I frowned and swirled the whiskey in my glass. “It’s not my thoughts that worry me. It’s what’s waiting for me when I get back.”
“Take a break. You’ve earned it. Plus, I’m tired of covering for you during those late-night paperwork marathons.”
I looked at him. “Exactly. I don’t see you taking breaks, either.”
“Yeah, well, Sandra’s been on me about that. I guess we both could use a little less work and a little more life. To unwinding.” He raised his glass, a lighthearted toast.
“To unwinding,” I said, clinking my glass with his.
The game on the TV caught my eye. The announcer’s voice got louder, and the crowd cheered as a player hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” I pointed at the screen.
“Look at that shit, pure talent. You think you could have made that shot back in your glory days?” Todd asked, grinning.
I laughed. “Please. I was more of a defensive player. I’d guard the guy and hope he missed.”
“Right, because that’s what wins championships, defense. Seriously, should shoot some hoops. Get you back in the game.”
I smirked, picturing myself trying to keep up with him on the court. “You’d just end up carrying me.”
“Damn, I was thinking the same thing.”
I sipped my drink before changing the subject. “City council’s breathing down my neck. Mayor called twice today asking when we’re releasing a statement about the protest tomorrow.”
Todd took a long sip before answering. “What’d you tell him?”
“Same thing I always do. We respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, and we’re committed to protecting public safety.”
He chuckled without humor. “The standard bullshit. Think they ever tire of hearing it?”
I swirled my drink, watching the light play in the glass. “I’m as tired of saying it as they are of hearing it. The Feds called me today, too.”
Todd’s eyebrows shot up. “About what?”
“They’re monitoring things. Said they’d send help if the protest gets out of hand. Because nothing calms a protest like guys in tactical gear with government badges.” I couldn’t hide the bitterness in my voice.
“Shit. That’s all we need.”
“My thoughts exactly. In fact, I’d like to know who the fuck is in charge because it’s supposed to be me!”
We sat quietly for a moment, the things we didn’t say hanging between us. The soft jazz playing didn’t match the tension I felt.
“How’s planning for tomorrow looking?” I finally asked.
“We’re following the plan. Barricades will keep protesters in the park. Officers will stay back unless there’s trouble. I worryabout the younger officers. We talk about trust and reform, but all they see out there is hostility.”
“Maybe there’s a reason for hostility,” I said quietly.
Todd gave me a long look. “Careful. That’s the talk that has the union wondering whose side you’re on.”
I motioned for another drink. “I just want to do the job right. If that makes some people uncomfortable, that’s on them.”
“It is your problem when you’re leading a divided department. Look, I didn’t come here to argue. I just wanted a drink with my friend, who’s carrying the weight of the city.”
The bartender set down my fresh bourbon, and I swiped a hand down my face. “Thanks. Man, it’s been a day.”
“Been a year, but you’re hanging in there better than most would.”
This was the Todd I needed, my friend, not my subordinate, questioning my leadership.
