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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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The Rookie: Echoes of the Past - Chapter Four

Synopsis: From oldest rookie to T.O., John Nolan takes on training the newest rookie, Officer Ellie Moore. In her first 6 months on the force, an unresolved case catches up to her, putting her survival to the ultimate test. A tale of mentorship, resilience, and facing one's demons head-on.

Read Chapter One Chapter Two & Chapter Three! Check out the Spotify Playlist - The Rookie: Echoes of the Past.

“Moore,” his voice tight and firm called out. “We need to talk.”

Ellie's head snapped around at the sound of Nolan's commanding voice. With a sense of urgency, she responded, "I'm just about done with my report, I promise."

"This isn't about that. I need to know, who is Victor Martin?"

An unsettling chill coursed through her as the weight of his question settled in. Her face paled, and a knot of apprehension twisted in her stomach.

"Yo, Nolan, what's going on?" Aaron's voice carried concern as he observed the tense exchange.

"Ellie, we need to know," Nolan pressed, brushing off Aaron's inquiry.

"Victor Martin is—or was," she corrected herself, her voice faltering slightly, "the second in command of Sureno 13. He was incarcerated in London along with my brother." Ellie rose from her seat, her gaze distant, lost in memories. "If you're asking about Victor, then I'm assuming he's no longer behind bars."

"No. We suspect he's the one involved in Lucy and Aaron's call this morning."

Realization crashed over her like a wave, leaving shock and confusion in its wake.

"Sureno 13 is here in L.A.," John interjected, reading the changing emotions on Ellie's face. "Ellie, talk to me."

She struggled to process the implications. "It doesn't add up. Martin shouldn't be out yet. We had an ironclad case against him in Ohio. He ordered the hit on their victims," Ellie's voice trailed off, her confusion palpable. "How the hell did he manage to get out?"

"I'm not sure. But we'll get to the bottom of it," John assured.

"Hey, could someone clue me in on what's happening?" Aaron's voice held a mix of impatience and curiosity.

Ellie hesitated, then began to unveil the truth. "The victim this morning was a member of a gang my brother used to lead—Sureno 13. They dealt drugs and carried out contracted killings. I was responsible in taking them down back in Ohio. I worked as a confidential informant," her voice softened, weighed down by secrets. "No one was supposed to find out. I distanced myself from my brother years ago, even before joining the police force."

Aaron shook his head emphatically. "Ellie, you can't blame yourself."

"Aaron's right, Ellie. You couldn't have foreseen this," Nolan chimed in, his voice supportive.

"Thanks for the reassurance, but I need to wrap up this report," Ellie murmured, her tone subdued. She settled back into her seat, a quiet determination in her eyes. "I just need a moment alone."

"You've got five minutes. We'll be outside," Nolan said, exiting the room with Aaron in tow, the door closing softly behind them.

"Will she be alright?" Aaron's concern lingered in the air.

Nolan glanced at Aaron before shifting his gaze to Ellie in the other room. He noticed Chen and Lopez watching, their expressions softening in understanding.

"I honestly don't know."

"So, it's worse than I thought," Nolan remarked, his gaze shifting to Lopez for a moment of shared concern.

"How much worse?" Lopez inquired; her voice tinged with apprehension.

"Ellie is... somewhat involved," Nolan revealed, choosing his words carefully.

"How involved?" Lucy's voice held a note of shock, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"She played a role in putting Victor Martin behind bars," Nolan explained, directing his words to Lucy. "However, there's a more intricate layer to this, and it's not my story to tell. I've given Moore five minutes to finish up her report, and then we'll address everything together."

A heavy, contemplative silence enveloped the room, each person absorbing the weight of the situation.

"Why is everyone just standing around like someone just died?" Bradford's voice cut through the tension, his eyes scanning the solemn expressions on his teammates' faces.

Lopez cleared her throat, taking charge of the conversation. "We have a situation."

"What kind of situation?" Bradford pressed; his curiosity piqued.

"Nolan's rookie has connections to the gang homicide case we were working on this morning," Aaron explained, revealing the truth.

Tim turned his attention to John, his gaze unflinching. "Is that true?"

John nodded, his expression solemn. "Unfortunately."

"Where is she right now?"

"She's finalizing her report on this morning's incident, the one with Laura," Nolan answered, giving context to the situation. "We only learned about the larger scope afterward."

The bullpen door swung open, revealing Ellie clutching her completed report. "Hey, everyone. Apologies for the delay."

Lucy's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "No worries.”

Returning the smile, Ellie faced the assembled team. "Let's address the elephant in the room. There's a lot to unpack," she acknowledged, noticing that Bradford had joined the group. "Good morning, Tim."

"Morning. I've been told there's some situation we need to discuss," Tim stated, leading the rest of the team into the bullpen.

"Unfortunately, true. Look, I'm going to be proactive here. It seems like keeping this to myself is no longer an option," Ellie admitted, her tone resolute. "We should consider bringing in Grey and Harper as well. I want us to be fully informed and prepared for any potential escalation. No surprises."

"Um, I can go get Sgt. Grey. Lopez, do you mind handling bringing Nyla in here?" Nolan offered, taking charge of the situation.

"Sure. I'll give her a call," Angela agreed, stepping out of the room alongside John to make the necessary arrangements. As she dialed, she observed John making his way to Grey's office.

"Sergeant Grey, do you have a moment?" John's tone conveyed a sense of urgency.

"Nolan, you've got one minute," Wade Grey responded, noting the change in his officer's demeanor. "What's happened?"

"We've encountered a situation tied to Lucy and Aaron's case this morning,” he paused, “It's become a team matter."

Grey let out a sigh, rising from his seat. "Lead the way, Nolan." He followed John back to the bullpen, where Nyla had already joined the gathering.

"You're 0 for 2 today, Moore. This better be important," Grey stated bluntly, his expression stern.

"Do you want the full story or the condensed version?" Ellie inquired, hoping to avoid rehashing all the details she had already shared with her Training Officer that morning.

"I want to know what's going on."

"Alright, so here's the rundown. Lucy and Aaron responded to an alarm call this morning, which ended up being a homicide. The victim," Ellie clicked a button on the remote, displaying a mugshot on the TV screen, "is Anton Yelkavich, a member of Sureno 13. Weeks ago, I pulled Anton over for speeding. Found drugs hidden in the backseat. He pulled a gun on Nolan and me, I managed to disarm him and make the arrest. He then started offering up the name of the gang leader, Victor Martin." She switched the image to Martin's mugshot.

"Up until recently, Victor was serving time at London Correctional in Ohio on charges of drug trafficking and murder for hire."

"And how do you fit into this?" Grey's tone held a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

"I was the CI who aided in bringing down Sureno 13," Ellie confessed, her words cautious. She glanced at Nolan, who nodded, encouraging her to continue. "Please understand that this was all before I joined the police academy."

"Cut to the chase, Officer Moore."

"The original leader of Sureno 13 is my brother, Andrew Ryan." Ellie clicked the remote again, displaying her brother's mugshot. She looked around the room, seeing expressions of shock on everyone's faces except for Nolan's. "Both Martin and my brother were incarcerated at the same facility. I have no idea how Victor managed to get out. But it appears that he has taken over Sureno 13, reestablishing the gang here in L.A. after his release."

"Do we have any reason to suspect that your brother or Martin might recognize you as a cop?" Nyla asked, once the initial shock had subsided.

"No," Ellie responded with a touch of certainty.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because Ellie isn't my real name. My birth name is Riley Elizabeth Ryan. Right after everything happened, I legally changed it. I adopted the nickname my friends used to call me, Ellie."

A contemplative silence enveloped the room as everyone absorbed the weight of the revelation. "Look, everything I've ever done has been about self-preservation," Ellie continued, her voice steady. "That's why I've always been guarded about my past. Only Nolan knows about my upbringing, and that's because circumstances forced me to tell him. Our domestic disturbance call made sure of that."

"None of us think any less of you, Moore," Nolan interjected. "You didn't technically lie on your application, and everyone has a history and their own journey. What counts is how you handle it moving forward."

"He's right," Lucy agreed. "I'd have made the same choices in your position."

Ellie nodded in appreciation of their understanding.

Grey cut through the introspective moment. "The question now is: what's our plan?"

"Nolan and I can make calls to confirm whether Andrew is still incarcerated and to find out why Martin's out," Ellie suggested.

"Meanwhile, Chen and Thorsen can work on narrowing down potential future victims," Lopez added. "Harper and I can send a unit to check out Victor's residence. Given the circumstances, we might be able to secure a warrant."

"Actually," Ellie looked at Angela, "if a warrant does come through, would Nolan and I be able to investigate his house?"

"We'll see. I'll keep you posted," Angela replied.

"Agreed. We'll make the necessary calls," Nolan confirmed, ready to take action.

A knock echoed through the bullpen door, and an officer entered, addressing Detective Lopez. "Detective Lopez?"

"Yes?"

"We've just received a call. It appears your suspect has struck again. The victim has been identified as Frank Alonzo. The same message was left as the one from this morning."

Ellie reached for the list of names Aaron had gathered, scanning it for the newly added victim's name.

"He's listed here," she confirmed, looking up. "We're going to have to station units at the homes of every member on this list. We can't predict who he'll target next. Martin might eliminate them all before we catch him. What then? He escapes to Mexico and regroups Sureno 13?"

"Harper and I will head to the scene," Angela swiftly took charge. "Chen, Aaron, start coordinating the addresses for unit placement."

"Absolutely," Chen responded.

"Sarge, Bradford, be ready for backup if we need it," Angela instructed, addressing the rest of the team.

"Consider it done," Tim agreed.

Grey nodded in agreement. "We're on standby."

Angela and Nyla left the bullpen, headed toward the new crime scene. Aaron and Lucy delved into the task of sorting through the names and addresses of the gang members, strategizing where to deploy additional units.

"Let's get to work. I can handle the call to check on your brother, if you want. You can focus on Victor," Nolan suggested, offering his assistance.

"Given the circumstances, that's probably the best approach. Plus, I want to understand why he was released. Our case against him was rock solid."

"Just... make sure to be cautious. Please," Nolan emphasized, underscoring the need for her to maintain her composure.

"Of course. Right now, catching that bastard is the priority," Ellie affirmed, determination etched on her face.

"Victim is Frank Alonzo, a member of Sureno 13," Angela announced as she and Nyla arrived at the scene. Before them lay the victim, clad only in his underwear, his bloodied form crucified on a makeshift cross. The chilling message "GiVe Me MoRe" had been carved into his chest, mirroring Anton's fate.

"Same details, same message. 'Give me more'," Nyla mused aloud, her brow furrowing in thought.

"Could it be some kind of anagram?" Angela pondered.

"I doubt it. I don't see why the killer would bother leaving a message. It's clear their intention is to eliminate all the members, preventing them from talking," Nyla replied, her voice heavy with concern.

Lopez's phone interrupted their conversation, and she answered it swiftly. "Hello? Alright, good. Keep me updated," she said before ending the call.

"Any news?" Angela inquired.

"Thorsen and Lucy have sorted the addresses. Units are being dispatched to each member's home. We've got 10 members left. Both Sureno 13 chapters here and in Ohio had 13 members each, with the leader being the first."

"That adds up. How's the warrant process for Martin's house going?"

"Working on it. Let's head back to the station and check in on Nolan and Ellie to see how their calls are going."

"Agreed."

"Okay, thank you so much," Nolan concluded his call, glancing around the room to locate his rookie. Deciding to check the break room, he made his way there.

However, the one-sided commotion reached his ears before he even reached it.

"Are you seriously kidding me? That case was a slam dunk. I took a bullet and a beating for you all, and you just let Andrew take all the blame?" Ellie's voice echoed through the closed door, seething with anger.

Nolan could sense the tension before he even stepped inside.

"Well, thanks to your lack of competence, Martin is here, systematically taking out every single member of Sureno 13 in L.A.!" Ellie's voice rose in frustration. "It has to be him. He reorganized Sureno after you guys released him. My T.O. and I arrested one of his crew a few weeks back, and the victim spilled everything—Martin, the entire member list, all of it."

John quietly shut the door behind them, motioning for Ellie to take a breath and collect herself.

"Rodrigues, you listen to me," Ellie's tone grew stern, her voice laced with determination. "You guys actually released a murderer—a known murderer, no less—back onto the streets. He's already taken two of his own members out. There are ten names remaining on our list, and then there's me. If Martin ever figures out my true identity, you're not just jeopardizing me but also the lives of several other officers." Her words cut through the air, charged with urgency.

Nolan's eyes widened as he absorbed Ellie's words. Crossing the room, he moved to reach for Ellie's phone.

"I hope you can live with that," she spat, ending the call abruptly.

"Hey! Weren't we supposed to keep our composure and stay focused? Yet I walk in here to find you giving someone, presumably another officer, the riot act?" Nolan questioned, a mix of disbelief and concern in his voice.

"I'd ask if you found out anything about my brother, but I can already guess the answer. They found a way to pin Martin's crimes on him, reducing his sentence and adding more to Andrew's. They set him free, and now he's here. That case against Martin was solid," Ellie retorted, frustration evident.

"Regardless, this isn't how we handle things, Moore, and you know it. Do you have a plan in place if he decides to call Sergeant Grey? You don't want more complications at this rate."

"If Victor Martin ever manages to connect the dots," Ellie began, her voice faltering slightly,

"You told Harper he doesn't know. Which is it?" John interjected.

"He doesn't know, but if he were to figure it out, then it endangers all of you as well."

"Then we'll address that if and when it happens."

"But—"

"No 'buts.' Going forward, you keep a clear head. Stay focused. If you can't manage that, you'll be removed from this case. Do you understand?"

"John..."

"I asked if you understand, Officer Moore."

Ellie nodded, her response clear. "Yes, sir."

"Now, call Rodrigues back, hope he hasn't contacted Grey yet. Meanwhile, I'll go update Lopez and Harper. Join us once you're done." Nolan's tone was firm, leaving no room for argument as he swung open the door to the break room.

"Sir?"

"Just make the call, Ellie. Seriously, if you can't stay focused and objective, I'll have no choice but to take you off the case. I won't let mistakes put others in danger. I will not allow that." His words were resolute.

"Yes, sir."

Let me know what you think! Thanks for the feedback!

#the rookie #john nolan #oc #lucy chen #tim bradford #chenford #angela lopez #nyla harper #aaron thorsen #nathan fillion #wesley evers #angela x wesley

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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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The Rookie: Echoes of the Past - Chapter Three

Read Chapter One & Chapter Two! Check out the Spotify Playlist - The Rookie: Echoes of the Past.

“I want answers and I want them now.”

Ellie's gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery beyond the passenger window, her demeanor revealing no sign that she had registered Nolan's words.

"Officer Moore," John began, his voice cutting through the uneasy silence.

"I heard you the first time," she responded, her tone hushed but firm. "I'm in shock, not comatose."

"May I remind you of the gravity of what just unfolded in front of our fellow officers, including Bailey and myself."

"Yes, and I'll provide you with the answers you're seeking. Just... give me a moment," Ellie's voice quavered, her struggle to contain her emotions evident.

Nolan picked up on the tremor in her voice, his mind recalling Bailey's earlier caution. "I'm sorry. Take all the time you need."

A heavy sigh escaped Ellie's lips. "I've spent so many years burying this. How much have you looked into my personnel file?"

"It seems not nearly deep enough."

"Those children—Laura and Patrick's kids—they will never experience a normal life again. Destined to be placed with another family member, probably an aunt. Laura, if she avoids arrest, will secure her settlement. What she sees as her blood money," Ellie paused, struggling to rein in her anger. "And my younger brother and I? We were those children."

She turned to face Nolan, tears tracing a path down her cheeks. "At the age of thirteen, I witnessed my father's suicide. My parents' marriage was a constant battleground, marred by infidelity on my father's part. My stepmother harbored a deep resentment toward him, a desire for his demise without incurring the consequences of a murder charge. She believed that regardless of how he died, she'd receive the life insurance payout. It turned out that no one had clarified to her that suicide nullifies such claims," a tearful, ironic chuckle escaped her.

"I'm so sorry," Nolan murmured, his voice subdued, his own shock palpable.

"My stepmother harbored an intense hatred for us. I did my best to shield my brother from the worst of it – endured the beatings, absorbed the verbal onslaught. I arranged for my brother to live with our father's sister, all in the hope that he might escape that toxic environment. And yet, despite my efforts, he spiraled into a life of drug dealing and addiction. He's currently incarcerated in an Ohio prison, convicted of possession and murder."

"Ellie, you cannot bear the weight of his choices. You understand this, don't you?"

"Do I, though? Could I have altered the course he took by continuing to shield him? I stayed behind, and look where I am now. I sent him away, and it feels like I've shattered his life," Ellie wiped her tear-streaked face. "I have to accept that."

"No, you don't. It never was and never will be your responsibility," John's voice was resolute. "Where is your stepmother these days?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe still in Ohio? Hopefully rotting in hell. I left when I graduated."

A brief silence enveloped them.

"I ended up being the confidential informant in my brother's case," Ellie revealed, her words weighed down by a mix of emotions. "I, uh, was approached by a narcotics team back in Ohio. They connected me to my brother and sought my assistance in taking him down. It wasn't a path I wanted to tread, but considering the decision I'd made to become a police officer, well, I felt compelled. So, I met up with my brother. To my astonishment, he had become a leader of a gang. They were involved in drug trafficking and even carried out contract killings.”

"Let me take a guess – things didn't exactly unfold as planned?"

"You've got it. I was wired up, and everything seemed to proceed without a hitch. Turns out, I miscalculated, and they saw right through my cover. Their contracted victim was neutralized, and I took a hit myself – though the bulletproof vest came through, but not without a few broken ribs and nose, courtesy of the other members," she shrugged nonchalantly, a wistful irony in her tone. "In the end, I turned on my own brother and his crew. They were apprehended. Some have served their time and been released, while the rest remain behind bars."

"So, that's the sum of my fucked up history. If only I could have buried it all deep down, maybe Patrick wouldn't be dead. He might never have had the chance to pull that trigger."

"What transpired in that house is not your weight to bear, Ellie. I assure you, if it hadn't been today, it would have happened another. Laura was driven by a purpose, and she executed it. Now, our focus is to ensure Patrick faces the justice he deserves," Nolan affirmed, his arm resting comfortingly on Ellie's shoulder.

"Please, don't let this revelation alter your perception of me. I've kept this locked away, and I mean absolutely no one knows. Usually, it doesn't weigh on me this heavily, but lately, with the sleepless nights and the anniversary of it all... I couldn't take time off to cope, given my rookie status. I apologize for being preoccupied and for not..."

Ellie paused, collecting her thoughts. "I promise it won't become a recurring issue. You won't be let down, I swear."

"I understand. Ellie, it's alright. Thank you for sharing this with me."

A nod from Ellie, and she suggested, "Maybe we should return to the station and get our reports in order for this case."

John agreed, his tone steady. "7-Adam-15, show us returning to the station.”

“7-Adam-15 copy.”

Aaron and Lucy had returned to the station, immersing themselves in the files pertaining to Victor Martin and Anton Yelkavich, looking for any clues that might help their case.

"Sureno 13, renowned for drug cartel involvements and murder-for-hire operations. Though it seems the emphasis has been more on narcotics than actual killings," Aaron commented as he perused the documents before him.

“Not now, anyways. It's turned into a bit of a free-for-all since Yelkavich's demise," Lucy chimed in, her eyes focused on Anton's profile. "According to this, Ellie made the arrest. Pulled him over for speeding, then discovered drugs in the backseat, somewhat concealed. Once he realized she had seen the stash, he brandished a gun at her and Nolan."

"...and let me guess, once he realized he was caught, he tried to strike a deal. Offering up the ringleader and other gang members in exchange for his own freedom."

"Bingo. It would be wise to touch base with Moore and Nolan on this. They might be able to provide insights that the file doesn't have."

"I'm on board with that," Aaron nodded in agreement. "I'll give Ellie a call and see if they're available for a chat."

"No need for that," Lopez interjected as he entered the bullpen. "By the way, any clue about who's in with Grey?"

"Officer Hernandez. She mentioned having some bodycam footage to discuss with him," Aaron replied with a casual shrug.

"Hey, everyone," Nolan greeted, walking in alongside Ellie. "Ah, I see Officer Hernandez is already here. I'll head to Grey's office," he glanced at Ellie, a hint of concern in his eyes. "You should dive into the report. Time is of the essence, especially if Laura follows through on her threat."

Ellie nodded, watching Nolan's departure toward Grey's office.

"Hey, are you alright? What happened?" Lucy inquired, her tone laced with genuine worry for her friend.

"I, uh, had a confrontation with the victim's wife. Apparently, she's got connections in high places, and I just earned a spot on her hit list. Officer Hernandez kindly offered her bodycam footage as potential evidence for my defense, just in case things escalate," Ellie explained, taking a seat with a file before her and commencing her report.

"What the heck happened? What was the altercation about?"

“Murder by suicide. The couple had a prenuptial agreement that stipulated she'd receive nothing in the event of a divorce. But here's the kicker: there's a clause that grants her everything if he were to pass away. Money, assets, the whole deal. She managed to deceive him into believing she was not only seeking a divorce but also sole custody of their two children. And with her influential connections, he felt trapped, convinced he had no way out. The thought of losing his kids drove him to the point where he took his own life," Ellie explained, her voice holding a mix of sadness and frustration. "It was instant. Laura, his wife, or now, widower, approached me while I was outside their residence, alone. She started confessing, revealing all the details. I thought my bodycam was recording, but it seems it somehow got turned off in the midst of trying to de-escalate the situation. So, I'm facing two major strikes against me now. At this juncture, Nolan might decide to blue-page me and suspend me."

"Nolan won't make that call. If he was planning to, you'd be gathering your things already," Lopez assured her, radiating confidence.

"She's got a point," Aaron chimed in, his agreement unwavering.

"Thank you both, but even if Nolan doesn't, I can already see Grey considering it. We'll have to wait and see," Ellie concluded, her tone tinged with uncertainty.

While Ellie diligently composed her report, the remaining trio exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to proceed. They recognized the urgency of discussing the case with both Ellie and Nolan, yet they realized Ellie had to complete her report before they could delve into the matter.

Out of the corner of her eye, Lucy observed John emerging from Sergeant Grey's office. Swiftly, she exited the room and approached him.

“Please tell me you guys aren't planning to cut Ellie from the program."

"Ellie is not being cut," Nolan assured, his attention fixed on his rookie stationed in the bullpen. "I'm guessing she confided in you about what transpired?"

"Yeah, she seems to think either you or Grey might decide to pull her."

"Rest assured, we're not doing that. It could've gone worse, and Grey will definitely have a talk with her, but she's staying put."

“Good. On another note, I need to discuss something with you."

Nolan cringed. "Why does that sound bad?"

"It's regarding the case we got earlier today. It has connections to both you and Ellie."

"How so?"

"Ellie's name is on the arrest record. Does the name Anton Yelkavich ring any bells?"

Nolan took a moment to ponder. "He was pulled over for speeding, had drugs in the car, pulled a gun on us, and then offered to cooperate by giving up his gang's leader and other members, right?"

"That's the one," Lucy confirmed.

"And?"

"Anton Yelkavich was murdered. Our alarm call turned into a homicide. We need to sit down with you and Ellie to discuss the details of the arrest and everything that followed."

"Of course. Can we do this after Ellie finishes her report? I just need to get everything squared away with Grey before Laura carries out her threats."

"Absolutely. In fact, let's sit down and chat while Ellie wraps up. I'll inform the rest of the team. Meet me at Lopez's desk," Lucy suggested, leading the way toward the bullpen.

Nolan gave a nod and made his way to the detective's area, positioning himself to await Lucy's arrival.

"Hey everyone, I'm going to have a chat with Nolan about the case while Ellie wraps up her report."

"I'll come with you," Angela promptly responded, turning to Aaron. "You good to hold the fort here?"

"We'll manage just fine, go ahead."

"Ellie, give us a shout when you're done with the report. No pressure, take your time," Angela assured.

"Thanks, Angela."

"No worries."

Angela and Lucy approached her desk, where they found Nolan engaged in studying a picture of Jack.

"He's growing so fast."

"You can say that again," Angela replied with an affectionate smile. "Lucy told you about the case?"

"Just that you guys had some questions," Nolan answered, his attention shifting between the two. "How can we assist?"

"Could you share if anything unusual occurred during your traffic stop and subsequent arrest of Yelkavich?"

"Not much beyond him pulling a gun on us. Ellie managed to disarm and cuff him quickly," Nolan replied, pondering if there was anything noteworthy he might be overlooking. "By the time we got back to the station for booking, he was already offering intel on his gang."

"That brings us to Sureno 13. The gang's leader is Victor Martin," Lopez chimed in, projecting Martin's mugshot onto the screen. "He had previous convictions, drug-related offenses. Served time in Ohio for a deal before possibly moving here."

Nolan felt the blood drain from his face.

"Hey, are you alright?" Lucy inquired, her hand gently resting on Nolan's shoulder. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Nolan turned his gaze to the bullpen, where Ellie was immersed in her report detailing their recent encounter.

"Nolan?"

He looked back at Lucy. "I think our case just got a lot more personal. Which facility was Martin incarcerated in?"

"Uh, it says London Correctional. What's going on?" Angela inquired, her concern evident. "Fill me in."

Nolan sighed, grappling with his thoughts. "This isn't my story to share. Excuse me for a moment, I need to talk to my rookie," he declared, rising from Lopez's chair and making his way toward the bustling bullpen.

"Moore," his voice carried a firm urgency as he called out. "We need to talk."

Alright, lemme hear your thoughts! I LOVE feedback!

I'm going to try and finish/upload chapter four this evening!

#the rookie #john nolan #oc #lucy chen #chenford #tim bradford #aaron thorsen #angela lopez #nathan fillion #nyla harper #tim x lucy

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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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The Rookie: Echoes of the Past - Update

Hello all! I am pretty sure today's posting will be a two-parter. Chapter three was going on longer than I'd originally planned, so I'm splitting it up!

To get caught up, check out Chapter One & Chapter Two.

To listen to my (growing) playlist for this story, head up my spotify playlist: The Rookie: Echoes of the Past

Chapter three will be posted within the next 10-15 minutes!

Does anybody have any theories about what's going to happen?! I'd love to hear yours!

Thanks for all the love!

#the rookie #john nolan #oc #aaron thorsen #chenford #lucy chen #nathan fillion #tim bradford #angela lopez #nyla harper #wade grey #wesley evers #angela x wesley

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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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Until I Found You

***Potential spoilers of The Rookie***

Pairing: John Nolan x (implied) Fem Reader

Sneak Peek: After his breakup with Bailey, John is convinced he will never fall in love again…that is until he found you. (This is taking place pre TO Nolan) Reader owns a Café (food truck).

Fluff/Angst

Word count: 2851

Warnings: Reader has kind of spooky vibes, no use of y/n, Implied age gap, mention of food and eating (no explicit details), brief mention of crime (no explicit details), mention of past relationships, mention of unhealthy relationships, mention of getting ready for a date (details are feminine leaning – shaving, makeup, nails, hairstyling), developing strong feelings quickly, one teeny tiny kiss.

Not edited - please be kind.

I do not consent to having my work translated or reposted to any other site. That being said I do not own the characters portrayed in this story.

After his breakup with Bailey, John was convinced he wouldn’t find love again. How would it be fair for him to have had love with Sarah, Lucy, Jessica, Grace, Bailey and for him to expect it again. His love with each of those women differed from one another, but they all had played a very important role in his life. For the last few months John had really just been going through the motions; sleep, work, eat, repeat.

Today had been a particularly slow day on the job for John, very unusual for the LAPD. He had been riding alone today which was honestly making the day drag on even more so. He was counting down the minutes until lunch – at least then he would get to socialize with his fellow officers.

Two speeding tickets, one robbery and a stolen car later, it was finally time for lunch. Heading to their usual spot, John notices that there is a new food truck parked, black with orange script on the side spelling out “Hallowed Grounds” alongside little white painted bats. John’s eyes were drawn to this truck not because it is new, or that the line was at least fifteen people long, but because of the beautiful person running the window.

It was Lucy who had ultimately broken John out of the trance he was in.

“Hey, you okay? You were spaced out there for a second.” Lucy questioned.

“Huh? Yeah, I’m okay. What’s with the new truck?” John wanted to see how much Lucy knew without giving away the attraction he was feeling towards this stranger.

“Oh! It is all over social media, Hallowed Grounds, it is mostly coffee, but the pastries are to die for! I mean literally that is their slogan!” Lucy laughed.

“The line is pretty long, so it must be good. Should we check it out?”

“Sounds good to me!”

With that, John and Lucy made their way to the line. Lucy was talking John’s ear off about some new social media drama, but honestly John wasn’t listening, he was far too distracted by your beauty and the honey sweet tone of your voice. You had this way about you that was breathtaking, moving with grace and just so patient and kind to all the patrons who had been waiting in line. They were finally nearing the front of the line, and John had realized he hadn’t even looked at the menu.

“Hi there! What can I get for you?” You smiled at him.

“Hi, can I get a medium caramel latte and a lemon blueberry scone?” Lucy ordered with no hesitation.

“Of course! And for you?” You looked expectantly at John.

“I um, can I just get a black coffee and, no that’s all.” John stuttered.

Lucy looked over at him confused as she paid, and they walked over to stand near the pickup window. John took note of you disappearing from the window and a young man taking your place.

“Okay, I know that we did not just stand in that long line just for you to order a black coffee. What is up with you?” Lucy questioned John. “OH MY GOD! You think she’s cute, don’t you?”

“Okay, hush! I’d rather not scare the girl off before I even get a chance to talk to her.”

“Okay sorry! I’m just happy for you. You’ve been sulking ever since you and Bailey broke things off.”

“I have not been sulking…okay maybe I have. But I really thought she was it for me.”

“John and Lucy?” You called.

They made their way up to the window to pick up their orders.

“Alright Lucy, a caramel latte and a lemon blueberry scone, and for John a black coffee and a chocolate croissant.” I hope you guys have a wonderful day and stay safe!”

“Oh, I didn’t…” John started.

“Thank you so much, you have a wonderful day too!” Lucy cut John off and began to drag him away from the truck.

The two of them went to sit at a table with Tim, Aaron and Nyla for the rest of their lunch. They were all hoping it wouldn’t be cut short by a call coming in.

“Alright Nolan!” Aaron exclaimed as John sat down.

“What? What did I do?”

“The bag. The barista gave you her number!”

John turned the bag around and sure enough your name and phone number had been neatly printed along with a little heart. John looked at Tim, then Nyla and finally to Lucy. He hadn’t been expecting you to give him your number, especially not after he had made a complete fool of himself in front of you just moments before.

Just as Lucy was about to encourage him to text you, a call came ringing in over the radios. Everyone was quick to get up and head to their respective shops. John heard Tim and Lucy radio that they were responding, and that Nyla and Aaron were acting as backup. He figured they had it covered, and he would continue to patrol, but not before adding you into his contacts.

Three days.

It was three days before John had gathered the courage to text you. He hadn’t seen you either, since he’d worked through lunch one of the days, had a pretty big drug bust on the second day, and was assigned to the front desk on the third day. Today though, he had the day off and now was his time to text you and see if you would want to go on a date with him.

John: Hey, this is John. From the other day.

You: Hi! I was beginning to think that maybe I was too forward.

John: Oh, no, not at all! I’m sorry, things have just been really busy with work. I finally have a day off.

You: Okay, good! I’m sorry work has been keeping you busy. Hopefully you’ve been able to stay safe.

John: I have. Nothing too out of the ordinary this week. How have you been?

You: I’ve been good! I have been testing some new recipes and trying to figure out what to swap in for the fall season.

You: Speaking of which…would you like to be a taste tester for me? I could really use a customer’s perspective!

John: I would love to! By the way, that croissant was incredible. I was actually texting you to ask you to dinner.

You: Yeah, dinner and then we can go back to mine to try these desserts?

You: Wow that was also very forward…I’m not usually like this by the way!

John: No worries. I won’t read into it I promise. So tonight, can I pick you up at 7?

You: 7 is perfect, see you then John!

After confirming your plans with John, you kicked it into high gear. It was 10:07 a.m. and you had a lot to do before you’d be ready to go. You really needed to get your nails done, you needed to finish the 6 different pastries you’d been working on, and you’d really need to shower before you could get ready.

After doing some quick math in your head, you figured that you would have just enough time to get everything done provided you shower while some things were baking in the oven. With that, you place the pre-cut cookie dough into the freezer (these would be easy enough to pull out and bake later when you and John go back), you placed the muffins and two different loaves of bread in the oven. That just left the cake that you were actively frosting and the pie that was cooling. Once the cake was thoroughly iced, you threw the dishes in the dishwasher and headed towards the shower, not without checking your timer to make sure you’d have ample time.

You were sure to go through all the steps of what you’d consider a full shower, washing and conditioning your hair, washing your body with your best smelling body wash, and shaving essentially every inch of your body. You weren’t anticipating that anything would happen tonight, but you wanted to be prepared nonetheless and you’d make sure at the very least that you smelled good.

After drying off and throwing on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, you made way for the kitchen just in time to pull out the muffins and the bread. You set them out on the cooling rack, turned the oven off and then you headed to your favorite nail salon. They were able to get you in right away seeing as it was 12:00 p.m. on a Thursday.

Your nail appointment ended at about 1:30 p.m., which gave you enough time to head over and check on your staff and the truck. Upon arrival you noticed there were a few police cruisers parked along the curb. You knew John was off today, but you still found yourself scanning the crowd for him.

“He’s not here.” Your staff, Ezra, had called over to you.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” You tried to hide your blush, embarrassed about getting caught looking for John. Ezra was the one who had encouraged you to give him your number in the first place, having seen how smitten you were with John when you’d met him the other day. Ezra and you had been friends for years, he could read you better than anyone.

“Mmhmm, sure thing. It was a different group this time around. What are you up to? Aren’t you supposed to be off testing new pastries?” Ezra questioned you.

“I was doing exactly that when John texted me and asked me out! I went and got my nails done and figured I would stop by and see how things were going before I went back home and got ready for my date.”

“OH MY GOD! See I told you that if you gave him your number, he’d ask you out. There were definite vibes the other day, he was so enamored by you that he forgot to look at the menu!” Ezra gushed.

“Okay, fine. You were right. I’m kind of nervous, he’s taking me to dinner, then we’re going back to my place so he can taste the new desserts and give me his opinions on them.”

“Girl, you are going to be fine! He seems nice and you are an amazing person, no reason to be nervous. Plus, what have you got to lose?” Ezra had always been your voice of reason in times of need.

“Okay, yeah. I should probably get going then so I can get ready.”

“Okay babe, have a great night! OH and you should wear the outfit you wore to our opening party, it screams you and its hot!”

“Oh, that was a good outfit, I don’t know where he’s taking me yet, but it should be dressy enough.”

You said your goodbyes to Ezra and made your way back home. It was nearing 3:30 p.m. and you knew you should probably start getting ready. You grabbed a glass of water and then got to styling your hair. You curled your hair and applied some natural looking makeup and went to get dressed. To pair with the faux leather skirt and starry mesh top, you slid on some black tights, comfy socks and your Doc Martens. Looking over at your alarm clock you see 6:45p.m. glowing red and you decide to switch to a smaller purse in the time you have left before your date…your usual everyday tote bag not exactly matching this outfit choice. You’d opted for a small leather handbag, with gold accents, it matched your outfit perfectly and was better suited for the occasion. As soon as you organized everything into the purse a knock sounded at the door. You took a deep breath then walked to answer it.

“Hi!” You greeted John as you opened the door.

“Wow, you look incredible.” John was awestruck, you had such a different style than the women he had previously dated, but he was really loving it. You were so confident in your own skin, and you just had this glow about you.

“Thank you, you look very handsome.”

“Shall we?” John gestured to his truck.

You nodded and the two of you walked around to the passenger side. John opened the door for you then offered his hand to assist you into the truck.

“Such a gentleman.”

John blushed at the compliment, he tried to shake it off as he started the truck and pulled out of your driveway. You made small talk on your way to the restaurant, which ended up being a very nice steakhouse.

John parked and looked over to you, he made note of the way you were inspecting the sign, and immediately panicked.

“I probably should have asked and made sure you weren’t a vegetarian!”

“I’m not! I love a good steak; my dad is a self-proclaimed grill master!” You laughed.

John laughed with you and let out a sigh of relief. He once again opened your door for you and reached to help you out of the truck. He was so different form the men you had dated before, so polite and caring. He listened to what you had to say and even asked you questions to learn more about you. It was so refreshing to be around someone like him. Truth is, you had dated some pretty terrible people in the past and that was the main reason you were single now. You’d decided to take a break from dating and focus on yourself and your career, which is how you’d gotten to the point of owning a very successful food truck. You had explained to John that your end goal is to have a brick-and-mortar location of Hallowed Grounds that was a café/bookstore. You wanted to create a cozy space for people to hangout while they enjoyed good food.

John just sat and smiled, he loved how you lit up when you spoke about it. Seeing you so passionate about something was honestly inspiring. He hadn’t expected the feelings for you to be so immediate, so strong, just crashing to the surface as the night went on. John could feel himself growing concerned about whether or not you were feeling as strongly for him as he was for you. The two of you had just clicked and it was so effortless.

What John didn’t know is you were currently battling the same demons. Was it really possible to be this comfortable with someone after such a short time?

Dinner had passed far too quickly for either of your likings, you were honestly just glad that you had already planned to continue this evening. You weren’t ready to say goodnight to John just yet. As John drove you back to your place, he took a risk by reaching for your hand to hold, you were quick to slide your hand into his and you couldn’t help but blush. John couldn’t believe how soft your hand was and it made him think about how rough his must be from his years as a contractor, he shook the thought away as you gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

You made it back to your place relatively quickly and John once again made sure to assist you on the passenger side, only this time instead of offering you his hand, he was a little bolder. He’d placed his hands on your waist and slowly helped you out of the truck. You stood there, chest to chest, your breath hitching from the proximity. Your gazes danced over one another’s face, shifting from eyes to lips back to eyes, silently asking for permission. When you slightly tilted your head, John understood and reached his right hand up to cup your jaw as he brought you in for a kiss. The kiss lasted for what felt like forever but ended far too soon. You wanted to exist in this moment infinitely.

You and John held hands once again as you staggered to the door. You made quick work of the lock and invited him in, guiding him to the kitchen.

“You ready to try some desserts?” You asked.

“Absolutely!” John replied.

You blushed, realizing the double entendre and moved to get all the desserts plated up. You explained to John that you’d need to throw the cookies in the oven, but they only took about 10 minutes to cook. He nodded and asked if you needed any help with anything, which you declined and encouraged him to relax.

John watched as you worked in the kitchen, this had been your element and it was like a well-choreographed dance, the way you moved. He couldn’t help but smile to himself, picturing the two of you like this, years down the road. He knew that you had only just met, but after tonight he couldn’t deny the connection. He realized he had been wrong when he said he would never fall in love again. That was true, until he met you.

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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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chenford week 2023 | day two chenford + non-sexual forms of intimacy (dating edition) (part 1)

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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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The Rookie: Echoes of the Past (Chapter Two) Synopsis: From oldest rookie to T.O., John Nolan takes on training the newest rookie, Officer Ellie Moore. In her first 6 months on the force, an unresolved case catches up to her, putting her survival to the ultimate test. A tale of mentorship, resilience, and facing one's demons head-on.

Read Chapter One here: Chapter ONE

“Hey, I’ll take the wheel for the first half of the shift if you’d like,” Lucy offered.

“You’re the boss, go for it,” Aaron chuckled.

Lucy started the vehicle and pulled away from the station, heading out onto the busy streets of L.A.

“7-Adam-07, show us on patrol,” Thorsen radioed in.

“So, you and Nat are going on another date, then?” Lucy asked, curious. “You said that you two hit it off really well.”

“Oh yeah, next weekend. It’s crazy; she knows all about me and doesn't even have an issue with any of it.”

“Well, why should she? You proved your innocence in more ways than one, especially with the documentary. You're a really stand-up guy.”

“Thanks, Luce,” Aaron said. “She knows the money I come from, and she doesn't care. It’s like nothing bothers her about it.”

“That’s Nat for sure: down to earth, humble, and super sweet.” Lucy smiled, “I’m so glad that you two hit it off well. Just FYI, I want an invite to the wedding.”

Aaron laughed, “Hell, you’ll probably be in the damn wedding. Matron or Maid of Honor and all that shit.”

“I wouldn’t say no. She’s an amazing friend and deserves to be happy, and maybe that’ll be with you. Who knows?”

“I hope you’re right. I’m ready for a lifetime of happiness; that’s for damn sure.”

The two rode in comfortable silence, with dispatch radioing other units in the background.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" Lucy asked.

"Sure, what’s up?"

"Have you noticed anything going on with Ellie? You two talk sometimes."

"All I know is that she’s been having some trouble sleeping. I mentioned how tired she looked the other day after the shift. Apparently, she deals with insomnia a few times a year; she says it's nothing she isn't used to."

"Do you think it's enough to affect her work?"

Aaron looked over at Lucy. "No, I don't. Why? Are you concerned that it might?"

Lucy sighed. "Not overly, no. I do worry about her. However, at the same time, I want to make sure it doesn't impact her while she's on patrol. We have to leave our personal issues at the door when we come in, no matter how difficult it is."

Aaron nodded. "Yeah, you're right. Hell, I'm sure every single one of us understands the danger it poses if we don't."

"Exactly. Look, if she talks to you—which I doubt she will, because Lord knows she barely opens up to us girls—but if she does, could you keep me in the loop?"

"Of course. Though I'm pretty sure you have nothing to worry about. She seems levelheaded enough."

"You know as well as I do that things can always change."

"True."

Lucy and Aaron pulled into the circular driveway of their alarm call.

“This is 7-Adam-07, dispatch, show us on scene,” Aaron radioed in. “False alarm, dead body, or burglary? Where’s your bet?”

“It's super quiet. I don't think it's a false alarm; we would've gotten a call from the owner. The owner may not be home, which leads to a possible burglary.”

“...or he could be dead and burgled.”

“Yeah, let’s not take any chances,” Lucy said, leading the way to the front door of the home. “Uh, Aaron, I’d say your bet is the closest; look,” she pointed to the steps, motioning to the blood droplets.

“Blood and the front door ajar. I’ll take back?”

“Yeah, radio if you find anything.”

“You too.” Aaron said as he unholstered his weapon and headed towards the rear of the home.

“7-Adam-07, our alarm call has turned into a suspected homicide and burglary. Standby.” Lucy radioed into dispatch and removed her weapon as well. Pushing the front door open, she called out, “LAPD!” Hoping for some kind of response, she received none.

Going room by room, she quickly but effectively clears them, noting nothing out of the ordinary in any. Upon coming to the bottom of the stairway moments later, she notices smeared blood on the wooden handrail. “Thorsen, I cleared the downstairs. There’s blood on the handrail. I’m heading up. What’s your status?”

“Clear. No sign of any forced entry. Nothing out here to indicate that anything happened. I’m heading around front to come in. Be careful.”

Lucy starts heading upstairs, her gun raised, ready for any altercations. “LAPD, is anyone up here?” She calls out once more. She receives no response again.

The first room she comes to is a bathroom. Nothing out of the ordinary. The next room is a guest room. Same. The third room’s door is ajar. She notices blood droplets on the white carpet, blood on the doorframe and knob.

Pushing the bedroom door open, she’s greeted with the sight of what she guesses is the homeowner—deceased. Lucy checks for a pulse and finds none. Sighing, she notices a closet and the master bathroom, and works carefully to clear the interior rooms.

“Chen, where are you at?” Aaron calls, entering through the front door.

“Upstairs, master bedroom on the left,” Lucy yells out. “I cleared the other rooms up here. I think I found the owner.”

Aaron quickly makes his way upstairs, heading for Lucy. “Aw, what the hell is that?”

“I’m going to guess our homeowner,” she says as she pulls out her radio. “This is 7-Adam-07, dispatch, notify detectives that our alarm call is a homicide.”

“7-Adam-07, copy.”

“Luce, look. There’s a message carved on his chest,” Aaron points out to Lucy.

Lucy walks over to the body of the homeowner and notices the bloody message that he has pointed out.

“'GiVe Me MOre,'” she reads aloud. “Give who more, and give them more of what?”

Aaron and Lucy look at each other, both curious and concerned.

"Victim’s name is Anton Yelkavich. Age 34. Has ties to Sureno 13," Lopez said, informing Chen and Thorsen. The scene was busy with crime scene techs.

"Sureno 13?" Lucy asked.

"Local gang. I noticed the number 13 burned into our victim’s flesh, back of his leg," Aaron said. "They’ve only been around for like, I dunno, 5 years?" he explained. "Any idea who’d want him dead?" he asked Angela.

"I’m guessing any of the other members of the gang, maybe even their leader, Victor Martin. We busted Anton months ago, and he flipped on the leader. Word has it Anton was going to get the others to also flip on Victor."

"So, you think that the others might also be in danger?"

"Possibly. We’ll have to check the list on the others and follow up with them. Are you guys able to help with that?"

"Of course," Aaron spoke up. "Hey, the message that was carved into Yelkavich, any idea what it means?"

"No. It doesn’t ring a bell. Maybe combing through the file might help some," Lopez said.

“We’ll meet you back at the station and split up the names,” Lucy said.

“Sounds good. See you two then.”

Aaron and Lucy stepped back over to the other side of the yellow caution tape. “You think we’ll have more victims before the day is over?” Aaron asked.

Lucy sighed. “I do. That’s why we need to get that list of names and act fast. I just can’t figure out the message he left. He wants more. More of what, exactly?”

“You know as much as I do. Are you still driving?”

“You can, if you’d like.”

“Sure thing, let’s go.”

“7-Adam-07, show us returning to the station,” Lucy radioed in.

“7-Adam-07, copy.”

Nolan and Ellie arrived at the location of their domestic dispute call. The home was small and quaint, nestled in a nice neighborhood. It was surrounded by a white picket fence with a small open gate, giving it a clean and tidy appearance.

“Nice neighborhood. What do you think the dispute is about? Burnt cookies? Cold dinner? Warm beer?” Ellie scoffed, a hint of cynicism in her voice.

Nolan raised an eyebrow, looking at her. “Nice neighborhoods turn you off, boot?” he teased.

Ellie rolled her eyes at the nickname. “Oh, come on. You can’t tell me that the nice white picket fence isn’t just a façade for what really goes on behind closed doors? It’s all a lie.”

“Well, until this call is settled, let’s just do our jobs,” Nolan replied, his tone more serious.

“Yes, sir,” Ellie said quietly, falling in step behind her training officer as they ascended the porch steps. She took the lead and knocked on the door. “LAPD!”

Waiting to see if anybody would answer the door and let them in, Ellie could hear signs of an altercation inside. “I hear yelling. Should I try again or go in?”

“Let’s try one more time,” Nolan decided, knocking on the door once more. “LAPD, open up!”

Still no response.

Then, a sound of breaking glass came from inside the house.

“Alright, go,” Nolan ordered, giving Ellie the green light to take action.

Ellie unholstered her weapon and turned the knob, her heart racing as she found the door surprisingly unlocked. “LAPD! Hands up!”

“Woah, don’t shoot!”

“What are you doing here?” Ellie demanded.

“We got a call regarding a domestic disturbance, and I’d say we’ve got one in front of us,” Nolan interjected, his voice steady and authoritative. “Now, can anybody tell us what’s going on?”

The man in the room finally found his voice. “My wife here filed for divorce and is suing me for full custody of our two kids,” he explained, pointing toward a scared young girl and boy huddled on the couch.

Ellie, feeling the tension begin to ease, holstered her weapon and exchanged a nod with Nolan. “Hey, kids, my name is Ellie, and this is John. We’re here to talk to your mom and dad, okay? Can you go upstairs for me until we’re done?”

The young girl nodded, her wide eyes showing a mix of fear and curiosity. She took her younger brother’s hand, and they hurriedly ascended the staircase, disappearing behind a closing door.

“Now, let’s talk,” Ellie said, her tone softer as she addressed the couple before her. “Can we talk?”

The wife nodded, her expression a mixture of anger and hurt. “My name is Laura; this here is Patrick. He’s a lying piece of cheating shit. Narcissistic to boot too.”

“What the fuck, Laura?!” Patrick shouted, his face turning red. “I told you I’m not cheating on you. And I’m NOT narcissistic, that’s your mother!”

“I’ve got all the proof, Patrick. Phone records, credit card statements, you name it. It’s over,” Laura spat, her voice shaking with frustration.

“Guys, come on. Have you guys ever gone to marriage counseling? Any remediation at all?” Nolan interjected, attempting to steer the conversation towards a more constructive direction.

“I tried to get him to go. He wouldn’t. Hell, all he would ever say is that he wouldn’t cheat on me again, and that was that. Even if he wasn’t, the mind games! The mind games are enough for me!” Laura's voice trembled as she spoke, the emotional turmoil evident in her words.

“What mind games, ma’am?” Ellie asked, her voice gentle, as she sought a way to shift the course of the argument.

“Always talking about how I would be nothing without him, how I was only ever meant to stay at home, mind the house, mind the kids, have dinner and a beer ready for him the moment he got home. Well, that shit might have worked back in the 60s and maybe the 70s, but it doesn’t work on me,” Laura explained with a mix of anger and exhaustion.

“That’s not true, and you know it,” Patrick said, his voice lowered, a hint of remorse in his eyes. “Laura, I love you. I fucked up before, but I swear, I’m not...” He trailed off, his words heavy with the weight of his emotions.

“Then why am I getting phone calls from Patrice, saying how you took her out to Antonio’s and to her house to fuck her?” Laura demanded, her voice quivering with a mix of anger and hurt. “I’ve got the proof, Patrick. The phone records with her phone number, the credit card statement.”

“Laura, Patrice is screwing with you. She’s been calling my number. I’ve only answered it to tell her to leave us alone. The credit card used at Antonio’s was me buying lunch for a coworker and myself, weeks ago.”

“I don’t believe you!”

“I've got proof. It's in the other room, in the office. Can I go get it?” Patrick looked at Ellie, seeking her permission.

“Yes, go ahead.”

Patrick walked away, his steps heavy with the weight of his own distress, and Ellie turned to address Laura, her tone gentle but firm. “Laura, maybe hear Patrick out? Look, I’ve been through situations like this before, and Officer Nolan and I only want what’s best for your family.”

Laura's expression remained hardened. “With all due respect, Officer Moore, I’m making the best decision for our family. I’m getting us away from him,” Laura spat back, her words laced with a combination of anger and determination.

“All I’m saying is –”

“Gun!” Nolan's voice boomed, his eyes widening as he saw Patrick re-enter the room with a gun in his hand. “Patrick, put the gun down.”

Ellie had her gun out, her hands steady but her heart racing, her mind processing the rapidly unfolding situation. “Patrick, come on, put the gun down.”

“Yeah, Patrick, what are you gonna do, shoot me?” Laura's remark carried a tone of bitterness.

“Shut up, Mrs. Reynolds!” Ellie's voice snapped, her attempt to regain control of the room evident. “Come on, Patrick, you don’t want to do this. Think about your kids.”

Patrick's grip on the gun seemed shaky as he turned it towards Nolan, tears streaking down his face.

“Wait, stop!” Ellie's voice was sharp and commanding, her body moving to step in front of Nolan, acting as a human shield.

“Officer Moore, out of the way,” Nolan's voice cut through, his tone brooking no argument.

“I’ve got this, John,” Ellie insisted, taking a cautious step closer to Patrick, her eyes locked onto his. “Hey, things can be fixed. Don’t do this. You don’t want this hanging over you; it will make it harder to fight for your kids.” Her words were a mix of urgency and empathy, an attempt to reach a desperate man through the fog of his emotions.

Patrick's sobs wracked his body, his shoulders trembling as tears streamed down his face. “I only cheated once, early in our marriage. She’s never let it go. Laura and I were literally on a date last week, and we were happy. I don’t recognize my wife anymore.”

“We can help, Patrick. Please, let us help you both,” Ellie pleaded, her voice laced with empathy and a hint of desperation. Her eyes filled with genuine concern as she stared at the distraught man before her. “Let me help.”

“I’m sorry, but you can’t. She has friends in high places. Higher than you. I will never see my kids ever again,” Patrick explained, his words weighed down by the heaviness of his despair. His vision blurred as tears continued to blur his sight.

“I understand what you're feeling, but fight against it. She may have influential friends, but that's okay. We can still help. Patrick, let me help,” Ellie's voice held a mixture of determination and compassion as she began to slowly extend her hand toward the gun he held, her breath held in anticipation.

“You can’t. I’m so sorry,” Patrick's voice was a quiet murmur, his grip shifting as he turned the gun and, in a heart-wrenching moment, shot himself in the head.

“No! Dad!” Ellie's anguished cry echoed through the room as she watched helplessly, her heart pounding, as he fell to the living room floor. The shock of the tragic scene unfolding before her was overwhelming, leaving her frozen in a moment of disbelief and sorrow.

“Ellie!”

“Patrick!”

Nolan and Laura both yelled out simultaneously, their voices laced with shock and grief. Laura's desperate steps propelled her towards Patrick's lifeless form, but John moved quickly to intercept her, his firm hold preventing her from reaching the scene of the tragedy. “Officer Moore are you okay?” he inquired urgently, his gaze assessing her for any injuries.

Surveying the somber tableau before him, John noted Ellie on her knees beside Patrick's motionless body, her uniform and face stained with blood, and her face an emotionless mask. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air.

“He’s gone,” Ellie's voice was steady but carried an undercurrent of sadness that echoed through the room.

With a heavy sigh, John instructed Laura to go upstairs and check on her children, offering her a brief but supportive nod as she complied. As he reached for his radio, he summoned the necessary assistance. “7-Adam-15, I need an RA on site for our domestic dispute call, a suicide.”

“7-Adam-15, copy,” came the response, the acknowledgment a stark reminder of the heart-wrenching reality they were grappling with.

Ellie sat on the retaining wall at the perimeter, her face a mask of exhaustion and turmoil. She responded to Bailey's questions as best she could, her voice carrying a weariness that matched her expression.

“How is she?” Nolan approached them, his concern evident in his voice, having finished briefing the other officers on the scene.

Bailey motioned for John to step aside with her, creating a bit of distance from Ellie. “She’s in shock. She answered the questions I asked her, but it's clear she's exhibiting the classic signs. It's all there.”

John let out a heavy sigh, his weariness reflecting his emotional state. "I figured as much."

Curious and deeply concerned, Nolan asked, “What happened?”

“She tried to diffuse the situation, but it escalated rapidly,” John explained, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sorrow. “She even stepped in front of me, literally in the line of fire. She believed she could get through to him. To both of them.”

Bailey’s expression shifted to one of understanding mingled with empathy. “Oh man. No wonder she’s in the state she’s in. That’s a lot to carry.” She shook his head slowly, grappling with the gravity of the situation they had witnessed.

Nolan and Bailey both turned their attention as commotion arose behind them, witnessing Ellie confronting Laura directly.

“You drove him to suicide! You threatened that man's children! What kind of mother does that?” Ellie's voice carried a mix of anger and accusation, her finger pointed accusingly at Laura.

“You wouldn’t understand. You’ve never been in my shoes!” Laura's voice wavered; her emotions raw as she fired back.

“I have! I have been in your shoes!”

“Officer Moore,” Nolan's voice boomed, a commanding force aimed at diffusing the escalating situation. “Stand down, now!”

Unfazed, Ellie continued to vent her frustration, her arm extending upwards toward the house. “Your husband explained everything in that room,” she yelled, her voice rising with each word. “And you just kept going at him!”

“Officer Moore! I said stand down!” Nolan's voice carried an even greater authority, the urgency in his tone unmistakable.

“Bitch, I will have your job if you don’t leave me alone. Like Patrick said, I have friends in high places. I’d watch yourself if I were you,” Laura's voice was laden with a warning as she turned and walked away, the tension in the air still palpable despite her departure.

Ellie began moving towards Laura with determination before being firmly restrained by John's grasp. “You disobeyed a direct order. You need to get back to our vehicle before I strip you of your badge. Now.”

The frustration radiating from Nolan was unmistakable, and Ellie's realization of her error hit her hard. She had indeed messed up. “Yes, sir,” she replied, her voice quiet and remorseful as she turned away and headed toward their police unit, slipping into the passenger seat.

“John, given the circumstances –”

“Bailey, she literally went after the victim’s wife. I wasn’t the only one who saw that. I won't be able to explain her way through this,” John's voice held a mix of exasperation and concern.

“Actually, Officer Nolan,” another voice chimed in from behind them, catching their attention. Another officer stepped forward, offering a different perspective. “Laura went after her. I overheard her saying that Patrick didn't actually commit the things she accused him of.”

Nolan turned towards the officer, seeking her nametag for identification. “Officer?”

“Hernandez, sir,” the officer responded. “Officer Moore was approached by the deceased victim’s wife. Laura started confessing that Patrick was telling the truth, that she hadn't filed for divorce because doing so would leave her with nothing. She mentioned that by his death, she would gain everything.”

Nolan exchanged a look with John, realization dawning upon them both. The situation had more layers than initially apparent, and they now had a more complex puzzle to unravel.

Bailey looked at Nolan, her expression a mix of astonishment and disbelief. “So, she just confessed to murder by suicide, basically?”

“Basically,” Hernandez affirmed, her voice carrying a tone of gravity. “Look, I’ve got it all recorded on my bodycam. You can have the footage for your case.”

“Thank you. I’ll get our Sergeant to retrieve the footage. Can you swing by the station later to give your official report?”

“Yes, sir. Right after we wrap up here, I'll head over.”

“Thank you,” Nolan acknowledged, signaling the end of their conversation. He turned his attention back to Bailey, his brow furrowed in contemplation. “While this development helps Ellie’s situation, I still need to talk to her. There's something that's bothering me about all of this.”

“Just... be careful how you approach it, okay? If you push too hard, she might shut down completely. Approach it tactfully.”

John nodded, his gaze meeting Bailey's with understanding. “I'll see you tonight at home.”

“Of course, hot stuff,” Bailey teased, offering him a playful grin as he walked away.

Observing Ellie's gaze fixed on the passenger side window, Nolan felt a pang of sympathy. The upcoming conversation was one he wished to avoid, but it was necessary. Settling into the driver's seat, he turned to face her.

“I need answers, and I need them now.”

Alright, so, here's chapter two. Much longer too. Sorry for the delay, I ended up growing an extra appendage in the form of a 3 year old little girl. She and hubby are finally in bed and now I am heading that way.

I totally accept constructive criticism. As well as a beta. So, if anyone is interested, let me know!

I hope y'all enjoy. If you have any questions, let me know!

#the rookie #oc #john nolan #lucy chen #tim bradford #angela lopez #aaron thorsen #nyla harper #chenford #nathan fillion

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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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ERIC WINTER & MELISSA O'NEIL CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD (08/27/23) "The Rookie vs The Rookie: Feds"

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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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Next part of The Rookie: Echoes of the Past will be up this evening!!

Providing that I can keep my three year old from melding herself to me….

Anyways, if you haven’t yet, check out chapter one!

#the rookie #john nolan #lucy chen #tim bradford #chenford #aaron thorsen #angela lopez #nathan fillion #oc

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ellie-andthemachine · 8 months

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The Rookie: Echoes of the Past

Character bio: Ellie Moore is 29 years old. Fresh out of the academy. Auburn/Ginger hair color, blue eyes. 5ft 3in, average weight, but weighs more than she would prefer (no lack of trying, but health issues hinder). Comes from a single mother and a younger brother. Doesn’t normally delve into her past with others, unless its warranted. Ellie is compassionate and empathetic but can also be closed off at times. Secretly deals with minor to mild depression, depending on situation (would never tell anybody in fear of being kicked out of LAPD). She considers Lucy, Nyla and Angela good friends, but even more so Nolan. She views Nolan not only as a T.O. but sees him as a father figure as well at times. Ellie was diagnosed as a carrier of Fragile-X Syndrome and is afraid of having children in the future in fears of passing on the gene.

It’s a sunny day in Los Angeles as Ellie heads to work. Windows down, music on, and volume up, the lyrics of ��Can’t Take Me Anywhere” by Sam Tinnesz blare as she pulls into the station.

Parking in her usual spot, she rolls up her windows. They’re forecasting rain during her shift, and she'll be damned if she has to deal with wet seats again. In her side mirror, she notices Chen and Nolan talking at the station entrance and wonders if they saw her arrive. Getting out and locking her vehicle, she swings her bookbag straps over her arms and hurries to catch up with the others.

“Ah, good morning, Ellie,” Nolan greets her with a warm smile. “How’s my favorite rookie doing?”

“Tired. Apparently the 3 cups of coffee I’ve had this morning haven't counteracted the effects of the Benadryl I wound up taking last night. So, I’m hoping today goes like a breeze.”

“Well, I hate to be negative, but you probably just jinxed it,” Lucy grins.

Ellie rolls her eyes, chuckling, “Yeah, well, I’ll make sure to let Nell know that you're hoping for all the big and bad today, Chen.”

“Don’t you dare! Anyways, I’ll see you guys at roll call. Thorsen apparently had a date last night, and I’m curious about how it went.” Lucy heads for the doors and goes inside. Ellie and John watch her hurry inside."

“Did you have an allergic reaction to something last night?” Nolan asked, his concern evident.

“Huh? No. Why are you asking?” The question caught Ellie off guard.

“You mentioned taking Benadryl last night. Most people use it for allergic reactions. I was just curious about what you might be allergic to. It might be something worth knowing for the future as your T.O.”

“Oh,” Ellie paused, unsure how to respond, “no, I’ve just been having a hard time sleeping the last few days. I don’t do it often, usually only when I’ve had enough of struggling.”

“Is there something causing the issue?”

“Um,” she pauses again, “I, uh... it just happens occasionally. It won’t affect my work, I promise. I’ll, uh, see you in roll call.” Ellie says, making an abrupt move for the doors, leaving John watching her as she walks away.

Nolan decides to give her a moment to reach the elevators and get to their floor before heading inside himself. He makes a mental note to talk to her during patrol.

Taking her seat up front with Thorsen and the other rookie, whom she was sure would wash out within the week, Ellie observed as the more senior officers filed in.

“So, Lucy said you had a date last night. How did that go?”

“Not bad. We went to dinner and sat in my car, talking for a few hours. Natalie seems really nice, and she wants to go out again this weekend,” Aaron replied with a smile, his excitement evident as he started building a better life for himself. Most of the negativity surrounding Patrick’s death and the documentary drama had faded away, allowing him to rebuild and rebrand himself for the better.

“Good. I know you've been looking forward to it. I'm glad it went well.”

“Oh yeah. Nat and I are similar, yet so different in many ways. I'm hopeful. Of course, it's only been one date so far, so who knows? I'm curious to see where it goes.”

Ellie patted Aaron on the shoulder, saying, “So am I, dude. Keep me updated. Seriously.”

Thorsen smiled and added, “You know I will. So, how was your evening? Any fancy dates on your calendar?”

Chuckling, Ellie shook her head. “You know damn well there aren't any. Which is perfectly fine with me. I'm only six months into training; I need to stay focused to get through the rest of this twelve-month torture with Nolan.” She said the last part loudly enough for John to hear, turning in her seat and smiling to show she was joking.

“You've got this, Moore. Hell, from what people say, you're Nolan 2.0. I'd say you've got nothing to worry about.”

Ellie blushed, not entirely used to compliments, and said, “Thanks, dude. I appreciate it.”

Lucy walked in, giving Ellie and Aaron a warm smile before taking the empty seat next to Nolan.

“Hey, can I ask you something before we head out on patrol?” John asked Lucy quietly.

“Of course,” she said, looking at him with concern. “Is everything okay?”

“I think so. I'll talk to you after roll call.”

Lucy nodded.

“Alright, everybody, good morning,” Sergeant Grey's deep voice boomed as he walked in. “For once, the night shift left us with no follow-up cases. So, business as usual. Nolan and Moore, Chen and Thorsen. Harper is assisting Lopez with a case. Bradford will be in a little late. Contact me if you all have any issues. Dismissed.”

The other officers filed out of the bullpen, leaving Lucy, John, Ellie, and Aaron.

“Ellie, could you go set up our shop? I'll be along in a moment.”

Ellie nodded, saying, “Yes, sir.”

“Hold on, I’ll come with you,” Aaron said, rising from his seat as well. “Hey Lucy, I'm also going to go set up ours.”

“Thanks, Aaron,” Lucy said, smiling."

Once Thorsen and Ellie had left to set up their respective shops, Lucy turned to Nolan and asked, “What’s going on?”

“Have you noticed anything different about Ellie? I'm slightly concerned about her,” Nolan replied.

“Concerned? Is something happening?” Lucy inquired, worried about her friend.

“I'm not sure. Apparently, she’s been having trouble sleeping lately. And when she mentioned taking a Benadryl last night, I asked her about it after you went inside.”

“What did she say?”

“She just mentioned she's been having trouble sleeping and was tired of struggling, so she took one,” Nolan explained. “I tried asking her to see if something's going on, but she, well, avoided discussing it. She assured me that it wouldn’t affect her during patrol,” he paused, “which, to some extent, I can agree with; it hasn't affected her work.”

“...but you're concerned it might in the future,” Lucy finished.

"Exactly."

“Look, I know as well as you that she's super private. Even with me, Nyla, and Lopez. Trust me, it hasn't gone unnoticed. We've tried to figure out ways to get her to open up, but we haven't had much luck.”

Nolan sighed. This wasn't what he had hoped for. “Thanks, Lucy. If she talks to you, could you let me know?”

“Of course. Although, you'll probably have better luck. She's basically 'Nolan 2.0',” Lucy smirked.

“You've heard that too, huh?”

“Oh yeah. Hey, it's not a bad thing. You've done well for yourself, and maybe she will too.”

Nolan chuckled, “Yeah, maybe.”

“We should get going. Good luck out there today. Call us if you need backup.”

“Hey, you too.”

Lucy and John headed for their shops, grabbing the assigned body cameras on their way.

“Alright, Rookie, you’re behind the wheel today. Let’s go.”

“Yes, sir,” Ellie replied, taking the keys from Nolan and getting into the driver’s seat. “Think we’ll have an eventful day?”

"Who knows? It’s LA, a city full of crazies. I wouldn’t doubt it,” Nolan responded.

Ellie nodded.

The silence in the car lasted for only two minutes.

“Alright, so you didn’t take Benadryl for allergies. What are you allergic to?” Nolan asked, curious.

“Not much, really. At least, I don’t think so. Just mold; I can’t have Bactrim or dilauded. Pet dander used to affect me a lot, but it hasn’t since I got Gracie. My mother was allergic to penicillin, but I seem to have lucked out there,” Ellie explained. “I guess if anything ever happens, just make sure EMTs don’t use dilauded on me,” she shrugged.

“Why? What happens if they do?”

“The first time, we thought it was a normal reaction. The second time,” she paused, “the second time, we knew it wasn’t. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I couldn’t talk or really breathe. It was like an out-of-body experience. If you can imagine it, I felt like I was watching myself lying in the hospital bed. Turns out, it stopped my heart for a moment. Scary stuff.”

Nolan absorbed everything Ellie shared. “I'm so sorry that happened to you. I'll make sure you're never given it if I can help it.”

Ellie nodded, driving quietly for a moment. “Thank you. Not many people know about it. I mean, it's in my file, but…”

“…but you haven’t discussed your experiences. I understand. I appreciate you sharing that with me; I can imagine it wasn’t easy.”

“Not really. But I trust you.”

“Thank you. I trust you, too.”

“7-Adam-15, a domestic dispute call. The address is being sent to your box.”

Nolan picked up the mic to respond, “7-Adam-15, show us responding..”

“So much for an uneventful day.”

So, please be gentle. I haven't written anything in YEARS. Also, I've spent the last 2 weeks binge watching The Rookie. BTW Nathan Fillion is cute as hell. Anyways, I am looking for a beta, if anybody is interested!

Also, I hope I did all this right. I don't usually post on Tumblr! -_-

#the rookie #john nolan #lucy chen #chenford #oc #aaron thorsen #tim bradford #nathan fillion

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