Under the Snow

Street lights dance on icicles hanging from the rooftops and naked tree limbs. The darkening night sky is speckled in falling snow and stars. The street is covered in a blanket of white, crisp powder, like a car with a fresh coat of paint.

The city always looks best this way, making you forget about all the dirt and grime underneath. But the city seems to have a way of reminding you. It's a rather dark way of looking at things, I admit, but being a Chicago detective, I'm often exposed to the worst of the city. Still, I love her and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

"Chicago P.D! Open up!"

There are moments though that make me want to run and never come back.

"We have a search warrant!"

The wood cracks as the door is kicked in. A symphony of footsteps and "clear" sound throughout the house.

I hear rummaging at the back of the house and signal my partner. We go around back, noticing footprints coming from behind the house.

The next seconds are a blur, ending as quickly as they began. At some point, I'm tackled to the ground by my partner as shots ring out.

"Shots fired by police. Offender down."

I sit up, ready to thank my partner, when I see blood in the snow.

"Officer down!"

He is already gone, I know it, but I can't help but try to save him.

All the while, the snow comes down, cold and uncaring.