Chapter 1

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This is the city, Los Angeles California. It's a nice place to live, I try to keep it that way, I carry a badge. My name is Josephine Friday, most call me Joe. It was Friday December 24th, Christmas Eve. Things are usually quiet between Thanksgiving and the new year. People celebrate many holidays during this time, Christmas, Chunakah, Kwanza, Ramadan, the Winter Solstice. Overall it's a spirit of peace and friendship, but not always.

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7:08 am.

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I was on my way to work, when I was approached by a young woman who lived in my apartment building. Her name was Nicole, she was 16. Seven months ago I had arrested Nicole and her boyfriend Keith for trying to burglarize the laundry room in the apartment building.

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Seven months ago.

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I returned home after a long shift late one night and heard a noise coming from the laundry room. I saw Keith and Nicole trying to steal coins from the washing machines. I drew my firearm and arrested them.

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Joe: Freeze!

Nicole: Please don't hurt us, you can have the money.

Joe: I'm not robbing you. I am a police officer, you are both under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney, and to have one present during questioning. . If you desire and cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you before any questioning without charge. Do you understand these rights?

Keith: Yes. Don't you live here?

Joe: Yes.

Keith: Great idea Nicole, rob a pace where a cop already lives.

Nicole: How was I to know she's a cop?

Keith: Can you imagine anyone being as stupid as her?

Joe: I can think of one other person.

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They both received probation, Nicole had completed hers. I discovered that night that Nicole was also pregnant, somehow they thought that stealing the coins from the washing machines would be enough to pay for an illegal abortion. Nicole was still pregnant, and just about ready to give birth.

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Nicole: Can I speak with you detective?

Joe: Okay, I got a few minutes. You staying out of trouble?

Nicole: Yeah, I was never a criminal mastermind, I've learned my lesson. Thing is, I'm not ready to be a mom just yet. So, after the baby is born, how do I put it up for adoption?

Joe: You can talk to a counselor, even help decide who will raise your baby.

Nicole: What if I just want to get it over with? I want the baby to be safe and healthy, but I don' want to bring it home from the hospital.

Joe: Hospitals are considered safe havens. That means that you can hand it over to a doctor or nurse, and then just walk away. The hospital will make all the arrangements with the foster care system, and it's all perfectly legal.

Nicole: And I won't get arrested or anything?

Joe: No, provided you give it to a doctor or nurse.

Nicole: Thank you.

Joe: I realize that you and I didn't exactly meet under ideal circumstances. But if you need a friend to help you through this, just give me a call.