Chapter 19

"Wow, Dad, are you sharp!" Joey said after giving a low whistle as Brian came out in full regulation uniform. "So today's the big day, huh?"

"Yeah," Brian groaned. "Don't get too used to it, though; I haven't worn this thing since before I went to Homicide and promoted to detective."

"And today, you're going to be a lieutenant."

He smiled. "Yeah. Who'd thought it this time last year when I was holed up in The Tombs with Marie and trying to get your happy ass off the streets?"

"Well……I wasn't so happy then," Joey replied.

"Anyway, shouldn't you be getting your butt to school?"

"Oh…yeah. Sorry, I didn't realize what time it was." Joey turned away from him and smiled knowingly. Captain Shields had already spoken with her principal and arranged for Joey to be at the precinct instead.

Joey then headed to the door as if to leave for school. "See you later, Liuetenant." She gave a mock salute.

Brian could only laugh and shake his head. Kids.

He had been oblivious to the stares from some people on the street as he headed to his car to go to the station. When he arrived, Brian was greeted by smiles and wolf whistles.

"All right, smart asses, very funny. Quit acting like you haven't seen a guy in uniform around here before."

"I think you've gotten a warm reception this morning, Lieutenant," Marie smiled appreciatively.

"Now you know why I only wear this thing to funerals and special cerermonies," Brian scoffed. "To be honest, I feel like I'm way back in Traffic wearing this shit."

"And you're nervous as hell," Marie pointed out.

Before Brian could say anything, she continued. "Come on, this is Davenport, your partner in good times since The Tombs. You don't have to play tough guy with me. I can see it in your eyes."

"Well….maybe I am a little," he confessed.

"By the way, I hate to ruin your morning, but the captain wants to see you in about ten minutes."

"What?" Brian asked. "Oh Jesus, of all days. Either I did something or didn't do something. Why else would he want to see me today? Hell, he's going to be at the swearing in of new lieutenants. And isn't he supposed to be giving a press conference about the new assistant head of Major Case in about half an hour? He needs to get shoving."

"I'm sure whatever it is, it will only take a short time."

Brian leaned back in his chair and sighed. "I have a feeling this is going to be a very long day."

In Captain Shields' office:

"Now, what I need for you three to do is stay out of sight for at least until the press conference," Captain Shields instructed Joey, Lorelei and Paul. "I'm going to see the new lieutenant in about ten minutes to deliver the good news."

"Who'd thought it?" Paul grinned. "You know, this time last year I was looking at jail time for a murder I didn't commit and my buddy stuck way out in The Tombs. Not to be nosy, but what made you choose him?"

Joey punched his arm. "Paul!"

Shields smiled at them. "No, it's fine, Josephine. One position, and I got one hundred recommendations. Truth be told, while it's good to have a strong jacket and a college degree, there was just something in Brian that stood out. Leadership and teamwork, for two. Another is thinking outside the box and having no trouble going outside his comfort zone."

"Loyalty," Lorelei added. "No one has to be on the force to see that much, either."

"And loyalty indeed," Shields agreed. "He may have questioned authority at times and there was the lapse in judgment that got Brian sent to The Tombs, but aside from all that, of all the recommendations I received, something tells me I'm not going to regret the decision I made in giving him the job. Did I happen to meniton he was one of the highest scorers on the lieutenant's exam? Beat out most of these smart ass college kids on that one. And he's 98 percent in firearms. I'd been insane to pass him over."

"Luckily, Dad doesn't use his revolver very often," Joey said.

"Yeah," Paul nodded, "let's just say I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of short one's service piece out there."

Shields laughed, and then looked at his watch. "How about the three of you go grab some coffee? It's that time, and I'll be headed to the press conference after that."

"Sure thing," Lorelei smiled back. "After all, it isn't every day Paul and I get to play hooky from work and Joey skip school without repercussions. Come on guys, I'll treat you to Starbucks."

Ten minutes later:

Brian sighed and stared at his reflection for a moment, making sure his tie was right before knocking on the door.

"Enter," Shields called out, then grinned widely when Brian came in.

"You needed to see me, Captain?" he asked.

"Absolutely," Shields replied. "Relax, Lieutenant-to be, you aren't in any kind of trouble."

Brian had a confused look. "Then may I ask what this is about? You have to still be here instead of getting ready for your press conference for some important reason instead of waiting until after the swearing in of new lieutenants this afternoon."

Shields eyed him over. "Never thought I'd see you in that uniform again since you graduated from the academy and before you left Traffic," he said. "But I'm not here to discuss dress code. I'm here to discuss your promotion."

"Promotion? I think me making lieutenant kind of makes that obvious, Captain."

"Yes, of course. But there's some more news I needed to deliver to you before the press conference and the swearing in."

"And that would be…." Brian began, giving his superior a look.

"For one, I'm no longer going to be your boss," Shields said, "and second, effective in thirty minutes, you are going to be my right hand in heading the Major Case Squad. Congratulations, Lieutenant."

It was the last thing Brian would remember before things went black.