper thinks I can too. She thinks I have the skills and instincts to be good at it."

"Lucy, undercover work means that you have to lie to the people that you love. You have to harden yourself and not show the mercy and empathy that I see you show everyday. I know this might all look exciting and fun right now, but you really need to think if that is the kind of work you would be able to handle everyday."

I sighed, my shoulders slumping a bit. "Are you sure we are talking about me here, or Isabel?"

His expression morphed into annoyance. "This has nothing to do with Isabel."

My forehead wrinkled in skepticism. "I am not so sure. Isabel was a good cop and excelled at undercover work, but in the end, she succumbed to the challenges of the work. Why do I get the feeling that you think the same will happen to me?"

"Why are you acting so caviller about the risks that is associated with this kind of work? You have been on the job for a few months, I have been on the job for years."

"That's not—"

"I am not telling you not to do something, but I would like to think you would at least consider when your T.O. wants to make sure you understand all the facts."

He stalked off, leaving our entire conversation unresolved. The truth was that I did respect his opinion and thoughts. I know he only thought of my best interest. I would be lying if I said that I was not nervous or scared about today, but deep down I wasn't worried, because I knew he would be there to have my back.

I changed out of my uniform and into street clothes and met Isabel out front.

"You sure you're ready for this?" she asked.

I grumbled. "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

"Come on," she said, walking us over towards the car. "Your…what…at the home stretch now of your probationary period?" she asked as she pulled the car out on the road.

I nodded along. "Yeah, is it bad that I am so looking forward to when I can be on my own?"

Isabel chuckled. "No. I remember when I was in that stretch myself. I couldn't wait. And I have been witnessed to Tim as a T.O. I know how excited you must be for this time to be over."

"Yeah…"

I was actually having mixed feelings about that. I couldn't wait to be on my own to call my own shots and be able to turn the A/C on in the car before lunch time, but I liked riding with Tim. Despite his crankiness, he was a damn good partner to have. Plus, we seemed to work well together and balance each other out. His hardness to my supposed softness and empathetic nature.

"Look, I know Tim can be difficult and come across like a jerk…but he really does mean well. He always has his Boot's best interest at heart." A wistful look crossed her expression. "He will always have your back. No matter what."

I was pretty sure I saw her eyes water a little bit, and her voice dip at reminding herself at what she had lost because of her addiction and choosing that addiction over Tim.

"I know," I said. "Is it stupid that I just want him to be proud of me?"

Isabel looked taken back. "I know you don't think so, because Tim isn't always the easiest person to read, and I know I don't know you very well, but trust me, Tim's proud of you.

Nothing would sound as good as hearing it from Tim, but hearing it from Isabel was the next best thing.

"Here we go," Isabel announced as we pulled into the hotel.

We stopped at the front desk, Isabel getting the information before we started making our way to the room.

"Turning communications on," I said, alerting Isabel that everything from here on out, would be heard by the rest of the team. "Test confirmation?"

"Hear you loud and clear, Chen," Harper's voice came over the radio.

Isabel and I walked to the room until she knocked, a thin brunette who looked as if she dabbled in drugs herself answered the door.

"Ashley?"

Isabel smiled. "Hey, Annie."

Annie pulled Isabel into a bone-crushing hug. I followed Isabel into the room and shut the door behind us. Annie looked up from her hug with Isabel and directly at me.

"Who's this?" She asked, pulling back from the hug and keeping her eyes on me.

"She's cool. She's with me. She got me out of some trouble a few months back, and her and I have been riding ever since," Isabel explained.

"Are you sure she can be trusted?"

I held her gaze and stood my ground considering Annie was sizing me up.

"Yeah. She ran with some pretty tough crews on the east coast. Even did a nickel in Rikers Island. She's cool and she isn't no snitch," Isabel answered.

Annie seemed to relax and regard me with respect at knowing I had spent time at Rikers. For someone in the drug business or any gang for that matter, going to a prison as tough as Rikers was like wearing a badge of honor.

"What's going on, Annie? You sounded like you were in trouble?"

Annie plopped down on the bed in the hotel room, her face in her hands as she told us her circumstances.

"After they killed Adam, I should have run away. I could have gotten out, but I was scared. Adam always took care of me, and suddenly, I lost the man I loved, no place to stay and no money. They promised me I would have a place to stay, that they would take care of me if I pledged my allegiance to them."

"You didn't?" Isabel asked exasperated.

"What was I supposed to do?" Her voice was raised as she dropped her hands to her lap.

"You call me!"

"You weren't around. I asked and no one heard from you in a while. The last of those that were loyal to Adam said you were dead. I had no choice, Ash," she cried.

Isabel sighed but sat down next to Annie. I remained standing, but the cop in me went directly to the window to look at our surroundings. Harper and Tim had us covered on the outside, but that didn't mean Annie didn't already have people on the inside watching.

"What do they want with you?"

"Better product," Annie replied. "They are getting creamed by the Quintero cartel, Calderon, and Jones's gangs and cartels."

"Quintero is out for now," I said, letting go of the curtain and looking away from the parking lot. "Word on the streets is they got raided by the cops a couple of weeks ago."

Annie nodded eagerly. "Which is why they say I am not dead yet. They are giving me one chance to deliver them better product to take over the Quintero space, and if I don't deliver, they are going to kill me."

"What do they want you to deliver?" Isabel asked.

"Pure herion. A lot of our buyers have moved on, complaints from customers that ours doesn't last as long or doesn't give the same high."

Isabel balked. "You're not a chemist."

Annie grew visibly more upset. "You don't think I know that. What the hell am I supposed to do?"

I crossed my arms over my chest. "You take me," I said.

"Chen what the hell are you doing?" I heard Tim ask through the earpiece.

"What can I say, I aced chemistry in high school, and I have more than enough knowledge to make whoever is after you a product that will get them off your back and the ability to let you escape," I answered.

"Is she for real, Ash?"

Isabel looked to me, but I nodded in confirmation that what I said was true and that I was confident I could make this work.

Isabel beamed. "I told you she was solid."

"I am going to need to get some supplies and make some samples. When do you need to present me to them?"

Annie sucked in her bottom lip. "Tonight." She glanced between Isabel and myself seeing the questioning looks between us. "I'm sorry, if I could give you more time I would, but I don't have it."

Isabel stroked Annie's hair and hugged her to her side. "Don't worry, Annie. We will get this figured out. Until then, stay here and we will be back later."

Isabel and I left to head back to the station. We only had a few hours to prepare in order to make this entire thing happen.

Tim

Grey had spent the last few hours getting every available cop to help work on setting up this operation. My good buddy in narcotics happily obliged at the opportunity this was going to bring down another major drug player, but also warned how fickle and temperamental these guys could be.

"Alright, let's go over this again," two seasoned U.C. from narcotics began as we detailed the final log of the operation.

"Annie is going to take Lucy—or your new identity, Nova Lin—where you will produce the samples of the new herion you cooked up. Get them to settle on a price, and give you some payment now if they can't settle on all of it. Once that happens and you clear the building, Metro, SWAT , and the rest of the team will move in and take them down. Any questions?"

Lucy shook her head no. I was trying to keep my anger at this whole thing at bay.

"What if they want to take Officer Chen somewhere?" I asked.

"That's a good question, Tim." He turned to Lucy. "Officer Chen, if any at any point they attempt to take you offsite or change the rules, you need to make sure you do not go with them. Repeat your distress phrase and we will come right in."

"What are your signals again?" Harper asked.

"It's a beautiful day to make herion' means I am all clear and if I say, 'I didn't sign up for this,' than that means things have gone south and I need your assistance," Lucy answered.

"Alright, I think that is everything. Let's get it all firmed up and ready for Lucy to be on the way," narcotics said.

As soon as the room disbanded, Lucy got up and came towards me.

"I am not going to ask if you are ready for this, because I don't want to be accused that I am not supportive," I said.

Lucy sighed. "I know you don't like this."

"Your damn right I don't. They have enough and more experienced U.C.'s that can handle this. You are walking into too many unknown variables with your only backup on the outside," I pointed out.

She pursed her lips. "You keep saying this has nothing to do with the fact that I have the skills, but every time we talk it seems to be the opposite."

"I told you—"

"Yeah, I know, too many unknown variables and I am just some probationary officer," she cut me off sounding dejected.

"Why do you even care what I think?"

She scoffed. "Because you're my T.O. and because I value your opinion. I know that you don't like that I am doing this, and you don't have to, but your support would mean a great deal."

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Of course I support you."

A ghost of a smile flitted upon her lips. "Thank you."

"Go. You need to get ready."

I watched Lucy walk out of the briefing room, just as Isabel walked over to me.

"Hey," she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Hey."

"She's going to do great you know. She's a natural for this. I think she is going to even be better than I ever was in my prime." She was guessing where my thoughts had been.

"I know," I said.

"You look good," she commented, her eyes glancing me over up and down.

I glanced back at her. "You too. I am glad you're doing well."

She smiled. "Me too. I heard you're dating a criminal profiler with the FBI?"

I expected that this kind of conversation might come up and the awkwardness that might follow, but Isabel was smiling genuinely, and looked happy.

"Yeah."

She laughed and shook her head. "A Fed, really, Tim?"

"What's wrong with dating a Fed? Laura is a good person."

She grinned. "I don't doubt it. She would have to be in order to be with you. And we always used to hate when the Feds came around."

I sat on the edge of the desk. "Yeah, well, things change."

Isabel's smile dropped. I didn't necessarily mean that comment about her directly, but I could see she took it that way all the same.

"You know, for a minute, I actually thought it was you and Lucy that might have had something going on?"

I schooled my expression. "She's my Boot, Is. There is nothing else going on."

"So, you and Lopez say. I know the day at the motel when you found me was hazy, but Lucy was the one with you, wasn't she?"

I shot her a questioningly look. "Yeah, so?"

"The Tim Bradford I know would never have brought a rookie there," she mused.

"Lucy isn't like all the rookies I have trained in the past. I would have never brought her there if I didn't think she could handle it."

I didn't know why I was even standing here having to defend my decisions to Isabel anyway. Lucy was my Boot, and I better than anyone knew what was best for her and the kind of training and situations she could handle.

"I'm not questioning you, Tim. It's just, I have never seen you this way with any of your other Boots. If I am being honest, even with me when we worked on patrol together."

"Well, Is, it's not like you have been around anyway." She stepped back as if I had just slapped her. I looked down at my shoes. "Sorry, that was unfair."

"But true." Her hand extended until it reached my forearm. "Everything will work out. It will be fine. You'll see."

Lucy

I pulled up to the address of the motel Isabel and I were given by Annie. With Isabel out of the game and newly sober, it was decided she was unable to join me on this operation. I was going in solo based on whatever it was that Annie mentioned to Jimmy Briggs.

"Well, this place is a dump," I said, as I stepped out of my beat up car.

The goal was to make them believe having been in prison and released on good behavior with the intention that I would not go back to drug activity, that I appeared of interest in wanting this job. That I needed the job.

According to the intel that Annie provided, I was to meet Jimmy or his crew in room 215. Just as I started to make my way to the stairs, a black SUV pulled up, right behind me, the window rolling down and a gun shoved right in my face.

"Nova Lin?"

I turned away from the stairs and towards the man with the gun. "Whose asking?"

"I'm not asking." He pulled the gun up a little further so he made sure I could see it. "You're the chemist?"

I nodded.

"Then get in. Jimmy wants to meet you."

I glanced back at the hotel room. "I thought we were meeting here?"

I was well aware that Tim and Harper were able to monitor the situation from here where all the equipment was set up for the meet, but if I got in this car with one of Jimmy's men, then I was going to another location that I would be on my own. It was likely that Annie could be at this location, being held until I showed up and approved and hired by Jimmy and his crew.

"We had to make sure you weren't followed," the man replied impatiently. "Now, get in the car."

"I don't do business like this," I protested.

He cocked his gun. "You won't be doing business at all, unless you get your ass in this car."

All I had to do was repeat the phrase and back up would show up and stop them before anything further could occur. But that could also mean that Annie would be killed as soon as they heard of the takedown. I was trained for this. I had the skills for this. Annie didn't. If I didn't come through, she was going to die.

"Okay."

"Then get in. Jimmy wants to meet you. Give me your phone and keys," he demanded.

"What? No. You know how long it took me to be able to buy these things?"

He thrusted his gun further at me, his look taking on a menacing expression. "I will not ask again. Give me the phone and keys."

My look was a combination of stubborn and dismissive, but I reached in my front pocket for the keys and the back pocket for my phone and passed it over to him.

"Now, get in."

I did as he instructed. I knew Tim and Harper were going to disapprove, but this was one chance I had to possibly become infiltrated into the gang and bring them down with the sale. If that took place in their territory where there was more illegal contraband, even better.

As I slid into the car, there were two others in the vehicle with semiautomatic weapons pointed at me as well.

"Wow, what a welcoming greeting," I said sarcastically.

One of the two men was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit and black dress shoes that probably cost me four months of my cop salary, eyed me as we approached. I assumed he was Jimmy the one in charge.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked once I came to a stop.

"You're Jimmy Biggs," I answered timidly.

That made him smile. "I see Annie has told you about me."

"Enough, but she didn't need too. Your crew has been in these parts for sometime now."

It was important to always play to their ego's. The fact that their product was being called into question and their crew likely to be overtaken if things didn't change, put them at a critical junction. They know they need me, but they weren't going to disclose that. Clearly, Jimmy and his crew were taking the approach of managing their fear and easily killing anyone that got in their way to send a message.

"Annie tells me you're a chemist I need for my crew."

I lifted my chin in confidence. "If you want the purest forms of product, especially, herion not just in this state but the entire west coast, then you want me."

He laughed in a way that said he didn't believe me. "Yeah, if that's the case, then why aren't you already working for another crew?"

"Because I've learned the hard way that when crews get sloppy, I pay the price."

Jimmy studied me for a moment. "Annie says you did time in Rikers. Drug charges?"

"Yes. got busted with the Le Fuego's on the east coast. They got sloppy with the shit ton of product I was making for them and managed to get us busted. I did my time, but now I am out, and I am tired of living in roach motels and eating cup of noodles." I paused and looked at the two men next to him before looking back to Jimmy. "Annie said she needed a fix, and I need some money. I've kept square for a good period of time, so I know the pigs shouldn't be hot on me. Seems like a win-win for everyone." I pulled my purse from my side. "Now, I brought you a sample of a cook I did last night. Now, do you want to continue to play twenty questions, or do you want to make a deal?"

Jimmy snapped his fingers at the man next to him, who stepped forward and held out his hand for my purse. I looked at his hand, but didn't give it up.

"Give him the goods," Jimmy demanded.

"So, what…Bozo over here can use the wrong chemicals and mess with my perfectly good cook?"

Jimmy smiled; just as his man ripped my purse from me anyway.

"You got a mouth on you," Jimmy remarked.

Jimmy needed me. Therefore, this was a bonafide pissing match. I wasn't just selling myself and my skills here, I was making sure he knew I had options and I didn't need him, but he as sure as hell needed me.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Ah, I'm sorry, were you expecting some good Christian girl."

Jimmy snapped his fingers and pointed to come stand in front of him. "Come test your product."

I scoffed. "Do I look like dog?"

He lifted his gun at me directly. "You look like you're smart enough to know when to follow orders."

I made sure my face showed my displeasure, but I did as he asked and moved to the front where his second in command dumped out the contents in my purse. I set up the four viles and put a drop in each one, each turning a different color that the police used in order to test product. All of them came back with the deep associated color that showed what I had said earlier that it was the purest of the pure.

"See," I said haughtily.

Jimmy attempted to hide the fact that he was impressed by my test.

"Alright, the preview was good, but now you need to prove yourself fully," he said.

My brows scrunched together in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"That test doesn't prove that you cooked it or could make it in large batches, and I am on a strict deadline. Now, where is your muscle?"

I had to school my expression. It was apparent that Annie had left something out of whatever conversation we had with her today.

"I am about done with all of your tests and disrespect. I showed you what I can bring and if you are not interested, then I would be happy to take my skills elsewhere."

I started to turn, when the men that rode with us in the back of the car ride over, jammed their guns in my direction, nodding their head for me to turn back around to face their boss.

"You don't really have a choice," Jimmy warned. "You are going to make me an entire batch of your pure herion and we are both going to get rich." He pointed his gun directly at my face. "Now, where is your partner? The muscle?"

Tim

"Don't get in the car, Lucy," I said under my breath.

She got in the car with what we figured was Jimmy's men.

"Harper, we don't have eyes on her if she gets in that car. The meet was supposed to be in the hotel room." I turned to Isabel. "Why didn't Annie warn you about this?"

Isabel didn't seem surprised by the turn of events. "This is common that the meeting place will be changed. They are probably making sure she isn't being tailed by cops considering the backstory we created was she was released for good behavior and possible rehabilitation."

"Don't worry, Tim, we have wheels and can follow at a distance."

We watched as the man threw Lucy's keys and phone which held the bug and tracking device back onto the street before they sped off.

Harper jumped out, going to the extra car to follow, while Isabel and I followed discreetly in the van.

About thirty minutes later, Harper radioed in the location the car pulled into and parked her car at the end of the street.

"I am going to find us a vantage point to be able to get us communication on the inside. Stand by."

Harper had been smart enough to secure robotics that would give us video and audio for situations just like this. I was glad to know with all of Harper's experience and success that she was here and looking out for Lucy.

"Ok, robotic is in, you should have audio and video shortly. I am headed back to the van," she announced.

I pulled up the feed; sighing internally when a grainy feed came up on the inside of the warehouse. I clocked four men altogether—Jimmy included—inside the building with Lucy standing in the middle.

"She's good," Isabel remarked. "She handles herself like a pro and is quick to know what to say or do. She is going to excel at this work, Tim."

I clicked on a couple of the keys so I could zoom in and capture pictures and turn up the audio.

"Yeah, well, there better not be any more surprises."

The van opened, Harper climbing back in as we watched the exchange back and forth. Jimmy's M.O. was using his position through fear based on the number of times that he kept pointing his weapon at Lucy and threatening to kill her.

Isabel was right though. Lucy was doing a damn good job in remaining calm and responding in a manner that was authentic and credible. Being on the force as long as I have, I have seen veteran cops not able to do what she was doing or stay this calm under pressure.

"Now, where is your muscle?" Jimmy asked.

I turned to Harper and Isabel in confusion. "What's he talking about? What muscle?"

Isabel and Harper looked just as confused as I was.

"I don't know….Annie never mentioned anything in the meet about a partner." She pulled out her phone to try and call Annie's number that she used earlier in the day when she and Lucy met with her at the hotel.

Harper and I looked at each other, both of us not happy with the direction this operation was going.

I picked up the communications. "This is Bradford, we are going to need additional backup at 2652 Bollinger Ave, possible U.C. under duress. Standby by for further details," I informed.

"Annie, where are you?" Isabel demanded, putting the phone on speaker.

"Ash, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," she cried. There was a lot of wind in the background and by the sound of her voice and panting, she was running.

"What did you do?" Isabel asked.

"I was desperate, Ash. They were going to kill me. They didn't just need a chemist, but they needed someone who could ensure the safety of the transport."

The worry in Harper's expression matched my own.

"You sent my girl in there knowing she couldn't deliver on having a partner. You signed her death warrant, Annie. How could you do that?"

"I'm sorry, Ash. You got away, but I didn't get that chance. This is my chance and I am going to take it. If your girl is as good as you say in being a chemist, then she has a shot at staying alive too."

Isabel hung up the phone. "We have to get in there. There is no way they are going to let Lucy live. If Annie promised them a chemist and muscle and Lucy does not deliver, they are going to know it's a setup."

"If we go in right now, Lucy is as good as dead," Harper tried to reason. "They are going to see us coming and there are four armed men to only Lucy. We don't even know if she still has her weapon or if they took that too."

I wiped my hand down my face. "Then our only play is that we produce a partner before they figure out that Lucy has no idea what they are talking about."

"After the way you just abducted me? What makes you think you aren't already being watched?" Lucy bit back brining our attention back to the video footage.

Jimmy's eyes narrowed at her, his men glancing around at her words.

"That's good. That gives me time to get in and play to Lucy's story," Harper said.

I shook my head. "You're not going in there."

Harper scoffed. "You think that is going to be you? Why? Because you're a guy? We all know that I am the logical choice. I have the most U.C. training and a better support to Lucy in there."

"I am her T.O. and the better fit for what they are asking," I argued.

"You really think—"

"Alright, enough!" Isabel exclaimed. "This isn't helping Lucy, and someone needs to get in there." She turned to Harper. "Look, I am all for women rule the world, but I know these guys. If we have any chance, they are going to be expecting someone like Tim."

Harper exhaled. "Fine. You go. I'll move the car closer so it's believable of your arrival or potential quick escape."

I started to get up, but Isabel grabbed my arm and stopped me.

"Wait. You look to posh and cop like. You need to change things up." She grabbed a black jacket off the back of the chair. "Here, put this on."

I looked at it with distaste. "I am not putting that on. I will look like some clothing model."

"Which is why you need to put it on," she argued. "Trust me. These guys are going to want someone who looked polished and can fit in anywhere."

I grabbed the jacket and put it over my simple green muscle tee. Isabel leaned forward and started to run her hands through my hair so it wasn't so slicked back.

I leaned back immediately. "Stop it."

She sighed. "I am just trying to help."

"Yeah, well, I got this."

I grabbed my gun and tucked in the back of my waist and turned to exit the van.

"Tim?"

I turned back just as I opened the door to the van. If I didn't know any better, the way Isabel sucked in her bottom lip, she appeared to be worried about me.

"Be careful, ok."

I told her what I always say. "Always am."

I made sure to note all of my surroundings as I made my way inside. It didn't seem they had anyone else monitoring the outside—idiots—but that was good for me being able to get in.

As I moved into the building, I could hear their voices continuing to go back and forth. Just as I rounded the corner, I saw Jimmy move closer to Lucy and toss a phone to her which she easily caught.

"Either you produce your muscle here and now, or you're a dead chemist."

Lucy held the phone in her hand, trying to buy herself time on how she would proceed. I decided now was the best time to make it known. I pulled the gun from the back of my waist and held it in front of me, aiming it directly on Jimmy as I stepped into view.

"You know, I don't take it lightly that you keep pointing your weapon and threatening my girl like you have," I said, as I moved closer until I was standing shoulder to shoulder with Lucy.

Lucy looked at me questioningly, before a tiny smile appeared on her lips.

"Who are you?" Jimmy asked, all of his men pointing their weapons at me now.

"I'm the security you requested," I answered, still keeping my weapon aimed on Jimmy.

Jimmy squinted at me suspiciously. "Yeah, how convenient you just show up now." he looked between the two of us. "Why am I getting vibes that this is more of a set up and you might be cops."

"If your security is anything like the way you run your business then that only just proves you're not that smart," I said.

"You got a big mouth for the odds being stacked against you," Jimmy threatened.

I laughed as if his comment was comical. "You mean the three that you have here protecting you? Well, two, because the idiot you have upstairs still has his safety on."

Jimmy looked up into the rafters where his third security guard was sitting and watched him as he turned his semiotic weapon in his hand and clicked off the safety that had still been in place.

"Clearly it isn't just a chemist that you needed. Now, my baby Nova here has already proved to you her worth, but I'd be more than happy to prove you mine if you need me to, but something tells me you're not in a position to be down more men."

This time Jimmy laughed. "You're cocky. I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering your girl is just as cocky."

I shrugged, as I placed my arm around Lucy's shoulders my gun still aimed at Jimmy. "What can I say, she's the real deal."

"Alright. If you two are as good as you say you are, then you should have no problem with having to adjust on the fly."

Lucy smiled as she turned her head to look at me with a soft and warm tenderness. "We love a good challenge, don't we babe," she remarked, wrapping her arm around my waist.

A predatory glint shown in Jimmy's eyes. "The deal is we have to produce product by tomorrow evening. You two are going to produce half of it to me within the next four hours. Failure to produce, and…well…" he lifted his hands in the air, the unspoken threat left hanging between us.

I looked over at Lucy and nodded.

"You have a deal," I said.