The radio fills the silence

As the radio in the cruiser belted out familiar holiday songs, Brock drove the crew through the town, passing the Camelot city park, the downtown like area, the schools, before finally arriving at Camelot's police station.

"Just the customary filling out of the collision report and insurance paperwork, and you'll be on your way," Brock reassured the group as they entered the HQ's parking lot. "Thomas, I'll call your mother and have her come over to bring you guys home after we're done."

"Sounds good to me sheriff," Thomas responded, eager to avoid antagonizing the deputy any further.

After parking the police SUV, Brock led Thomas, Emma, Chris, and Grace to the steps of the front entrance and through the automatic sliding door into the building. It was a modest police headquarters, but had all the necessary functions to serve a small town of this size.

Brock reached to his walkie talkie on his uniform. "32, meet me at processing for a 10-69."

"Ten-four," the voice on the walkie talkie sizzled back.

Brock continued walking the quad through the lobby, and then the dispatch room. Inside, barely any officers were present. The lack of staff did not unnoticed by Chris.

"I know it's night time, but I can't believe how empty this place is!" Chris finally blurted out.

"Yeah, the city had to downsize a couple years back, budget cuts or something, which left us short-staffed," Brock explained. "Good thing Avalon was able to donate some equipment and automated systems to us. That's kept us going for a good while."