(This is the latest of our epic I would appreciate any comments you have it the only way we can make you happy with our writing thank you)
It had been 3 months since Pat had been transferred to the Sheriff's Department Training Division.
Pat and Mike anxiously awaited the arrival of their good friend Linda for the Academy's graduation exercises.
"Linda over here." shouted Mike as she entered the auditorium. The three friends hugged each other warmly.
"God, Pat you look wonderful, youβre hardly showing at all!β Exclaimed Linda. The trio made their way to the seats being held by Carol and Stephanie, Mike's daughters.
Linda whispered to Mike. "Does she have any idea what's going on today?" Smiling, Mike just nodded. The proceeding seemed to drag on; finally, the cadets were called up to receive their diplomas.
The Sheriff than announced that one final award was to be given, and introduced Lt. Shannon to present it. As Linda made her way to the podium Mike grinned like the Cheshire cat, whispering to Pat "How I sure enjoy seeing the top brass having to snap to whenever Linda wears that little medal around her neck."
"I'm going to make this short. I know how much you rookies and one family want to celebrate." announced Linda. "So I would like to present the Department's third highest award for bravery, the Legion of Merit, to a very dear friend and one of the finest Officers I have served with." Letting her voice trail off, before shouting,β Sergeant Patricia Gibson." Lt. Shannon removed the bronze medal hanging from its blue ribbon from the presentation case and as Sgt. Gibson stepped up in front of her the lieutenant pinned it to her left breast pocket, stood at attention and crisply saluted. Linda then stepped aside to allow Sgt. Gibson to bask in her deserved accolades.
The Gibsonβs and Linda sat at a smaller table at the graduation party. Linda leaned to Pat and said βLooks like one of your rookies is lost."
Pat laughed βOfficer Adams, she was the honor cadet this year you know. Two seats over here," called Pat.
Officer Adams introduced her mother to the group of senior Officers and soon they were chatting and laughing like old friends. All was going well. Sue Adams was on a cloud being surrounded by two of the departments most decorated and revered Officers. Then she asked Linda about the Medal of Valor. "I prefer not to talk about it," Linda simply said. Sue persisted in asking Linda, even though the senior officer was showing signs of irritation." Let it go rookie you don't need to know." said the annoyed lieutenant.
"Itβs just that itβs awarded so rarely it must have been something spectacular,β blurted out the young Officer.
"YOU THINK SO." screamed Linda her eyes narrowing.β Letβs hope you never have to live with it!" tossing her napkin to the table the lieutenant stormed towards the bar.
As Pat stood Mike said "Let her go they will help her." Mike pointed to the 7 remaining officers who were present that night, huddling around Linda.
"Bitch!" said Adams. "I was."
Mike cut her off, "SIT DOWN, I'll explain, Even with Linda's cover being compromised it should have gone easy," Mike paused. His voice shaking as he remembered the events of that night. "We got all but two; Linda and I chased them into a divided alleyway." "Linda went left, I took the right, I made a mistake not one of you rookies would I could see to the end of the alley and holstered my weapon." taking a deep breath he continued,β next thing I know I'm looking at two goons with guns pointed at me I just knew it was over right than and there." "Than I heard Linda shouting "Police Officer" throw down your weapons and put you hands where I can see them.β They turned with their guns still drawn Linda shot and killed them both." "A bitch, Adams? Hardly. You didn't hold her while she cried and retched after she realized what she had just done."
Linda hanging her head sheepishly returned to the table apologizing to Sue and her mother, turning to Patti her friend's bottom lip quivering as she hugged Linda "Thank you" was all she said.
A few weeks later a soft knock came on the lieutenant's door as Carol Gibson poked her head into her office. "Aunt Linda err, I mean Lieutenant Shannon may I see you please?"
"Sure honey why so formal?β asked Linda.
"Linda it's about my boyfriend, he said he got these free at a dance we went to." Carol passed two small pills to the lieutenant.
"Hmmmm, ecstasy.β Linda carefully tagged the pills as evidence."Aaahh, Carol you did tell Mom and Dad about this didn't you?" handing the young girl a form to sign. Carol shook her head. Linda smiled, "Trust them Carol I do."
The next day found Lieutenant Shannon rummaging thru personnel files of the newest rookie officers. She carefully checked and rechecked the files seeking out a rookie who was; smart, and could think quickly on his or her feet, and finally young enough to interact with high school students as a student teacher. "I take it you're searching for another rookie for your team, Lieutenant."
Linda's head jerked up to find Captain Saddler standing over her. "Rookies aren't known yet on the streets Captain." She replied.
"Linda while I have you here, you know Captain Edwards is retiring in three months?" Asked the Captain. "Narcotics will be looking for a new division commander."
"And what does all this have to do with me?" asked Linda, knowing full well what he was getting at.