I  was checking out of this hellhole.

Okay, it’s not really a hellhole. It’s my life.

And it’s not as bad as I make it out to be. But it’s a life that has worn me thin.

A life which has seen too much bloodshed and gore and I’m sick of seeing the cruelty humankind can conflict on another.

I am a homicide investigator for the Rockford Police Department. Or was. I threw in the towel after an especially horrific sexual assault on a child. My heart just couldn’t take anymore.

I was told by many that what I was doing was crazy, just short of lunacy. Isn’t there a little crazy in all of us, though?

Friends and family weren’t the only ones who thought I should rethink my decision. I sold my house, my Mercedes, all my personal belongings, except what clothing I thought I would need and a few items I couldn’t part with. Like special gifts from those I love dearly. Parents. Siblings. Friends.

I chucked it all and bought an island. Yes, I said an island. Then I bought a houseboat, such as it was, to get me from here to there. And a motorcycle to get me from the water’s edge to wherever I was traveling on land. A Harley, of course. And the wave of objections rang loud and long over the land.

First, let me explain. I am a thirty-three year old woman. That was the main complaint. But you’re a woman, they said. You can’t be living all alone on an island. You can’t be sailing all over the place in a houseboat. Alone. It’s unheard of.

And, you certainly can’t be riding a motorcycle. Don’t you know how dangerous they are?

Why not? I asked. Besides, I am not alone.

I have a bull mastiff the size of a small horse who may look like a lazy mutt but given a command from me would and could rip your throat out. I call him Winston.

Then, there’s my weapon. A Glock. It’s perfection in itself. Fits my hand like a glove. Plus, I’m a crack shot. Missing a target is not an option. Living or no.

Then I have a Taser. And I don’t hesitate to use if the situation warrants it.

So, what else would I need, I ask you?

If I was a man, would there be any objections at all?

That answer would be a definite no.

But I did exactly that.

I bought my island.

And my houseboat.

I gave her a name. Saving Grace. Just like my island and my motorcycle. And Winston. She was mine.