The bolt slid into place, the click sounding like the final step. Giving the metal one last tug, he straightened up and walked back to the car. Sitting inside, Danny mentally went over the list of what still needed to be done.

The decision hadn’t been easy, but he knew keeping his word was vitally important to him. With a resounding slam, he closed the car door and started the engine.

‘I warned you what I would do if you did this again.’

‘I suppose saying I’m sorry won’t make you change your mind.’

A shake of his head told the answer. Reaching up, he removed an award he had received just last year. They both looked at it, filled with the memory of how and why the award was so special.

‘I still remember that case. I didn’t know if either of us would come out alive that time.’

‘Yeah, neither did I, but I didn’t do what I had to so I’d be given anything.’

‘You earned it, though.’

His skin prickled at the praise. ‘It was just the start of one of the wildest years we’ve had.’

‘Yeah, but I can think of others that came close.’

Additional citations and awards were carefully packed away and that box was the last one Danny put into the storage unit. Arrangements assured his belongings would be there should he ever change his mind.

Twice he almost decided to go back. Thoughts of what had value to him stopped him from doing so.

‘When are you going to allow me to do my job?’

‘I haven’t stopped you…’

‘But you have. These single-handed tactics can’t continue.’

He could tell he had hit the nail on the head, but he had a feeling nothing would change. Why his friend was so stubborn he didn’t know.

‘It just happened…’

‘No! What it is…is a lack of trust.’

He had hashed out this argument before and it was getting to be an old subject, one he hated. Now it was time he kept his word.

Checking his watch, he noted he didn’t have much time left. The trip to the airport wouldn’t take long and he already had his boarding pass. Thankfully, a close friend offered to help him with one last detail, his vehicle. Once parked, he unloaded his two suitcases placing them on the ground. Making sure the parking permit was displayed, he locked the door, picked up his luggage and walked towards the building, never looking back at his most prized possession.

Inside the terminal, he walked over to a row of lockers. Choosing one, he inserted his weapon, his badge and keys to his car, along with his letter of resignation. He placed the key to the locker inside an already addressed envelope and dropped it into the mail slot.

He knew both women at the counter on a personal basis and was thankful they didn’t ask him any questions when they noted the one-way ticket. Choosing a seat near the window, he watched the activities outside.

Two planes landed before they announced his flight. Getting up, he joined the crowd of people boarding. As the big silver bird began its bank to the right, it gave him one last view of the place he had called home for so many years. A single tear ran down his cheek.

“Be careful and take care of yourself. Aloha `oe my aikane.”