TIME: 9:00 AM.
The morning sun peeks through the dusty blinds as the squad car pulls up to the precinct. Officer Phil Thompson parks, pops out of the driver's seat, and straightens out his wrinkled uniform shirt. As he steps into the station, a "Hip Hip Hooray!" bursts forth from his fellow cops. Streamers and a homemade cardboard sign reading "Happy Retirement, Phil!" dangle from the fluorescent lights.
Tears glisten in Phil's eyes as he grins ear to ear, waving at the assembled faces - young officers and hardened veterans alike. He weaves through the handshakes and pats on the back, accepting hugs from the secretaries and wives of colleagues. "Can you believe it? After all these years, finally the chance to spend time with my beautiful wife and kids..."
Suddenly, the chief clears his throat. A hush falls over the crowd as he approaches Phil with a grave expression. "Ah Phil, happy retirement... but we're gonna need one last favor. Officer Davis took a bullet over on Maple Boulevard yesterday. We need you to keep things civil today while we sort it out." He looks to a young officer standing by the door. "And Officer tu here is your new partner for the day. It'll be smooth sailing - you two will be back before 5."
Phil gulps as he turns to look at his fresh-faced partner. Part of him knows the Chief is downplaying the risk to send an old timer out, but he swallows his nerves with a determined nod. "Sure thing, Chief. Let's keep this town safe one last time, huh, rookie?"
