Insane - Who Are You To Judge? (Gripping Psychological Thriller)

Chapter 41 - Harry

Old Bernie's isn't exactly the shining jewel of Southhurst. Its foundations are on the verge of disintegrating, its windows are covered in mould and it has had hardly any modifications done to its Victorian setting. Even in the summer months, the pub has a cold draught wafting through it. Harry always makes sure to wear a warm coat when he pays a visit to Old Bernie's.

Once they have cheers-ed, Harry asks, "So, how's the old mutt?"

"Oh you know, she's the same old same old, doesn't stop nagging me as always—" James stops abruptly and smiles, "oh you mean the dog? Oh yeah, he's good too. The kids love him and the wife is warming to him."

"I haven't seen him round the office lately, I thought maybe he'd found a new home."

"Oh no, no. I don't think the kids would let him leave even if we wanted him to. No, the Mrs has been at home for the summer holidays."

For some reason, the atmosphere between them seems tense today. Harry thought it was just a bad conversation with the Chief, but now he's not so sure. James isn't the kind to brood – and it seems like that's all he's done this afternoon.

"Listen, mate," James suddenly speaks up after a couple minutes of silence. There's a shakiness to his voice that isn't there normally. "I've got something to tell you." His words are slow and hesitant.

Harry assures him, "of course, you can tell me anything. What's up?" He is eager to know what is on his friend's mind, mainly because he hopes whatever it is, it's the reason he is acting so strange.

"I've decided to retire."

Harry certainly wasn't expecting him to say that. "Shit, really? Why?"

James sighs and drops his shoulders. "I've been at this job for forty years. I joined when I was your age." He pauses to guzzle down some more of his beer. "I love it, of course I do, but I'm exhausted. I don't think I quite realised how tired of this I was until that GR case popped up in March. I realised that I have been in this job since before he even started. That makes me feel so...old. I don't know, I just want to try something new.

"I never see my kids," he declares. "I mean, when I get home in the evenings they're already in bed and sure, I see them on the weekends, but look at today for example. Today I am meant to be at my boy's football game but because I'm the highest ranking detective who has been on the case for the longest, I had to come in on my day off to work on the GR case. I went and told Chief this afternoon."

Harry is sure this explains his strange behaviour. "So, you're leaving soon, then?"

"No," he assures him, "I didn't hand my notice in to Chief, I just notified him that I am definitely retiring and it is definitely soon. I think I'm aiming for the end of this year, so I can be home for the Christmas holidays."

Harry grabs his friend's shoulder and stares him straight in the eye. "Well, I'm sure going to miss having you around. I'll have to tolerate some other sergeant watching over my every move."

James shoves him playfully. "Who knows, maybe we'll have this case solved before I leave. That'll sure be a nice going away present."