Sunflower

Chapter Twenty-Five: Before you go

EOW or End of Watch is the traumatic letters heard through over radio after an officer is Killed in the Line of Duty. I have only heard it once in my life... for my grandpa in which they also included my grandma. A drunk driver hit my grandpa's patrol car while he drove my grandma from the Ferry to the apartment where my dad and I were waiting to go to the Nutcracker Ballet at McCaw Hall. 

"What do you want to do today munchkin?" My dad asked. 

"Well, I want to go say hi to Reyes and Kogin." 

"They're working today." 

"Okay looks like I'm going to Seattle," I laughed. 

My dad stopped what he was doing and looked at me, "Uh, no." 

"Why? You've never had a problem with me going to Seattle." 

"Just no, Kova." 

"What's going on in Seattle Dad?" 

"Capitol hill... the protesters have now occupied 6 blocks of it. Police aren't allowed in. So far there's been two deaths." 

"But what about the east Precinct?" 

"No longer active. They moved everything out in a truck a few days ago. They had to give it up to the protesters so now that area is called CHOP, Capitol Hill Occupied protest or something like that. Anyway, that area of Capitol Hill is now off-limits... I just don't want you up there right now." 

"What if I promise to stay by Reyes's side the whole time?" 

"That's really not helping your argument." 

"Dad please?" 

"Do you promise to avoid trouble like you're allergic?" 

"Yeah."  

"I don't need you getting killed trying to play hero alright. Don't run into any situation that puts you in danger." 

"Yes Sir." 

"And stay with Reyes the whole time. The whole time." 

"Yeah okay." 

"I mean it Kova!" 

"I get it, dad." 

"And I'm driving you up there." 

I rolled my eyes, "Fine." 

Once we hit the city the traffic immediately slowed down but my dad called Reyes while we sat in traffic, "Ah Rey Rey where are you?" 

"Sitting in front of a Dicks eating my food why?"

"Which one?" 

"Queen Anne." 

"Okay." 

"Why?" 

"I have a present for you?" 

"Ominus but okay." 

We pulled up next to the blue car and Reyes noticed my dad first, "What was the present?" 

I closed the door and Reyes dropped the fries, "Welcome back Chica!" He ran to me picking me up and swinging me around. 

"I missed you too Reyes." 

He looked me up and down, "Did you lose weight?"

"What?" I laughed and lightly shoved his shoulder. 

"Alright I let you, two children have fun. But like Kova, Don't be a hero remember?" 

"Yes, dad."