The mission was a failure

“Sir,” officer Ferro begins and stands up, “we searched the house like ordered and found three suspects that are likely the responsible of the bank robbery. But there was a fourth suspect we didn’t knew of. He escaped with two bags full of evidence. No dead but officer Valentino was injured and is in hospital right now.”

“I see,” lieutenant Garrick says disappointed, “I will have a look on the report and the evidence soon, but let me say, that I expected more from you. Please, give me more details.”

“It was Ashley’s fault,” Greg says and glares angry to you, “she crawled like a wimp in front of the suspects and gave them the opportunity to stand up to us. This alone allowed the last suspect to escape.”

“Enough, officer!” lieutenant Garric silences Greg, “how was Maria wounded?”

“A shotgun,” you answer quick, “the fourth suspect hided in the shower and shot her in the back. But he was only able to wound her at the side, not kill her. Then he fled with two bags. Likely the loot and weapons from the robbery. We gave everything else to the CSI.”

“The three suspects in the living room have been arrested,” one of your colleagues says, “until now, they remain arrogant and claim that we have no evidence. Two of them demanded lawyers.”

“Without the weapons it will be hard to connect one of them with the murderer” lieutenant Garrick says thoughtfully, “but I think with a little bluffing and the video material we can sue them for robbery. Not much, but all we have right now. Fuck, this is bad. Alright, guys, go back to your work. I will see what I can do. See you after weekend.”

You all stand up and walk out of the room. But lieutenant Garrick suddenly stops you.

“Officer, one moment, please,” lieutenant Garrick says, “do you want to say something for your own defense?”

“I’m sorry, sir,” you answer shy, “I didn’t wanted this to happen. I didn’t wanted Maria injured. I … I just tired to be careful.”

“Careful?” lieutenant Garrick asks septic, “there is a difference between being careful and being submissive. We are the police. We represent the law. We can not allow ourselves to be submissive. You are not a newbie anymore, even if Greg acts this way. And you have great potential. Don’t allow such pigs to pull you down! I expect better from you next time. You can go now.”

You nod sad and return to your desk. It’s a small desk with a computer for writing reports and a few folders for current cases you are involved. Despite this there is barely place for your backpack. Your desk is in a shared office with eleven other officers. All subordinates that work for lieutenant Garrick and lieutenant Stronger have their desks here. The detectives have much larger desks in the upper floor. And the lieutenants even have own offices. You try to avoid all the office talk and questions about the house search and concentrate about the paperwork you still have to do. By the time when the night shift takes over you have finished everything. So you say goodbye to everyone and head home.