When the man who’d been shot by the sniper was finally identified as Mitch’s old partner, Lance, shockwaves rippled through the department. Lance had gone to the precinct to turn in his badge, but after talking with a friend on the SWAT team, had decided to go a different direction.
“Did the LT mention anything about how long the shooting investigation will take? Or when we can return to work?” Adam asked.
“Not specifically. I’d guess we’ll be on admin leave for at least a month. I still have to get Dr. Patrick and InternalAffairs to sign off, too, but I don’t think that will be a problem.”
“I feel like I just got here and I’m already on leave for a month.” Adam chuckled. “You eager to go back? I only ask because it doesn’t seem like it.”
Mitch had begun to wonder himself whether he wanted to go back to work. The passion for his job had waned since Jimmy’s death and never really come back.
“Honestly, I’m not sure. That’s something I’ll need to think about. I’ve been after Manuel for so long, I’m not sure what to do now that he’s dead.”
“What would you do if you weren’t a police officer?”
“I did have a crazy idea the other day. Oh, never mind, you’ll think I’m an idiot.”
He was watching the road but could feel Adam’s stare. He glanced over to see agive me a break, haven’t I earned your trust by now?look.
“Fine. I was at the hospital the other night, and after talking with Mr. B., I realized there are not many affordable places for old folks who live alone to get good care and still have some independence. There’s in-home care, but that gets expensive fast. He’s talking about hiring a nurse to come over once a day, but that still leaves him a lot of time alone. He doesn’t want to move into a retirement home to get fussed over day and night, either.”
“I’ve heard this before. It’s a real problem for lots of elderly folks.” Being a good, nonjudgmental listener was one of Adam’s best qualities. “You gonna try to help Mr. B. then?”
“Well, I was actually thinking longer term and not just Mr. B. My idea is to invest in a sort of apartment-living-meets-retirement-home kind of place. Tenants would live on their own but have easy access to a cafeteria and medical services. One of the floors could even be some sort of clinic.”
“That’s a great idea. You’ve got the money. Would you be involved in day-to-day operations?”
“Nah, that’s not really my thing. I’d just be the money in the background, help get investors and possibly help with the hiring. It wouldn’t take much time. I could do it on the side and keep my day job.”
Wanting to change the subject, Mitch asked him about Jenny.
“The engagement party is in a couple of weeks. We’re planning the wedding for August. I know it seems quick, but the boys were cool with it, so we figured why wait?”
“That’s great, man. I mean it.”
“Hey, you know how you owe me for saving your life? Twice?”
“What do you want?” he asked, resigned, knowing full well he couldn’t say no to whatever it was. The man had saved his life after all. Twice.
“I was hoping you’d be my best man.”
Mitch took a second to answer but was sincere when he did. “I’d be honored.”
“Cool. So, Maggie’s going to be Jenny’s maid of honor. What’s up with you two?”
“Oh, here we go. How did I know we wouldn’t get through the car ride without havingthisconversation?”
Adam shrugged but didn’t apologize or change the subject. “You haven’t called her.”
“Did Maggie tell you that? Or Jenny? What? Are we in high school again?” Even though it was true, how would he know?
“None of the above. I could just tell by your sunny demeanor that you hadn’t spoken with her,” he said sarcastically. “You feel guilty for not calling but don’t know where to go from here because you’re in uncharted territory, and it scares you.”
“What the fuck? You sound like a shrink!”
“Yeah, I may as well come clean on that.” Adam shrugged. “Iama shrink.”
“What?”
“You heard me. Remember when I told you I wanted to go to medical school? Well, I did. I’m a board-certified psychologist.”
