Chapter 15: Joining the Police Department

Jimmy hadn’t slept well all night, waking several times in the dark, plagued by fears that someone might break in and take him out, or cause a gas leak that would silently suffocate him. His mind raced through countless scenarios straight out of movies.

Early the next morning, Jimmy washed up, changed into fresh clothes, and set off for the police station. Some things were better clarified in advance—at least to have some assurance of safety.

When he arrived, the chief hadn’t yet come in. Jimmy entered Amy’s office, finding her alone.

“Amy, do you know how the chief has arranged things for me?” Jimmy asked quietly.

“Wait until the chief arrives and ask him yourself. I haven’t received any follow-up instructions,” Amy replied helplessly. Such matters were beyond the authority of an assistant.

Jimmy shrugged and left Amy’s office, making his way to the break room to brew a cup of coffee. He read the newspaper, waiting for the chief to arrive.

“Good morning, Chief James,” Jimmy greeted as the chief finally appeared after a long wait.

“Hi, Jimmy, good morning. Come with me,” the chief said, leading him into his office.

“Jimmy, your paperwork will take a few more days—about a week. Come back next week to collect your equipment. Anything else you need? If not, you can head home for today.”

“Chief, just one question. I’m not asking about the backstory. I only want to know if my identity is a scapegoat role, or if there’s some danger involved. You know, the kind of danger I’m worried about?”

“Sounds like you thought a lot about this last night. Jimmy, I can assure you there’s no danger. This is a very clean identity. You just happen to fit it: your background, single, Asian, young, reliable. Feeling reassured now?”

“So, is the person I replaced a federal agent? FBI? CIA?”

“That’s not for you to know, Jimmy. I warn you again—don’t ask too many questions. Just know you’re very clean now.”

“What, then, can I get?”

“A brand-new life, a fresh start, a new career, no loans, no credit card debts, no criminal record, not even any traffic violations.”

“Last question: when I start working at the station, will others know? I cooperated with some people during my AP.”

“I’ll handle that. Any other questions?”

“No, chief. I’ll head back now.” Jimmy turned and opened the door to leave the chief’s office.

Jimmy decided to accept this new identity. For one, it was undoubtedly better than his previous one—not just because it was a police identity, but also because he didn’t know if his old identity carried hidden risks. After all, how could an Asian man survive in San Francisco but end up homeless in Arkansas? This new identity was exactly what he needed, sparing him unknown dangers. Secondly, the chief’s lengthy explanation indicated the matter was complicated—either the identity itself or those handling it were not ordinary. The cover from above was heavy.

The best approach was to fully embrace this new identity, forget the old one, and stay alert for any contact from agencies like the FBI or CIA, to see if he might need to work for them. Of course, Jimmy hoped for no further complications and a peaceful life.

Things were as they were. As the saying went, if it’s happening, then enjoy it.

Jimmy first withdrew his savings, knowing his old identity would soon be unusable. He didn’t want to be locked out of his own funds—though not a huge sum, it was nearly all he had.

As for opening a new bank account, he’d wait a while.

He submitted his resignation to Jon and spent the next few days waiting at home. He should have gone out to clear his mind, but his mood was too heavy. The most unsettling thing was that the shoe hadn’t dropped yet.

A week later, Jimmy received a call on the building’s public phone from Amy, informing him to come to the station. He tidied up and took a taxi over.

Arriving at the station, he saw Chief James standing by the office door. The chief waved him in and handed him a folder.

“All your paperwork is complete. Here are your credentials and a copy of your contract. Go see Amy to pick up your gear. Head home for today, and come back at 7 a.m. tomorrow.”

“Thank you, chief. Goodbye.” Jimmy went to Amy, collected his uniform, badge, and locker key. The duty belt and firearm would be picked up from the armory.

He stowed his belongings in the locker and went home again.

Though it seemed simple, everything had been prepared in advance—the agreements signed, the inventory lists ready, with the armory already informed. Jimmy just had to show up and collect everything.

The next day, Jimmy arrived early at the station, retrieved his uniform from the locker, and changed. The familiar tan shirt and green pants, black boots, and county police badge made him feel considerably more spirited. Without a patrol scheduled, he left his duty belt and gear behind—no need to wear the full outfit.

In the lobby, several familiar faces awaited him: three county officers—Noah Hobert, Mason Pittman Gilbert, and Ellie Holly—along with the chief and Amy.

“Congratulations, Jimmy. On behalf of the department, welcome aboard,” the chief said, leading the applause. The others joined in with smiles.

“Thank you, I’m honored to join and work alongside all of you.”

“Okay, Jimmy, Noah will take you around to get familiar. Ask him anything,” the chief began assigning tasks. “Noah, have Jimmy patrol with you to learn the local community. Everyone else, handle your own assignments. Dismissed.”

“Yes, sir!” came the chorus.

“Jimmy, gear up first. I’ll meet you in the parking lot,” Noah said. A veteran officer, Noah had already put on his equipment while changing.

Jimmy returned to his locker, strapped on his duty belt—spare magazine, radio, baton, key pouch on the left; holster and two handcuff holders on the right. The weight was manageable. Since his rebirth months ago, he had maintained his fitness and worked in a restaurant, never lacking food. Physically, he had regained strength—no bulky muscles, but well-proportioned—standing 183 cm tall, weighing 75 kg. He was no longer the thin boy who had just arrived.

Fully equipped, Jimmy walked to the parking lot where Noah was already sitting in a police cruiser, engine running. Noah checked Jimmy’s gear, shook his head, and told him to get in. They drove out of the station to a remote location.