I'll Always Be There For You - A Peraltiago Story

Chapter 8 - May 15th

Hey,

So I know it's been a little while since I updated, but I am so ready to get back to writing the story. Thank you so much for reading - it really means so much to me. I really hope you enjoy this chapter. I have done a little time jump just to keep things moving, just so everyone is aware.

Chapter 8 - May 15th

Amy's POV

Today was mine and Jake's two year anniversary. I still couldn't believe we had been married for two years. It had all gone by so fast, and yet so much had happened. I was so excited for today. Jake and I were going out for dinner tonight after work, and I was really excited to be able to spend a whole evening with him. These last few weeks had just been really busy, and we had barely seen each other due to stake outs and long shifts, but tonight would be perfect. We would get to spend some proper time together, and I couldn't wait.

As the alarm went off that morning, I rolled over in bed to switch it off. I rubbed my eyes and turned, expecting to see Jake next to me. But he wasn't there. Confused, I sat up in bed and tried to wake myself up a bit. Just as I was about to get out of bed, our bedroom door opened and Jake walked in, carrying a tray.

"Happy Anniversary, Ames," he said, walking over to me with the tray in his hands.

"Oh babe. Happy anniversary," I said. Jake sat down on the edge of the bed and placed the tray in my lap.

"I thought you deserved breakfast in bed this morning," he said and I smiled. I picked up the card that was placed on top of the tray and opened it.

'Dear Amy,

These last two years have been the best years of my life. They've been crazy, but every day I get to spend with you is crazy to me.

We've had our ups and our downs, including saying goodbye to our little peanut, but there is no one else on this earth that I would have wanted to share those moments with. You are so beautiful, so amazing and so talented, and I am amazed I get to call you my wife.

Happy Anniversary Ames.

All my love,
Jake xxx'

I must've re-read the card about a million times before looking up at my husband sat before me.

"Thank you," I whispered, wiping a single tear from my cheek. Jake smiled and took my hand in his.

"No worries, now, eat your breakfast otherwise you'll be late for work," he said before kissing the top of my head and heading towards the bathroom for a shower.

After I had finished breakfast, I took the empty tray out to the kitchen and returned to my room to get ready. Jake was done in the shower so I hopped in and quickly showered.

Our journey to work was relatively straight forward, and despite our anniversary celebrations in the morning, we still arrived at work on time. Jake parked the car and the two of us got out before walking up to our floor. I sorted some bits out on my desk - I put away my bag and checked over the files that had been placed on my desk before heading into the kitchen to make a drink.

I returned to my desk with a coffee for Jake and I, and had barely had a sip before Serge called us in to the briefing room. The squad all walked in and took a seat, waiting for briefing to start.

"Right, settle down squad," Terry said to get us all to be silent. "Peralta, any update on the Dave Coleman case?" Terry said, turning to my husband.

"Uh, yeah. Amy and I went on door duty and got some leads we're chasing up today," he said, smiling at me.

"Great, update us with any news. Diaz, anything new on your drug case?" Terry turned to Rosa, who was sat in the back.

"We arrested two perps yesterday. We're continuing with the interrogation today," Rosa replied. Terry nodded and all our attention turned back to him.

"Has anyone got anything else they would like to add?" Terry asked the room.

"I do!" An almost too eager Charles piped up. All of us turned to look at him, waiting to see what he had to say. "I just wanted to wish my favourite couple a happy 2 year anniversary. To Jake and Amy!" Charles cheered. Everyone echoed and I smiled, laughing slightly. If anyone was going to bring our anniversary up at a squad briefing it would've been Boyle.

Terry dismissed us and we all headed back into the bullpen. I sat down at my desk and started checking my emails. There was nothing new or important so I turned my attention to a case file I had on my desk.

"Excuse me, I was wondering if I could talk to a detective?" I faintly heard a woman ask Serge. I lifted my head up and watched, curious to see what was happening.

"Of course," Terry said, looking around before catching my eye. "Santiago, could I borrow you for a minute," he said and I nodded before walking over.

"This is Detective Santiago, she can help you," Terry said to the woman and I led her over to my desk.

"Hi," I said, trailing off, realising I didn't know her name.

"Helen, Helen Brooks," She said, evidently trying to hold back a tear.

"Hi Mrs Brooks, what can I help you with?" I asked, giving her a faint smile.

"I was in the garden with my daughter, Olivia, she's two, and I went inside for a few minutes to get her a drink. But when I came back she'd gone," Mrs Brooks said, before bursting into tears. "I know most people call the police, but we live just next door so I thought it would be quicker. I searched the garden, she's not there."

My heart nearly shattered into a million pieces. I hadn't had a tough case like this for a long while. I briefed the Serge on the case and told him that I would be heading to the crime scene. 

Once we arrived, I asked Helen to take me out into the garden and talk me through what had happened.

"Livy was playing with her sandpit, and then she asked me for a drink. I went into the kitchen, which you can see through that window there," she said, pointing to a window that overlooked the garden. "And when I came back, she wasn't there. I looked and called for her, but to no avail."

I walked over to the sandpit and looked around, searching for anything that could be used as evidence.

"I'm gonna call for backup, and get CSI in to see if they can get some prints. I'm also going to contact the precinct and get CCTV footage of the surrounding streets to see if they picked up anything. One more question, what was your daughter wearing?" I asked, hoping to get a better idea of the child we were looking for.

"She was in white leggings and a pink top. She has short light brown hair, but it was down this morning. I have a picture from today if that helps?" Helen asked, a little tearful. I nodded and she showed me a photo. She was absolutely beautiful. Sat playing in the garden with a huge smile on her face.

"Thank you, Helen. I'll be in contact when I have some more news," I said before leaving and heading back to the precinct. I hoped we could get some leads on the case today. After all, I knew what it was like to lose a child.

Hey,

So I know I've taken FOREVER to upload but I have had serious writers block! But I am back and don't plan on leaving another update this long!

Also, what did you guys think of last nights episode, "He Said, She Said"? I loved it. Please do try and keep the comments a spoiler free zone as there might be some people who haven't seen it! But do be warned that the comments may include some slight spoilers.

AND... we're getting a season 7!! I'm super excited!

Anyway, please vote and comment!
I am so grateful for all the views, votes, comments and feedback I'm getting on this book - it really means a lot to me!

Thanks,
Erin