Post by AU Julian Mercury on Mar 30, 2021 16:37:30 GMT -6
“You know I respect you, Detective. Really. Over the years, out of all the men and women I’ve worked alongside? You’ve been the one with the strongest sense of justice. The most determination. I couldn’t help but admire that.”
Was there real sentiment behind the words, or was this all just a performance for the two higher-ups who were standing either side of the captain’s desk? It did not matter. Either way, this was the end of the road. Julian gave a hollow smile, both hands stuffed inside the pockets of his jeans. He lifted one out to wipe a hand over his face, unkempt stubble grown out a few days longer than it ever had in recent memory.
“Then you’d know why I had to do it.” he replied. The captain’s eyes wavered from his for only a moment, but it was noticeable enough and said all it needed to. This was real.
“And you know why I have to do this.” the captain said in turn. Julian conceded the point. There was a responsibility to be upheld. The same one that had brought them all into this situation now. A silence ensued, one of finality. One that dragged a little too long. One that signified the end of his time here.
“I’ve been able to organize a generous severance package for you. I hope it’ll give you some time to sit back and relax. As a friend, I think it would do you good to get away from here for a little while.” he said, nodding as he spoke as if it would further convince him.
“Thank you, sir.”
Another empty silence.
“If there’s nothing you have questions about, then you’re free to leave. All department issued equipment will be required back by the end of the week. I’ll get the Sergeant to follow up with you if it’s not back by then.”
He outstretched his hand toward Julian.
“It was an honor working with you, Julian. All the best for the future.”
There is no future.
HIs hand clasped the captain’s, but he felt as though in that moment, they phased through one another. He searched his eyes in those last seconds that he would lay eyes upon his former superior. Looking for something. Remorse. Guilt. Frustration.
Not for him.
For her.
Was there real sentiment behind the words, or was this all just a performance for the two higher-ups who were standing either side of the captain’s desk? It did not matter. Either way, this was the end of the road. Julian gave a hollow smile, both hands stuffed inside the pockets of his jeans. He lifted one out to wipe a hand over his face, unkempt stubble grown out a few days longer than it ever had in recent memory.
“Then you’d know why I had to do it.” he replied. The captain’s eyes wavered from his for only a moment, but it was noticeable enough and said all it needed to. This was real.
“And you know why I have to do this.” the captain said in turn. Julian conceded the point. There was a responsibility to be upheld. The same one that had brought them all into this situation now. A silence ensued, one of finality. One that dragged a little too long. One that signified the end of his time here.
“I’ve been able to organize a generous severance package for you. I hope it’ll give you some time to sit back and relax. As a friend, I think it would do you good to get away from here for a little while.” he said, nodding as he spoke as if it would further convince him.
“Thank you, sir.”
Another empty silence.
“If there’s nothing you have questions about, then you’re free to leave. All department issued equipment will be required back by the end of the week. I’ll get the Sergeant to follow up with you if it’s not back by then.”
He outstretched his hand toward Julian.
“It was an honor working with you, Julian. All the best for the future.”
There is no future.
HIs hand clasped the captain’s, but he felt as though in that moment, they phased through one another. He searched his eyes in those last seconds that he would lay eyes upon his former superior. Looking for something. Remorse. Guilt. Frustration.
Not for him.
For her.