A/N: I know this is a short Chapter, but this chapter was intended to only circle around the car ride.

Detective Renee Montoya is one of the only friends I have. Yeah Commish is pretty close to me and we joke around and what not, but Renee is a young, outgoing detective that I can fool around with more! She is always looking out for me, always there for me when I need her, and always covers for my ass. She's everything a partner needs, and what makes her even better is she ain't crooked! She is an honest and incredible detective. In spite of this, due to my recent alcohol problem, I feel I should remind both the Renee and the department, personally, that I still care and love my job to better the city.

The city is all I have left in my sad existence. I had this curse since birth to be forgotten, to be a hardened brute, overweight man, who only by coincidences made it into the force. I need to prove myself wrong.

It looks like I've decided to show the department a new me today. A whole new side of myself I've tucked away for years. No more smart remarks, no more random mood swings, no more hatred, and no more alcohol.

But if they expect me to quit smoking, they've got another thing coming...

"Damnit..."

I remember I needed to make a speed run to the convenient store to pick up some smokes. Though I am craving them beyond belief, I really don't have it in me to tell Montoya to stop and pick me up some, especially now that she's rushing over here. She always hated that I smoked. Then again she always did hate cigarettes in general, but I would like to believe she worries about my health more.

As I eagerly await Renee's arrival, it feels like hours pass. Yeah, it only feels that way because I don't have a cigar to hold me over.

I lean over my trashed "vehicle" and begin to doze off, but just at that moment, a loud honking of a horn got me alert as ever. It was the one and only Renee Montoya. Thank heavens.

"Finally!" I yell under my breath.

Remember, new lead, new Bullock. Straighten up your tie, tuck your shirt in, don't look like the hung-over mess you really are.

As I walked towards the car, I can't genuinely say I saw anger in Renee's eyes rather sadness and grief, as if she had just heard terrible news.

"Well look at you, Bullock. Someone is trying to look proper and sharp today." Montoya said teasingly as I entered the passenger seat. The smile on her face faded away just as fast as it came.

"Hah...yeah, sure Montoya." I stated.

"Jesus..." Montoya mutters as she has her first sight of my trashed car. "Are you going to take it anywhere? Or get it fixed? Or even charge those young punks?"

I contemplated an answer for a second and spat out, "Yeah, I am going to deal with those punks myself if they try something again..." Remember, new Bullock, less angry. "If only I had a lead or knew why they would do this...I literally got nothin' on them Montoya"

"I see...look after yourself Bullock." Montoya replied.

We sat there in silence for a few seconds until Renee instructs: "Open the glove box, there is a surprise."

At first I didn't believe her, as we tease each other often, yet I still open it sadly expecting a "surprise". Suddenly, a pack of Dutch Masters cigars fall onto my lap just as I open the compartment, a surprise it was indeed. God, Montoya is the best.

"Holy sh-!", I say like a little boy on Christmas, "I been dying for one of these puppies Montoya! God you are a life saver..."

I pat her shoulder as she says, "Heh...well, I guess I knew you'd always need them! No matter how much I hate to face that fact...Bullock I-"

"Just a second, Montoya," I began, "I just want you to know, you and Commish are so good to me...I don't even know how y'all put up with me. So from here on out I have a new set of morals and goals. I swear, by this day, I shall be a better cop, person, and friend." I figured now would be the best of times to tell Montoya how much I care, you know before it is too late and all...I just need to clean myself up.

I give a sly smile to Montoya, reassuring her.

"Bullock, you just made this moment even harder." She barely muttered out.

"Wh-What do you mean? Is everything okay, Montoya?"

"Bullock, when I got to the department at seven this morning, Gordon was already there, of course, and he told me to go into his office." She continued, "I didn't know what to expect from him today. So, he sat me down and informed me I was getting a type of promotion, a raise...and a new partner."

Those words felt like bullets. My only friend is getting a new partner... I know I shouldn't feel so attached to her, yet I've never had a friend such as this, especially from a partner. I've been her partner for a few years; I guess I grew so attached to her. I don't know why I am overreacting like this, I mean I WILL see her everyday, but...it's just not the same...

Montoya continues, "He says they are getting this new guy from Metropolis named Allen, I believe. A...um...Crispus Allen! That's it. Gordon said he wants me to show him the ropes and be his partner. He feels I am ready to lead and help the newbie. I accepted his offer..."

I try to make myself smile for her sake, just so she knows I am not hurt or whatever.

"That-that is great news Montoya. I am proud that my once young trainee is now such a respected and leading detective. Well, I mean, you learned from the best!"

Montoya smiles, lets out a giggle, and answers, "Indeed I have, Harv!"

"Just a word of advice for ya, don't end up like me."

Montoya and I both begin to laugh at my remark. We couldn't help it.

"Look Harv," Renee begins as she wipes her eyes from the laughter, "I know this is a little tough for us both, but Gordon says the switch won't happen until the transfer actually arrives. He says he has one more case for us, the two musketeers, to solve and look into. We have to go to Gotham Bay where a few victims and the murderer are. Are you up for it?"

I look up to Montoya's eyes and smile, "Of course I am, Montoya."

My head is now, as it always is, full of confusion. I am losing my best and only friend as a partner; I feel Gordon may actually put me down, metaphorically, as a cop after this recent case, and I still have this whole "Mercs" thing going through my head. Who are they? Why would they want me dead? Well actually, why not. I have a few ideas. But, the last time I got death threats, there was one man I was forced to turn to... the freaking Batman. Ugh if I have to do that again...

And on top of that, I am put on a brand new case. This day just keeps getting better and better...