Moving To Intelligence

 It was now September 2015, Billie had collaborated with the Intelligence Unit on several cases, often accompanied by her dog, Riker. Over time, she had developed a closer relationship with Hank and formed a strong friendship with Kevin Atwater, who had recently joined the Intelligence Unit, as well as Officer Adam Ruzek. She regarded Detective Antonio Dawson as a brother and viewed Detective Alvin Olinsky as a paternal figure. While she maintained a cordial relationship with Detective Jay Halstead and Erin Lindsay, she did not consider them friends. Conversely, she held a less favorable view of Officer Kim Burgess, though she concealed this sentiment. One evening, Hank arrived at Billie's farmhouse located in the small town of Hunt, Illinois, just two minutes from Chicago. Billie had previously shared with Hank her deep roots in Hunt, explaining that her grandfather's family had settled there after emigrating from France, while her grandmother's family had moved from Georgia. Upon knocking on her front door, Hank was welcomed by her brother Rufus, who invited him inside. Billie called out from the kitchen, "Hello Hank! As you can see, it's quite a lively household. These are my children: Henry, Dream, Joseph, Johnny, Cameron, Sebastian, Ana, Owen, and the twins I had three months ago in June, Lorne and Loki. This is my mother, Maggie, and my stepfather, John Neboch, along with my brothers who still live at home: Rufus, Kyle, Cooper, Cash, and Thomas." As Hank bent down to pet Riker, he noticed her other indoor pets and remarked, "I see you have a fondness for animals." Billie smiled and replied, "Yes, you'll learn their names once they become accustomed to you." Hank then stated, "There is something I wish to discuss with you." At that moment, her parents and brothers ushered the children upstairs, with Rufus carrying the twins to allow Billie and Hank to converse privately. Hank expressed, "I have greatly valued your assistance on all these cases, and I have ordered a new desk for the Intelligence Unit." Billie looked at him and asked, "Hank, are you offering me a position in Intelligence?" Hank affirmed, "Yes, what do you think?" Billie responded affirmatively, expressing her enthusiasm, "Yes, I would love that. Would it be acceptable for me to complete my final week with the state police before starting next week?" Hank replied, "Of course." Unbeknownst to them, Rufus and Cooper were positioned around the corner, their faces alight with excitement as they listened in. The following day at the Intelligence unit, Detective Jay Halstead inquired of Hank, "Who do you plan to ask to fill the vacant position?" Officer Kim Burgess, who had been overlooked by Hank after his recruitment of Kevin Atwater, caught wind of Jay's question and initially wore a hopeful expression that quickly shifted to disappointment when Hank responded, "The position has already been offered and accepted; they will commence next week." Meanwhile, at the State Police department, Billie addressed her colleagues during the morning briefing, stating, "This week marks my final days with the state police, as I have been offered a position in Intelligence by Sergeant Voight. However, this is not a farewell; you will still see me." Washoe replied, "We are thrilled for you; it indicates that Sergeant Voight recognizes your unique talents, and you will be a valuable addition to the team." Officer Balan, known as Sioux, remarked, "It will certainly feel different not having your strong presence, captivating eyes, and witty comebacks to our jokes," a sentiment echoed by the other officers.

The following week, Billie and Riker arrived at Intelligence, prompting Trudy to rush from her desk and embrace Billie, inquiring, "What brings you here?" Billie replied, "Hank offered me the vacant position upstairs." Kim, standing nearby, overheard Billie's answer and thought to herself, "Hank asked her? She wasn't even part of this department when he extended the offer." Trudy then escorted Billie and Riker upstairs, where Hank greeted Billie with, "I'm glad you made it." Trudy hugged Billie again, expressing, "I am so thrilled to be working with my goddaughter." Hank showed Billie to her desk, which was situated near the entrance of his office. Upon catching a whiff of the Pinecone and Applewood scent, Billie remarked, "That smell is familiar." Hank replied, "I remembered you mentioning that the scent of pinecone and applewood reminds you of your childhood." Kevin then inquired, "What tasks does Riker assist you with?" Billie responded, "He helps me manage my ADHD, depression, panic attacks, and mental breakdowns. I suppose I am the only police officer in Illinois hired with those disabilities, but Riker is an incredible dog, and you will all see him every day now." Meanwhile, Kevin began to develop feelings for Billie, though he kept them concealed.

Three weeks had passed since Billie joined the Intelligence Unit, and both she and Riker had acclimated quite well. The mutual attraction between Billie and Hank was palpable; whenever they were in proximity, their hormones seemed to spiral out of control. Unbeknownst to each other, Billie was unaware of Hank's feelings for her, just as Hank remained oblivious to Billie's affections. Riker, attuned to his owner's emotional state, would gently nudge her hand to help alleviate her anxiety, preventing her ADHD from becoming overwhelming. On the Friday of the fourth week, the team successfully resolved a particularly challenging case. Billie and Riker made their way to Hank's office, driven by Billie's desire to see him and quell her feelings. She greeted him with, "Howdy, Hank." As Hank donned his coat, he responded, "Hey, what are you still doing here?" Billie replied, "Oh, I just wanted to catch a glimpse of your wonderful brown eyes before heading home." Hank smiled and offered to escort Billie and Riker to her car. Upon reaching her vehicle, a 1976 Impala parked beside Hank's, Billie inquired, "May I touch your face? I know it sounds odd, but it looks so smooth and soft, and I simply want to feel it." Hank consented, and as Billie touched his face, her expression brightened with delight as she exclaimed, "Oh my, that is incredibly smooth and soft." They exchanged goodnights and departed for their respective homes.