Suddenly, I heard a shout from the hall. I looked over to see the chief standing in the doorway. His expression had become meaner over the years now that he was getting older. The crow's feet and white hair strands gave him the perfect image of a grumpy old man.

"Meeting in 10 minutes. Be there," he said with a snare.

I didn't have a chance to respond before he walked away. I held onto the paper in my hand tightly; my eyes widened in disbelief.

I haven't been invited to a meeting since I was taken off field duty. 

Meetings are held for the chief to hand out cases to the officers selected for them, so there is no need for me to attend. As of right now my only role is to sort and file paperwork.

Could this mean I was being considered for field duty again? The possibility made my heart pound and my throat tighten. I straightened my uniform and pushed my hair back neatly while I tried to compose myself.

I didn't want to get my hopes up, but it was too late. The excitement was already welling up inside me. This is what I've been waiting for.

***

The meeting room was a tight space with dim lighting. Six other officers were already crammed into the rows of seating, so I opted to stand at the back near the exit. 

The chief had a whiteboard set up in front of the room with a projector running. He seemed deep in concentration, preparing to brief us on the new case. He glanced around the room, ensuring everyone had a clear view before starting.