NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE, Part 1: Guarding the Broken

Chapter 2

~ Ashton Taylor ~

Sweat was running down my back as I stood there, straight as a poker, eyes front, hands down by my sides like I'd been taught. The blistering midday sun was beating down on me while I was decked out in full S.W.A.T uniform, including black, army style pants that have over a dozen pockets, black T-shirt, black tactical vest and jacket. They liked us to look good for these things.

"How long are they gonna make us stand here? I'm fucking dying!" Nate, my partner, hissed at me through his teeth.

"Not long now; Weston's started to get hungry. See how he's shifting in his seat? He'll wrap this up soon and head straight for the buffet," I whispered back jokingly. Nate grinned and glanced over at our commanding officer. As if on cue, Officer Weston rose to his feet. "Buffet table here we come," I mumbled. Nate laughed next to me, quickly turning it into a cough when Officer Weston raised one eyebrow in warning.

"Attention, graduates. Training teams are going to be announced. For those of you that graduated top two in the class," Officer Weston said, glancing at me and Nate proudly, "you will remain behind because you've already been assigned to departments."

I smiled at those words. Nate and I had graduated top two of our year, with me in first place and it was an honour to be assigned to a department straight from graduation. It didn't happen particularly often, and you were only offered it if your reputation was known of in high places. The two of us were a wicked partnership, and apparently I had been headhunted for a special mission of 'utmost importance', or so Weston had informed me this morning.

My insides squirmed in anticipation. I was hoping for SWAT Front Line; they were the guys who were always first on site, who always saw action, but I knew it wouldn't be that. No one had ever gone into that team without at least ten years' field experience. They were the best of the best, and usually they only had an opening if someone died or requested a transfer. I knew that neither had happened recently, but I still couldn't help but hope.

Officer Weston finally finished his speech, and the guys all trailed off towards the hall, where they had laid on a buffet of stale sandwiches and potato chips. No expense spared. No one minded though because my entire graduating year was hitting a bar tonight in celebration, and I was planning on getting wasted.

Nate and I waited behind as requested. "Taylor, Peters, follow me," Officer Weston ordered, walking into his shabby office. He sat down behind his desk and motioned for us to sit. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. "Right, Peters, your presence has been requested at Division Six," he said proudly. I grinned happily and slapped Nate a high-five.

"Oh shit yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Nate shouted, jumping out of his chair and pumping the air with his fist.

"Sit down, Nate," Weston laughed, shaking his head in amusement.

Division Six was a fantastic opportunity; he would get direct field experience, and they also had specialised areas which they could train you in. Nate wanted to be a sharp shooter and was incredible with long-range shooting.

"Okay, so they want you from Monday. You'll report to Officer Tate at 9 a.m. sharp. Don't be late. Here's your file, make sure you read it," Weston stated, handing Nate a brown envelope.

"Yes, sir, and thank you, sir," Nate answered, saluting respectfully, yet grinning moronically.

"Okay, Nate, you go enjoy the food. I need to speak to Ashton in private," Weston instructed, nodding for him to leave. I slapped Nate another high-five on his way past, silently praying that I got something as good as his. Officer Weston waited until the door closed before he spoke. "Ashton, you've been requested for something important. You're not going to like this," he winced, shaking his head.