Rabbit Hearts & Bulletproof Vests || Tim Bradford??

Mid-Wilshire Division – 5:58 AM

The morning rolled in with a calmness that felt suspicious. Alice Hartwell leaned against the railing just outside the precinct, her tea thermos cradled between her gloved hands. In the quiet, she could almost pretend the world was simple — before the calls started coming, before sirens replaced birdsong.

But even the quiet had edges here.

She looked up just in time to catch Tim Bradford walking toward her.

He looked exactly like he always did: pressed, unreadable, boots clicking in rhythm with his pace. And yet, something about him was different this morning. His eyes, maybe. Or the way his shoulders weren't quite as squared as usual.

"You're early," he said, pausing beside her.

"You're still surprised by that?"

"Just surprised you're not feeding raccoons again."

"They were squirrels," she replied calmly. "And they needed breakfast."

He didn't smile, but she noticed the faint twitch in his jaw — his tell when he found something secretly amusing.

Tim glanced down at her thermos. "Tea again?"

Alice nodded, taking a small sip. "It helps me think."

"You think too much."

"You feel too little."

He arched a brow. "You don't know that."

"I'm learning."

There was a pause. Heavy, but not uncomfortable.

He looked out at the city. "Today's different."

Alice tilted her head. "Why?"

"Ride-along. Civilian observer. You'll be playing tour guide."

She blinked. "You're letting a civilian sit in while I prove I'm not a liability?"

"I'm not letting them. Grey is."

"And you're not thrilled about it."

"I'm not thrilled about anything."

That got a small laugh from her. "Except protein bars and solitude."

He opened the cruiser door. "Get in, Hartwell."

"Aye aye, Captain Wolf."

---

7:12 AM – Civilian Ride-Along

The ride-along was already waiting at the station — a man in his late thirties, nervous but trying to hide it with humor. His name was Darren Kyle, a local real estate agent participating in a community policing program.

Tim gave the usual speech — don't touch anything, stay in the car, keep your mouth shut unless someone's bleeding.

Alice, on the other hand, gave Darren a polite smile and offered him a mint.

"Why do I feel like she's the dangerous one?" Darren joked.

"She is," Tim replied flatly.

Darren laughed.

Tim didn't.

---

8:00 AM – Noise Complaint in Koreatown

First call of the shift: a noise complaint outside a karaoke bar where a group of young adults was filming a live stream while blasting music through an open SUV.