When Duty Kills

With the experience from my previous life, I was able to stabilize the bomb on Mike quickly.

After removing the main device, my vision went black, and I collapsed to the ground.

My colleagues rushed me to the hospital.

Sometime in the middle of the night, a sharp, acrid gas suddenly flooded my nose. I lost consciousness instantly. I don't know how long passed before I forced my eyes open again.

My right hand was locked tightly to the table by an icy chain.

Under the dim light, I made out a familiar figure.

"Erica!"

The hand gripping my wrist hesitated for a split second.

I struggled against the chair, summoning every ounce of strength I had.

"Erica, it's you, isn't it? Let's talk. Please, let me go! I saved Liam! I really did!"

She fell silent for a moment, then let out a low sigh.

"You did keep him from being held accountable by Mayor Bowser… but you also made him bear everyone's blame. I'm sorry, Andrew. If you truly want to help him, then you'll have to sacrifice this hand.

"As long as everyone believes you were the one who defused the bomb—and that Liam was the one who really saved the day—he can start over. I'll handle the records. I'll take care of our colleagues. Andrew… just help me this once, okay?"

I stared at her in disbelief.

"Erica! Do you even hear yourself?!"

The utility knife in her hand lifted suddenly. I jerked back in panic.

"I'm a police officer! If you cripple my hand, how am I supposed to go on missions ever again?!"

The blade froze midair. In the dim light, a flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes.

"Don't be afraid, Andrew. I'll take care of you for the rest of your life."

"Wait!" My voice tore from my throat. "If you do this, you'll ruin yourself too!"

She shook her head gently.

"Chief Johnson brought me into this line of work. He won't abandon me. I'll still wear this uniform, and I can keep protecting you."

"He's already given up on you!" I yelled.

Her body stiffened, but she forced out a faint smile.

"No. He hasn't."

"Ahhh!!!"

Agony exploded through me, shattering every last shred of reason. I couldn't stop the scream that ripped from my throat.

Just to help Liam, Erica actually went through with it.

I could no longer feel anything in my right hand. I didn't dare look. I didn't dare imagine what it looked like now.

"It's over. Don't be afraid, Andrew."

She wrapped my mangled wrist gently in a towel, even lowering her head to press a soft kiss against it.

"I'll stay with you. I promise."

"Get lost!"

My voice trembled so badly that it barely formed words.

"Andrew."

"I said get away from me!"

She slowly released me and took a step back.

"I'm sorry, Andrew. But until everything is settled, you'll have to stay here. Liam's reputation can't be ruined."

I laughed as tears streamed straight down my face.

"Are you that afraid I'll tell the truth?"

"I'm sorry."

With that, she closed the door and left.

My world plunged into complete darkness, and my consciousness slowly faded, sinking into oblivion.