Golden Tears on the Angel's Wing

Chapter 12: Moody Jazz's Counterattack, part 1

Before he became the sombre, bitter member of Bucciarati's team, Leone Abbacchio once had grand aspirations and wanted to commit himself to making his city safe. After graduating from high school, Abbacchio immediately followed his deep sense of justice directly into a job with the police force. At the time, his hair was trimmed short in a crew cut hairstyle, and he wore his standard Italian police uniform with pride. He was such a dedicated policeman and committed to his mission to help the people and fight for justice.

But the realization of his dream did little to quell the unease he felt from the contradictions plaguing his daily work. The people he was expected to defend each day, were the very ones causing trouble around the city he risked his life to serve and protect. These ne'er-do-wells seem to revel in destroying law enforcement property, stealing from the public and committing other heinous acts of depravity.

Abbacchio stood by his car as he stood proud and diligent like the justice-seeking police officer he was. Overseeing the citizens and making sure that no criminal activity was taking place. He jumped in surprise and shock as two large stones flew in and damaged his car's windshield. He swiftly turned around and saw two teen boys, laughing and jeering as they continued to throw rocks at the car. "Hey!" Abbacchio shouted as he rushed to chase after them and arrest them for damaging police property. However, he was forced to let them go when he heard a woman's scream. He turned back and saw an older couple in trouble. The man was on the ground and the woman soon collided with the harsh concrete as two punks grabbed her purse and rode off on their motorcycle. Seconds later, another motorcycle zoomed after them.

"Honey!" Her husband called out as he crawled over to her. Seeing that she fell pretty hard. The people standing nearby had begun to walk over to them as Abbacchio ran to their aid. Ready to offer his service and help them up to their feet. He wanted to help. All he ever wanted was to protect his home and the people in it. "Are you alright?" He asked as he made it to the woman's side. "Damn it!!" But as soon as he was in reach, the older man whipped around and shot down the young police officer with a hate-filled glare. "Come on, what was that?!" The old man shouted as he shoved Abbacchio away.

It was a thankless job and the demands never seem to stop. Nor did the insults or verbal humiliations. No matter how hard he tried, the people were ungrateful and pelted him with every curse word and insult in the book. Everything they said was beginning to chip away at his heart. "Enough!" An authoritative voice shouted. The crowd of people who were insulting Abbacchio halted and turned to see a policewoman stomping over.

Behind her, they could see that the two robbers were already handcuffed to a light post. Her eyes glared down at the people and she went over to the older couple. She handed the woman back her purse and went to Abbacchio's side. "How dare you go on spouting such nonsense to my partner? He's one of many officers we have on the force who's dedicated to protecting you. While I'm sure he feels horrible for not arriving in time, and though I'm not making excuses on behalf of the force, we are just as human as the rest of you! We try our best but it's never enough for any of you isn't it?! And yet, we strive to go out on the streets and protect you because that's our job! Our duty for this city! So unless any of you can do it better, be our guest!" Her eyes were ice-cold but held a hint of sympathy towards the crowd. Her voice was firm, authoritative, and professional.

Some of the people opened their mouths to speak, but they faltered under her gaze. Seeing they didn't have any more to say, the policewoman turned to Abbacchio and placed a hand on his back. Leading him away from the scene and towards the robbers. As they walked, the woman turned to him and spread a comforting, reassuring smile. The woman was one of Abbacchio's partners and had been on the force a year longer than him so she was always there to help him out and defended him from those who belittled him. Abbacchio couldn't have asked for a better mentor. She was his idea of who he wanted to be as an officer. Intelligent, strong, and so beautiful. He strived to improve himself and become someone who will protect her.