Winterfall

“Jasper, how are you feeling?” I questioned him as he closed the door behind him. I could sense something was off with him. Part of me pieced the puzzle together, but the other part did not want to believe it.

“Much better, thanks for asking Captain. That week off was needed.”

“And your wounds?”

“All healed, no thanks to you.”

I nodded. I had used several spells before Maria bed-bound me to heal him as much as possible. It was my fault he was put in that position after all.

“Captain, there’s something else.”

“What is it, Jasper?”

“I have talked things over with Juilete; I know what happened that day, and with a baby on the way…” He paused, and he was hesitant to say it. I knew he was worried I’d be upset with him for leaving the force. Part of me was, I was losing a damn good guard, but the other part of me knew the reason and understood why. “We have decided it was best for me to leave the force.”

The room grew a bit thick as he waited for my response. Like I said, I figured this was coming, but it still sucked all the same. “Jasper, I’ll miss you as an Elite, but I get it. You have a family you have to look after now. And after your incident, I don’t blame you. I do have to ask, how long have I left with you as my guard?”

He smiled at me. I could tell the worry of me snapping or yelling at him over this faded. “Today. Today is my last day.”

I didn’t know how to comprehend this. I hoped I would have had more time with him, but I got it. His wife wants him home safe. “Well, let’s make the best of your last day as an Elite.” I sent out a group message to all of my Elite guards. Rounds on me tonight. Party at Phoenix Tavern and Inn. Jasper’s throwing in the towel.

“Captain, you don’t have to.”

“Now Jasper, I want to. Call it a celebration of a job well done.”

“I hope you are prepared to pay over five hundred gold tonight.”

“Don’t you worry about that? Invite Juilete, and I’m sure I can get Maria there, too.”

“I don’t think the partying scene is up Juilete’s ally nowadays. I’m lucky if I can get her to leave the bathroom for more than five hours a day.”

“That morning sickness is still kicking her ass?”

“Most definitely. The nurse thinks twins.”

“It's Going to be a full house then. Congratulations.” At this point, I stood up, walked over to him, and hugged him. “I will miss you on the force.”

“Thanks, Captain. Now, enough of this gushy stuff. Can we get to work?”

“You bet.”

We left my office, closed the door behind us, and took to the streets, running through the shadows. An hour later, we finished the round without any accidents.

“I’ll see you later, Jasper.”

I waved him off so I could get caught up on my paperwork.

It does not surprise me that he is leaving. I told Maria.

I completely get it. He died, he wants to make sure he is there to be able to raise his kids.

Are you going to his party tonight?

I definitely wouldn’t miss a drink at the Phoenix Tavern and Inn. You remember what happened the last time we were there, right?

Yes, but this time, we can go as we are. No disguises are needed.

Can we sneak off to a room?

Probably not. Though the Elites know we are a thing, they wouldn’t bat an eye if we disappeared for an hour. Or two.

Fair enough. It’s almost time for me to meet Marcel again. Hopefully, he has cleaned up his act.

Don’t set the bar too high on that one.

You’re right. I’ll let you get to your paperwork.

Thank you, Maria—one more thing.

What’s that?

I love you.

I love you, too.

I felt the connection fade as I stared at the countless documents across my desk. This was going to be a long day for me.