“Can’t a man get some privacy in this place?” he attempts to slam the office door in my face, but I place my boot in the crack.

The rest of the department has been acting weird lately, and I know that something is off. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s unsolved mysteries. I refuse to leave the department until I figure out why they’re acting in such a manner.

“Wendal, what are you up to?” I snarl so he knows I mean business.

His face twitches into a maniacal smile before he replies, “nothin’, chief. I’m just glad you’re leaving is all.”

By god, I’m not leaving until I figure out what in the Hell they’re scheming about. Barbara has been avoiding me all day, so I know she knows what’s going on. She was never one for secrets.

I search the entire building but cannot locate her. The only other person I can think of who would spill the beans is Monique, but she’s not here, either. I’ll just have to figure it out on my own.

If I remember correctly, Steve was speaking to Wendal last night after we made our rounds. I’ll question him. Even the hardest nuts crack under pressure; I always know where to press.

Slamming my hand on his desk, I ask Steve upfront, “what in Christ is going on around here?”

“Wha’d’ya mean, Chief?”

“Don’t play dumb with my boy. Whatever y’all are scheming ends now,” the sternness in my voice gives way to anger. “I will not leave this department until whatever childish games you kids are playing is brought to light. Hell, I’ll even arrest you myself if I have to.”

My voice carries until Wendal and Barbara frantically enter the room.

“What exactly is going on,” Barbara snaps.

“You tell me.”

We hold eye contact until she breaks, “we were just planning you a retirement party, Chief. I-it was supposed to be a surprise.”