“Do you believe that?”

“I’m not sure. But Quint believes it. God, how he believes it.”

“Then let him go. Let him get killed.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“It’s my job.”

“It is not your job!” She was furious, and scared, and tears began to well behind her eyes.

Brody thought for a moment and said, “No, you’re right.”

“Then why?”

“I don’t think I can tell you. I don’t think I know.”

“Are you trying to prove something?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. I didn’t feel this way before. After Hooper was killed, I was ready to give up.”

“What changed your mind?”

“Quint, I guess.”

“You mean you’re letting him tell you what to do?”

“No. He didn’t tell me anything. It’s a feeling. I can’t explain it. But giving up isn’t an answer. It doesn’t put an end to anything.”

“Why is an end so important?”

“Different reasons, I think. Quint feels that if he doesn’t kill the fish, everything he believes in is wrong.”

“And you?”

Brody tried to smile. “Me, I guess I’m just a screwed-up cop.”

“Don’t joke with me!” Ellen cried, and tears spilled out of her eyes. “What about me and the children? Do you want to get killed?”

“No, God no. It’s just …”

“You think it’s all your fault. You think you’re responsible.”

“Responsible for what?”

“For that little boy and the old man. You think killing the shark will make everything all right again. You want revenge.”

Brody sighed. “Maybe I do. I don’t know. I feel … I believe that the only way this town can be alive again is if we kill that thing.”

“And you’re willing to get killed trying to—”

“Don’t be stupid! I’m not willing to get killed. I’m not even willing—if that’s the word you want to use—to go out in that goddam boat. You think I like it out there? I’m so scared every minute I’m out there I want to puke.”

“Then why go?” She was pleading with him, begging. “Can’t you ever think of anybody but yourself?”

Brody was shocked at the suggestion of selfishness. It had never occurred to him that he was being selfish, indulging a personal need for expiation. “I love you,” he said. “You know that … no matter what.”

“Sure you do,” she said bitterly. “Oh, sure you do.”

They ate dinner in silence. When they were finished, Ellen picked up the dishes, washed them, and went upstairs. Brody walked around the living room, turning out lights. Just as he reached for the switch to turn off the hall light, he heard a tap on the front door. He opened it and saw Meadows. “Hey, Harry,” he said. “Come on in.”

“No,” said Meadows. “It’s too late. I just wanted to drop this by.” He handed Brody a manila envelope.

“What is it?”

“Open it and see. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Meadows turned and walked down the path to the curb, where his car was parked, lights on and motor running.