At the Devonshire Division of the LAPD, Watch Commander Tony Mancuso read off the car assignments, then scanned his officers in roll call. His eyes settled on the lone officer sitting in the front row. “Officer Price, why don’t you give us your one minute—one second?”
Josie sprang to her feet. “Yes, sir,” she said in a strong voice. Turning on her heel, she faced the other officers working day watch.
She took a deep breath and began. “I’m Josie Price. I was born and raised in Reno, where I lived until I was accepted into the police academy. Prior to that, I was in sales at a senior living facility. My only sibling, my brother, was a Marine and was killed in Afghanistan. His dream was to become an LAPD officer. Before he went overseas, he told me to make a difference in the world. After he died, I decided to fulfill his dream, and become an officer. I have a cat named Jackson, I like country music, and I’m happy to be here.”
She gave a bob of her head and sat, turning her attention to the watch commander.
“Good job, Price. Welcome.” He looked at the rest of the room. “The Mall Mob hit yesterday at the San Marino Esplanade—a small shopping center near Pasadena.”
From behind her, Josie heard a loud voice.
“Yeah, it’s an alternative place to shop for all the rich asshats who won’t go to Beverly Hills because ‘the hills’ got such a crime problem.”
Other officers snickered.
“I knew you’d have something to say, Bender,” Mancuso said, shaking his head. “But seriously, one suspect brandished a handgun as the crew was making their getaway. They’re escalating.”
“Sounds like someone who wants to get dumped, and I’d be happy to oblige,” said someone behind Josie.
The watch commander stiffened.
Josie sensed a shift in the room’s mood as it fell silent.
“Romanelli, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with taking a life. It’s probably best to not joke about it.” Mancuso looked over the room. “Okay, guys, have a good day. Be safe out there.” He closed his notebook, rose, and walked out the door.
Officers pulled themselves from the molded plastic chairs and shuffled out the door.
Josie cleared the doorway and was met by a tall, husky officer.
“Officer Price, I’m your training officer. Call me Bender. You know where the kit room is?”
“Yes, sir. At the bottom of the stairs.”
“Great. Get our equipment, and I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”
“Yes, sir.” She turned and bounded down the steps.
When she got to the kit room, she stood in line behind another female officer.
Her name was Lolo Paloma. Josie had met her in the locker room prior to roll call.
Lolo turned to face her. “I’ll help you get your gear. You’re working with Lurch. He’s a jerk. Just let him talk to you about football and pretend to be interested. He likes that.”
“Thank you.” Josie hesitated. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
Josie lowered her voice. “What happened at the end of roll call when Romanelli said he’d dump the guy brandishing a gun?”
Lolo sighed and whispered back, “Lieutenant Mancuso is really sensitive about shootings. A few years ago, he shot and killed his sister.”