Break From Reality. Daily.
This story is by Pauline Yates and was part of our 2016 Winter Writing Contest. You can find all the Winter Writing Contest stories here. ‘A New World Awaits’, the travel brochure reads. Mike leans against the counter of the baggage check area, soaks up the pictures of the Greek Isles and dreams of sailing…
I’m the first to enter the debriefing room, but when I see the empty chair next to my usual seat at the front, my heart aches. Turning around, I dodge my colleagues and sit at the back. But when the two chairs in front are left vacant—a show of respect from Chicago’s finest—my determination to find my partner’s killer strengthens.
“All right, people, listen up,” our captain says. “It’s been three days and Daniel Kowalski’s assassin is still at large.” He pauses when a chair squeaks. “I know your shock at losing one of our own, but now is not the time to let emotion interfere with the investigation.” He clears his throat. “First up—”
