The bar down the street from the precinct was already buzzing by the time Riley walked in. The warm, familiar scent of old wood and beer hit her as soon as she stepped inside, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filling the space. The lights were dim, giving the place a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, though the energy was anything but relaxed tonight.
It was the Six-Month Rookie Initiation Party, a milestone she, Julie, and Tim had been working toward since day one. After six grueling months on probation under the watchful eyes of their training officers, tonight was their night to let loose, a rite of passage to celebrate making it halfway through their year as rookies.
Riley scanned the room, catching sight of familiar faces. Detective Jackson was leaning against the bar, already in the middle of telling some wild story, his arms waving dramatically to emphasize every detail. Sergeant Donnelly stood near him, a grin tugging at his lips as he listened. Val was at one of the high tables, casually sipping her drink, while Brett and John were deep in conversation with a couple of the other senior officers. She frowned as she saw no sign of Luke, but shook it off as she joined Julie and Tim who were already at a table near the front.
"Ready to get wasted?" Julie grinned, nudging Riley with her elbow.
Riley smirked. "As ready as I'll ever be."
"Good," Tim added, lifting his beer, "because I plan on out-drinking both of you tonight."
Riley chuckled, shaking her head. "You always say that, and I always outlast you."
Tim shot her a mock glare, but before he could respond, Sergeant Donnelly's voice cut through the noise.
"Alright, everyone! Can I get your attention for a minute?"
The bar quieted down as all eyes turned toward Donnelly. He stood on top of one of the chairs, holding his drink in the air, looking as authoritative as he did in the precinct.
"I just want to say a few words about our rookies here," he began, nodding toward Riley, Julie, and Tim. "These three have been busting their asses for the last six months, proving they've got what it takes to wear that uniform. They've handled every challenge we've thrown their way, and even though we're only halfway through the year, I can already tell they're gonna be damn fine officers."
A round of cheers and applause erupted around the room. Riley felt a surge of pride, even though she tried to play it cool. This wasn't just another milestone—it was a reminder that she was becoming the cop she'd always wanted to be, despite everything else going on in her life.
"Now," Donnelly continued with a grin, "it's time to really initiate them."
He motioned to the bar where the bartender had set up a row of shot glasses. Three neat rows, each one filled with three different types of liquor.
Riley exchanged a glance with Julie, who looked both excited and mildly terrified.
"Line 'em up!" Donnelly ordered.
The three of them walked up to the bar, the crowd around them cheering and shouting encouragement. Julie, ever the competitor, gave Riley a determined look.
"May the best rookie win."
Riley laughed. "You're on."
"Alright," Donnelly said, grinning wickedly. "On my count, rookies! One... two... three!"
They each grabbed their first shot, downing it as quickly as possible. The burn of tequila hit Riley's throat, but she didn't pause. The second was whiskey, smoother but still hot, and the third—vodka—felt like a punch in the gut. She slammed the final shot glass down, coughing slightly as she wiped her mouth.
YOU ARE READING
Blurred Lines
Romance"I made a promise to always be there for you," he said, his voice tight with emotion. "And you're making it impossible for me to keep it." She froze at the door, her back to him, her heart pounding in her chest. The words hung in the air like a weig...
