Help Me Heal

Chapter 29

"You okay?" Erin asked. She had just joined Hank near their front door, as he prepared to head out to work for his last day in charge of Intelligence.

"Been better. I'll get through it," he replied. The truth was he felt heavy-hearted. Leaving Intelligence was going to be one of the hardest things he had ever done. Even with his full pension, a new venture to look forward to, and the team passing into somewhat safe hands, there was still no doubt in his mind that continuing with Intelligence himself would have been the preferred option. But that option hadn't been available.

Erin gave him a hug. "It'll be a tough day for sure. Try to enjoy it if you can."

"I'll do my best."

With that, Hank left the house and drove straight to the 21st. There was no breakfast date with Kalinda today because he had said he wouldn't be good company. That was a decision he was glad he had made now. Much as he loved Kalinda, and he definitely did, getting through the shift was all he had energy for right now. Thankfully, but unsurprisingly, she had said she totally understood, and there had been no problem with him not coming over.

It wasn't long before Hank walked into the 21st. Preoccupied with his thoughts, he trudged up the stairs to Intelligence. When he reached the top, he saw that the team, along with Trudy Platt and Sam Miller, were lined up along either side of the bullpen to give him a guard of honour. They began applauding him. He found it somewhat embarrassing, but he recognised that it was a show of immense respect, and he appreciated that.

"Thank you," he said simply as he walked past them, down to the far end where his office was.

With the little impromptu ceremony over, Kevin Atwater stepped forward. He now had a box in his hand.

"Sarge, we know that because you chose to resign, CPD will do nothing to recognise your service. That's why we thought we should do something instead. Everyone here has contributed to getting you this." He offered Hank the box.

It was Hank's first instinct to tell them off for spending money on him and making a big deal about him leaving. But that would offend them, he was aware. It was better to be gracious. He took the box and opened it, finding a black watch with a dark green face. A Breitling. An expensive watch, even if it was a refurbished model. He looked up at the people in front of him and did feel gratitude for the gift, and more so for their display of respect.

"Thanks, everyone. It means a lot. You know if it had been up to me I wouldn't be going. I will miss you all."

It wasn't over. The team now came forward one by one to shake his hand or give him a hug. Kalinda went with a handshake, giving no hint that they were actually in a relationship. Next came Trudy, and finally Sam Miller.

"Good luck to you, Hank," she said after they shook hands.

"And to you," he replied. Then he addressed the group. "I think it's time to get on with some work."

"Before we do that, I've got an announcement to make," Kim said.

It didn't require much in the way of detective work to figure out what she was about to say. Miller had a grimace on her face right away.

"I'm going to be turning in my papers today. After my notice period is up, I'll be joining Voight Detective Services."

Hank stood in silence while the team passed on congratulations and regrets about her leaving.

"Anyone else you're going to take?" Miller asked Hank a little tensely.

"I'd take them all if I could afford them and provide work for them. But no, it's just Kim."