The final days passed swiftly. Jimmy had completed all his exams at community college and was just waiting for his final certificate. His career with the county police was also drawing to a close, as he seldom responded to calls lately, the dispatch center hardly ever rerouting cases to him anymore.
On December 18, Jimmy's last day at work, he spent the morning completing the final handover processes. Afterwards, he packed his belongings into two boxes, then spent some time idling until he left the station in the afternoon.
At noon, Jimmy did not go out for lunch. The officers and office staff at the headquarters were all present. Jimmy had called ahead to order meals and coffee from two restaurants. The people at the station had a simple lunch gathering in the office as a farewell for Jimmy, although he was the one who paid.
As Jimmy was preparing to leave in the afternoon, James called out to him. In the lobby of the station, James gathered everyone from headquarters and pulled Jimmy to stand at the front.
James, "As everyone knows, today we are losing a colleague, a partner, a friend. Jimmy is leaving us.
In these two years, Jimmy has been an exemplary figure for us—he's been a good cop, a good colleague, a good partner. His departure is the biggest loss our station has faced this year.
Although it's been only two years, he has done much for us. As a rookie cop, he has always fought bravely against criminals on the frontline, and as a support officer, he flawlessly accomplished every mission. We really couldn't have asked for more.
Some good news—Jimmy has already secured admission into the FBI National Academy and will soon begin FBI training. In the near future, we will be addressing him as an FBI agent.
Of course, I have another piece of good news. After discussions with the Management Committee, based on Jimmy's performance and achievements over these two years, we have decided to award him the Distinguished Merit Medal early, in recognition of his contributions."
James turned and picked up a small box from a nearby table, handed it to Jimmy after opening it. Inside was a small medal. Jimmy tilted the box to show everyone and then closed it. Applause broke out in the hall; Jimmy turned and hugged James, thanking him.
James pressed his hands down, waiting for everyone to quiet down before saying, "Hold on, there's one more thing."
James reached into his pocket and pulled out a county police badge. Unlike the regular badges, it had no number below.
James, "Jimmy, you will always be one of us. As the Sheriff, I grant you the honorary Sheriff's badge of the Plaskey County Sheriff's Office."
Jimmy stood at attention as James pinned the honorary officer's badge on the left side of his chest.
Jimmy's eyes were slightly red as he whispered, "Thank you, Chief."
James and Jimmy hugged each other, and James whispered in his ear, "Go say goodbye to them."
Jimmy turned towards everyone, his gaze sweeping over all present, and said, "Today is my last day at the station. Thank you all for your care and concern over the past two years. I have spent the most important two years of my life here, a period that is most worth reminiscing about, and a journey that will benefit me for life. Although I can't continue to serve in the station, no matter where I am, I will remember these days, remember all of you. Thank you."
Everyone applauded for Jimmy, who bowed to them, then went over to shake hands and hug everyone, saying goodbye to each. Finally, he picked up his boxes and walked out of the county police station's front door. He did not look back, while his colleagues continued to applaud and send him off.
Jimmy went to the parking lot, put the boxes in the trunk, and sat in the driver's seat. He took off the badge from his chest, wiped the nonexistent dust on it with his clothing, and carefully placed it in the medal box he had received.
With nothing suitable on hand to store the badge, and not wanting to simply toss it into his pocket, Jimmy considered it the best gift from his two-year police career.
Jimmy adjusted his mood, started the car, and left the county police station.
Feeling somewhat down, Jimmy did not head straight home but drove to Justin's bar. It was afternoon, and the bar was not yet open, but Jimmy knew Justin was inside. Right now, he just wanted someone to drink with.
Jimmy called Justin to let him in, and carrying the medal box, he entered the bar where Justin had already moved behind the bar.
Jimmy placed the box on the bar, and Justin brought down his bottle and poured him a drink.
Justin, "Jimmy, it's been a long time since you came here. What's been happening recently?"
Jimmy, "Oh, nothing much. Just that today, I resigned from the county police."
Justin was shocked, his cooperation with Jimmy had always been in support of promoting a promising star. How could the star suddenly fly away?
Justin, "What happened? Why did you resign? I hadn't heard about any major incident recently."
Jimmy waved his hand and then picked up his glass to drink, "No, it's not that. I am switching jobs. Next year, I am going to Virginia."
Justin thought for a moment, "FBI? CIA?"
Jimmy nodded, his eyes still fixed on the medal box, "Yes, next year I'll start studying at the FBI National Academy."
Justin, "Then I should congratulate you. From a small county police officer to a federal agent."
Jimmy, "Yeah, but I've already grown accustomed to life here, and suddenly, it feels quite uncomfortable." Jimmy reached out to open the box and took out the honorary officer's badge. "I've just realized that I really like wearing this badge."
Justin didn't say anything else, just took out another glass from under the bar, poured himself a drink, and clinked glasses with Jimmy to drink together.
Jimmy held the badge, sliding his thumb back and forth over it.
Justin, "Having second thoughts?"
Jimmy put the badge back in the box and reclosed it, "Somewhat, I've been here for two years after all. Let's not talk about this anymore. Justin, cheers."
Jimmy finished his drink, and casually grabbed the bottle to pour himself another.
Jimmy, "Justin, I probably won't be able to cooperate with you in the future. Next year, I will start with six months of training at the academy, and it's uncertain where I'll be assigned afterward. I might not come back to Little Rock."
Justin, "Alright, no worries, we will still see each other. Keep the card; it will be useful in other places."
Jimmy, "People in other cities recognize it?"
Justin, "Yes, they're all collaborators. If something comes up, you can contact me. Don't worry, it won't be any different from before."
Jimmy, "Thanks."