Detective Comics: The Headless Horseman

Chapter 1: Deadheads

I woke up with a massive brain crushing headache this morning and it has persisted for the whole day. I've taken up every single method of trying to at least lessen the pain, from cold presses to almost overdosing on painkillers, but none of them have worked.

What a big pain in the ass of a hangover.

It was unavoidable since- No, it was avoidable since I could've just turned down the invitation, but I can't really refuse a night with the guys at the precinct. Especially when it was the day that I got promoted.

I eventually showed up at work with the husk that was once my former self, and it turns out, most of the people there were either off duty or couldn't attend due to having the same problem as me.

What a load of dung.

In the end, it was just me and the commissioner for the entire day with some of the officers clocking in and going out. While I stayed in the precinct doing paperwork.

My desk sat across the commissioner's office, and he could just call me or gesture at me to come in through the glass door.

So, I closed the door behind me and helped myself to get some of the candy from the bowl resting on his desk as I sat on one of the chairs.

He starts. "Detective Seashore."

If it weren't for the solemn atmosphere, I would be grinning ear to ear right now just by hearing that.

"Commissioner Fey," I replied. Trying my hardest not to smile like a proud idiot.

His eyes have a serious glare into them. And the wrinkles on his face seem to have doubled with that almost indiscernible expression of his that you can't tell if he's mad at you for something you did.

This could go into two ways. One, he scolds me for letting myself be shit-faced. Or, second-

"As of late, ever since I was considering your promotion. I've felt like we have been holding you down. Pinning you on the officer rank for 3 years when clearly you've had the potential and the talent to go up the ranks fast."

-What.

"Pardon? Sir, I think my ears weren't working for a second there, but did you say-"

He continues on. Completely disregarding my question.

"And that concerns me. Since such a highly capable man like you has stumbled upon our little nest of chicks which pales in comparison towards you, Detective."

As he was speaking, the old man stood up and went towards the right side of the room, where he began to search for something within the numerous file cabinets lining up against the wall.

His words have filled my heart and stroked my ego up to new heights.

For him to say such a praise, I could never be happier. Though the manners that were hammered into my brain made me humbly respond instinctively.

"Well, sir, I think you're maybe overestimating my abilities a bit too much. I'm not trying to downplay myself or make others look good but I'm just really doing my job."

"And that's what you're good at." I feel the corners of my mouth slightly forming a smile. "A loyal obedient dog that will do anything just for his owner to give him praise and treats."

Wha- "...What?"

I... I'm out of words. I'm speechless. My brain stopped thinking. My soul was utterly crushed. I can't process what he said clearly.

Me? Am I really like that in his eyes? Just a dog? I...

I cannot believe this.

"Sir-"