Page 65 of Samuel's Heart

“This is the first time, aside from being interviewed by the IOPC—the Independent Office for Police Conduct—that I’m talking about this. The only other person who knows anything about this is Jason, but we never talk about it.” My muscles loosen a bit when Rory places his hand on mine and strokes my skin, as if trying to infuse strength and courage into me. Another deep breath and then it’s like I’m back there, still that trainee full of hope, determination, and bravery.

“Last few days of your eight weeks of training,” Adrian says, and I grin from ear to ear, because I’m so close to completing my degree.

“Are you saying you are going to miss me?”

“Like hell I will.”

I laugh out loud, and he smiles while pretending to send a dark look my way.

“Are you ready for the next one?”

“Oh God. Don’t ruin my day. I was happy at the thought of having a rest after I finally got rid of you.”

“You love me,” I say, winking at him.

“Your cockiness is somewhat disturbing,” he says, slapping my neck with the paw he has instead of a hand.

“Hey,” I say, sending him a frustrated look. “I’m driving.”

“Yeah, that’s the only good thing about having you here.”

“Nice. That’s very nice of you.”

The radio chooses that moment to invade the vehicle, and we stop fooling around to listen to dispatch.

“State two,” Adrian says in reply to dispatch, confirming that we are free and ready for assignment.

“Disturbance in progress. Entrance North of Hyde Park. Proceed with caution. We have been advised of a fight,” the radio informs us.

“We’re close. State five,” Adrian replies, so they are aware we are responding to the incident.

“Two other patrols en route, at least ten people involved.”

“State fifteen,” Adrian says, to confirm we are aware of what’s happening, before turning to me. “Sam, bring us there.” Then, while using the grab handle, he pats my back, and that’s all the encouragement I need.

We got this.

I press on the gas and drive as fast as I can in the London traffic. We’re not too far from the call. I use the emergency line when the traffic is heavy, and in less than a couple of minutes, we are at the right entrance to the park.

I pull the car to a stop, and then exit while keeping my eyes trained on the fight happening in front of me. Something blinks, but it’s too fast for me to understand what it is. so I approach them slowly and with caution. Knives are an issue lately.

I hear Adrian speaking with dispatch, telling them we’re at the scene and approaching those fighting.

Still not sure of what I’ve seen, while I wait for Adrian to leave the car and join me, I focus on them.

“What’s happening here?” Adrian asks, but they don’t seem to listen.

I don’t take my eyes off them because things can happen at any time and I want to be prepared. As they say in training, everything can happen in a flash and we need to be ready tointervene to save people’s lives, keeping ourselves alive at the same time.

“Police! Stop what you’re doing.” This time Adrian’s booming voice has an effect and most of them stop fighting to acknowledge us.

“What’s happening here?” I ask, when the commotion seems to mute a bit.

“Nothing officers. We’re just having some fun,” one of them says, but I don’t particularly like the glint in his eye.

“People called us because of the disturbance you’re creating here.”

“We weren’t doing anything bad,” another says, but he keeps looking at the man who answered first.

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