CHAPTER 9
GREGORY EVANS woke up excited, which he had always done in the last forty years of his career, but now it was time to say goodbye and everyone agreed that he had worked more than enough.
If it's to end, let it be in style...
Greg was the most competent detective in the NYPD and was rated by many people as the greatest detective in the world, having solved every case he was involved in.
His wife had presented him with a wonderful night of love in celebration of his retirement and this would be his last day of service. The next day a new life would begin.
A new chapter for a new book...
He had no idea what he was really going to do.
— It seems so strange to know that tomorrow I won't be able to do what I love to do most in life...
— There are a lot of things to love outside of your job, honey.
Gregory smiled, hugged and kissed his wife as they danced and hummed "My way" around the kitchen. Sinatra's music couldn't have come at a better time... — And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain. (And now, the end is near. And so I face the last act...)
— What comforts me is knowing that I have you to love.
— You will always have me, darling.
They were already getting ready for another kiss, when they heard their son clearing his throat.
— I hope I'm not getting in the way of the pompoms.
'Of course not, dear, the coffee is already served.
— Congratulations, father, you are our pride.
When Greg turned around, the whole family came in and started having a big party.
— You don't exist.
Among all the guests, there were still the two adopted children that Greg and Alissa considered theirs, Nicolas Colonello and Jean Rose, who were famous Hollywood screenwriters. They had run away from the orphanage a few years ago and now they had taken over the world after the resounding success of "Nothing But Heaven".
— Glad you came this way, boys.
— We couldn't be left out, could we?
Greg hugged them both and they ate breakfast together.
— GO WITH GOD, darling.— She gave him a kiss for good luck, an act she had done all the days they were married.
— I love you.
— I love you more...
GREG ARRIVED at the police department and there was a big party in his honor, with a report in the New York Times, about his great achievements and the possible discontinuity of his legacy, since there was no one on his level.
— Thank you all, I don't even know how to thank you.
— Nothing more fair — said the superintendent — it is a pride for each of us, working with someone as amazing as you, it hurts us to know that no one can take your place, because it is irreplaceable.
— You are exaggerating.
— I wish it were a lie.
And everyone laughed.
The icing on the cake of the event was a letter from the Governor of New York, congratulating him on his incredible career and wishing him success in his well— deserved retirement. He apologized for not being able to properly award him a medal, however, he knew that Greg already had all the most important ones in the country.
When they were alone in his office, the superintendent called him over.
— I know that today, in theory, is your last day here, but the President still needs one last favor.
Greg's heart raced, he had applied for retirement because he was no longer in the youth rhythm.
— Of course, sir, it will be an honor.
— It's an international mission, you'll have CIA agent status.
— I don't even know what to say, sir.
— I'm sorry I can't give you a break. It's a very delicate situation, and from what they said, they need the most privileged minds in the world and their name has certainly been mentioned.
The superintendent handed over the passport and a functional one.
— England?
— This is perhaps the most difficult mission you've faced in your entire career, Greg, there's no one better suited to help MI6 than you, I know you'll do just fine.
Greg smiled.
It was exactly what I needed...
The hard part would be explaining this to Alissa...