Matthew

The station is quiet, lit by the cold glow of fluorescent lights. Officer Matthew Reyes, mid-30s, sits at his desk sipping lukewarm coffee. The radio crackles to life. “Unit 12, be advised — we’ve got a report of a female psychiatric patient who fled from St. Mary’s Behavioral Center. Caucasian, late teens, wearing a hospital gown and a gray hoodie. Last seen near Ridgewood and 5th. Approach with caution.” Matthew sets his cup down, jaw tight.

MATTHEW “Unit 12 responding. En route