When they arrived at the hotel, Justice removed his uniform and took a long, cool shower. The water sluiced down his back as he propped his arms against the tile and hung his head. What had he gotten himself into? He felt as though someone had slammed a meat cleaver into his head, but he needed to figure out a few things before he went to bed.
Justice dressed in a pair of navy sweatpants and joined Franklin in the main area of their suite. He invited him to look over the organizational chart and offer an opinion.
Franklin rubbed his chin, and after a moment of thoughtful consideration said, “There are a number of civilian positions that either need to be eliminated or mainstreamed. Also, I don’t think the department needs that many seasonal beach patrol cops. Being new to the area, though, I can’t say that’s a valid observation.”
“Well, the season has just started so I’ll keep a close eye on it. As far as the civilian positions are concerned, I agree. I’ll do my best to transfer employees because I really don’t want to fire anyone.”
“So, what do you plan to do, son?”
“Do what I do best. Form an elite team of five men and women I trust implicitly to have my back.”
“Good plan.”
They discussed their impressions for another half hour before Franklin suggested they hit the sack. Justice popped a couple of Advil liquid-gels and stretched out on his back with his hands clasped beneath his aching head. Anxiety caused his heart to pound, and he began to sweat. If he failed, he wouldn’t be able to live with it. Live with himself.
And then in the darkness he heard Franklin’s comforting voice.
“You’re a McQuaid. A SEAL. And you don’t quit. Not even in the face of failure.”
Justice relaxed. Closed his eyes. Breathed in and out. And with every breath silently thanked God for his father.
* * *
It felt good to be in uniform again. Justice pinned his badge to his breast pocket, checked and loaded his Glock and shoved it into the holster around his waist. Franklin snapped a picture. Justice frowned at him.
“This isn’t the first day of school, Dad.”
Franklin snickered. “Isn’t it?”
“Very funny. Well, how do I look?”
Franklin cocked his head. “Spiffy. Official.”
“I was expecting you to sayintimidating.”
“That, too.”
“Huh.”
Franklin grabbed the car keys. “Time to go to school, Chief.”
Justice made a face.
A few minutes later they pulled into the spot reserved for the chief of police.
“I’ll get the house ready while you’re here,” Franklin offered. “Call me if you need anything.”
Justice read between the lines. God, he loved his father. “No worries. Don’t forget we’re having dinner tonight with Adrienne.”
Franklin rolled his eyes. “How could I forget? You gave me hell about my reticence.”
“Pick me up at five-thirty.”
“Won’t you get your own vehicle?”
“I’ll let you know. See you later, Pop.”
Justice entered the station and greeted the officers milling around waiting for seven o’clock roll call. Sergeant Westfall met him and escorted him to his office.
