Gabe had seen this coming for months now, but had hoped to avoid a situation with his Lieutenant Radrick altogether. But here they were, Gabe on patrol with Lt. Radrick, a criminal had been found, and Radrick had the man on the ground while simultaneously looking at Gabe expectantly.

“Kick him…” Lt. Radrick prompted.

Gabe knew this was coming. In fact, he had seen it coming from a mile away. LEAGUES away. He knew how the force worked, and he had fuckin’ signed up anyway. Gabe knew what kind of jobs he would be expected to take, and he knew what kind of duties he was expected to perform. He had signed up at the United Academy anyway.

Suck it, Erstein, he said to himself, trying to psych himself up and distract himself in equal measure.

“What are you waiting for Branavich?! Kick the som-bitch!”

“Well, Lieutenant, we didn’t actually SEE him break into the offices…” Gabe rationalized.

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“The fuck you on about? Scum’s a fuckin’ gutter rat? You think I give a damn?”

“Please… I have a pass. I promise I do! I have pass for the building! I…” the man pleaded on the ground as he tried to fumbling around his breast pocket for what was presumably an entry badge to the office Gabe and Radrick had found him entering.

“GUN!” Lt. Radrick yelled.

In one swift motion the lieutenant drew his pistol and fired two shots into the man’s skull. The man immediately stopped moving as deep crimson began to soak the pavement around Gabe’s boots.

Gabe didn’t move a muscle. He just stared at the lifeless body in disbelief, hoping that maybe if he stood still long enough he would unsee what his lieutenant had just done.

Radrick took his own boot and nudged the body till the dead man lay on his back. The man’s hand fell out of his pocket and slapped against the concrete. A plastic chip clattered out of his limp fingers and splashed in the puddle of blood that was beginning to collect.

“Well shit… looks like our boy had an entrance key after all,” Radrick said.

“He...he…. But…. he…” Gabe stammered.

“Tough calls son,” Radrick said, clapping Gabe on the shoulder. “In this job you’ve gotta be prepared to make tough calls.”