Kim woke feeling Rangers wet nose on her cheek. "Hey buddy. You need to potty?" Kim asked looking towards him. He just whined but she understood. "Let me just tell Adam quick." She nudged Adam softly. "Hey you okay?" He whispered pulling her closer. "Yeah Ranger needs to potty. I just didn't want you to wake without knowing where I was." They both smiled softly. "Be right back." She kissed his chest as she got up moving from the room. They headed right outside to the grass so Ranger could go. He normally never woke her so she knew it was urgent. When got back to the apartment Kim locked the door right away then let Ranger loose. He got some water and headed back to his bed. Kim pet his head and went right back to the bed next to Adam. She smiled as he wrapped his arms around her pulling her close to his body again. She wasnt sure if he was asleep or not but she had to admit she really liked it. How safe she felt. How comfortable she felt. It was way too soon after her break up to even think about this. But she knew it was something she wanted to work towards.
She fell back to sleep with her head on his chest. It seemed to calm the storm in her mind. When she woke again she saw he was awake watching her sleep. "Hey good morning." He smiled looking at her. "Hey." She smile trying to move but he stopped her. "Stay with me. I need this more than I can say." He felt her settle back against him. "Me too. I know its too soon. But I really feel safe here. I think back and Im not sure I felt this safe with him." She adjusted her body slightly before she spoke again. "He never wants to be anything more than a Patrol Officer. And thats fine. But he judged me for wanting more. He would always make snide comments about pencil pushing sergeants. And them not knowing whats actually happening on the streets. I feel like he resented me for making sergeant. Why did I agree to marry him?" Kim asked herself. "What district does he work out of?" Adam was curious who the guy was. "Um 33rd. At least thats where he was when he left me." Kim shook her head closing her eyes again.
"I never wanted to walk the beat like my pops. I want to be the first through the door. I want the crazy busts and crazy gun fire. It helps me feel alive. Its just the kind of cop I want to be. Patrol was never a thought for me. I would if I had to but thankfully I got pulled in to Intelligence before I even finished the academy. Its the perfect fit for me." Adam stated as he held her. "Thats pretty cool. What did you get pulled for?" Kim asked not knowing. "They needed a fresh face to do an undercover bust. It was easy. I got arrested with the rest and never left. Its not always been easy but Im so grateful for the opportunity." He moved his hand to her back holding her tight. "Have you ever thought about becoming a detective?" Kim asked unsure what he thought. "Um yes and no. I would love to do it. But with my daughter and the job it feels impossible." He wasnt sure if it was possible for him but it was in the back of his mind. "Makes tons of sense." She moved to see him better.
"Do you want to see them?" She asked knowing it was scary and hard for her. "Only if you are absolutely sure. I dont want to make you uncomfortable." He could feel them so he knew it was bad. She moved from his hold turning around pulling her shirt up to show him all the damage. She heard him gasp as his fingers touched each one. "Can you tell me what happened? Or is it too raw?" He asked still touching the scars. "Um yeah I don't remember much. We were in a convoy leaving the Ukraine crossing the boarder back in to Poland. I heard a missle, I know that. After that I remember smells of things burning but I don't remember much else. From what I was told I was in Poland but not everyone was. It was a Russian missle trying to take us out for helping the Ukraine. A lot of really good soldiers didnt make it home. But I did. I struggle with that everyday. Survivors guilt." She was afraid to look at him.
"Wow. Thats crazy. Im almost happy for you that you don't remember much. Must be easier not having those flashbacks. Or nightmares." He pulled her in for a hug. "What about you?" She asked knowing it was horrible as well. "Um so yeah the grandkid of a big drug dealer shot me since his mom and I were trying to get him away from the grandfather. His grandfather told him to shoot me so he did. The mother took my phone and left me for dead. I dragged myself to the stairs, literally throwing myself down the stairs to grab my phone to call for help. I remember every minute of it. As painful as it was my team was with me the entire time. They held me strong especially after my ex decided to leave. The nightmares are gone but I still look at the scar and feel that phantom pain. Im not sure how long it will take for thar to go away." He knew she would understand.
"Im so sorry for you!" Kim hugged him knowing how hard it was to talk about it. "Same to you! This is how we heal." He hugged her back holding her tight. "What are thinking about therapy tonight?" She asked as she leaned back some. "Therapy sucks! But I want to do this for Izzy. I never want her to grow up like me. I want to be at her graduations with her mom, cheering her on. I want to be at her wedding without her fearing her parents are going to fight. I want joint birthday parties, joint holidays, first day of school together, first dances together. I just want her to have a better life than me. This is the first way to fix it." He adjusted his grip some. "I know I already told you this but I have no interest in getting back together with my ex. I just want to work together with her to raise our daughter. Im so much happier without her. And I truly enjoy what we are building here. I need you to believe that." He held her hands looking into her eyes. "I do believe you. I completely understand and completely agree with it. It makes total sense." She made sure his eyes were on hers before she continued.
"I also am very invested in figuring out what we are doing. Where we are going. Im not intetested in looking elsewhere. This, whatever it is, is so damn comfortable and safe. I want to figure this out with time. No rushing, plenty of time." She watched him smile a bit wider. "When is your physical?" He asked not asking the day before. "Tuesday. In the morning. Im probably gonna need a sitter if you are up for it." She smiled as they laughed. "Always. Remember Im your anchor." He kissed her forehead letting his lips linger longer than he should. "I hate to break this up but I have to get ready for work. And you my dear have apartments to look at. Your boy needs more space." He winked laughing at her. "Lord I know! You will be moving boxes for sure when that happens!" She laughed as she threw a pillow at him. "I will always be at your service!" He winked heading into the bathroom. She smiled sitting a bit longer then headed out to Ranger. He was happy to see her.
"Hey buddy! You hungry?" Kim asked watching him run to the kitchen. "Okay bud!" Kim laughed moving to feed him quickly. Adam had given her some bowls to use that were plastic. That way neither had to worry about things breaking. Kim started the coffee for them. Then headed to the windows looking out at the world. Adam showered quick then headed out to dress. He could smell coffee as he dressed fast. He found her staring out the windows. "You seem lost?" He asked moving towards her. "Not really just looking at the area. Just trying to figure out my day. I need to find a new gym too." She whined as he laughed. "Are you allowed to work out yet?" He wasnt sure if he knew. "Yeah. Light weights, yoga, pilates. Have to build my strength back up." Kim shrugged. "I go to Easton fitness. They have classes but I dont know what kind. Its not overly expensive. You should check it out. Cant hurt." He rubbed her back then hugged her from behind.
"I promise I will check it out today. Im also going to try to run a bit today. I need to build up my stamina again. So I need to try a bit more each day." She saw him nodding. "Okay give me a hug. I have to go. Take your time again today. No rush. I will text you later." They shared a long hug before he headed out. "Thanks!" She winked playfully as he left the apartment. Kim found something to eat and then headed to shower. She knew she really needed to look for a place to live. She called serveral property management companies to get appointments to look at several apartments. She liked the idea of living in this same building but she wanted to do her due diligence. "Lets get going Ranger. We need to find a place to live." Kim smiled watching him moving towards her. She got him on his leash as they headed out. Making sure the door was locked behind them.
Adam had arrived to work with all eyes on him. "Well you look lighter this morning." Kevin commented looking towards his friend. "Yeah talked about what happened. Talked about therapy. Its good processing what happened with someone who understands." He commented. "Thats great. Im happy for you. We all know talking helps heal. So good job." Kevin was happy to hear that Adam was doing the work to heal his soul and heart. "It feels good. Im so happy to have a friend that is going through the same thing. She just gets it. Understands the phantom pain I feel when I look at the scar. Understands what its like to live through that. I feel like I've made a real connection to her. It's comfortable, safe, easy, fun. I don't know. But I know I like it. Friendship or more, no clue but I like how its going." He explained getting settled at his desk.
Everyone had settled on for the day. They were all working on paperwork from the day before. It was easy and Adam needed that as he had therapy later. While it needed to be done he still hated the idea of it. He smiled thinking about his daughter. He wondered who she would be when she grew up. She was so kind, loving, happy. He couldnt see her becoming a cop like him. Jay noticed he was zoned out. "You okay man." Jay asked looking at him. "Yeah just thinking about Izzy. Wondering who she will be when she grows up. I cant imagine her becoming a cop. Shes just too sweet for this life. Shes just amazing and I want the best for her. Talking about going to therapy tonight has me thinking about her. Plus she was overly tired last night. Hope shes not getting sick." He took out his phone to text his ex wife to ask how Izzy was feeling. "Gotcha. Hopefully she just had a busy day yesterday." Jay shrugged a bit. "And you are right! Izzy is way too angelic for this line of work." Erin smiled thinking about the sweet little girl.
"Ah the ex just texted that Izzy has a fever, runny nose and cough. Lovely." Adam let them know. "Guess I need to figure out if shes coming to therapy tonight or not." He wondered out loud. "We will happily babysit so she can be available." Erin offered laughing. "Thanks for the offer I will let you know." He laughed knowing everyone loved watching his daughter. He got back to work knowing there wasnt much he could do right now. Kim was getting ready to head to the apartments. She really wanted to find the right place. It was insane how hard it was to find a good place to live. That she could afford. And she definitely wanted a one bedroom so they had more space to move around. She really hoped one of these worked. She texted Adam as she headed out letting him about the apartment hunt. They both knew Ranger needed more space to live. A hotel room when not appropriate for a dog his size. So she really needed to make the move. "Good Luck on the hunt! Hope you find your dream home." He was happy for her, for Ranger. "Not sure it will be the dream but you are right we need more space. So as long as one is great I will take it." She smiled thinking about him.
"Well find the best one for now! See ya tonight after therapy." He sent with a wink emoji. She replied with a smile face as she entered her car. She headed to the first location which was a nice, newer building on a busy street. As soon as she entered the building she already hated it. It was loud even in the lobby of the building. But she still went to check out the apartment. As she moved around the apartment she just felt like it was wrong. She headed to the next place seeing it was a quieter street. She saw a school across the street which didnt thrill her but she could live with it. The apartment itself was very small feeling. And the building didn't offer laundry so that was a no. She was feeling defeated but kept moving. The next was outdated and dirty. She had two more to view. She texted Adam telling him that the first three were a bust. He told her to stay optimistic. And that it would be okay.
The next one she actually liked. She liked the building, the area and even the actual apartment. She checked out the amenities of the building before moving to the last one. The one in Adams building. She knew she liked the building already. But needed to check the apartment out. It was 3 floors above his and on the opposite side of the building. She moved around the apartment loving how large it was but it also had laundry in the unit. The appliances were newer and the closets had tons of space. She knew why he fought hard to keep the apartment. She decided to take it. It was perfect for her and her boy. She signed the paperwork having her move in less than two weeks later. When Adam was free again to help move her things.
She texted Adam right away letting him know the good news. He was excited for her but also for him. She would be closer for sleep overs and he could help take care of Ranger when she worked late. He loved the idea of having her closer to him even on days he had his daughter. He couldnt wait but she couldnt either. The apartment felt like home even without her things in it. Thats exactly what she was lookimg for. And in unit laundry was just a bonus for her. She decided to talk a walk around her new neighborhood with Ranger to get a feel for the area. And to find the local park. She knew Ranger was in need of a run plus she needed the fresh air. She saw lots of people in the park but not a lot of dogs. And that was okay. She could always take him to visit the district where other K-9 dogs were. But that wasnt an issue right now. The only thing that mattered is he was happy and they had a place to live. She wanted to cekebrate tonight with her anchor. Dare she say best friend? He felt like that to her. The instant connection they made. The ease around them. That was how it felt with her other beat friends.
They headed back to the hotel as it was close to 3 and Kim was starving, Ranger went right to his water bowl when they got home. She realky needed to travel better for him. Kim laughed as Ranger curled up on the bed falling asleep right away. Kim settled in in front of her laptop looking at the gym recommended. She wanted to see what classes they offered. They did offer a ton of great classes but not the ones she needed. So that was the next goal, find a proper gym. She started with a google search hoping to find something near her new place. After finding a few options she started doing research on each one. Wanting the best one without paying a ton for it. Just about 4:45 Adam texted saying he was waited for therapy to start and to wish him luck. She immediately replied with a good luck and a heart emoji. He smiled brightly but schooled his expression as he saw his ex wife walking his way.
"Hey. Hows Izzy doing?" Adam asked right away as he approached Wendy. "No hi how are you? Lovely. She seems to be okay. I plan on her being at school tomorrow." She snapped at him. "Im sorry. I have been very concerned about her. She was almost in tears on the phone last night. So hi how are you doing today?" He asked trying to smooth things over. "Im fine. This is stupid in my mind but since its court ordered I dont have a choice." Wendy was pissed she had to be there. "Im sorry you feel that way. But I feel this is best for our daughter. Working together to raise her." He sighed but continued. "You remember when we were planning our wedding and you wanted both my parents in the same room. And I told you they couldnt even be in the same room for my graduation. I dont want that for her. Please work with me on this." He pleaded but she never answered him. They waited for Dr Charles to become available in silence.
When the door opened Adam allowed Wendy to walk in first. He followed behind taking one of the chairs in the room. "Welcome Adam and Wendy. Im happy to see you both today. Hopefully we can make some head way. So what brought you here?" He asked with his note pad out. "Adam wants this so we can co-parent our daughter together. I dont see the point. We arent getting back together so why does this matter." Wendy explained having Adam shocked. "Adam look surprised by what she said." Dr Charles was looking between them the entire time. "Well yeah I am. I dont want to get back together either. Im not sure we should have ever gotten married. I did what I thought was right at the time. But I want us to at least be civil to each other. Be able to be in the same room together. I dont want her to suffer like I did growing up knowing my parents hated each other. And contrary to what you believe I dont hate you for wanting a divorce. I hate how you did it and when you did it. But honestly Im happier without you." Adam explained looking between Wendy and the doctor.
"Wendy can you see his point of view? Do you want your daughter having to live the way he did?" Dr Charles asked not really understanding how she couldn't see it. "I guess I get it. But Im angry he chose the job over me, over our daughter. He got cozy with that woman and her child. The one that shot him." She spewed pure hate towards him. "Look nothing happened there. I was professional the entire time. It was my job to get close to her and her family. Especially her father. I was the only one the family hadn't met on the last case involving them. It sucked but it was the job." He was shocked thats how she felt. "Well they should have found someone who didn't have a family." She sassed back. "Maybe but that was how I was able to connect with her. How I was able to earn her trust. And because I did what I did they werent able to blow up entire schools. They wanted to eliminate all the non white children. I couldnt let that happen. My best friend is black. He brother and sister are just like my own. I couldnt let that happen." He shook his head trying hard to stay in control.
"Well its done now. You made your choice. Now you have to live with it." She was harsh and unforgiving. "Yes I do. But its a choice I would make again. I helped save thousands of childrens lives. Hundreds of adult lives. But non of that matters. I want my daughter, our daughter to live a better life than I did. So we need to work together. So go to therapy alone if you need to because I will be at every doctors appointment. I will be at every parent teacher conference. I will be at her graduation from kindergarten. I will be at her birthday party. So get used to it." Adam sat back just shaking his head. He was beyond frustrated and he needed a drink. The rest of the session was contentious as he expected but he focused on the reason for being here, Izzy. When the session ended he headed right to his Jeep texting Kim. He needed her. He wish he was there, he really needed a physical release but he would settle for a drink and cuddle time with Kim.
He smiled as soon as he saw her. "That bad huh?" She asked seeing his face. "God you have no idea." He hugged ger tight letting her calm him. "Lets get inside and get you a drink." He nodded opening the door for them. She let Ranger loose and then returned to Adams side. "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked gently unsure of his mood. "She's blaming me. Said I did this to myself by taking that undercover job. She thinks it's pointless. I basically told her she needed therapy on her own because Im not going anywhere. So she needs to get used to it. It was not well recieved." He shrugged a bit pulling her in for a hug. "Do you want to finish the documentary from last night? Or something else?" She wasnt sure what he would want tonight. "I dont care. I just need you with me. You are calming me. You are keeping me grounded right now." He just looked into her eyes trying not to break. "Im here for you always. Lets hit the couch. And bring the booze!" Kim laughed as they moved to the couch. They curled uo together turning on the program from the night before.
"You know this is some twisted fucked up shit right?" He asked as she laughed. "I agree completely! But its also fascinating. The power trip is like a high for these people. Its crazy." She let his hold relax her body but it was really her that was relaxing him. The both laid on the couch wrapped together watching this crazy documentary. "I just dont get it. I really don't. How people can fall for this crap is insane to me." Adam was stunned by the whole thing and the fall out at the end. People trying to rebuild their lives and families after living in a cult. It was truly tragic. "Are you feeling any better?" Kim asked as she turned in his arms. "Yeah because I have you. And I really want to kiss you but I know its not the right time. Just yet." He watched her blush under his gaze. "I feel the same. And its crazy. We barely know each other." She shook her head thinking how crazy it all was. "Agreed. So lets just keep doing that. Learning, healing, growing together." He kissed her forehead letting her feel how serious he was about her, about them.
"Sounds perfect. Also I looked into your gym and it doesnt offer the classes I need but I found a few that do. So tomorrow Im going to check them out. See which one I like best." She wanted him to know that she followed his advice. "Thats great. One has to be perfect for you. Why did you need to change gyms?" Adam asked unsure why. "The asshole is a member there and I swear I would drop a weight on his foot if I saw him again." Kim sassed hating her ex. "You know I admitted today that I dont hate my ex for wanting the divorce. Just how she went about it. Do you really hate him enough to harm him?" Adam was slightly scared. "Absolutely! He's lucky I havent tried to shoot his dick off. I have the skills to do that!" She laughed as Adam gringed. "Note to self, never get on your bad side." He laughed with her this time. "Probably a good idea. So lets walk the boy then head to bed." Kim got up pulling Adam up with her.
"Fine if I must." He smiled watching Kim with Ranger. The love between them was clear as day. The trio headed outside to walk the dog a bit around the block. Nether realized they were actually holding hands. It just felt natural, normal. They also didnt realize a car that drove past was her ex fiancé. He saw them clear as day and was stunned. When they returned home Kim made sure Ranger had enough water and food for the night before she headed to Adams bed. Stripping her pants and taking her bra off without removing her shirt. She got into bed next to snuggling into his embrace. "Thank you for tonight. For being my anchor." He whispered. "Thats what we do. So you never have to thank me. Just never let me go." She cried a littke needing to release the feelings. Adam just comtinued to hold her, rubbing her back till she fell asleep against him.
"Good night my darling! Im never letting you go." He whispered kissing her head then falling asleep himself.