Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Police (10/12/06)
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TITLE: True Blue | Previous Challenge Entry
By David Liberto
10/18/06 -
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At late dusk, the parade float lights flashed vibrant blue, green, and white. The rising decorated figure of a mythical sea serpent towered above costumed Crewe members on different levels throwing out favors and beads into the crowds lined along the route.
Matt smiled as he watched his father leap upwards to catch beads thrown high, and with an exuberant child-like expression pass the trophy onto Matt's younger sister, Ann, who hopped in excitement with the gift in hand. Matt smiled and then scanned the immediate area locating his other siblings, cognizant of his appointed role to help his parents. All appeared in order, noting two brothers, one sister, and his beautiful pregnant mother standing next to his father who was about to jump for more Mardi Gras projectiles.
His father stopped short of leaping, pivoted to his left, and lunged forward with a speed and intensity that bolted Matt's feet to the ground in fear. Matt gasped as he finally noticed a dark figure, looking behind, fly towards his father who had prepared himself to receive. The impact evolved into a forceful embrace. Instantly, a small flash from the dark figure reflected the dancing lights of the parade float, but even quicker was the hand of his father grasping the wrist of the hand that held a short blade. Matt's wide eyes beheld his father wrenching the wrist, throwing the knife, blade first, into the soft turf beneath them. Strong hands whirled the assailant around with his back to his father and with an arm around the neck.
Matt exhaled.
He tore his eyes away to scan for his siblings and found all but Ann staring at his father. He rushed over and grabbed each one pulling them towards his mother who had backed away from the struggling man clutching at the encircling arm. After a reassuring look to his wife, his father gave Matt a nod, and then put his mouth next to the man's ear and said, "The harder you fight, the harder I have to hold, and the less you get to breathe. Relax, please."
The figure, wearing a dark-blue hooded sweatshirt and dark blue jeans wilted and the muscles in the arm around his neck minutely relaxed as his father continued, "Know that I love you as my brother and I forgive you." The dark blue body stopped moving and the head turned. "Kneel," his father commanded gently. The figure acquiesced as Matt watched his father guide the man to the ground.
"Matt, you remember seeing Mr. John a block down?" Matt realized he was being addressed and then nodded unable to speak. "Go get him quickly." Matt nodded again and bolted behind the crowd of onlookers who had made a circle around his family. He found Mr. John, his dad's friend in the police department, attempted to calmly and briefly explain, and had Officer John and other officers follow him back to his family.
The man lay on his stomach with his hands behind his back when they arrived. Officer John flew down to assist and detain, bringing the dark-blue figure to his feet and away from the crowd. With a glove presented from another officer, Matt's father retrieved the blade and presented Officer John the evidence with Matt in tow. The hood had been removed, revealing a teenager. The captive's eyes were questioningly fixed on Matt's father who responded, "Forgive you I do, but you must be held accountable." A look of consternation flashed followed by surrender as he was led away by an officer. The detainee looked back once more with curiosity, and was met with a father's gaze.
Officer John looked at Matt's father. "I'll take care of the paper work, Sergeant." Matt's father nodded. "Ask the judge to leave it be at community service under my supervision." John raised an eyebrow. Matt's father sighed but smiled, "He was young and scared. He'll be worth it."
Confusion fought with pride and love fought with fear, but finally Matt ran over to his Father and hugged his waist as they walked back towards the rest of their family.
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Just a tip-it was a little confusing when reading about the fight between the dad and the attacker. Maybe clarify it somehow? :)