Get caught up:
Max was surprised to see a new face when he walked into roll call. Eddie was already there getting organized at the podium, and the rest of the squad was there as well. But there was a new guy hanging out with Mike and Kyle. The new guy almost looked small next to them – but most people did since they were both well over six feet tall – closer to six and a half feet tall actually. Max was even more surprised when Mike saw him and said, “There he is,” to the new guy.
Figuring he’d been part of whatever they were discussing Max started to head over to see what was going on, but Eddie’s voice interrupted him. “Okay,” Eddie said in his command voice, “Let’s get this party started.” It was everyone’s queue to have a seat and be quiet. The new guy ended up taking the seat next to Max and reached out a hand to introduce himself before Eddie got roll call going properly.
“Max, right?” the man said. “I’m Sean.” Max took his hand, shook and nodded. He would have replied but he didn’t want to be talking if Eddie was ready to go. Not only was Eddie his Field Training Officer and his squad Sergeant, but he had earned Max’s respect across the span of the past six months and Max didn’t want to do anything that could be construed as disrespectful to Eddie.
Sean released Max’s hand and sat back in his seat, eyes on Eddie, waiting for Roll Call to start. When everyone was seated and quiet, Eddie got it going.
“Welcome to the midnight shift,” he said with a grin. “The shift we can get away with the most but potentially do the least.” A small chuckle went around the room. “We’ve got a couple assignments to go over,” Eddie said, shuffling his papers, “but first let me introduce you to the new member of our squad.” Nodding at Sean he said, “Patrolman Sean Davidson.” Sean half stood out of his chair and looked around so he met every eye before sitting back down.
“Seans is JP’s replacement,” Eddie said.
“Not hardly,” someone muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear. The whole room laughed. It wasn’t meant to be disrespectful to JP in any way. They all respected her ability and performance… but she was also a very attractive young lady and Sean just wasn’t; a young lady that is.
“Lock that up,” Eddie said, seriously but with a smile. “Sean is JP’s replacement and we’re lucky to have him. He’s been with the force for going on three years and started his law enforcement career out in the Army as a Military Police Officer.”
“Army!” laughed Sam. “Another Army dog? Geez!”
Sean looked around at Sam and gave as good as he got. “Let me guess… you’re an Air Force veteran?”
“Not hardly!” replied Sam. “I’m a Marine!”
“Oh,” joked Sean good naturedly. “So a lot more balls and a lot less technology.”
Sam grinned back. “Pretty much.”
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Read the rest of this episode, part of Season Three, in the anthology ebook available exclusively on Amazon for kindle: http://amzn.to/2jcbPVB
