Chapter 26-The Retirement Party
The whole NYPD was sitting in a large ballroom. The Special Victims Unit was sitting at a round table in the front of the room. All of the people working out of the DA's office were there as well. Alex held John's hand and whispered into his ear. He turned from her to the table next to them and whispered to Jack. Jack stood up and tapped his glass to tell all that he was about to make a speech.
"Welcome everyone," he began. "Thank you all for coming and showing your respect to Captain Cregan. He has been a valued member of the NYPD for well near forty years. He has been a Captain in several different units but none has he built up more than the Special Victims Unit." There came a loud cheer around the room. "Ladies and gentlemen Captain Cregan!" He said waving a hand towards Don. Don stood up and everyone clapped for him.
Don cleared his throat as the room became quiet. "Thank you Jack. Thank you everyone. I have been a police officer for a long time and now I feel it is time for me to step down. You all are my allies, co-workers and friends but you are also my family. I will miss you all…"
"We'll miss you too Don!" A voice yelled from across the room.
Don laughed, "Thank you."
Everyone cheered and clapped and then Don began again.
"This year, my last year, has been an exciting, wonderful year. I have gained family this year. I found that I have a daughter, I gave her away to her husband, she had my two wonderful grandchildren," he smiled at Olivia. "And through the union I also gained four other grandchildren," he smiled at Elliot. "I spent my life not having much of a family. My parents died when I was young. My wife died shortly after our twentieth aniversery. I have lived my life to my fullest potential. Now it is time for me to move on and lay low. These years that I have spent in the NYPD have been the best years of my life. I will miss it every day. I wish you all the best. Thank you." He smiled at everyone around the room.
The whole room gave him a standing ovasion. With cheers of 'We'll miss you' and 'Thank you.'
Olivia stood next to her father and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you daddy," she whispered in his ear.
He smiled at her as a tear rolled down his cheek. He hugged her and the room got even louder. "I love you too my angel."