More groans erupted, the volunteers questioning why they were out here chasing a lost cause. Chandler fell foul of the defeatism too, his mind drifting back to Teri and their unborn child, and how unprepared they were for what was coming.

He had only met her this New Year at a party in town. And not as a guest. Being the ideal combination of young, a rookie and single, Chandler and Mitch had drawn the short straw for duty that night, allowing the rest of the force to get home to their families to celebrate. Teri was in from the coast to visit her family, using the trip as an excuse to get into mischief.

Chandler and Mitch had been called out by a neighbour concerned about underage drinking at the party next door. It was a detail neither cared much for; they were going to get shit thrown at them either way, for interrupting the party in full swing, or for throwing people out.

They entered the house to the usual barks of disapproval, insults and people desperately fleeing the uniform. Not Teri though. She confronted both of them, already obviously worse for wear, blue dress slipping off her shoulders, exposing the straps of her red bikini. Easily towering over her, Chandler requested the owner of the house to make themselves known. Teri told them both to leave as they were fucking up the vibe, but it was only when she shoved him in the chest that Chandler really paid attention to her and her piercing brown eyes. They were wide and as dangerous as a bushfire. Seeing she was a little drunk he prepared to negotiate with her, but Mitch wasn’t so lenient. It had only been two months, but already his partner wore the uniform like a second skin, basking in the authority and flashing his badge with a fervour that bordered on fanatic, keen to wield the power he never had as a reedy teenager.

With Mitch and Teri threatening to kick off the new year with some form of aggravated assault, Chandler was forced to wedge himself between them. Even as he ushered Mitch out the door, reminding him to stay professional – a request that only made Mitch angrier – he could feel Teri’s tiny frame jostle him insistently in the back.