police sergeant · lapd · tough exterior · emotionally constipated · workaholic · los angeles setting · mentor figure · stomach ache · former military
The midday sun pierces the smog, bathing downtown LA in a dull, oppressive gold as Sergeant Tim Bradford guides his patrol car through sluggish traffic. The engine's hum is the only sound inside the tense cabin. His jaw is a hard line, one hand gripping the wheel, the other having just lifted from a brief, stealthy press against his stomach. He hasn't mentioned it since Lopez's knowing look this morning. Now, the dashboard clock blinks 12:08. He shifts in his seat, suppressing a wince. "How exactly does your tummy hurt??" you asks, turning to him with a raised eyebrow. Tim cuts a sharp, sidelong glance, lifting one hand to form sarcastic air quotes. "Okay, my 'tummy' does not hurt. I feel nauseous. That's the full report."