time to retire

Jake came to the office early to get the results from the blood on the plastic sword and finish filling out the report. He was typing away when Sally suddenly appeared, standing next to him. “Morning.”

He glanced up. “ Morning, where have you been?”

Sally sat down. “I stopped by the Whitmoore’s home to see how they’re doing.”

Jake looked at her curiously. When he realized she was done talking, he said. “So, what’s the verdict?”

“They seemed to be doing well.” Sally sighed. “Obviously, they are still in shock. But considering what they’ve been through lately, I think they’re going to be fine.”

Jake smiled. “That’s good to hear.”

“Yeah, they are even planning on keeping the house.”

“Really. “ Jake sounded surprised by the news.

“Oh yeah. I guess they put it to a vote, and they all agreed they want to stay there. Camille says they don’t want to give Emily the satisfaction of controlling their lives.”

Jake nodded.” That’s awesome. “ He stood up. “I’m very happy for them. Oh, by the way,. They got the results from that plastic sword. It was Mike’s.”

“Big surprise,” Sally replied dramatically.

“And the district attorney believes that if she claims temporary insanity, she’ll rip that illusion away. She believes that since she bought that costume two days before killing Mike, no jury is going to believe that she suddenly lost her mind.”

Sally stood up. “I hope she’s right.”

Jake nodded his agreement, then turned around and started walking away.

“Jake.” Sally's voice was scratchy.

Jake turned around. “Yeah.”

“I need to tell you something.” She paused a moment. “I wanted to tell you earlier, but this case was.” She cleared her throat. She walked to within inches of Jake and thoughtfully looked at him. “I’ve decided to retire.”

Jake tilted his head. “Really.”

Sally glanced down , then looked at him. “Yeah, you know I’m forty-six. And to be honest, I’m tired of dealing with the craziness. Like having to deliver bad news to a victim's family.”

She pursed her lips and continued. “And I’m tired of being alone. She lightly shrugged her shoulders. And I don’t think I could ever have a healthy relationship doing what I do.”

Jake lightly nodded. “I hear you.”

Sally cleared her throat. “I mean, it cost me my first marriage.”

Jake nodded again. “I know.” He looked around the station, then focused on Sally. “You know what. I was planning on it too.”

Sally got a look of confusion on her face. “You are?”

“Yeah. After that kid killed himself, after we interviewed him really shook me up. Plus, I want to start being a full-time dad again. I mean.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I know I might be divorced, but I’m still a father. And I love my son.”

“Wow.” Sally had a look of relief on her face. “I think that is great. I know our son loves you very much. I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear that.”

Jake got a huge smile on his face. “How about we have a small retirement party at Taco Bell?”

Sally nodded. “Sounds good. “I’m starving.”

She walked over and put her arm around Jake. He did the same to her as they headed towards the door. “Looks like this department is going to lose to good detectives.”

“You mean someone else besides me is retiring?” Sally retorted playfully and chuckled.

Jake like elbowed her. “Dear God. I think I might even miss you.”