First Day (1)
USA, Los Angeles, January 2005
I have graduated from police academy with an all perfect score being the first in the history of LAPD to do so. Tomorrow, I would step into the Mid-Wilshire Police Station, ready to start my journey as a Police Officer 1 of the LAPD, along with John and Lucy.
Today, the day before my official reporting to the Mid-Wilshire Police Station, I received a call from Uncle Rick. He invited me over for dinner, mentioning that Aunt Dee Dee had taken a leave to visit us. It had been a while since we all sat together for a meal, and I was looking forward to it.
As I reached the Hunter household, the familiar warmth of the home enveloped me. Aunt Dee Dee greeted me with a hug, her smile as welcoming as ever. We sat down to a delicious meal, filled with laughter and conversation. It felt good to be surrounded by family, especially on the eve of starting my career as a police officer.
After dinner, Uncle Rick asked me to join him in his study. I could sense a serious conversation was about to take place. The study was filled with memorabilia from his long career in law enforcement, a testament to his dedication and service.
"Alex, there's something important I need to talk to you about," Uncle Rick began as he closed the door behind us. His tone was serious, and I could see the weight of responsibility in his eyes.
"Sure, Uncle Rick. What's on your mind?" I asked, curious.
He sat down, motioning for me to do the same. "I've specially assigned you to the Mid-Wilshire Police Station."
I was taken aback. I knew that assignments were typically given based on the needs of the department, but a special assignment from the LAPD Chief himself was unusual. "Why?" I asked.
Uncle Rick leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Mid-Wilshire's Police Captain, Zoe Andersen personally asked for you to be assigned to her station."
I was puzzled. "Why would she ask for me specifically?"
Uncle Rick leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Mid-Wilshire's Police Captain, Zoe Andersen, is someone you need to be under during your rookie years. Her father is a politician and a major supporter of my LAPD chief campaign. But more importantly, Zoe personally asked me for you to be assigned to her station."
I was puzzled. "Why would she ask for me specifically?"
"Zoe Andersen is one of the best captains we have. She's sharp, experienced, and has a reputation for looking out for her officers. Given the connections and the trust she has in me, I believe she can offer you the right guidance and protection during your early years in the force. It's not just about politics, Alex. It's about ensuring you have the best possible start."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "There's another reason, too. The Andersen family sees taking special care of you during your patrol years as a way to do a huge favour for the Hunter family. They want to get close to us, and protecting you is a strategic move on their part. Given this, I agreed to Zoe's request."
The weight of his words sank in. This was not just a favor; it was a strategic move to place me in the best environment for my growth. "I understand, Uncle Rick. I'll do my best to live up to the expectations."
He nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "I know you will. One more thing, Alex. Tomorrow, you need to go one hour earlier than your reporting time. Captain Zoe wants to talk to you in private before you start."
I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity about the upcoming conversation.
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The Next Day
The next morning, I arrived at the Mid-Wilshire Police Station an hour early, as instructed. The station buzzed with the early morning energy of officers starting their shifts. I approached the front desk and introduced myself, and the desk sergeant directed me to Captain Zoe Andersen's office.
Captain Andersen's office was up the stairs the end of a long hallway, her door slightly ajar. I knocked gently and heard a firm, "Come in."
Stepping inside, I was greeted by a tall, confident woman. Her sharp eyes assessed me quickly before she extended her hand. "Alex Hunter, welcome to Mid-Wilshire. I'm Captain Zoe Andersen."
"Thank you, Captain Andersen," I replied, shaking her hand.
"Please, have a seat," she said, gesturing to the chair in front of her desk. As I sat down, she continued, "I wanted to have this conversation with you before you officially start. As you probably know, your assignment here was a special request."
"Yes, my uncle explained that to me," I said, meeting her gaze.
"There's something you need to understand about why you're here at Mid-Wilshire," she continued. "Your uncle and I agreed that this station would be the best place for you to start your career. It's not just because of my connections to your family. We believe you'll be an asset here, and in turn, the station and I can provide you with the guidance and protection you need as a rookie."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "But it's not just about politics. I requested you because I believe you have the potential to be an exceptional officer. Also, Alex," she added, leaning forward slightly, "my family sees this as an opportunity to build a relationship with the Hunters. Your success here reflects well on all of us. I expect you to work hard, show dedication, and earn your place."
"I understand, Captain. I won't let you down," I assured her.
"I don't expect you to," she said with a small smile. "However, I want you to know that while you're here, you'll be treated like any other officer. No special treatment, no shortcuts. You'll earn your place just like everyone else. Understood?"
"Understood, Captain," I said, feeling a sense of relief at her straightforward approach.
"Good. Now, get ready. Go to the briefing room, wear your uniform and don't be late. Your watch commander is a stickler for rules" she said, indicating our conversation was over.
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Patrol Briefing Room
I entered the patrol briefing room. The room was bustling with activity as officers prepared for the day's briefing. I made my way to the front row where the rookies sat, while the veterans took their places in the back rows.
As I took my seat, I noticed neither John nor Lucy have arrived yet. I look up to the clock and notice there are still 10 minutes left. I hope those two will not be late on their first day as that would give a very bad impression.
Few minutes later, Lucy arrived looking down, she sat next to me and complained, "My car broke down this morning. I had to push it and then some carjacker tried to mug me in broad daylight. Then I had to arrest him"
Hearing this, I looked at her straight and said, "So, you are telling me that you got your first arrest before the first day and you are complaining about that. I think you are just trying to show off."
Lucy just smiled sweetly looking cute.
Then, just a few seconds before roll call, John walked in and takes a seat besides us. Before I could talk to John, a middle aged officer walked in, everybody in the took their seats and quietened down.
I looked at his badge and confirmed him to be Police Sergeant Wade Grey and our watch commander. Sergeant Grey is responsible for maintaining management oversight over all the patrol officers in this police precinct.
Watching everyone, he starts talking, "We got some new blood this morning", then pauses, looks at John and continues, "and some pushing the expiration date." His words made some laughs in the room. He gestures me, John and Lucy to stand up and we do.
Sergeant Grey then gave us a short lecture about being a police officer and following tradition and protocol. He then gestures us to sit.
Then, he starts assigning us to our TO (Training Officers). He first addresses Lucy, calling her 'Hotshot' for the earlier arrest and assigns her to Officer Tim Bradford.
He then assigns John to Officer Tania Bishop calling him '40 year old rookie' making a quip at John again. He certainly doesn't like John.
He then says, "Lastly we have Officer Alex Hunter 'The Super Rookie'. Officer Alex broke all the LAPD record in the academy and has been trained in SWAT program before even becoming an officer, the first one in the history to do so. You are assigned to Officer Angela Lopez."
Sergeant Grey's words made the crowd boo. He again lectures us the importance of being police officers and listening to our TO's and then dismisses all of us except John.