Chapter One: A Flash Forward

Joseph succumbed to the trauma he had sustained, settling down amidst the crimson-stained snow, his surroundings illuminated solely by the lights of his department patrol truck. The red and blue lights created a perpetual interruption in the darkness of the unlit Highway N, distracting Joseph from his radio, which had been ripped from his person and now lay partially buried in the nearby snow. The snowfall was obscuring his vision somewhat, yet he could discern the flashing lights of an approaching vehicle and discern the muted sounds of emergency sirens in the distance. Help was en route for the injured Deputy.

Despite his overwhelming desire to close his eyes and lie down, he remained seated, absently twisting the small wedding band on his left finger. Although his own blood had saturated the small silicon band, he found solace in the visible blue line encircling it. The bleeding had noticeably slowed after he applied the tourniquet, evidenced by the subsiding pain. He speculated briefly whether this was the result of the adrenaline surge from the encounter, or whether he found comfort in thoughts of his wife, who would be waiting for his return to their modest house in the nearby city they called home. He was still aware of the day, knew it was just after two a.m., and that he was a mere six or seven miles from home. These were all positive signs.

He cast a glance to his right, following the blood-stained snow with his gaze to the handcuffed yet lifeless body of James Peterson. The man's breath no longer misted in the freezing air, having succumbed to the gunshot wounds inflicted during their earlier confrontation. Joseph pondered why this early morning's events had spiraled into this nightmare, and what higher power might be displeased enough to condemn him to this personal hell of a call.

What began as a resident's call for service about a couple arguing had rapidly escalated from a routine dispute to a double homicide. James had assaulted his wife until she could no longer stay conscious, leaving her unable to shield her son from a similar fate. The Deputy deeply internalized the circumstances of his arrival. If he had driven just a bit faster, could he have prevented this horrific act of violence?

Why does such evil exist in this world? How could a man commit such heinous acts as to murder his wife and child? Why had Joseph chosen to confront the world's sins when he struggled with his own demons? Was he truly the right man to sacrifice himself in service to others? Despite these questions, he could affirm that he had eliminated one malevolent force from this world. Embodying his favorite quote by George Orwell on this night, he stood ready to commit violence on behalf of the innocent who slept peacefully in their beds. Despite the injuries sustained in the fight, he had eliminated James from this world before he could inflict more harm. He had killed the man.

As the approaching vehicle drew nearer, he discerned the word "SHERIFF" on its visible side. Help was finally imminent. Alternating between clear and blurred vision, he managed a bittersweet smile. Even though his survival would soon be in someone else's hands, he couldn't prevent his mind from flicking through the winding road of his life leading to this point. Despite all the ups and downs, he would always strive to help others at the expense of his personal life. He had multiple opportunities to find love and eventually found the one who captured his heart. But it was a journey of heartache and sacrifices.

Nonetheless, throughout his tenure as a Deputy in Buchanan County, Joseph had solidified a reputation as a steadfast and dependable peace officer. He had answered innumerable calls, ranging from minor disputes to high-stakes emergencies, consistently prioritizing community safety over his own. Regardless of the hour or the weather, he enforced the law with unyielding dedication, often being the first to arrive at the scene and the last to depart. He had borne witness to the full spectrum of human behavior, from its most altruistic deeds to its most sinister tendencies, confronting each situation with unwavering resolve. His service was punctuated by considerable personal sacrifices, but he found pride in his role, understanding that his efforts brought tranquility to those who rested soundly beneath the protective cover of night.

His life encapsulated the story of a man destined to serve others—the life of a patrolman.