Page 117 of Charmed Forces

“Yeah,” Daniel said, nodding decisively. “They’ve already assigned me to light duties along with Pete when he gets back. I know most people have my back despite that smear campaign, but I’d already made my mind up before then, well, at least, ninety per cent made up. That’s why I was having dinner with Maddox the night you dropped in. I wanted to hear his advice.”

“Ahh.”

“I’m leaving MPD. I think I’ll be the first cop in our family to leave the police force before retirement.” Daniel hung his head.

I nudged him. “What will you do next?” I asked.

Daniel looked up. “I was accepted to the FBI academy. Maddox put in a good word and I can start training as soon as I give notice to MPD. I just qualify in the right age range so it was a now-or-never decision.”

“You’re a real trailblazer,” I said, thrilled for him. “You should be proud.”

“You think?”

“One hundred percent.”

“I’m going to tell everyone today. Alice knows, of course. And Maddox and Farid. And now you.”

“And me too,” yelled Lily from outside.

Daniel laughed. “She has the ears of a bat,” he said.

“You know it,” yelled Lily.

“I’m glad you’re doing what you want to do, in a new environment where our family name doesn’t count for squat,” I said. “Just because we’re a cop family, doesn’t mean weallhave to be cops. We get to choose our own paths and if one doesn’t work out, we get to choose another one.”

“I knew you’d get it. I admire you for the PI work. You’re doing a good job too. I wanted you to know that. And that’s what I want to do now. Just a good job. You showed me there could be something else out there for me.”

I reached for a cold beer from the fridge and handed it to Daniel, then clinked my wine glass against it. “Here’s to doing a good job,” I said.

“Cheers,” said Daniel, smiling now as he snapped off the cap and took a drink.

“Ready to tell everyone?”

“Kind of nervous about it.”

“They’ll be happy for you.”

“Let’s do it.”

“What are you two doing?” asked Serena as she hurried through the kitchen, glancing at us but hardly waiting for an answer.

“You’ll find out,” I said to her retreating back.

As we stepped outside, Garrett waved us over to where he stood in the center of everyone. “A toast,” he said, raising his glass. He looked around, ensuring he had everyone’s eye before continuing, “We all know how difficult life has been for my brother, Daniel, and his wife, Alice, and now that he’s on the mend and ready to go back to work soon, I hope we can all put this behind us. Daniel? A few words?” They clapped each other on the back, manly, affectionately, and ever so slightly trying to make their clap harder than the other’s, just like brothers do.

“I’m not a man of many words,” said Daniel, facing us, “so, I’ll be quick. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, for us. Mom and Dad, for hiring PIs.”

“They weren’t cheap,” interjected Mom.

“It cost a whole dollar, hon,” said Dad. “Worth every cent too.”

I’d tried to give the dollar back several times but neither of my parents would hear of it.

“Thank you again,” said Daniel, raising his beer to us. “To Lexi and Solomon for being those PIs. To our Federal friends, Maddox and Farid, for stepping in so quickly to ensure my ass was covered...”

“And for the couscous and pomegranate salad,” said Mom.

“Mom, can I finish?” asked Daniel, stopping short of glaring at her. “I’m making a speech.”

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