Brooklyn Nine Nine

Chapter 16: Schoolyard Stakeouts and Dad Energy

Jake Peralta walked into the precinct with a fresh cup of coffee in hand, yawning but also quietly proud of himself. Early mornings were becoming… weirdly normal for him now.

The bullpen was still mostly empty except for Terry in the weight room and Holt already at his office.

Jake headed straight to his own desk, setting down his coffee and flipping open his notebook for the day.

A few minutes later, Holt emerged from his office.

"Detective Peralta," Holt called, without looking up from a folder.

Jake stood immediately. "Morning, Captain. Early bird, crime-fighting worm—ready to go."

Holt approached, handing Jake a slim case file.

"We've had three break-ins at local schools in the past two weeks. Electronic equipment—laptops, projectors, some A/V equipment—gone missing. This isn't a high-profile case, but it requires tact and attention to detail."

Jake opened the file, scanning the brief notes.

"I need someone who can handle interviews with school staff and potentially nervous students," Holt continued. "Given your recent… professional streak… I'm assigning it to you."

Jake smiled, trying to keep it cool. "Happy to take it, sir. And… thanks."

Holt gave a small nod and returned to his office.

Amy, arriving just in time to overhear the exchange, walked by Jake's desk holding two folders.

"Look at you, Mr. Reliable," she teased. "What's next? Color-coded case files?"

Jake smirked. "Don't push it, Santiago."

As Jake prepared for his first round of interviews at Brooklyn Tech High, Boyle plopped into the seat next to him holding his phone.

"Jake!" Boyle said excitedly. "Question: Should I invest in this new vegan dog food startup? They're called 'Pawganic.' Their Instagram is blowing up."

Jake blinked. "Boyle… I solve crimes. I don't give stock tips."

Boyle lowered his voice. "But you're Wall Street Peralta now! Help me diversify my portfolio."

Gina, walking by with a smoothie in hand, chimed in: "He's not your financial life coach, Boyle. He's too busy raising his precinct children with his new dad energy."

Jake threw his hands up. "I'm not anyone's dad!"

Amy, from her desk, smirked. "Says the guy who's filing reports on time and showing up before 7 AM."

Jake pointed at her. "That's called personal growth and professionalism, Santiago. Get used to it."

Jake arrived at the school and was led to the janitor's office.

Mr. Alvarez, the school's head custodian, greeted him with tired eyes.

"Detective, you're the first cop who's actually asked to talk to me about this," Alvarez said, offering Jake a seat.

Jake smiled. "Well, you're the eyes and ears of this place, right? Hit me with what you've got."

Alvarez leaned forward. "I saw someone sneaking around the A/V room last Friday night. About average height, dark hoodie, moving fast. I shouted but they bolted through the side door. By the time I got outside… gone."

Jake jotted notes. "Any vehicles nearby? Bikes? Skateboards? Magic carpets?"

Alvarez chuckled. "Nah. Just someone on foot."

Jake thanked him and spent the next hour walking through the school, checking entrances and exits.

Jake compiled everything back at his desk.

Amy walked over again, noticing his organized spread of photos, witness statements, and map printouts.

"Okay, this is just scary now," she said. "You've officially surpassed me in neatness for today. It's kinda hot."

Jake grinned. "What can I say? Holt keeps throwing me 'sensitive' cases. Gotta keep the streak alive."

Boyle, still scrolling through investment apps, waved at Jake. "FYI, I bought two shares of Pawganic. If I lose money, it's your fault."

Jake didn't even look up. "I take no responsibility for your terrible financial decisions, buddy."

Later that night, Jake parked an unmarked car near Brooklyn Tech's side entrance. Rosa sat in the passenger seat, her boots propped up on the dashboard.

"So… this is your life now, huh?" Rosa said, eyeing him. "Early mornings. Filing reports on time. Solving feelings-based cases. Who even are you?"

Jake smirked, staring at the school entrance. "Still me. Just… leveling up."

Rosa laughed softly. "You're turning into Terry. Soon you'll be eating yogurt by the gallon and giving motivational speeches."

Jake mock-shuddered. "Let's not get crazy."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the building.

Then Jake spotted movement near the back door.

"There," he whispered, grabbing his flashlight.

A figure in a dark hoodie was jimmying the lock.

"Let's go," Jake said, hopping out.

Rosa followed, drawing her weapon but keeping it lowered.

"Freeze! NYPD!" Jake shouted as they approached.

The suspect took off running.

Jake sprinted after them, Rosa flanking from the side.

After a quick chase through the schoolyard, Jake tackled the suspect near the baseball field.

Rosa arrived seconds later, cuffs ready.

"Gotcha," she said, slapping them on.

Jake pulled the hoodie back, revealing a young man in his early twenties.

"Looks like we found our school bandit," Jake said, catching his breath.

Jake sat at his desk, typing out the full arrest report before heading home.

Amy passed by, slowing when she saw him.

"Filing reports… the same night of the arrest," she said. "Who are you?"

Jake smiled. "Just trying to set a good example for my future precinct kids."

Amy laughed. "Seriously though… good work today, Peralta."

Holt, passing by, paused near Jake's desk.

For a brief moment, Holt gave Jake a small nod of approval before walking away.

Jake watched him go, smiling to himself.

Boyle wandered over again, holding up his phone.

"Jake, Pawganic stock went down 3% today. This is a disaster!"

Jake laughed, leaned back in his chair, and raised his coffee cup in a toast to himself.

Another case closed. Another small win.