Finding us again

Chapter 1

LUCY
Today was probably the most boring and quiet shift I've ever had, it was full of noise complaints, loitering and a call about a "drunken" cat.

As soon as the clock hit 20:00 and debrief ended, I left the room and walked towards the locker-rooms. That's when I noticed him, Tim, walking a few steps ahead of me, hands tucked in his pockets. I quickened my pace as I tried to catch up. "Tim, wait up!" I called to him, his steps became slower and he came to a stop, as he turned around, a small smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

He didn't say anything, he just stood there, waiting for me to reach him. I leaned slightly forward, teasing. "You wanna do a little competition, whoever runs the cleanest rounds at the range, is being treated to anything from the food trucks tomorrow?" Tim raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening.

"The food trucks, huh? That's you big incentive?" I nudged him lightly with my shoulder. "Hey, I will even let you pick first... if you can keep up? He chuckled, shaking his head. "You think you can really beat me?"

"Says the one who lost to his rookie." I point at myself proudly. "But don't worry, I will go easy on you, I promise." For a moment, he studied me, that familiar glint in his eyes that made my chest tighten in ways I hated to admit. Then he moved closer, his arm moving forward. "Okay, deal! But don't cry when I leave you in the dust."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." I laughed, stepping past him towards the locker room. "Just make sure you are ready to pay up." He fell into step beside me, to match my pace like he always did, close enough to feel the heat from his side, but careful not to invade my space. "You're on Chen, prepare to be humiliated."

"Bring it on Bradford." I shot back smirking. "Just try not to drool when I win."
I arrive at the range. As I'm looking for a parking spot, a car speeds up behind me, matching my pace. The car's window rolls down, that's when I notice who it is. "Come on boot!" Tim shouts, a mischievous grin on his face.

I roll my eyes at him. "Don't be scared sergeant Chen." He jokes. "Whatever" I shout back at him, in a playful tone. "Let war begin." I call out, throwing the car into park. He shoots an annoyed look at me as I steal the spot he was aiming for.