He put the two sheets in the folder and handed it to her. “That’s everything we want in writing. The more you say, the more you might have to explain. The police department will remain open, partly to keep writing tickets and maintain order, and partly to back you up and send you anything you need. With the department still open, you’re a sworn police officer on assignment. If it’s closed, you’re a civilian.”

“I understand that. What I don’t understand is why you two want to become accessories to murder.”

Phil Haymes said, “Stein said it. We all lost people. Two years ago, we both heard you say that if the FBI didn’t find those twelve killers within two years, you were going after them yourself. Now, exactly two years later, you tell us you’re leaving. We know what you’re doing. We want you to succeed. We want them dead and you alive. What we’re doing is trying to make that more likely.”

Mayor Donaldson said, “Do you have any questions about anything, Lieutenant Hawkins?”

“How could I?” she said.

“All right. You can still think about it while you’re getting ready over the next few weeks. During the time while you’re gone, more people—ones you grew up knowing—will probably be packing up and moving away, but you’re working for them too. It’s up to you if you want to say goodbye to anybody. No matter what, City Attorney Haymes, Sergeant Tim Munson, Sergeant Art Sprague, and I are committed to staying at least another year to wait until you get back here. After you return we’ll each still have time to start deciding what we’ll do with the rest of our lives. If you change your mind, just let us know and we’ll make up another story.”

Leah put the folder under her arm and said, “It’s probably best if I’m gone in the next couple of days. The story you just spun is fine. I’d appreciate it if after I’m gone nobody contradicts that lie.”

Haymes said, “You can count on us. Even the council has no idea what they just approved, and we won’t enlighten them. Have you given any thought to who you’re going to take with you?”

“Yes,” she said. “I’m going alone.” She got up and shook their hands, then accepted a hug from Mayor Donaldson. He had been a good friend of her father’s, and she had been reminded tonight that they had a lot of the same mannerisms. He even hugged like her father. She took a last look, turned, and walked out the door of the office.

Leah walked back along the marble floor of the corridor past the council chamber toward the entrance where Sergeant Munson was taking her phone and her belt with her gun and badge out of the steel box.

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