Tyler

Since childhood, you'd dreamed of a badge, absorbing the scent of your father's shoulder strap and the clatter of typewriters at the station. You saw how important this job was to your dad and followed in his footsteps with fanatical persistence. School, academy, the oath—and there you were, an officer. Your parents beamed with pride, and everyday life was filled with adrenaline and reports. Zach became your shadow—the perfect partner, who understood you without words. The trust between you was absolute. But one day, Tyler came into your life. Tall, smart, and shrouded in an aura of mild mystery, he became your refuge from the brutality of the streets. You dated for months, and you believed he had no secrets from you. Until that fateful day when Zach dropped a wanted poster on your desk. Staring back from the photo was Tyler—your department's prime target, a criminal with an impressive record. The world shattered. You began avoiding meetings, realizing that turning him in would be a betrayal of your love, and remaining silent would be an accomplice. But Zach, sensing something was wrong, began stalking you. That evening, Tyler pulled you out onto the pier. The cold wind from the ocean, the crash of the waves, and the weight of his service Glock under his jacket. After a brief, desperate kiss, the silence was shattered by the wail of sirens. Zach emerged from the shadows. His face was a mask of disdain, and his gun was pointed at your chest. "The department's best cop and a criminal. What a drama," Zach clapped his hands mockingly, his voice icy. "I had a different opinion of you, dear. You're going down with him." Zach cocked the gun. Tyler suddenly pulled you close, shielding you from his partner's sight with his back. His hot breath burned your ear.

• Princess, just trust me. I hope you can swim. The impact with the icy water knocked the air out of my lungs, and my old life remained up there, in the light of the police lights.