General POV
99th Precinct
Jake Peralta grinned like a kid on Christmas morning as he dramatically placed a ticket on his desk.
"Boom! Look at that, Rosa," he said, proudly gesturing to the small piece of paper.
Rosa Diaz, sipping her coffee, glanced down. "What's that?"
"I just got my ticket to the Percy Jackson con in two days!"
Rosa blinked. "Isn't that, like... a children's book?"
Jake scoffed, deeply offended. "No, it's not! It's a YA book."
"Same thing," Rosa said flatly, taking another sip.
"No, it's not! It says 'young adult,' and I am an adult who is young."
Amy Santiago, typing away at her desk nearby, chimed in, "Why don't you read his other work? The Captain gifted me The Revenant last month. I think it's one of his best books—such a talent at such a young age."
Jake made a face. "Okay, but, like, what Greek gods and monsters does Percy fight in that?"
Amy sighed. "It's not—you know what? I know you're making fun of me—"
"Come on," Rosa cut in. "Captain called for us."
Jake jumped up. "Alright, let's go. I was getting bored anyway."
Captain Holt sat at his desk, his expression as unreadable as ever.
"Ah. Detectives Diaz, Peralta," Holt greeted, hands folded. "I have a case for you two that requires a particular level of discretion."
Jake shot finger guns. "Well, Captain, you picked the best two on the force."
He dramatically sat down—only to immediately knock over a cup filled with perfectly aligned pencils.
Jake scrambled to pick them up. "Uh—I'll get that."
Holt sighed and chose to ignore the commotion. "Two high-end vehicles were stolen last night."
He slid a case file across the desk. Rosa picked it up and flipped it open, revealing two photos of ridiculously expensive supercars.
Holt continued, "One of the vehicles belongs to Caden Prescott."
Jake immediately pulled a disgusted face. "Ugh, that guy?!"
Rosa shrugged. "Okay, so a rich idiot gets his car stolen."
Holt adjusted his glasses. "The other car belongs to Diego Montoya Jr."
Jake and Rosa immediately straightened up.
"The cartel guy's son?" Rosa asked, flipping to the next page in the file, where Montoya's face stared back at her.
Holt nodded. "Yes. Which makes this a very delicate situation. We are dealing with two vastly different… problematic individuals."
Holt clasped his hands together. "That is not all. Another high-profile individual is alleged to be involved—according to Mr. Prescott."
Rosa narrowed her eyes. "Who?"
Holt adjusted his tie slightly. "Daniel Adler."
Jake gasped so hard he nearly inhaled his own tongue. "No way!"
Holt continued, unfazed. "Mr. Prescott has formally pressed charges, claiming that Mr. Adler assaulted him. Additionally, he alleges that Adler was involved in the theft of his vehicle."
Jake shot out of his chair. "No. Nope. No way. No freaking way! Daniel Adler wouldn't do that! He's like the nicest guy."
Holt turned his attention to Jake. "Peralta, will Mr. Adler's alleged involvement affect your ability to remain objective in this investigation? Should I assign someone else?"
Jake scoffed. "Pfft, no! What? I don't even know Daniel Adler. I don't read his stuff."
Holt tilted his head. "I gave you one of his young adult novels as a gift last year."
Jake blinked. "...Oh yeah. That."
Rosa rolled her eyes. "We'll look into this, sir."
"Good," Holt nodded, then leveled them both with a serious stare. "But I must reiterate—discretion is crucial. We are dealing with individuals who have… considerable power and influence."
====
The penthouse apartment was obnoxiously excessive—overpriced modern art that looked like someone had spilled paint on a canvas, and décor that screamed, I have more money than taste. Sitting in the middle of it all, like a spoiled prince on his throne, was Caden Prescott. He was wearing designer loungewear and radiating the smug energy of a man who had never heard the word no in his life.
Jake and Rosa stood across from him, unimpressed.
Caden leaned back, exhaling dramatically. "Like, I was literally minding my own business, enjoying my night, when that—" he paused, waving his hand dismissively, "—Hollywood nobody attacked me."
Jake immediately scoffed. "Nobody? Daniel Adler? Bestselling author, Oscar-winning screenwriter, the guy who made Batman.That Daniel Adler?"
Caden rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. He's just some nerd who got lucky writing books for children."
Rosa cut in. "Why don't you walk us through what actually happened?"
Caden huffed. "I just did. That little twerp assaulted me. Out of nowhere."
Jake crossed his arms. "Right. So Daniel Adler just randomly decided to punch you, a completely innocent man?"
Caden smirked. "Finally, you get it."
Rosa narrowed her eyes. "Why would Adler attack you?"
Caden waved his hand. "I don't know. Maybe he was jealous. Maybe he was drunk and acting like a lunatic."
Jake snorted. "That doesn't sound like him…"
Caden scowled. "Why are you defending him? You should be arresting him! In fact"—he checked his phone—"I have an interview with TMZ in an hour, and I want a picture of him in cuffs by then. Make it happen."
Jake raised an eyebrow. "Oh wow. You're that guy, huh?"
Caden smirked. "Oh, Detective. I am going to bury him."
Rosa sighed, already done with this conversation. "Alright, we've got what we need. We'll be in touch."
====
Jake and Rosa turned and left the penthouse, then found themselves in Jake's car.
"Man, this sucks. Daniel doesn't deserve this," Jake muttered.
Rosa started the car. "Celebrities can be assholes, Jake. Maybe this Daniel guy is one too."
Jake turned to her, scandalized. "Whoa. I will not tolerate this slander."
Rosa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, okay. Sure."
Just then, Jake's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and grinned.
"Boom! We got surveillance footage from the concert." He turned to Rosa. "Let's find out what really happened."
They returned to the precinct and began to look through the grainy security footage. It showed events from the previous night at the concert venue.
Jake clicked through the footage. "Alright, let's start with the VIP lounge entrance. Maybe we can see what really happened before the alleged assault."
Rosa leaned back. "Yeah, let's see if your boy Adler is as innocent as you think."
Jake ignored her as he scrubbed through the footage. They saw the parking lot cameras first, where Caden's flashy, overpriced car was parked. Then—the feed cut out.
Jake frowned. "Wait, what the hell? The surveillance for the car is gone."
Rosa leaned forward. "That's… suspicious."
Jake rewound, fast-forwarded—nothing. The feed jumped from an empty lot to nothing at all.
"Okay, that's weird," Jake muttered. "But let's check inside. Maybe we can see Caden before the incident."
They switched to the VIP lounge entrance. Caden Prescott strutted inside, his usual smarmy self, flanked by women.
"Ugh," Jake muttered. "I hate him so much."
Rosa clicked her pen. "Focus, fanboy. Where's Adler?"
Jake fast-forwarded again—until suddenly, there he was: Daniel Adler, walking inside, looking cool as hell. But next to him—Jake's eyes bulged. "No," he muttered. "No, no, no."
Rosa smirked. "Okay. Now this makes sense."
On the screen, standing right beside Daniel Adler, looking far too friendly, was none other than Doug Judy.
Jake jumped out of his seat. "NOOOOOO!"
Rosa chuckled. "Looks like your nemesis was having the time of his life."
On the screen, Adler and Doug Judy were seen laughing, chatting, and hugging as they walked into the VIP area.
Jake flailed dramatically. "WHY IS HE THERE?!"
Rosa grinned. "I don't know, but it looks like your favorite celeb is besties with the Pontiac Bandit."
Jake clutched his hair. "This is literally the worst timeline. I was the one who told him to read Percy Jackson!"
Rosa smirked as she watched. "Who is that woman with them?"
Jake groaned loudly while Rosa kept the footage playing.
They watched as Caden Prescott stood in the lounge, a drink in hand, talking to a group of girls around him. Then Daniel walked in with the woman who was with him and Doug Judy.
Rosa raised a brow. "I think I've seen that girl before."
On-screen, Caden noticed Daniel and the woman—Max—then strutted toward them. There was no audio, but it was clear Caden said something to Max. She rolled her eyes. Caden smirked. Daniel punched him.
Rosa let out a low whistle. "Oof. That's a solid hit."
Caden crashed onto the table behind him, spilling drinks everywhere. People gasped.
Jake sat back in horror.
Rosa nodded. "Well, looks like the rich kid was technically right."
Jake groaned, rubbing his temples.
Rosa smirked. "And it also looks like he's going to get his wish."
Jake buried his face in his hands. " Doug Judy is back, he's hanging out with Daniel Adler, and I have to arrest Daniel Adler. This is literally the worst day ever."
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Daniel POV
I sat on the couch in Max's apartment as she filled me in on everything that happened the previous night. And oh boy—what a night. The moment she was done, I quickly called Lucy and explained the situation.
Lucy's voice crackled through the speaker. "You are now officially banned from going to New York," she declared.
I sighed. "I don't know what it is with me and this city."
Lucy wasn't having it. "Look at what happened, Daniel. We should have streamlined your team four months ago, but you had to delay it. Now we're so disorganized that it's only by sheer dumb luck this isn't in the news yet."
"I think I need a lawyer," I muttered.
Mitchell, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Don't worry, we've already arranged for one. He's a top guy in the city. If there are any charges against you, he'll make them disappear. It'll be like nothing happened."
Before I could respond, another voice cut in—Margot's. "Also, where are you right now, and who was that girl with you?" she asked.
"Remember that cupcake place I told you about? The one I went to last year?" I replied.
Margot's voice immediately perked up. "Oh, you mean the one with the huge—"
"Knockers?" Max finished for her, smirking from the other side of the room. "Yeah, lady, I'm that girl."
A long pause followed on Margot's end. "Oh. Hi," Margot finally said. "I'm really sorry you got caught up in this mess. And also, thank you for helping him."
Max waved it off. "Don't mention it. Yesterday was pretty fun—he's a fun guy when he's drunk."
She turned to me. "You were right; she seems pretty cool."
"Yeah, she is," I agreed, a small smirk forming.
Margot, however, was not amused. "Oh, don't think my being calm means you're off the hook, Daniel. We are going to talk when you get back."
Max winced. "Oof, I was wrong—you are so screwed, Hollywood."
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Lucy's voice became serious. "Daniel, just follow the steps Raj taught you if the police show up."
I frowned. "Are we even sure this guy is actually going to press charges?"
"Yes," Lucy, Mitchell, and Margot all said at the same time.
Before I could say anything else, the call ended. Caroline—who had been standing by the door—opened it.
Standing there was a woman I could only describe in one word: MILF.
Max grinned. "Hey, Sophie."
"Hi, girls!" Sophie said cheerfully as she stepped inside. Then she spotted me. Her eyes widened as she took me in. "And who," she purred, scanning me from head to toe, "is this hunk of prime rib?"
Max leaned casually against the kitchen counter, sipping her coffee with a smirk. "He's a fugitive we're hiding, Sophie."
Sophie's eyes lit up, intrigued. "Well, maybe he can hide in my apartment. This one's too small."
I laughed, but it didn't last long because Sophie casually added, "Oh, that might explain the police I saw coming into the building just now."
I immediately shot up from the couch. "What?"
Max grinned. "You're busted, my friend."
A loud knock came from the door.
Sophie leaned in and whispered, "My offer still stands, stud."
"No, no, I know what to do," I muttered, standing up straight. "Open it."
Caroline hesitantly cracked the door open.
"Does Max Black live here?" a woman asked, her tone all business.
Caroline, wide-eyed, nodded. "Yes…?"
The woman flashed her badge. "We'd like to come in. We have some questions about some stolen cars."
Max, mid-sip of coffee, choked and nearly spat it out. "Stolen cars?" she repeated, turning to me with a horrified look.
I mirrored her expression. "What the hell did we do last night?"
Max waved her hands frantically. "Nothing like that!"
Before I could process her response, a man's voice suddenly perked up from outside, full of shock. "Wait, I know that voice! That's Daniel Adler!"
Caroline, in pure panic, blurted out, "No, it's not!"
He was insistent. "Yes, it is! I've been to the last two Percy Jackson cons—I know that voice!"
The woman sighed, clearly done with the drama. "Let us in. Mr. Adler and Miss Black are both wanted for questioning."
Caroline hesitated for half a second before reluctantly stepping aside to let them in.
As they entered, I got a better look at them. The woman looked oddly familiar—like Gloria's sister for some reason. I remembered seeing her when she visited Joe a few months ago. Strange coincidence. Then again, this was an alternate Earth, after all.
"Oh my god, it really is Daniel Adler!" the man practically squealed.
"Hi," I said, feeling awkward.
The woman took a deep breath before speaking. "My name is Detective Rosa Diaz. And this is Detective Jake Peralta."
Jake immediately jumped forward, grinning. "Huge fan. Percy Jackson? Life-changing. The Batman? Epic."
"Er… thank you," I responded.
Rosa, stone-faced, crossed her arms. "So, Adler… Black… ready to tell us what the hell happened last night?"
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "Okay, look—I can explain everything."
I recounted the night's events: how I invited Max to come with me, how we met Doug Judy, hung out, and how Caden Prescott had been a massive jerk. Yes, I had defended myself by punching him.
When I finished, Jake scratched his chin. "Look, Mr. Adler—can I call you Daniel?"
I nodded.
Jake's face lit up. "Oh cool, Daniel! It's like we're friends. Anyway, about Doug Judy—the man you met?"
"Great guy," I said instinctively.
Max chimed in, "Yeah, solid dude. Has a killer singing voice."
Jake nodded automatically, as though used to agreeing. "Yeah, he really does. Did he sing you—wait, no! No, what am I doing? Look, Doug Judy is a very infamous thief. He is, in fact, the Pontiac Bandit."
I blinked. "What? No way."
Rosa crossed her arms. "Oh, it's true. He's been Jake's nemesis for years."
I scoffed. "But he was so nice!"
Jake groaned. "Yeah, that's how he gets you. He's very charismatic. I fell for it too, man."
I exhaled, shaking my head. "Damn." I put a hand over my wrist, where my watch should have been. I'd assumed it was back at my apartment, but I realized now it was gone. Part of me wondered if Doug Judy had taken it, but I pushed the thought away. I couldn't believe he would really do that.
"Well, we didn't steal any cars," I said. "So, I guess we did nothing wrong?"
Rosa didn't blink. "Caden Prescott filed assault charges against you. So, we're going to have to take you in."
She turned to Max. "You too, Miss Black."
Max's arms shot up. "Wait, hold up—I have to come too?!"
Rosa gave her a flat look. "You were a witness. We need your statement."
Max crossed her arms. "Hell yeah, I was a witness. That rich boy was harassing me, and Daniel was just saving me from him!"
I nodded quickly. "Yeah, what she said!"
Rosa remained unreadable. "We can talk about that at the precinct."
Jake sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, Daniel. But hey—here." He took off his hoodie and handed it to me.
I raised an eyebrow. "What's this for?"
Jake gestured toward the door. "Caden Prescott said he's waiting on a photo of you in cuffs, so TMZ must be lurking around. Put this on, go incognito."
I slipped the hoodie on. "Appreciate it."
Max snickered. "Oh, this is fun. I've never been to a police station where I wasn't being booked."
I turned to her, wide-eyed. "What?!"
Max just winked.
====
"So, I'm pretty sure my lawyer is already gonna be there," I said as we rode to the precinct.
"Really? You didn't even call anyone," Rosa pointed out.
I smirked. "Well, when you're famous like I am, I've got people doing it for me."
"So are you writing more Percy Jackson?" Jake asked eagerly changing the subject.
"Yes," I replied.
"Oh my God, this is big! I have to tell—" Jake started.
"No, you can't tell anyone," I interrupted. "I was planning to announce it at the con."
"Okay, that's a good idea… I can't believe I'm the first to know!" he said, practically buzzing with excitement.
As the car rolled up to the precinct, Jake immediately spotted a few paparazzi lurking near the entrance. He held up a hand, subtly guiding us through a different door to avoid the main steps.
I grinned as we made it inside without a single camera flash. "Aha! They didn't get a thing. Thank you, Jake. You've earned my eternal gratitude."
Jake gave me a mock bow. "Just doing my job, Daniel."
We walked further into the precinct, which was less busy than I expected. We got into an elevator and, as soon as we stepped out, I spotted a man in a perfectly tailored suit standing with effortless confidence.
The moment he saw me, he strode forward, hands in his pockets. "Detectives, I see you have my client."
Rosa crossed her arms. "So it would seem."
He turned to me, extending a hand. "Harvey Specter. I'm here to get you out of here."
"Hope you were treated well," he added, giving me a once-over.
I shook his hand and nodded. "Good to meet you. They've been very nice and accommodating so far."
Harvey smirked. "Then this'll be over soon."
Rosa gave him a look. "We still have a charge filed against him, Mr. Specter."
Harvey adjusted his cufflinks. "Oh, I know. I also know that I have the right to speak with my client."
"He's right," Jake said, backing him up.
Rosa exhaled through her nose. "Fine. We'll take Miss Black's statement in the meantime."
Max, who had been leaning on a desk while casually eavesdropping, perked up. "Oh, am I getting special treatment? Do I get a free coffee with this? Maybe one of those cool NYPD pens?"
Rosa just stared at her.
Max grinned. "Okay, tough crowd. Let's do this."
"I know you're innocent," Jake added to me, "and I can't wait for the con." With that, he walked off.
Harvey smirked, then gestured toward a less crowded corner of the room. "Shall we?"
I nodded and followed him. "I was lucky—one of them is a big fan. That really smoothed things over."
Harvey smiled. "Yes. It also helped with the paparazzi situation, which makes my job easier."
"So," I asked, crossing my arms, "how long until you sweep this all under the rug for me?"
Harvey adjusted his tie, his smirk widening. "Well, I'm sure Mr. Prescott will be rescinding the charges any minute now."
"Damn. You work fast."
He shrugged. "You asked for the best. I am the best. If this goes smoothly, I'll expect a new, high-profile client?"
I chuckled. "I'd be an idiot not to keep you on retainer, Mr. Specter."
Harvey nodded approvingly. "I look forward to a very lucrative working relationship, Mr. Adler."
Just then, his gaze flicked toward the Captain's office. I followed his line of sight and spotted Holt standing with Rosa and Jake, reviewing a file. Holt's stern expression didn't waver, but Rosa glanced at us briefly before turning back to him.
Harvey smirked. "And just like that… I believe you're officially in the clear."
I turned to him. "How the hell did you manage that so fast?"
Harvey straightened his cuffs. "Simple. Prescott is a walking lawsuit—a professional victim and a rich one, at that. He's been on my radar for a while. Unreported damage to his father's yacht, an NDA his ex conveniently 'forgot' to sign, and a few other skeletons. He was never going to go through with pressing charges once he realized I had leverage."
I let out a low whistle. "Damn. I'm glad you're on my side."
At that moment, Captain Holt made direct eye contact with me and then with Harvey, giving us both a firm nod before beckoning us over.
Jake, Rosa, and Max were already inside when we stepped into Holt's office.
Harvey wasted no time. "I assume Mr. Prescott has officially dropped the charges?"
Holt nodded. "Yes, he has. He also wishes to extend his… 'apologies' to Mr. Adler for his 'rash thinking.'"
Max crossed her arms. "Damn, that was fast."
Harvey adjusted his cufflinks. "I prefer efficiency." Turning back to Holt, he said, "If that's all, my client and I will be on our way."
Holt raised a hand. "Not so fast, Mr. Specter. There is another matter that requires attention."
I frowned. "What now?"
Harvey sighed. "Yes, what now?"
Holt folded his hands on the desk. "As you both know, one of the guests Mr. Adler brought with him to the concert is the prime suspect in two grand theft auto cases."
Harvey kept his cool. "My client committed an act of charity—both for Miss Black and Mr. Judy. He is not even remotely involved in any crime."
"Hey!" Max objected, clearly offended. "I'm not a charity case!"
Holt ignored her and continued. "One of the stolen cars belonged to Diego Montoya Jr."
That name made me pause. I glanced at Harvey, who was already looking at me.
Harvey sighed. "Yes, I'm aware."
Holt leaned forward slightly. "Then you should also be aware that Mr. Adler's life could be in danger if the Montoyas even think he was involved."
I felt a pit in my stomach. Who the hell are the Montoyas?
"Are you offering police protection?" Harvey asked, his tone sharp.
Holt shook his head. "No. I'm simply advising Mr. Adler to be cautious and to report any suspicious behavior immediately."
Harvey's gaze grew more intense as he adjusted his tie. "You wouldn't be bringing this up if Montoya Jr.'s people hadn't gotten their hands on surveillance footage. That means they saw my client and believe he's involved. So, Captain, I want official police protection for Mr. Adler and Miss Black."
Holt's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker in his eyes—he'd been caught.
The captain exhaled. "Fine. But I can only spare one officer."
I nodded. "Max can stay with me at my place until this blows over. That should be enough."
Max smirked. "Aww, thanks, Hollywood."
Harvey crossed his arms. "That's acceptable, don't you think?"
Holt gave a small nod. "Detective Peralta, you're assigned to Mr. Adler."
Jake immediately protested. "No, Captain! The Pontiac Bandit is involved! I have to be on that case. Only I can—"
Holt cut him off, his tone firm. "No, Detective. You're too emotionally involved. That's an order."
Jake let out a long, dramatic sigh before reluctantly nodding. "Fine."
=====
Harvey and I parted ways at the precinct. He had worked wonders getting me out of a very sticky situation, but it wasn't over yet—there was still a chance the cartel boss might come after me for bringing Doug Judy to the concert. Harvey had assured me I'd barely be on their radar, but it was best to be cautious.
The drive to my place was relatively quiet. When we finally arrived at my apartment—a high-rise penthouse in Manhattan with a breathtaking skyline view—I could tell both Jake and Max were impressed.
Max let out a low whistle. "Damn, Hollywood. You really are loaded."
"Yeah, wow," Jake added, looking around in awe.
I led them on a brief tour of my apartment. Jake was still frustrated about not getting to pursue Doug Judy, so we decided to play Mario Kart to take his mind off it.
Jake, Max, and I sat on the couch, controllers in hand, fully immersed in the race. I'd picked Wario—my go-to—while Jake played as Yoshi.
"Adler, you absolute snake!" Jake shouted as I hit him with a red shell right before the finish line.
"Wario cheats!" Jake yelled.
"All's fair in Mario Kart, Peralta," I taunted, zooming past him for the win.
Max laughed as she took over for me. "Step aside, Hollywood. Let me show this cop how it's done."
Still chuckling, I got up and walked toward my bedroom to look for something. I had been searching for my watch—the one I was sure I'd left here before the concert.
I checked my dresser.
Nothing.
I checked my nightstand. Still nothing.
Then it hit me: maybe I had taken it with me yesterday.
"Shit," I muttered, my eyes widening as the realization dawned.
"Doug Judy stole my watch!"
I sprinted back into the living room, interrupting Jake and Max mid-race.
"Guys! Doug Judy stole my watch!"
Jake paused the game, his head snapping toward me. "That bastard."
"It was a gift from my stepdad, Jake! We need to go after him."
Max rolled her eyes. "I still think he's innocent. Maybe you just lost it."
I shook my head. "No, Max. We need to accept the truth—Doug Judy, Horatio Velveteen, is evil. He was a wolf in sheep's clothing. The devil himself."
Jake suddenly stood up, his expression serious. "Is this a team-up? Are you asking me for a team-up?"
I nodded. "Yes, Jake. I need you to help me find Doug Judy."
Jake grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "This is gonna be the best case ever."
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A lot of crossover.