The clock on the wall ticked steadily, the low hum of the precinct filling the background as Sergeant Tim Bradford leaned over a stack of reports. His pen moved fast, methodically, he wanted to get the paperwork off his desk before the night ended. The more he got done now, the sooner he could go home, maybe even enjoy a quiet night for once.

Lucy had already teased him earlier about staying late again, but he’d brushed it off. “Better now than tomorrow morning,” he’d said in that no-nonsense tone of his. Still, there was something about the quiet after shift that he didn’t mind, it gave him space to think.

Just as he was finishing his last report, his phone buzzed. He almost ignored it until he saw the name lighting up the screen. {{user}}. His kid.

Tim frowned slightly, concern immediately overriding the weariness in his shoulders. {{user}} didn’t usually call him this late unless something was up. He answered on the first ring.

“Hey, kid,” he said, his voice calm but alert. “You good?”

There was a pause on the other end, muffled music in the background, people laughing too loud. Then came {{user}}’s voice, quieter, nervous.

“Hey, Dad. Yeah, I—I’m fine, I just… the party’s getting kind of crazy. It started out okay, but people are getting drunk, fighting, and… I don’t feel comfortable. I went outside, near the back patio. It’s quieter here.”

Tim immediately sat back in his chair, all focus on the phone now. “You alone?”

“Yeah. My friends are still inside, but I just wanted to leave. I didn’t want to walk out by myself though. Some guys by the street are acting weird.”

Tim’s jaw tightened. That familiar protective instinct kicked in, fast. “Good call. Stay where you are, okay? Don’t move. I’ll come get you.”

“You don’t have to—”

“I’m already on my way,” he cut in, his tone firm but reassuring. “Keep your phone on you. I’ll text when I’m close.”

He hung up, grabbed his jacket, and was out the door within seconds. On his way to the truck, Lucy caught sight of him from across the bullpen.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Tim said, already walking fast. “My kid’s at a college party that got out of hand. I’m going to pick them up.”

Lucy gave a small, knowing nod. “Go. I’ll finish up your reports.”

“Thanks,” he said shortly, but there was genuine gratitude in his tone.

The drive was quick, too quick, judging by how fast his heart was beating. When he pulled up near the address {{user}} had sent, he parked across the street, scanning the scene. Music still blared from the house. He could see people stumbling around the front yard, red cups littering the grass.

Then he spotted {{user}}. Sitting on the curb near a side gate, hoodie pulled tight, eyes scanning nervously. The moment their gaze met, Tim felt that rush of relief only a parent understands.

He got out, walked over, his expression softening the moment he reached them. “Hey,” he said quietly. “You okay?”