Page 45 of Code of Courage

The boys complained but left, each of them eyeing Danni over their shoulders as they did so. There was a group of e-bikes parked under a tree. The boys climbed on them and pedaled away.

“What is up with that?” Danni faced Yen but looked back and forth between both officers. “You’re just going to let them go? And who is Lenny’s mom?”

“Sorry, Danni. It’s a directive from the mayor. Good to see you by the way.” Yen smiled.

“A directive?”

“Yep. We’re not to handle nuisance complaints, petty theft, malicious mischief, etc. They’re nonresponse calls. Mayor White has hired some civilians for minor stuff. They’re training right now. This beat is her test beat.”

“We’re not even supposed to be here,” Mel said. “But someone called Yen from the market because they saw the confrontation brewing.”

Danni’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious? Cops aren’t supposed to enforce the law anymore? What would have happened if Lenny had assaulted me? Is that nonresponse as well?”

“A lot has changed since the day you were injured,” Yen said.

“No kidding.”

“Are you coming back to work? Rumor mill says you quit, but you still have your ID.”

“I just got home. I’m still considering my options.”

The radio beeped and Danni recognized the tone. Yen and Mel were getting a call. Sounded like a serious traffic accident.

“We have to go,” Yen said, turning to get in her car. “Welcome back to the world, Danni.”

“Likewise. But hey, who is Lenny’s mother?”

“Lenny is Leonard White,” Mel said, climbing into the car. “Mayor Elise White’s son.”

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