Rating: G
Spoilers: Mild for Pizzas and Promises
Pairings: None
Category: Challenge
Kali Sandison
The 27th Precinct was awash in its usual business when the attractive woman walked into its squad room. She was conservatively dressed in navy blue slacks and a white oxford shirt. Her honey blonde hair was pulled back into a neat bun at the nape of her neck. Elaine Besbriss, civilian aide noticed the woman first.
"Can I help you?" she asked.
"I'm looking for Harding Welsh?"
Elaine instantly knew that this must be a personal matter. No one involved with the Chicago police department addressed him as Harding. In fact, there were some people who thought his first name really was 'Lieutenant'. "Is he expecting you?" she asked.
The woman consulted the clip board she carried. Being a professional she kept a straight face as she read the information before her. "I'm not sure," she replied with a slightly puzzled brow.
Elaine showed the woman to the lieutenant's office. Welsh was on the phone and motioned the women to come inside. Elaine smiled and backed away but the blonde entered.
"Look, somebody's here. I'll call you later," the lieutenant said before he hung up the phone. He gave the attractive blonde his undivided attention.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
"Are you Harding Welsh?" she replied.
"Yes," he said cautiously.
She removed the manila envelope from her clip board and handed it to him. Automatically he reached out and took it from her.
"Sorry lieutenant. You've just been served," she announced before spinning smartly on her heel and retreating from the office.
The veteran police officer stared numbly at the envelope in his hand. Automatically he reached for his letter opener and carefully slit the flap. Pulling out the document enclosed, he stared at it for a few minutes before tears welled up in his eyes and clouded his vision. He didn't know why he suddenly felt so sad. He'd known for a long time that this had been coming. But, for a long time, he'd been able to submerse himself in his work and stay in denial.
Now, there was no denying it. In his hand was the paperwork announcing that his wife had filed for divorce. He honestly couldn't say that he was surprised. Though she had moved out of their house only a few weeks ago, she had moved out of his life months before... maybe even years. No, the surprise had been that they'd remained married for as long as they did.
Divorce is not uncommon among police officers. Most of the really good ones, the ones that truly care about their work and care about maintaining law and order, have difficulty leaving the job at the office. They bring it home with them. A fortunate few are able to completely leave it behind. Others have spouses that are able to deal with it. But for many, it makes personal relationships virtually impossible.
He thought they had beaten the odds when they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary four years ago. It was hard to believe that after so long, they couldn't remain married. Oh, he admitted that they'd had their difficulties. There were the two miscarriages his wife had suffered early on. Her third pregnancy was carried to term but their daughter had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome at eight weeks of age. Of course, back then, there was even less information on the condition than there is now. 'Crib Death' was what had been placed on the death certificate, as if the baby's bed had been responsible. But through all those tragedies, they'd remained strong and stood by each other. Together, they'd made the decision to not try to get pregnant again. Together, they'd decided to become foster parents and raised two boys to maturity. It hadn't been easy. But they could take pride in the fact that, thanks to their combined efforts, there were now two more responsible, productive citizens in Chicago. And Nathan and Benjamin had been grateful enough for their efforts that they still considered the Welsh's their family, even to the point of organizing the silver anniversary celebration.
He considered fighting the divorce; thought about calling his wife and seeing if she wouldn't agree to see a marraige counselor. But deep in his heart, he knew she'd refuse. She knew as well as he did that their lives had taken different roads and they both needed to follow their own path. No, he would just call his attorney and let him know that the papers had been served let the man earn his living.
For a few moments the lieutenant wondered if Janice had told the boys yet. He thought about calling them but there would be time enough for that later tonight, after he got home. For now, he had to concentrate on work. It was time to conduct the annual employee reviews, a task he had never enjoyed. And, God help him, he was sure he'd just heard Vecchio talking about sending the Mountie undercover as a used car salesman.