No Regrets

Chapter 2

Adam arrived for his shift 45 mins before Tim, hoping to meet with Sgt. Stock. He'd been riding with Tim for a little over a week and they had not been actively involved in any incidents. He was going to request being assigned to another FTO, one that would allow him to use his skills. As he sat there drinking a cup of coffee Ms. Suzy walked in as her shift was about to end.

"Hey, kiddo. What y'all doing sitting here this early" she asked him, washing her coffee cup.

"Nothing ma'am, just waiting to start my day" he replied.

With all the years that Suzy had been working with law enforcement, she grew accustomed to the officers and was well tuned in reading their body language. Something about this young man told her he needed to vent.

Suzy walked over and sat across the table from him. Patting his hand, he looked up " what's on your mind, Adam" she asked.

Adam was apprehensive, he was new, he didn't know her that well and didn't feel comfortable in confiding in anyone at this point. He gave her a slight smile, "nothing ma'am, just came in early".

Suzy knew otherwise, especially because he'd been assigned to Tim. Tim was a good cop, no, he was an excellent cop, had his ways and tolerated no bullshit. She had an idea what this kid was feeling. Tim made sure you learned his way. If you chose to do it "your" way once you were off training, that was up to you, but as long as you were assigned to him, you did as he told you. There had been many newbies before Adam that felt he held them back, stifling their full potential. That was the furthest from the truth, he showed them how to grow, gain respect, show respect and empathy without being a hotshot.

"You know, son. You're not the first one to feel like you do" she told him.

Raising his brow " ma'am, with all due respect I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine" Adam replied.

"You and Tim, y'all are very much alike. Give him a chance, Adam. He's the best of the best and you will be too. Patience, in this line of work, is one of the most needed virtues of all. And, it will ensure at the end of the day, you will go home. You understand what I'm trying to tell you" Suzy stated.

Adam nodded, lessons to be learned at the right place and time, came with patience. He was allowing his eagerness to cloud his mind instead of relying on the experience of his FTO to truly learn the ins and outs of the job, even if it meant enduring hours of observations.

Suzy stood to leave, "you have a good shift, ya hear" she smiled touching him on the shoulder.

"Thank you ma"am" he replied before washing his cup and heading to the locker room to change to his uniform.