“I’m proud,” Decker reiterated, “but I have a confession to make. I’m very angry with you for joining the police.”

“Lordy-Lord, what a shock.”

“I know I’ve said it before. But this is the new part. After I got the news of the accident, my stomach was in an absolute knot. And then it hit me. I was not only angry for what you put me through by joining the academy, I was angry with myself for all the aggravation that I put my own family through—including your mother. I’ve gained a little insight and it isn’t pretty. I think I may have actually wronged your mom.”

“Mom knew that it went with the territory.”

“No, Cindy, I blindsided her. She thought I was going to become this nice liberal, upper-class tax lawyer. Going back into police enforcement wasn’t on the agenda.”

“But you were unhappy as a lawyer.”

“I was, but she wasn’t. I must have put her through hell on so many different levels. First off, I made much less money. Then I worried her to death. Also, I was never home. I’m getting paid back for my transgressions.”

“If you consider doing your job a sin.”

“Neglecting her and you was wrong.” He took his daughter’s hand. “I want to thank you for not holding it against me.”

“You did the best you could, Daddy. That’s all that we can ever ask.”

“In some ways, Cin, you are so much more mature than I am.”

Cindy choked on her words. “You know how to make a girl feel good.”

“I’m reckless when it comes to myself, but a worrywart when it comes to my family. It’s hypocritical, but I’m too old to change.”

“I don’t want you to change. I think you’re terrific.”

“Cindy, I am so honored to be your father!”

“Thank you.” Her eyes started to water. Spontaneously, she leaned over the table and kissed his cheek. “Do me a favor, Pops. Hold that thought the next time you get frustrated with me.”

23

There was no love lost between Buck the bureaucrat and me, and tragedy did not bring us closer together. He was as obnoxious as ever, wearing a black turtleneck and jeans. His hands fluttered as he growled out the words.

“We’re rather busy, Officer. Our secretary is out, and we’ve had some bad news.”

“Do tell.”

“Then perhaps you can come back tomorrow with your pesky little questions.”

As he started to close the door on me, I pushed my way in. “Please get Mr. Klinghoffner for me, Buck.”

Having lost that battle, he sat down at his desk and glared at me. “You’ll have to wait! I’m elbow deep in paperwork.”

I went over to his desk. In a single sudden motion of my arm, I cleared his desktop. “Well, now you’re not. Go get him.”

“I could have you reported!” Buck was fuming.

“Last I checked, the phone lines were open. So if you don’t have the balls to do it, go get Klinghoffner.”