To Love a Soldier by Sophie Monroe

be the end of his military career.
    “Relax,” John told me as he walked over and hugged me. “It’s all good.”
    He let go and escorted me into Brady’s arms. I was shaking. He walked outside and toward the policeman waiting at the end of my driveway. We all watched like little kids spying on their parents. I saw the policeman move his hand over his gun, as John got closer. John raised his hands and walked quicker towards the policeman.
    “Fuck!” I let out. “What the fuck?” It looked like John was going after the cop and the cop was going to pull his gun to protect himself. I ran to the front door and threw it open.
    “Stop!” I yelled, but John kept going.
    I watched as the policeman met with John on the driveway’s edge. Brady and Mandy hustled out the door and stood by me.
    “Oh, that’s the cop who showed up at the liquor store,” Mandy said, casually. I looked at Mandy and then back to John as I saw the cop extend his arm and give a quick handshake and then a one-armed hug.
    “What the fuck?” I asked, again. “I’m shitting myself here, thinking my brother’s about to get shot by a cop and they fucking hug!”
    “Sorry,” Mandy offered. “He told me on the way back the cop who showed up was a buddy he went through boot camp with years ago. This is all my fault.”
    “What’s your fault?” I asked. “We don’t even know the full story.”
    “We were leaving the store , and I saw one of the guys Mike was with at the party,” she started to explain. “I made the mistake of telling John and, before I could even blink, he was dragging this guy out of his car and around the side of the building. I ran over to stop him, but by the time I got over there, John had already hit him a few times and was tossing him into a dumpster. I mean completely tossed him in!”
    “Which guy was it?” I asked.
    “Brandon,” she said. “I guess someone saw and called the cops because he pulled up as we were leaving. In retrospect, I guess the cop was being professional and not acknowledging they knew each other. John told him that he saw Brandon digging through the dumpster and fall in and he had tried to help him out, but his hand slipped and he accidentally hit the guy in the face and he fell in again.”
    Brady burst out laughing. “Sounds plausible to me.”
    We all headed down the driveway to find out what they were talking about. John introduced us all.
    “Elizabeth,” the cop said and smiled. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
    “I’m sorry,” I said, confused. “Have we met?”
    “A few times, but it was a long time ago. I used to pal around with your brother in high school. He’s the reason I signed up for the Marines. I’m Joe. Joe Reed.”
    “Oh, Joe,” I somewhat pretended. The name was sort of familiar, but he must’ve looked very different because I didn’t recognize him. “Yeah, I kind of remember you being around.”
    “Well, it’s nice seeing you again. Sorry it has to be under these circumstances though. I’m real sorry to hear what happened. Don’t worry, he’ll get his.” Joe turned back to John. “Okay, so I pulled that scumbag out of the dumpster and tossed him against the wall. I explained to him what would happen if he reported any of this. You’re good to go, John.” He smiled. “Just remember - next time, don’t do it in public.”
    “Thanks, man,” John said, giving him another hug.
    Joe looked back as he was getting into his car. “John,” he called out. “Be safe out there.”
    John shook his head in acknowledgement. “Semper Fi, brother.”
    We all watched in relief as Joe pulled away.
    “See, you worry too much,” John said, taking me under his arm and we walked back to the house.
    “How’s Joe doing?” my mom asked, smiling at me because she had known it was him all along.
    “He’s doing great,” John answered.
    “I can’t believe you knew this guy and didn’t say anything!” I yelled at my mom.
    “Yeah, I see him now and then