THE BOLAN CHRONICLES: Reading #37

37. Approximate Minutes Reading (AMR): 3

Introduction to Characters

THE BOLAN CHRONICLES

Chapter 3
A Real Live Policeman

**Hired**

(May, 1983) He had proven an average candidate in most areas, but when it came to bullshitting and leverage-via lies, Jake was anything but average. His instructors had all agreed that he looked to be a most desirable asset to the department, and they were more than happy to assist in the process, wherever and however necessary. From near day one, Officer Miller had been unusually helpful, but after the dinner and investments discussion with Jake’s dad, he’d full on led the charge to push Jake through as quickly and successfully as possible. And following the usual formalities of applications and interviews, Jake Bolan was a Bridgeport Peace Officer.

On the night that he was hired, Jake arrived home to at least a dozen cars parked in front of and across the street from his house. Several Bridgeport police officers whom Jake had befriended over the past year had called Donna and wondered if they might throw a party for him at he and Donna’s home. Donna was more than happy to oblige and went to great pains to see that everything was tidy. The officer’s wives arrived with party supplies and food and immediately began preparing for the festivity. 

Jake stared at the front door and read the diagonally stretched door sign. Officer Jake Bolan!! He smiled when he recognized the song blasting from inside the house. Every Breath You Take, by none other than The Police.

He was greeted by the crowd with a loud “Congratulations!” A long banner, stretched across the living room read, “HE’LL BE WATCHIN’ YOU!” Officer Miller patted Jake on the back and said, “Welcome to the real world, Bolan! Now you can replace that BB gun with a real piece, right?” 

The crowd laughed and Jake replied, ”Wow, I’m speechless.”

“Wonders never cease!” yelled another officer. And the crowd laughed again. 

After Jake thanked everyone for all of their support and expressed his excitement about working on the force with such great guys, Officer Miller said, “Enough with the formalities, Bolan. Let’s get this party rollin!” 

Jake turned the to partygoers and shouted, “He’s a poet cop!” And they laughed.

Miller tossed Jake a beer and replied, “Drink up, smart ass!”