“The title of this dish is Oysters and Pearls,” he says. “It is sabayon of pearl tapioca with Island Creek oysters and sterling white sturgeon caviar.”

I catch Gabriel’s sidelong glance, and it makes me giggle like a girl.

“What?” my father says.

“Nothing,” I say. Then to change the subject, “So, do you think I’m the only unemployed singer in the restaurant?”

My father glances around at the other tables. Nearly all of them are occupied by men, no doubt on expense accounts.

“I’d say the odds are even higher that I’m the only cop here,” Gabriel says. Despite the remark, I can tell that Gabriel is enjoying this.

“Well, I have some news I think you’ll find very interesting about your employment status, Ella,” my father says. “I had a conversation with Richard Trofino after court today. I’ve known Richard through the years professionally, and he said that the most fitting tribute he could make to Lauren’s memory would be to see you installed as her successor as the bureau chief of Special Victims.”

I laugh. If there’s one thing that I am certain about after today, it’s that my career as a prosecutor is over. Making an enemy of the sitting District Attorney is never the road to advancement.

“Does Richard also plan on becoming District Attorney? Because I’m pretty sure that after today, that’s the only way I’m ever going to get that post.”

“There’s another way,” my father says. “He’s going to suggest to Drake McKenney that, if you’re appointed, the mayor will support McKenney’s reelection bid. If not, the DA will find himself running against a very well-financed primary challenger next year.”

“Really? He’d do that for me?”

“Well, not entirely for you. I suspect that, in exchange for backing McKenney, the mayor will require McKenney’s support for his own reelection. But Richard said that he’s vetted the plan with the mayor, and he’s on board.”

I look at Gabriel. He’s all smiles. I know that he’s thinking that I can have it all. Chief of the Special Victims Bureau by day, rock-star Cassidy by night.

“That is certainly exciting,” I say, “but it pales in comparison to the news I’m about to share.”

“What’s that?” Gabriel says before my father can inquire.

“About our moving in together,” I tell him. “Although the address has yet to be determined.”

“Well, then,” says Gabriel, “I guess you’re not the only one at the table who’s getting what they’ve always wanted.” He’s beaming, which makes me beam right back at him.

My father reaches for his champagne. Raising his flute once again, he says, “To getting what you’ve always wanted.”

“Hear, hear,” I say.

We touch glasses as one to complete the toast.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

You’ve made it this far, why not go a little farther?