The Crossroads Of Duty: The Pineworth Chronicles, #1

By K.E.W.

"The Crossroads Of Duty" is a gripping book that follows the life of James, a dedicated and compassionate school resource officer determined to protect and serve his community. Set in the fictional town of Pineworth, Ga, James faces personal and professional struggles as he navigates through the challenging world of law enforcement within the school environment.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: White Quill Writings
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215250105

K.E.W.

K.E.W. is the pseudonymous voice behind a budding literary journey, merging the worlds of law enforcement and storytelling. Having served within law enforcement since 2016, and as a deticated school resource officer from 2021, K.E.W. draws inspiration from these experiences.Through their writing, K.E.W. seeks to illuminate the intricate struggles inherent in upholding the law whilechampioning social justice reform. Their poignant narratives delve into these complexities, aiming to resonate particularly with the young minds frequenting the hallways of local public schools. K.E.W.'s debut works offer thought-provoking insights and inspiring tales woven from the fabric of their unique career path.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Hearing the Call

THE AIR HUNG HEAVY with the stifling heat of midday, saturating the city streets with an oppressive humidity that clung to Officer James Thompson's uniform like a second skin. Beads of sweat trickled incessantly down his forehead, merging with the trail of dampness that had formed at the base of his collar. As he sat behind the wheel of his squad car, the scorching sun glared through the windshield, casting an unforgiving glare that penetrated even the darkest shades.

The monotonous drone of the radio offered a fleeting distraction from the sweltering afternoon. The dispatcher's voice crackled through the speaker, urgency ringing in its static-laden tone. Unit 7-Alpha responded to a shooting incident. Juvenile, 17 years old, wounded. Over. A shooting incident. A juvenile, only 17 years old, wounded. His heart raced as he gripped the steering wheel, knuckles turning white under the pressure. The mention of a young victim always evoked a unique blend of concern and determination within him.

With a surge of adrenaline, he switched on the siren and maneuvered the car through the teeming arteries of the city. The asphalt blurred beneath his tires as he navigated the maze of streets, his focus honed on reaching the scene with utmost haste. Thompson knew that time was of the essence, that each passing second could make the difference between life and death.

As he neared the address provided by the dispatcher, a foreboding sense of dread permeated the air. The vibrant hues of summer that once adorned the city faded into a backdrop of sorrow and despair. His chest tightened with a mixture of empathy and resolve. He had witnessed the devastating aftermath of violence far too many times, especially during the sweltering summer months when tensions often ran high.

The scene before him was a tableau of tragedy, an embodiment of fractured lives and shattered dreams. A cluster of onlookers had gathered, their faces etched with a cocktail of worry, shock, and disbelief. The instincts kicked in as he wove his way through the crowd, placing one foot before the other with careful precision.

Kneeling down beside the wounded 17-year-old, he felt a palpable connection. In that moment, the surrounding cacophony became a muffled symphony, with only the urgent beat of his own heart resonating in his ears. He called for medical assistance over the radio, knowing that every