Several hours had elapsed since the team had commenced their search for leads regarding their suspect, Xavier. Soifon released a sigh of frustration as she diligently searched for any useful tips on the case, yet to no avail.
The raven-haired woman ran her fingers through her hair, contemplating how a man could simply vanish without a trace. The intensity of her gaze remained fixed on the screen, while the murmurs of her colleagues discussing the case only served to amplify their shared frustration.
Seeking a moment of respite, Soifon leaned back in her chair as she continued her search, hoping to uncover any new leads. However, her efforts proved fruitless as nothing of significance materialized. Glancing up from her computer, she observed Voight exiting his office, prompting her to wonder if the head detective had discovered any breakthroughs in the Xavier case.
Disappointment etched across her face, Soifon frowned as Voight spoke. "Alright, let's conclude for the night and resume our efforts in the morning," he declared with a weary sigh. Although he did not wish for his team to overexert themselves, he encouraged them to persist in their search. Erin, with a frown adorning her hazel eyes, chimed in, "But we can continue pursuing leads."
Soifon regarded her partner with a slight smile, acknowledging the appeal of continuing their work and uncovering more clues. However, she was aware that Voight was correct in suggesting they take some time to rest. Speaking softly, she addressed Erin to capture her attention and signaled agreement with Voight's sentiments. 'Voight is right, we must...' But before Soifon could complete her thought, Erin interrupted her.
'Perhaps we should persist in searching for leads, considering the possibility of another strike,' Erin countered, crossing her arms over her chest and glancing at her foster father and then back at Soifon, who responded to Erin's suggestion with a disapproving look and a resigned shake of her head.
Soifon opened her mouth to speak, but Antonio preempted her. 'Erin, I comprehend your desire to apprehend this individual. We all share that desire; however, we cannot continue working without adequate rest,' he stated.
"Everyone will continue their search in the morning, I assure you. Additionally, you have the welfare of your baby to consider. It is advisable for you to go home and rest." Voight spoke, addressing the group before retreating into his office, closing the door behind him.
With everyone dismissed by Voight, Soifon observed as Jay and Atwater rose from their chairs. "Would anyone like to accompany us to Molly's?" Jay inquired, as he donned his coat. "I am willing to join," Atwater responded, getting up and leaving the bullpen alongside Jay. "Wait for me," Adam called out, rushing to catch up with the others.
Soifon couldn't help but smile as she watched the guys depart the bullpen. She then noticed Erin standing up and putting on her coat. "We'll see you both in the morning," Al said as he exited the bullpen. "Goodbye, Al," Soifon replied, offering a smile as the veteran detective left. This left Soifon, Erin, Voight, Ashley, and Antonio.
"What are your plans?" Soifon queried Ashley and Antonio, who were engaged in conversation.
Antonio and Ashley glanced towards Soifon. 'We were just planning to retrieve something to eat,' Antonio conveyed, as Ashley stood up and put on her jacket. 'Would the two of you like to accompany us? Perhaps we could turn it into a double date,' Ashley proposed to the two women.
Soifon gave Ashley a pensive gaze and directed her attention to Erin, who had remained silent throughout the conversation. 'What do you think, my dear?' she inquired, considering that the notion wasn't too unfavorable and could provide a diversion from the case.
After several minutes of silence, Soifon let out a sigh as Erin looked at her with a smile. 'Sure, that sounds agreeable,' the brunette consented, resulting in a smile from Soifon.
'Alright, let us depart,' Antonio mentioned as he zipped up his coat and took hold of his keys. 'Shall we take separate vehicles?' he inquired.
'Of course, I am not leaving my car here,' Erin playfully responded, playfully striking Antonio's arm, which elicited laughter from Ashley and Soifon. 'Alright, no need for violence,' Antonio chuckled, as he exited the office, accompanied by the women.
It didn't take them long to find a place to eat. Both couples had parked side by side. The night was still young and the weather was pleasant, with no rain and only a soft breeze that was neither too cold nor too hot. Soifon sat beside Erin, while Ashley and Antonio sat across from them. They were looking through the menu and engaging in small talk intermittently.
"So, do you have any plans for the baby?" Antonio asked, taking a sip of his wine and looking at the two women. They looked at each other before responding. "We don't know yet," Erin admitted with a shrug. "It will take a couple of months before the baby is born, and we don't even know the gender yet," she added.
"But once we find out more, we will start figuring out what to do for the nursery," Soifon chimed in, taking a bite of her fry.
"Does the gender of the baby matter?" Ashley asked curiously, aware that some parents have strong preferences.
Erin gave a shrug. "Nope, as long as it's healthy, that's all that matters," she said with a smile.
"I concur," Antonio stated with a beaming smile. He expressed his contentment with the birth of his children and their well-being. "If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. Additionally, we may have some items from when Ava and Diego were born that could be of use."
Erin returned the smile, grateful for the offer of help, particularly since Antonio understood the challenges of parenting. "Are you certain? I am unsure of what to-" she began, but was interrupted by the second-in-command. "I do not mind lending my aid," he asserted, as Ashley smiled and continued eating. Soifon listened to the conversation with a grin.
After an hour of enjoying their meal and engaging in conversation, the couples made their way out of the restaurant, having split the cost of their meals. "That was an enjoyable experience," Erin remarked, a smile adorning her face as she walked hand in hand with her partner. Soifon agreed, suggesting that they do it again in the near future.
"I see no reason why not. Perhaps we can partake in a more enticing activity than just dinner," Ashley concurred, walking beside Antonio, who held her hand.
Soifon couldn't help but smile as they reached their vehicles. She listened to Erin conversing with Ashley and Antonio about various topics. The raven-haired woman was about to say something, but she started sensing that something was amiss, and she did not appreciate it.
As the others chatted among themselves, Soifon's blue eyes scanned their surroundings. She knew that Erin, Antonio, and Ashley were oblivious to the impending event, but her martial arts instincts were kicking in.
"Guys," Soifon whispered, attempting to capture their attention. However, it seemed that Erin, Antonio, and Ashley didn't hear her. She frowned and tried once again, raising her voice slightly, laced with panic: "Hey, guys." Despite her urgent tone, they still failed to acknowledge the younger woman.
Feeling frustrated and annoyed, Soifon let out a sigh and prepared to speak louder. "GUYS-" she began to yell but was abruptly interrupted by a loud gunshot. As everyone turned to look, a bullet whizzed toward them, from a big jet black SUV.
It all happened too quickly as Soifon observed the bullet heading directly towards Erin. Acting instinctively, the raven-haired woman swiftly pushed Erin out of harm's way, guiding her into Antonio's arms to prevent her from falling to the ground. She winced at the sharp pain as the bullet struck her under the chest, emitting a groan of anguish as her body made contact with the ground.
Lying on the ground, Soifon groaned while her vision started to blur. Blood trickled from her lips as she heard Antonio urgently calling for backup and an ambulance, shouting, 'This is Dawson, we need immediate backup and an ambulance.' Through her blurry vision, she saw Erin and Ashley hovering over her while someone's hands pressed against her wound, attempting to stop the bleeding.
Meeting her lover's wide hazel eyes filled with horror and tears, the raven-haired woman heard Erin's desperate plea, 'Soifon, do not close your eyes.' Those were the only words she could decipher amidst the chaos. Ashley's voice soon followed, urgently urging Soifon to stay with them, pleading, 'Stay with us, Gray.'
Soifon made an attempt to stay awake and fight her drowsiness but was unsuccessful. Her last auditory sensation consisted of Erin's voice, exclaiming in frustration, 'Where the hell is the ambulance, Tony?"