I Wasn’t Going to Say Anything
(Retirement, Part 1.5 — happening between Pars 1 & 2)
A few minutes later, Liam walked back out of his father’s room. He was going to call his mother when he saw here turn a corner at the end of the hall and start walking toward him. He could tell that she had seen him and she started to walk quicker. Liam quickened his pace, too, and hugged her when they met.
She instantly began asking a million questions and he tried to calm her down. He knew the traffic had stopped her from getting here sooner – she and his father lived in the suburbs, but Calvin worked in the city, and consequently, in the traffic.
“He’s okay, mom, he’s going to be fine,” Liam said gently, still hugging her tightly.
She finally released her grip. “Where is he?”
“Right this way, come on. He’s asleep right now, but the doctor’s optimistic.” He didn’t bother to mention that the doctor had really said it was too soon to tell.
“What happened?” she asked, her tone flustered.
Liam stopped in front of his father’s door and lowered his voice, almost to a whisper. “You know dad. He was following a lead, and didn’t wait for backup. At least he called them this time,” he said before turning the handle.
His mother immediately rushed to his father’s side and kissed him on the forehead. Liam was about to leave before his mother stopped him. “Did they get him?”
Liam knew she was referring to the gunman that had shot his father. “Yeah. Thankfully dad’s backup was only a couple minutes away when he first called them. And dad got a shot off, too – hit him in the leg.”
“Was he the right guy?”
“Yep, case closed. Now he’s going to jail for murder and attempted murder of a police officer. He won’t see the light of day again.” He saw his mother make a look that seemed to be one of consolation.
Liam felt the same way – at least his father hadn’t been shot for nothing. “I’ll be outside with the Captain, mom,” he said to her. She nodded in response and he quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.
He found the Captain in awaiting area that had vending and coffee machines. He walked up next to the Captain and poured himself his own cup of coffee as the Captain did the same.
“How is he?” the Captain asked.
“Same as before. Asleep. I know the doctor’s say it’s too early to tell, but, it looks like he’s going to make it to me.”
The Captain put on what was a mix between a grimace and a smile. “Good to hear.” He looked as if he was about to say something but then stopped.
“What is it?”
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but…I thought you deserved to know,” he said finally. “Your father’s due for retirement in a few years. He’s one of the best we’ve ever had, but…I might have no choice but retire him early.”
“You mean fire him?”
“Maybe. If he doesn’t go willingly. It might not come to that, though. But I’m getting word from on high. It all depends on how he recovers. I just thought you should know.”
Liam almost laughed. “He’s going to recover good as new, Cap’n. I have nothing to worry about.” He could see that the Captain didn’t quite agree, but Liam knew his father better. He was a strong man, and he wasn’t going to give up yet.
A. Page in the Stacks 