Paul Blaisdell must now leave his family, his friends and his life as a police officer to battle his demons; or at least that is what he has told them. It has been a difficult departure, as he has had to say goodbye to those he loves...including a man he has called a close friend for over twenty-three years, and a man that despite the cold steel of his ex-mercenary façade, is having perhaps the hardest time accepting his departure...and the final goodbye that must be said between them...

Part of the "Ties that Bind" series -- This story can stand on its own, however, parts of it are referred to in the story "A Moment of Truth."

Despite his best efforts, Detective Tom Ryan is having one of those days.