A/N: Loving the reactions to the first chapter! People already asking when's the next one coming out!

You don't know how eager I was to get this thing started. Strap in because it's gonna be a slow burn. I really want you to fall in love with this story.

Tori stepped out of the shower, thinking about how things were strained between her and Steven. For the rest of the week, the rookie seemed distant. She paced through the bedroom, letting herself air dry as she went over the last few days in her head. They appeared to hit it off in the beginning but now it's like a switch was flipped. Yesterday he barely said a word to her.

She could see the writing on the wall. It wouldn't be long until another one bit the dust. It's a shame. This was Tori's sixth partner in less than two years. Everything would start well enough, but then it would morph into a disdain that Tori couldn't ignore. As a rule, patrol cops were assigned partners. It was important to have that immediate backup in case things got hairy and someone needed to be in your corner until the cavalry came around.

Sadly, it was a pattern she was too familiar with.

It all started when she first was assigned to her beat.

[FLASHBACK]

Tori's first partner was the twelve-year veteran, Wendell Tobias. He showed her the ropes and was pretty alright in the beginning. During her earlier days, she simply observed but on subsequent days, Tobias would hang back and let Tori take the lead on things to get a handle on the job. She found some aspects of this beat cop business to be tedious but approached it with the right attitude. Tori knew she had to make her bones at the bottom before she could become a detective.

She passed the exams, and she possessed a sharp mind. Tori just needed the few years of active experience under her belt.

Their beat was fairly routine, the only excitement was covering an officer on parking duty. You'd be surprised how many Los Angelenos would get physical with a meter maid. It wasn't the driver's fault he parked recklessly and illegally. Tori and Tobias would break up the occasional fight or respond to a noise complaint, but they would amount to nothing crazy.

One Friday morning, a figure clad in a black hoodie and black jeans with contrasting white sneakers was spotted by a store owner sneaking out of a window. The person was carrying a big bag and fled into the alleys. Available officers in the area got the alert on their radios and Tori was the closest, catching a faint glimpse of the perp.

"There he goes!"

The Latina took off with Tobias very close behind. He was middle-aged but in pretty decent shape.

"Vega! I'll go this way; you head that way. Should be able to cut him off."

"Right," she nodded.

Her younger, more sleek build made her much faster on her feet. Other officers would hesitate at a chain link fence, but Tori scaled it like it was nothing. Tori could see the perp, throwing the contraband over the fence and then jumping after it and so on. He was then blindsided by the broad torso of Tobias. That knocked the thief to the ground with a grunt. His quick gaze up at Tori in hot pursuit was the momentary distraction the one in the hoodie needed and fled.

"HEY!" he bellowed, reaching for his gun.

Tori got there in time to see her partner crouch down to one knee to aim straight.

"STOP!"

He quickly lowered his piece when Tori ran in front of him.

"What are you doing, Vega? Shoot him!"

The thief rounded the corner and bumped into a lady carrying groceries, eggs and carrots and potatoes spilling on the sidewalk. She was more scared by the stranger than losing her bags. Tori caught up to him and slammed him against a parked car and put a hold on him, waiting for Tobias to catch up. If Tori started cuffing him on her own, she would run the risk of him splitting.

"VEGA!"

"Got him!" the tan girl huffed as sirens signaled additional officers pulling up.

Tobias gave her the stink eye while he forcefully whipped the runner around and pulled down his hoodie. It was just a kid, maybe 15 or 16. He was light complected, maybe half white or of Puerto Rican descent. Tori could tell as several in her family had a similar look about them.

"What's your name, kid?" grumbled Tobias. "No street names!"

"Ned," the teen coughed. "Ned Montes."

Tori stepped up with the handcuffs ready as Tobias turned the kid back around and held his arms to be restrained.

She began reading the boy's Miranda rights while she snapped the metal bracelets onto the kid's wrists.

"Ned, you are under arrest for theft. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you..."

When everyone regrouped back at the station, Tobias hung back at the lockers with his arms folded. Tori looked up realizing his look of disapproval was directed at her.

"What?" she asked.

"What? WHAT?" he parroted. "What in the hell did you think you were doing back there?!"

The Latina looked around, like she wasn't understanding the vibe in the room. A few nearby cops took the hint to scram as this wasn't going to be good.

"We're partners, Vega! We're supposed to trust each other."

"We do!" she insisted.

"Do we?" Tobias nodded with a crooked grin. "What exactly was going through your head when you darted in front of me like that?"

Tori scoffed and stretched.

"I was getting the perp."

"You had your gun!" he pointed. "Why chase him another block and risk losing him?"

She squinted at her partner.

"Same reason I told you to stop!"

That made the older man's blood pressure spike.

"Told me to stop? I had a clear shot, and YOU got in the way!"

"Because you weren't listening when I said STOP!"

Tobias shook his head in disbelief.

"Jesus Christ, Vega! I wasn't trying to kill the son of a bitch! I was just going to shoot him in the leg."

"Oh, please" Tori huffed. "Him running with everything else going on, even I could fuck up that shot, and my eyesight is perfect."

He growled like a dog.

"You made me look like an ass out there, Vega! Don't you get it?"

"So you would have rather I let you shoot a sixteen-year-old boy. What if you were off by an inch? He could've been paralyzed. Maybe even killed!"

Tori shook her head and slammed her locker shut. She then grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder.

"I'm going home. Let's all go home and try to start off tomorrow right."

She was halfway out the room when he stepped closer.

"Another thing!"

"Yeah?" asked Tori.

"I saw the paperwork, what the hell? You put Montes' charge down as burglary?"

"He broke in," she explained. "He stole a bunch of things and then tried to get away. Burglary!"

"Oh, hell no! This was a robbery, Vega!"

Tori was reaching her limit today and dropped her bag in anger.

"Bullshit!"

"Bullshit?" he asked.

She turned around with a scowl on her face.

"Yeah! That electronics store was closed and that eyewitness only saw him escape into the alley."

Tori knew what this was about. "Robbery" carried a harsher sentence because it implied violence or threats of violence. "Burglary" on the other hand was the act of breaking into someone else's property to steal something. Had that store been open and Montes used force against the employees, then we would be looking at a robbery. Had he been in possession of a gun, then it would be armed robbery which was even more severe.

Tobias was going to be asked about drawing his weapon (because it was in the report) and why he felt the need to do so. He claimed at the scene that the boy was reaching for something, but Tori refused to lie and said the teen wasn't doing anything of the kind. He just ran; didn't even touch the officer. Now, he had to imply that he was armed at some point and discarded his weapon. The stigma of a robbery would cast doubt that Tobias was acting irrationally.

But, when they processed Montes, he only had a flashlight and some tools on his person. Unless he brandished a screwdriver or file at the officer, drawing his weapon was an overreaction. Chief David Vega was cracking down on officers who were pulling their guns and firing during times when there wasn't an immediate threat. If they did, they needed to give just cause. And it wasn't here. Had he shot and mortally wounded the youth, Tobias would've been in a lot of trouble.

Instead of being thankful that Tori was so headstrong to make him hesitate, the veteran only saw red. How dare this rookie undermine his instinct? Undermine his twelve years of experience? Why? Because she wanted to impress daddy?

"I don't know who the fuck you think you are, Vega! But I tried to be straight with you and this is what you do to me?"

"You did this to yourself!" she protested. "Just be thankful nobody got hurt or killed."

Tori picked up her bag and took one last look at Tobias.

"The kid is going to be punished for what he did. Both of us get to keep our shields. Just take the damn "W" and let's move on."

And with that, she left.

[END OF FLASHBACK]

But it didn't end there. Not by a long shot.

After that beef with Wendell Tobias, word spread around how Tori Vega wasn't to be trusted. You get her as your partner, it was like being saddled with a stool pigeon. It got to the point over the years that only rookies would be assigned to the Latina because they didn't know any better.

The hate group against Tori Vega seemed to gain traction over time.

Little "unfortunate accidents" started happening to her. Upon entering the breakroom to get some coffee, she would reach for the sugar and the top was screwed off beforehand, causing a mess. Tori would be in the middle of some paperwork, she would get up to use the bathroom, only to return and it went "missing." It got to the point that she was keeping her bag on her person at all times, not being able to trust her old locker.

Of course, nobody could prove anything about anyone. Tori's co-workers, while juvenile were clever enough to not leave anything traceable behind. Even if she had an inkling who was behind what, a bunch of these guys who hated on Tori were older, more established cops (like Tobias) so the youngbloods looked up to them. Tori could lodge a formal complaint and there would be a cavalcade of officers to give an alibi that they were somewhere else.

That infamous "blue wall" that crooked cops hid behind felt like the walls of a prison to Tori. Her only reprieve was when she was assigned a new partner because they haven't been poisoned by the rumors and the bullshit. But they all eventually do, eager to get in good with the fraternity from within.

She knew what they were doing. They were trying to run her out, make her quit. But she wasn't giving them the satisfaction. Tori wouldn't even give them the reaction they craved. When one of those things happened, Tori breathed softly and moved on with her day. She tried her best to ignore it, not allow them to get a rise out of her.

All of these stupid pranks just made the Latina more vigilant, sharper. Her guard was up every second that she was on the job. It really sucked, feeling like she couldn't trust anybody, but she was resigned to her status. Making detective was even more appealing because at least a detective could work alone. Tori didn't need anybody.

Dr. Reynolds drove up the gravel path that was Jade's driveway. He slowed to a stop in front of the standalone garage, right next to Jade's yellow Jeep Cherokee. He stared at the rustic rancher made of wood and brick, surrounded by evergreens. It looked like a picturesque cabin in the middle of nowhere.

The town pathologist traversed around the property, ignoring the front door as he figured Jade wasn't inside because her favorite spot was around back. Behind the house, the image of the wilderness home was challenged by a private beach that overlooked the water. Sure enough, the lady of the house was sitting in a chair, beside an empty one.

He smiled and walked toward the edge of the long backyard. Past a fire pit and a little wooden deck, there were makeshift steps that led to the sandy strip below. This stretched along the coastline where the neighboring residences, bisected by flora rather than fences, could enjoy their own piece of this breathtaking view. Indeed, out in these waters, people would take out their motorboats and sailboats. But now and then you would catch a fishing vessel make their way through as they journeyed toward the icy waters further north.

And if you were really lucky and the sunlight favored the scenery, with a pair of binoculars you can whale watch from here. You could pay for a more up close and personal tour in a boat. But some were wary about getting in a vessel dwarfed by the mighty giants you came to see. Plus, it seemed more appropriate witnessing the whales vibing in their natural habitat away from humans. Given the rocky history between us and them, a little distance might be best, like going on a safari.

For Jade, she liked watching the biggest mammals on earth from the comfort of her home. It was almost like they were her neighbors and occasionally the popped up to say hello.

"What's up, doc?"

Reynolds chuckled, as he figured he made enough noise yards before he got near her. Then again, he was one of few people that knew Jade enough to know just where to find her. Most would knock on the front door, give up and leave.

"Brrrr," he said in reply, tugging at the zipper on his jacket. "It really gets nippy over here, huh?"

Jade nodded.

She then looked back and managed a small smile.

"You can have a seat."

Given the recent passing of her aunt, Reynolds felt it presumptuous to simply sit next to her uninvited. As weird as it sounded, his first thought was that Jade was imagining Bev beside her and she was getting things off her chest. The day of the funeral was emotional for all of them, but especially for her niece. Maybe days after the fact, she had a clearer mind and wanted to tell her spirit what she couldn't before.

"You know..." Jade sighed. "This was always my favorite place to think."

Langley was a small town in the pacific northwest. Its scenic beauty and cultural events attracted steady tourism. Even at capacity, Langley was never starved of quiet spaces. And this was obviously her favorite. Greg had to admit that if he had this view, he would get down here as often as he could. It was so peaceful.

"And what were you thinking about, Jade?"

The medical examiner closed her eyes, breathing in and out very slowly like she was meditating.

"I need to get away for a while," she admitted.

"Like a vacation?"

"Mmmmm, yeah and no."

Reynolds leaned forward a bit confused.

"Well, it either is or it isn't."

Jade huffed and stood up from her chair, never taking her eyes off the horizon.

"I've been torn for the last couple of days, doc. I want to get back to work but I don't. I wanted to go somewhere but then I didn't want to leave!"

(I know we all grieve in our own way, Jade. But you're not making a whole lot of sense.)

Finally, she turned to face her mentor.

"But, I've made a decision."

She pulled a piece of paper in her pocket and handed it to him. He unfolded it and it was an article she printed out from online.

"New Orleans?" he asked.

"Look," Jade sighed, getting on her knees near him so they could see the article together. "This was about their backlog."

Dr. Reynolds, and most doctors who dealt with criminal justice knew all too well about the infamous backlogs. Every major city had one. It was an endless cycle of old cases, active cases and new cases pouring in. They ranged from crimes scenes that haven't been full examined to open trials where the prosecution was waiting on evidence to be corroborated.

"I called the county and said that I would be willing to work there for a while," Jade explained. "And they were pretty understaffed, so they accepted."

His face grew worried.

"Uh-oh. You're not going to fall in love with that place, are you?"

"No," she shook her head. "I just need to get away from myself...go somewhere totally different. But I also want to keep busy, so..."

Greg put his hand on hers.

"I get it," he nodded encouragingly.

Jade was waffling on vacation or going back to the morgue. Here it was both and yet neither. It was so beyond the pale and somehow logical; it was such a Jade West decision. Dr. Reynolds was starting to see strains of his protege returning. If this was going to lift her spirits, then he was on board.

"When are you planning to leave?" he asked.

Jade scratched her arm, still on her knees. The cold sand on her skin was oddly comforting.

"Next week, I think. Got a lot of arrangements to make. Hey, doc... I know you'll probably be busy yourself but would you..."

"Keep an eye on the homestead?" he finished.

She looked toward him with a smile.

"Yeah, just don't let the mail pile up. Maybe run the water now and then during the winter so the pipes don't freeze." Jade rubbed her head. "What am I even thinking? I have to get a hold of the utility company and stop the electric and gas while I'm gone."

Reynolds chuckled and patted her on the back.

"Relax, Jade. Just breathe and take it one thing at a time. Remember?"

After Jade graduated from medical school and did her time at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Reynolds shadowed her for nearly 200 autopsies. He kept reminding the blonde about looking at tasks that were big, ponderous and impossible and breaking them up into smaller steps that were straightforward and attainable. Little goals begat big goals. The two really hit it off, Reynolds priming Jade as his successor.

Camille was a little uneasy when she saw the pair spending hours together but the longer she observed Jade, the more she understood that the blossoming doctor looked up to him as a mentor. She had a strong relationship with her own father and understood that Jade didn't have that specific presence growing up. Her concerns were permanently put to bed when Jade casually revealed to Camille her orientation, which had no men in there whatsoever (married or not).

Langley didn't have as many cases warranting an autopsy as much larger communities. With a population of under 1,200 there wasn't a daily demise being carted over to the morgue. However, she did study forensics in college and would work with the folks on the scene of the crime or in the lab. She was spoken of very highly by the Langley Police Department on that basis.

Jade just watched the sea in silence, Reynolds excusing himself and wishing her a good day. She told him to take care and to send the family her regards. Thinking about the change in the scenery, the medical examiner pondered how this pseudo sabbatical could potentially stir the pot.

Maybe she could have a little fun for once.

Tori was leaving her apartment, locking the metal door behind her when she overheard a commotion down the hall.

"But I already paid..." came a thick-accented woman's voice.

"Sorry! New rental policy." The second voice was more shrill and Bay Area in origin.

That got the Latina's attention, and she made her way down the hall not to make a lot of noise.

"I just paid this month's rent!" the first voice insisted, sounding like she was about to cry.

The second, more aggressive female voice retorted, "Look, I will give you until the end of this week and I NEED that $1,100 or we'll evict you!"

Tori rounded the corner, now seeing the thirty-something woman with glasses marching away from the southeast Asian lady at the end of the hall. The one demanding money barely acknowledged Tori as she stormed past her and entered the elevator.

(Bitch)

Tori turned her attention to the other woman and approached her.

"Excuse me, miss?"

The woman wiped her eyes as she looked up.

"What do you want?" she asked, looking nervous.

Tori put out an open hand and smiled calmly.

"It's alright. I noticed you and...you looked like something was wrong. Do you need help?"

She knew it could be a delicate situation walking up to strangers and asking if they are in need of assistance. Tori didn't want to be pushy, and she really didn't want to offend or spook her by saying that she partially overheard the conversation.

The lady with kind eyes breathed deeply.

"This woman came to my door and demanded I pay her. She said the landlord sent her. But I already paid for the month!"

Listening closely, Tori maintained eye contact and tried to use her body language to put the stranger at ease. This woman seemed sweet but very distressed. Tori was suspicious of that bespectacled lady who blew past her. She had been living in this building for four years and always handed in her rent in person at the front office. Never seen her before. This had the foul stench of a scam.

Tori offered if they could have their conversation inside, but with the door open since they didn't know each other. Over the course of a half hour, they had a nice chat. She told Tori that her name was Nenita. She and her husband emigrated from the Philippines for his job. Nenita said that they moved in two months ago and the last couple of weeks, this lady would come by and harass them for more money. She said that they didn't read the lease clearly and actually owed more money than they thought.

Tori explained to Nenita that she was a police officer and could get her in contact with some legal help. This whole thing didn't sound above board. Tori handed her a card and told her to call when this lady returns. Tori wasn't sure if this woman was working with the landlord and he was double dipping, or she was an independent scam artist. But without ties to the landlord, she cannot obtain an eviction notice through the city. In any case, she wouldn't have a legal leg to stand on.

It was a crying shame. Many people living in apartments are either living on their own for the first time, or in the case of Tori's neighbors, fresh off the boat. The average renter isn't aware of their rights and there are unscrupulous people out there who count on that. Tori took Nenita's hand and assured her that she doesn't have to be taken advantage of and she can get the law to help her out.

"Pagpalain ka!" Nenita sniffed as she hugged Tori before saying their goodbyes.

Tori marched to her building's office and asked to sit down with the owner. Mr. Dennings, the landlord was cordial with the officer as she's been a model resident. She thanked him for his time and explained the situation. Dennings was more than perturbed by the news that someone was trying to scam his tenants. He told Tori that he would send a memo to everyone in the building informing them that this woman doesn't represent him and to call the police if they see her.

She gave a physical description of the woman and would have an artist at the LAPD make a sketch of her. If she reared her ugly face again, she would go down. Tori shook Mr. Denning's hand and left for work with a renewed sense of purpose.

(You know what? Let those assholes be children. I'm a cop and I've got a job to do!)

A/N: Tori is a true-blue officer of the law. Unfortunately, that's not without backlash from her supposed peers. But her compassion and sense of duty make her anything but a pushover. If she didn't have the fire in her belly, she would've quit. This job means everything to Tori because she wants to help others more than anything.

Tori's neighbor, Nenita said to her, "Pagpalain ka!" which is a blessing in Tagalog.