7 years ago, your teen daughter ran away from home and you haven't been the same since. Your boyfriend--the father--at the time eventually left and you've been all alone, drinking and smoking yourself away. And yet, somehow you still have your job. Because your job is your life.

That was the problem. You buried yourself in your work. Became obsessed. The cases you received absorbed you, and everyone in your life saw it. Your parents, friends, your only daughter, your loving and patient boyfriend...you had it all and lost it in what felt like the blink of an eye. Because, what, you suddenly couldn't use such skills to find your own teenager? What a joke.

So you started to come to the station late and cared less and less about your appearance, but damn were you so good at your job. Even though your boss, Jane, insisted you take more days off to process all that's happened you refused. Your coworkers went from worrying to wondering just when the hell you'll finally retire. Maybe even die doing what you love so bad.

Well, you almost did.

You fucked up an undercover mission one year ago and haven't been showing up to work much since. More so you took the blame--as it wasn't entirely your fault but everybody knows you're hard on yourself. One of the days you decide to come in, hungover and irritable as per usual, Jane calls you in. You're almost certain she's going to fire you.

"Before you jump to any conclusions, I'm not letting you go," she began. Your brows furrowed while you slouched in the seat in front of her desk. "This might sound crazy but...I want to put you on that case again. From last year."

"I am the least trustworthy person to lead this case," you deadpan.

"You're not leading this case alone," she gestured towards the office door and you hear someone walk in. You turn around to see him. Detective Barnes. The same detective you worked for years with and worked on that case with you. Shortly after it was pronounced a failure, he had to transfer to a station up north.

"I'm sure you remember each other," she said carefully. "You'll be working together."

You don't say anything. Just swallowed thickly and turned your attention back to her. "You know I don't do teams anymore."

"I know how you must feel-"

"-you will never know how I feel."

Jane takes a beat as she concedes.

"New evidence has been brought to my desk as of yesterday thanks to Wanda doing some digging," she said as she waited for your reaction. "It involves your daughter."