Keeping Faith

Chapter Thirty-Six: Going Home

    David drew in a deep breath. He was finally going home. He couldn't wait to sleep in his own bed and be surrounded by the people he loved. Home was a place where he was safe.

A place where he didn't have to be anyone other than himself and that suited him just fine. He had enough of pretending. It was going to be an adjustment going back, but he'd be alright. He didn't have a choice. Everyone was counting on him. They needed him back and he wanted to be back.

He was happy that Carlos had agreed to come along too. Seems he didn't have anything to tie him to Chicago anyway. He and Anthony would make a good team. Although it was a bittersweet moment for him when he learned the news. He had hoped that Anthony would become Tony's new partner once he left.

Of course, no one had any idea he was leaving yet. But he hated the fact of Tony having to brake in a new partner. They had worked together since they graduated from the academy.

David sighed. How was Tony going to react to him leaving the force? How would his brother react to his declining Jack's offer to join the FBI? He wasn't even sure how he felt about it. It was always his dream and now he was throwing it away.

But there would be new dreams. New adventures. He stayed awake all night praying to God for the wisdom to make the right decision and for peace. He still loved the law, but he could serve anymore. Not now, yet he prayed that one day he would find the courage to return to the career he loved. But for now, stepping away might be the best thing for him. A fresh start with a new perspective.

He exhaled as his thoughts went to Faith. He wanted nothing more than to hold her and tell her how much he loved her, but after seeing him in such a vulnerable state, he feared her opinion of him was not very high now.

He hadn't exactly shown her much affection when she came out here to join him. Of course, he had been in no condition physically or mentally to do so. He only hoped she could find it in her heart to give him another chance. She was the one he wanted. He knew he didn't deserve her, but she was the only one for him. Had always been the one.

He settled into his seat on the plane with Max in the seat beside him. Another friend who had always been there for him through thick or thin, no matter what mood he was in. Max was always there loving him unconditionally. Wanting nothing more than to be by his side and be loved in return.

David smiled as combed his figures through Max' fur and wondered how Max would like just being a pet now and no longer an officer. It would be a change for him too. Being an officer was in both of their DNA's.

David pulled out a pen and paper and began to write the hardest letter of his life. One that would terminate him from the police force: his letter of resignation. He sighed, he could do this. It was for the best.

Dear Chief Howard,

First, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve under your command for the past eight years. In that time, I have been able to command and work with some of the finest police officers I have ever known. Under your guidance we worked long and hard to make the Dallas P.D. the best police department possible.

It is will a heavy heart and enormous regret that I ask you to please accept this letter as notification of my resignation from my role as Captain of the Dallas, Texas Police Department effective immediately.

I want to thank you personally for your constant support and loyalty. I truly hope that one day we will be able to work together again.

Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Sincerely, David R.