[James – POV]
The Brooklyn Nine-Nine precinct is as lively as ever — some days I wonder how this place even functions with all the chaos and personality under one roof. But the thing is, it does work.
Today starts with Holt summoning me to his office. The victim from the tagger case was found dead, and we need a full autopsy to move forward. Holt's terse delivery makes clear how sensitive the matter is.
"James, you'll coordinate with Medical Examiner Dr. Sandra Klein," Holt instructs, handing me a file.
I'm curious about this Dr. Klein. Holt rarely sends me to work with someone unless they're top-notch.
As I walk to the lab, I pass the bullpen where Jake is doing his usual — leaning on his desk, smirking at something Gina's just said, and Amy is meticulously organizing paperwork nearby.
Hitchcock and Scully sit near the coffee machine, half asleep but grinning at a bowl of doughnuts like it's a treasure chest.
Terry is at his desk, reviewing squad performance reports on his tablet, while Rosa leans back in her chair, arms crossed, eyes sharp and alert.
Gina is mid-excited explanation of some new motivational theory to Jake, who is pretending to listen but clearly half-focused on the day's case.
The precinct is alive with its usual rhythms — and I feel the weight of being the new piece in this well-oiled, chaotic machine.
[Sandra Klein – POV]
The autopsy room smells of antiseptic and chemicals, a scent I've long associated with truth. The body lies cold and still, yet it's telling me a story.
James Peralta arrives, calm but focused. He's not like the typical detective — quieter, more deliberate.
We begin with a detailed examination. The wounds are precise — not random acts of violence, but a message carved into flesh.
As I work, James asks about the angle of entry, the bruising pattern, and the subtle signs that point to a skilled attacker.
"Someone wants this to be a signature,"
James muses. "Like a calling card."
I nod. "This isn't a simple assault. It's ritualistic."
Our collaboration feels effortless, both of us chasing shadows in the dead to catch the living.
[Amy – POV]
The precinct is tense with the gravity of the case. Holt is quieter than usual, and I catch Jake stealing glances at James — his older brother.
James seems a little different, more serious, but I admire how he holds himself — professional, calm.
I'm organizing files when Gina bounds over.
"Amy! Have you noticed how James kind of… balances Jake out? Like yin to his yang?"
I laugh. "I suppose that's one way to put it."
When Holt announces the team will be heading to Shaw's for some downtime, I'm relieved. The squad needs it.
[Rosa – POV]
James Peralta is an enigma — and I don't do enigmas well.
There's something about him that's sharp and careful. He's not here to play games, but I catch him watching us, absorbing everything, always on edge.
When Holt suggests drinks at Shaw's, I'm skeptical. Bars are noisy and full of distractions. But… maybe a night out will break the tension.
I lean against my desk, watching James pack up his things. I decide I'm going.
[Jake – POV]
The precinct is buzzing, but my focus is split. Having James around is weird — it's good weird, but still strange.
Boyle is practically vibrating with excitement about the granola bars he brought in. "Jake, try one! They're packed with protein and antioxidants!"
I grin, accepting one but eyeing it suspiciously.
Terry claps me on the back. "Take it easy tonight, Peralta. The night at Shaw's is a team thing, no crazy stunts."
Gina winks at me. "I'm the life of the party, don't worry."
I catch James talking quietly to Rosa near the evidence board. There's an intensity in their conversation that I can't decipher.
Later, Holt tells James to work closely with Dr. Klein, which makes me curious — there's more going on than he lets on.
[Terry – POV]
The precinct is functioning, but the stress is palpable. I keep an eye on everyone — especially James. He's not like Jake, but he carries the same kind of focus and determination I admire.
I remind Jake to take it easy, but I know that energy is part of who he is.
When Holt suggests we all unwind at Shaw's, I take it as a chance to remind everyone that we're a team — and we need to stick together, especially with a tough case ahead.
[Gina – POV]
I live for this kind of night. Watching everyone unwind, let down their guards.
James is interesting — quiet, brooding, but with a kind of power beneath the surface. He and Rosa? There's tension, like a spark waiting to ignite. I want to be a fly on the wall when that happens.
I've got my eyes on the prize — a night full of laughs, secrets, and maybe a little drama.
[Boyle – POV]
Food is my love language, and tonight I bring my homemade granola bars — healthy fuel for this ragtag group of detectives and officers.
James appreciates the gesture, but I can tell he's not the type to indulge in small talk. Still, we work well together.
He reminds me of my cousin Bobby— both dedicated, but James has that edge from his military and CIA background.
[Hitchcock & Scully – POV]
We're here for the snacks and the chill vibes.
"Did you bring doughnuts?" Scully whispers to Hitchcock.
"Doughnuts? I brought doughnuts and pie."
We settle into our usual corner at Shaw's, content to watch the chaos unfold from a safe distance.
[Bar Scene — Everyone's POVs Interwoven]
The squad trickles into Shaw's, finding a long table with enough seats for everyone. The dim lighting, hum of conversation, and clink of glasses offer a rare reprieve from the grind.
Jake's jokes fly fast and loose, drawing laughter. Amy gently corrals him when he gets too loud, reminding him of their morning briefing.
Gina dominates the music selection, requesting an eclectic playlist that has Hitchcock tapping his foot and Scully bobbing his head.
Terry orders protein shakes alongside beers, a mix that sums up the precinct's personality in a nutshell.
James stays quieter, sipping a beer, observing more than participating. Rosa sits beside him, arms folded, challenging and intrigued all at once.
At one point, Gina pushes the conversation toward James's past.
"So, Mr. CIA brother of Jake, what's your story?" she asks, eyes sparkling.
James chuckles softly. "I've done some things I'd rather not talk about… yet."
Boyle chimes in eagerly, "Come on, James! Spy stories! Secret missions! James Bond stuff!"
James smiles wryly. "Not exactly. Just different kinds of investigations."
Rosa catches James's eye, and there's a brief, electric moment that no one else seems to notice.
[James – POV, closing]
Later, stepping outside into the cool Brooklyn night, I watch the city lights flicker through the mist.
This precinct — this family — is a complicated puzzle I'm starting to fit into.
But beneath the surface, there are secrets I'm not ready to share.
Not yet.