Here we go again...

Trade
Policeman
Paw

Sniffing around and snooping had always been Lionel's forte, but long years on the force had worn away some of his edge, or so he felt. Days of foot-work were being replaced by hours in front of the computer and the television, gathering data that solved cases with an ease that left him cold and unfulfilled. Gone were the days of chases through the free-trade zones, frantic pursuits and the rush that came with them. He and his partner had been put out to pasture, and while his partner might be content with the occasional community event or security details, Officer Barker was tired of it all; more tired of the lack of duty than of the duty itself...and so he made his choice.

His partner was at his usual haunt, the all-night donut shop on the corner of 6th and Vine, sipping his joe as he downed yet another bismarck; he waved at Lionel idly, almost condescendingly, and Lionel gave a curt nod as acknowledgement. Anyone who knew him well, though, would recognize the bristling within, the silent seething that lingered in the tenseness of his muscles. They tensed further as his partner slowly ambled back to the the car, fumbling for his keys before chuckling as he realized that they're in the ignition. Without a second thought, Lionel Barker's paw slammed on the door lock, ignoring the stunned look from the policeman as he nosed the car into gear, it slowly rolling away into the parking lot. And with that, he was a lone wolf. A renegade.