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Prologue
Eight Years Ago
Caleb
"CPD isn’t going to be the same without you, buddy. How does it feel to officially be finished with the police force?" asks Al, my partner at work.
I shrug. The police force has been my life since I left school. I walked into Chicago Police Department straight out of the police academy. I worked my ass off to get to lead detective in the murder investigations department, but my passion isn’t there anymore. I’ve done it all. I can’t be stuck behind a desk all day, so this is as far up the tree as I will ever go. There are only so many murders you can solve before they all look the same. I think I’m one case away from flipping that humanity switch completely, and I’m not ready for that. I still have a lot I want to achieve in life.
"In a way, I'm going to miss it here, but I know I'm moving on to do bigger and better things. Shawland Security will be my family adventure. It’s something my brothers and I can get stuck into. We’ll be our own bosses. No more orders will be barked at me from the chief. Let's face it, Detective, things have changed a lot since we were in uniform. Now it's all paperwork and politics. Both of which I can't stand."
"No change there then. You've always hated paperwork. Just know that I'm going to miss you. We've been partners for a long time, and no one, I repeat, no one will fill your boots. Things will be different without you around here. "
I punch his arm. "Don't get soppy on me now, big guy. I'm sure Craig will pair you up with someone half decent."
"He better, or I'll soon be knocking on your door for a job."
I smirk. "You'll have a job with me any time. Come on. Let's get these drinks. I’m parched."
I pull open the bar door and everyone claps, cheers, and walks towards me at once. I'm surrounded by my team, people I've worked with throughout my ten years on the police force, and my close friends and family.
"Surprise." Al punches my shoulder. I block his hand and pull him into my arms, slapping his back.
"Thank you for this, buddy.”
I’m shocked that my team mates kept this quiet. They have no brain to mouth filter. I don’t know how many times the goons have ruined a surprise party for one of the team. Nothing is sacred in the CPD.
"Come on, everyone. Quiet down a moment. I just want to thank you all for coming out tonight. Better still, thank you for keeping your mouths shut and keeping a surprise. You're all getting better at that." The room erupts into laughter.
I shake my head and laugh along with everyone. I'll never forget what Al has done for me over the years. He's been my rock to lean on, and I'll miss not having him to cover my back. I don’t trust many people, but if you can work your way into my life, you’re a special person.
"Caleb has been my partner for a lot of years."
"Ouch! First name basis, I'm in trouble," I joke.
Anytime we're together he calls me by my surname, Shawland, or shortens it to Shaw. First name basis usually means he’s pissed off.
"I'll miss his mouth and sarcasm first." Everyone in the room laughs and claps. “But seriously, you better keep in touch, buddy. We've seen it all and then some, but now the world is your oyster. You're starting out with your brothers in this security business, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. "
Someone hands me a bottle of beer and I raise it. "To family."
Even though a lot of the people in this room aren't blood related, they're still my family. We've shared grief, heartache, love, and most importantly, friendship. I might not be working in the district anymore, but I'll never be far away.
My brother, Clay, walks in front of me and squeezes my shoulder. He's the middle brother; he's just finished his time in the army as a sniper after eight years. He's one part of Shawland Security. It was all his idea and we rolled with it. "You good, bro?"
"I'm better than good. I'm ready for this change. I just wish I could convince Al to join us. "
Al is the only thing that is making me doubt leaving a steady job. I’ve never been a risk taker before, but this adventure feels right. We’re the only ones who can change our lives for the better, and this is my chance to change what I’ve become comfortable with.
"One day he'll be glad to join us. Listen, Chris is running late. If he can't make it home tonight, he'll meet us at the compound in the morning."
I nod. Chris is our youngest brother. He's the only one of us who doesn't have any military or police background, but he's the fitness freak. He has worked as a personal trainer for the last five years, training athletes or fitness fanatics like himself. He might lack our background in crime and military, but he's the fittest, fastest, toughest badass out there. He'll fit in perfectly and make our team the best it can be. I know I wouldn’t like to cross him if he’s having a bad day.
"Right. I plan on getting drunk. "
I down my bottle of beer and walk over to the bar to get another one. Everyone in here has come to say goodbye to me tonight, but I don't see this as a goodbye. I see it as an opportunity. New doors are always opening, and you've got to do what's right for you. Being a detective was starting to drain the life out of me. At least at Shawland Security, we'll be able to take on the jobs we want to work. We won't wake up one morning and be thrown into a rape or murder case. We'll have better control over our lives, which is one aspect I'm looking forward to, because being a cop leaves you very little personal time. Christ, I can’t even remember the last date I went on, then when said date found out I was a cop, they sprinted away quickly enough. No one wants to date a cop… ever.
Yeah, I’m mighty glad to be closing the door on CPD.
Today marks the end of one road, but the beginning of another.
