THE MORNING AFTER
Disclaimer-I do not own any characters belonging to ©Mark VII Productions. I just want to borrow them for a little bit.
***Synopsis-Can one ill-timed decision spell the end of a career?***
He glared at the alarm as it rang shrilly at him. Today it seemed extra loud. Perhaps because he didn't get much sleep? It didn't matter at this point. He shut it off and convinced himself to climb out of bed. No point in delaying the inevitable. He had to face the music and deal with the repercussions.
His stomach churning, he couldn't force breakfast into himself, so he showered and moped to his car. The birds seemed to be chirping a mocking tone at him as he climbed behind the wheel. He started the engine, and his mind switched to auto-pilot. He didn't even remember the drive in; thankfully he'd done it so many times it didn't actually require conscious thought on this day. He was just lucky nothing happened along the way. Although, knowing what was probably in store for him, he could have done with a plane engine dropping out of the sky this morning.
Since he arrived at the station a little early, he figured he could slip in while C-Shift was getting ready to leave, and he wasn't disappointed. He hefted the silver badge he wore proudly, his fingers lightly rubbing against the raised design, wondering if today would be the last day he served under it. He changed into his uniform in silence, and upon entering the engine bay, he saw the rest of A-Shift assembling. Trying to quell the nervousness he felt, he offered a weak grin and a not-very-convincing "Good morning."
The first part of the morning seemed to pass quickly, yet felt slowly drawn out, simultaneously. Looking up at the clock, he felt a rock form in his gut. Never in his life had he prayed so hard that they would get toned out, but it seemed like he was doomed. The tension in the station house was almost palpable; he just wanted to get this over with.
Just moments after he glanced at the clock for what seemed like the millionth time, the visitors he was expecting, but dreading, marched into the day room like drill sergeants, their faces drawn into dark frowns. He didn't need to be told what to do; the trio trekked into the office and the door was shut behind them to afford some measure of privacy. Chief McKonnike looked him up and down, then set his cap upon the desk.
"I suppose it goes without saying that what transpired yesterday is to never, never happen again!" McKonnike was almost yelling. "I haven't stopped making apologies. I'm of half a mind to hand out a suspension. It's just fortunate that the dignitaries have a sense of humor."
McKonnike spent several minutes on his tirade, the department liaison standing by silently, nodding his head once in a while. After the rant was done, the room went silent. Finally, the meeting was wrapped up, and the men in dress uniform exited. There was only one thing left to do now.
"Kelly!" Hank yelled as he walked from his office. "Get that water bucket of yours and get in here! The Phantom is officially retiring today!"
THE END