How did I get here? (2)

28 December, Central Police Station, City K

Coming back to the present John, realised that that disclosure from Lexi had changed the direction of his life.

Nine years Ago, City K

Thinking back, as he remembered Lexi told him that she had accompanied Matthew when he enlisted, and as everyone had disowned him, she was listed as his next of kin. That morning she had been contacted by military doctors requesting her permission for treatment as he was unconscious, and she did not know what to do. After a discussion with him, Lexi quickly made the call and authorised the treatment.

John however was angry, not only at himself but at everyone else for putting Lexi in that position. As an adult, Matthew had made a choice, but their actions were forcing Lexi into a situation that she should not be. Once she finished her call, John turned and apologised to Lexi for his actions and promised that he would be there to help her in the future.

The look of relief on her face, made him realise that he needed to be honest with himself, and asked if he could talk to her about his options. Having a non-judgemental friend made that easier for him in laying out his options.

Lexi stopped him, and her words even today 'John, Matthew and I when we discussed what he was going to do, concluded that if he did not follow his dreams, he was always going to regret his choices. You need to do the same. I always thought you and Matthew would be the two that did not join the family business. Make your choice but talk to your family.'

After thanking him, she left. John recalled sitting there in deep thought for some time, and realised Lexi was right, he really did not want to join the family company, but wanted to join the police, so it meant that he needed to talk to his dad. He called his father, who agreed to see him. He was pleasantly surprised that his father was not angry.

As he said, he was not going to stand in the way of his children's dreams, they just had to figure them out. If joining the police was what he wanted, he would support it even if others in the family would not. The only promises that he extracted was that he would complete a university degree at some time, and ask for a posting in City K, but would always be open to joining the family business in the future.

From there he quickly joined the police force. His academic results at High School, quickly had the police agree to sponsor his university studies, in languages and the newly created area of intelligence studies. He was able to enter university without Andrew, Steven and Paul truly knowing what was happening. He challenges of juggling study; police training and work was life changing.

Lexi had been right, making his own decisions was the right way to go, but importantly he knew that if he ever left the police force his degree and experience within the police force would allow him into an executive position within the family company.

It was, if he recalled right about four months after Lexi's hurried wedding, when on one of his last normal patrols he intercepted a speeding vehicle that his secret was out within their circle. Sally unusually had not spilled his secret to anyone.

The car he intercepted happened to be driven by Andrew, and there was a very drunk Steven and Paul in the back seat making an absolute nuisance of themselves, calling out abuse directed at police officers. It was only when Andrew spoke asking what it would take to make it go away, that he realised that the three of them would kill him.

The look of shock on Andrew's face after he stepped out of the vehicle and realised who it was priceless. He knew that the idiot would be drunk, as he had to pass up going to Chester's wedding today as he was on duty. The junior officer with him, was shocked to see, the fact that he took the keys and dragged all three of them to the police station. Andrew was charged over the drink driving, and the three of them spent the night in the cells sobering up.

However, unlike Matthew they did not shun him. They supported and helped him finish his university degree and celebrated his publicly announced achievements.

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