wipers scraping a steady rhythm as Antony and Jack cruised Aberystwyth's streets. The police radio crackled, its hum mingling with the storm's drone. The city loomed grey and blurred, streetlights bleeding into the downpour.
"Did you get that kid who pranked you?" Jack asked, scanning the empty roads from the passenger seat.
Antony gripped the wheel, jaw tight. "Prank? Puncturing a police vehicle's a serious crime!"
Jack shrugged, eyes flicking to the rain. "Don't hang on it too much."
"He was in my sights 'til he scarpered," Antony muttered, squeezing the steering wheel.
Jack rubbed his hands, pressing them to his face against the damp cold. The radio sputtered, a garbled voice cutting through, "West A487, traffic block. Check it out."
"Another block," Jack said. "Likely this weather."
Antony nodded. "Hate it." He turned the car toward the blocked stretch, tyres hissing on wet asphalt.
They parked near the block, the patrol car's lights pulsing red through the rain. A chorus of horns blared, grating against the storm's roar. A stalled car sat ahead, waterlogged, its silencer choked. Vehicles behind it honked relentlessly.
Antony grabbed an umbrella, Jack his coat. An old lady hunched inside the car, futilely turning the key.
Antony tapped the window. "Ma'am, can you step out? We'll help you, aye."
Germany clutched Jack's hand for support, her frail frame trembling. "Oh, thank you, son."
Jack held the umbrella as she eased out. Antony tried the ignition—dead. Jack pushed the car off the road, muscles straining, rain soaking his collar.
"Where's your home, ma'am?" Jack asked, wiping water from his face.
"Two kilometres west," she said, shivering.
"We'll take you," Jack said. They helped her into the patrol car, driving through the deluge to her small house. Jack held the umbrella again, guiding her to the door, carrying her bag.
"Thank you so much," the old lady said, voice warm.
"It's our antony, ma'am," Jack replied, smiling faintly.
A long horn blared from the patrol car. "Hurry, Jack, we've got work!" Antony called.
"Bye, ma'am," Jack said, jogging back.
The old lady smiled," Cheers.
In the car, Jack settled in, rain dripping from his coat. "Why the rush ?"
Antony sighed, starting the engine. "My wife rang. Needs medicine—she's allergic to this cold. She'll be mad if I forget."
Jack smiled, drifting to a memory—his wife, leaving him on a rainy night like this. Antony nudged him, voice lighter. "How's your daughter? Is Luzy talking yet?"
"She's learning to speak," Jack said, eyes softening. "Not 'Dad' yet, though. I'm waiting."
Antony chuckled. "How's she not saying it when you're barely home?"
"She's why I'm here," Jack said. "Booked a new kids' park ride for tomorrow. Taking her."
Antony smirked. "Is there a single ride you haven't taken her on?
You spoil her rotten."
"Nah, she's the one spoiling me," Jack said, grinning.
Antony shook his head. "Best officer at the station, best dad at home."