Disclaimer: I do not own Blood Ties or any of its characters. They are Tanya Huff's creations.
Thanks to my story consultant, Lena!
Chapter 14
Mike hoped he had heard his doctor wrong but he hadn't. His seizures weren't temporary. He would have to take anti-seizure medication for the rest of his life. Doctor Ross had him on the lowest dose of Neurontin right now but if his seizures broke through, his dose would need to be increased or his medication changed.
"I'm guessing driving and handling firearms is out of the question?"
"I wouldn't recommend it due to the uncertainty of your condition. A seizure could happen at any time. Do you have any other questions for me?"
"When can I get out of here?"
"I'd like to monitor you for a couple more days. Then you're free to go. Well, I have other patients to see. If you think of anything else, just have one of the nurses page me."
"Okay."
I wonder if this is how Vicki felt when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa.
Being a cop has been a big part of his life. What would he do now?
Several days later
Mike stopped at Kate's desk. "Hi, Kate."
"Hi, Mike. Did you just come for a visit or is there some other reason you're here?"
Her partner sat down. "I've done a great deal of soul searching. I decided to leave the force. I just wouldn't be happy riding a desk."
"I can't say that I'm surprised. I would probably do the same if I was in your shoes. I'm really going to miss seeing you around here." She rounded her desk and pulled him into an embrace. "Promise me you'll keep in touch."
The frown lines around his eyes crinkled as he smiled. "I'll stop by from time to time. We can do lunch, talk on the phone and e-mail each other." The smile faded from his face. "Is Crowley around?"
"Yeah, she's in her office. I'll see you later."
"Sure." She watched as Mike ascended the stairs to their captain's office.
Mike rapped lightly on Crowley's door.
"Come in."
He shut the door behind him.
"It's nice to see you up and around, Celluci."
Mike dropped in a seat in front of her desk. "Yeah, it's nice to be out of the hospital." He scrubbed his face. "There's no easy way to say this. I've decided to turn in my badge. I wouldn't be able to continue my duties as a detective and sitting at a desk all day just wouldn't be me."
Celluci rose and placed his shield and gun on her desk.
"I'm sorry to see you go, Celluci. You have been one of my best detectives."
"Thanks, Captain."
He opened the door to leave. "If you change your mind, there will always be a place for you here."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"And Celluci? Don't be a stranger."
"I won't be."