Sorry, I haven't updated this in a long time. Thanks to those who reviewed and emailed me there comments. I enjoyed reading them Molly and Jeanie. This chapter is for you guys, even though all are. LoL

As long as I can remember I was the sort to screw things up. Hell, it was practically my nature. But what does that matter? Sure, I did a whole lot of stupid things in my life, but, I learned from them.  I guess everyone does that in one way or another because if you didn't, how could you become a better person?

Everyday I strive to change, to make a difference in the world. That's why I'm a cop. I do what I do best, kick some major ass. Well talk about being self-absorbed, I enjoy my job. And I do a damn good job at it to. I'm so sick of those people who constantly complain about there job, there duty. If you hate it so much, quit, I tell them. It's not that easy, they complain. Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever, it's just another lame excuse for being miserable. Before I went to the academy, I did myself a favor, sat down and stared at myself in the mirror.

Took a good look and asked myself, is this what you really want to be Maurice? Do you want to put your life on line, everyday for this screwed up city? Do you want to defend the law? Do you really want to see what happens on the streets, see something's that are so horrific, even the news wont show? Do you want to put others in front of you, save some lives, and kick some major criminal ass? After a few minutes of this, I realized that I could not answer these questions. I wasn't sure who I was, and what the hell I was getting myself into. Until I looked back into my past, seen what my dad did to my mom all those years, seen drug dealers dealing some Super K and ecstasy to 5th graders. I saw it all and finally understood why I was put on this earth. I knew I would make a difference in someone's life. Only if it was one, I would make a difference.

"What the hell is he doing back anyway?" I bombarded my ma with questions leaning over the counter pouring myself a shot of whiskey.

"I told you all I knew, Maurice, calm down, it's not like he hasn't been in the city before." Rose replied wiping down the wooden counter, scrubbing at some sticky substance that didn't want to come off.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. It's just bothering me that he came back after a year or so. Why did he leave in the first place?" I asked chugging the shot in one large gulp, the alcohol ripping at the back of my throat; I loved the tingling sensation after your first shot. The last time I had talked to my dad was after the whole Shequana case. Boy, that didn't bring back great memories. It wasn't everyday you were suspected for a murder you had nothing to do with.

"I know as much as you, figured he gotten a better job in another city as a taxi driver, who knows? Maybe he found another girl." She said still scrubbing in the same spot.

"Ma, to abuse," I snapped quickly, in a low yet harsh tone.

"Maurice." She stated looking up quickly with worried eyes. "That was a long time ago."

"It doesn't change what happened." I scowled angry that she was attempting to cover up for what he had to done to her. I could see, he had left her with a permanent scar that would never go away.

"I know that it hurt you, it's over now Maurice, understand that. He changed." She stated simply, her gaze returning back down to the counter where she was scrubbing. She wasn't going to give up without a fight. Man, he had gotten his stubbornness from her.

My expression turned light. "I'm sorry, ma." I replied with a defeated sigh. I wasn't really sorry though, I knew I had to say that. She was my mother, the only one who, at this moment I had, the one person who understood.

 "I think that spots clean..." I muttered with a soft sigh as she moved on down the counter away from me.

"Right," She said with a soft grin as she continued, in a deep trance with her task, she didn't look back up to me. "Want something to eat hun?" She asked wondering why I was still sitting there.

"No, I'm meeting someone." I replied standing up grabbing my leather jacket off the stool next to me. I slipped it on watching her as she looked up quickly.

"Another new girlfriend?" She asked, all of a sudden sounding interested in my love life. Usually she didn't care who I was seeing.

"Nope, really, just an old one," I replied leaning over the counter and planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "Love ya ma, I'll see you tomorrow." I said and walked out.