Emily walked into the precinct, the familiar buzz of conversation and the clatter of keyboards greeting her. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting long beams of light across the polished floors. She relished these rare moments of calm, feeling a sense of normalcy wash over her. After the chaos of recent weeks, she had been looking forward to a quiet day—catching up on neglected paperwork, responding to overdue emails, maybe even sneaking a decent cup of coffee between tasks.
She tossed her Royceet over the back of her chair and was just settling into her desk when a voice called out.
"Emily, can I see you for a minute?"
It was Sergeant Peterson, his tone firm but not unkind. Emily's heart gave a little skip. There was something about the way he said it—no small talk, no casual smile—that set her on edge. She straightened instinctively, brushing an invisible crease from her uniform before following him toward his office.
The door closed with a soft click behind her, muffling the noise from outside.
"Take a seat," the Sergeant said, gesturing to the chair across from his cluttered desk.
Emily sat, feeling a knot form in her stomach. This wasn't a reprimand—she would have sensed it. But it wasn't good news either. There was a tension in the room, a heaviness that made her chest feel tight.
Sergeant Peterson leaned back in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach. He studied her for a long moment before speaking.
"Emily, I've got some news for you," he said finally. "You've been deployed to the city of Ashwood."
For a moment, Emily just stared at him, sure she had misheard. "Ashwood?" she repeated.
"That's right," he confirmed, nodding. "Effective immediately. You're being transferred to assist with law enforcement operations there."
Emily blinked, her mind racing. Ashwood was notorious. Everyone in the department knew the stories—sky-high crime rates, rampant gang activity, corrupt officials. It wasn't a city where officers went to build easy careers; it was where they went to prove themselves—or to burn out.
"But... why?" she asked, struggling to wrap her head around it. "Why me?"
Sergeant Peterson leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Ashwood requested an officer with your skill set—someone determined, resilient, and not easily intimidated. You have an excellent record, Emily. You're tough when you need to be, but fair. You know how to get the job done without crossing the line. That's exactly what Ashwood needs."
Emily's emotions churned—a volatile mix of excitement, fear, pride, and sadness. It was an honor, she realized. A real opportunity to make a difference. But it would mean leaving behind everything familiar... including Liam.
Her heart squeezed at the thought of him. Liam, her partner, her best friend—the person who had always been by her side. He was on vacation right now, halfway across the country visiting family. She hated the idea of leaving without even telling him in person.
Sensing her turmoil, Sergeant Peterson offered a small, encouraging smile. "I know it's sudden. But I think you're ready for this, Emily. You've always risen to the challenge."
She drew in a steadying breath, forcing down her nerves. She had started this career without knowing anyone. She had faced danger and uncertainty alone before. She could do it again.
"Okay," she said finally, her voice steady. "I'll do it."
"That's the spirit," Peterson said, handing her a thick folder. "All the details you need are in here. Your transport leaves this afternoon. Get packed."
Emily left the office feeling a little numb, the weight of the news settling on her shoulders. She was halfway back to her desk when Officer Jenkins intercepted her, his expression smug.
"Hey, Emily," he said, leaning casually against a filing cabinet. "I heard you're being shipped off to Ashwood."
"Word travels fast," Emily said dryly.
Jenkins chuckled. "You know that city's a hellhole, right? They've got more criminals than you can shake a stick at. Some officers don't last six months."
Emily arched an eyebrow, a slow smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Sounds like my kind of challenge."
Jenkins laughed, genuinely impressed. "You're braver than most. Or crazier."
"Maybe a bit of both," Emily said with a wink.
She packed her few belongings methodically, trying not to overthink. Every item she tucked into her bag felt like she was closing a chapter of her life. She scribbled a quick note for Liam, leaving it tucked in his locker so he would find it when he returned.
*Liam,
Got called up for a special assignment. Ashwood.
Will explain everything when you get back.
Take care of yourself until then.
Em*
It felt strange to leave like this, but she knew Liam would understand. He always did.
With her duffel slung over her shoulder, she exited the station for the last time, a cool breeze brushing her face as she stepped outside. There was a strange thrill coursing through her veins, a sense of freedom and possibility.
The taxi driver who pulled up was a wiry man with a thick accent and a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"Where to, miss?" he asked, popping the trunk.
"Union Station," Emily said, hoisting her bag inside.
As they pulled into traffic, the driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "New in town?"
"Not exactly," Emily said. "I'm a deployed police officer, heading to Ashwood."
The driver barked a loud laugh, so sudden it made Emily jump slightly.
"Oh, you're one of those, huh?" he said, chuckling. "God help you."
Emily narrowed her eyes slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You'll see," the driver said cryptically, still laughing. "Ashwood's a beast all its own. Chews up good people. Spits them out meaner—or dead."
Emily met his gaze evenly in the mirror. "Good thing I'm stubborn."
He snorted. "You'll need more than stubbornness, sweetheart. You'll need guts. And a little luck."
The ride continued in silence after that, the cityscape blurring past her window. Emily tried to steady her thoughts. She wasn't naïve. She knew Ashwood would be tough. But tough didn't scare her. She had seen the worst humanity could offer before, and she hadn't backed down then.
As the taxi crossed the city limits into Ashwood, Emily sat up straighter, taking it all in. The skyline was a jagged silhouette against the afternoon sun, skyscrapers looming over the streets like silent sentinels. Billboards flashed advertisements for luxury goods, while down below, graffiti-covered walls told another story—a story of struggle, of crime, of survival.
The driver weaved through congested streets, past rundown apartment complexes and narrow alleyways where shadows seemed to slither and stretch. Emily could feel the pulse of the city—urgent, restless, alive.
Finally, they pulled up in front of what Emily assumed was the police station.
She stared.
The building was a decrepit three-story structure with boarded-up windows, crumbling brickwork, and a battered sign barely hanging on by one hinge that read Ashwood Police Department. The front steps were cracked and littered with cigarette butts and empty soda cans.
"This... is the police station?" she said, incredulous.
The driver grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Welcome to Ashwood, Officer."
Emily laughed, thinking that the driver was joking. But as she looked at the building
again, she realized that he was serious. This was the police station, and it was a far cry
from the modern, well-equipped facilities she was used to.
Emily paid the fare, grabbing her bag and stepping
out onto the sidewalk. She stood there for a moment, just absorbing the gritty reality of her new home base.
The building looked like it had survived a war—or perhaps was still fighting one.
Straightening her shoulders, Emily took a deep breath and started up the cracked steps. She hadn't come all this way to be intimidated by a building—or a city.