The Way Back
Chapter 4
While part of the human barrier between the women demonstrators and a group of male protestors, Nolan can't ignore a question a woman hurls from a makeshift podium. "Are you men willing to take responsibility for the children you force women to carry to term?"
The words hit John like a lightning bolt. He took responsibility, but he never forced Sarah to do anything. He didn't want to drop out of school. He didn't want to get married as young as he did and he sure as hell didn't want to give up his dream of being a lawyer to haul lumber and bags of gravel around on construction sites. But it wasn't about what he wanted to do; it was about what he needed to do. He has more than a few regrets in his life, but being a father to Henry could never be one of them.
Of course, the situation for him and Sarah was different from some of the women who've been speaking. She hadn't been raped. She and John had been very willing partners. Henry wasn't the result of incest, and he wasn't destined to be born just to die a torturous death from a malignant disease. Sarah wasn't about to give up on the chance to have a child conceived in the love she and John had shared. John doesn't know what he would have done if the circumstances had been different. He'll never know.
What he can't understand is the men staring at the ground and shrinking back from listening to a woman who faced the challenge of raising children poor and alone. You can't just sow your seed and walk away - at least he couldn't. To him, the thought is unconscionable. He'd stand by a woman, whatever her decision.
At least the impact of the speaker's story has taken some fire out of the protestors. That is making his job a little easier. All he has to contend with is the aching feet and sore back that come from a day of standing on the hard asphalt. It will be over soon. The second shift will be coming on, and after he and Bishop check in, he can go back to the guest house for a hot shower and a cold beer.
"Nolan!" Grey calls just as John is heading out the door of the station. "I need to talk to you."
John turns to face his watch commander. "Sir?"
"Word is you have a talent for building and installing things."
"More experience than talent, Sir. Why?"
Bradford can be released from rehab, but he doesn't have anyone to stay with him in his apartment. I know a lot of people here, you included, keep tabs on him, but that's hardly 24/7. He still can't talk, and he can't write or text either. The therapists can continue working with him on that when he's at home. The problem is that when he's by himself, he has no way to let anyone know if he's in trouble. His rehab facility suggested a remote monitoring system. From what I understand, it involves 24-hour visual communication through an iPad. He can signal if he needs help. There will also be a camera by his door to make sure no one is breaking in and a sensor in his bathroom to help detect if he's ill. The thing is, there's a two-month waiting list for the agency to put in a disabilities related system for him. It's all paperwork and insurance. But if you do it, the whole thing can be up and running in a day or two."
"Of course I'm happy to do it, Sergeant. I've put in a lot of security systems. This can't be much different. But you know the schedule. I don't have a day off for almost a week."
"I'll handle that, Nolan. We have to take care of our own."
"Yes, Sir. I get that."
John lets the hot water stream over his head and down his body. It doesn't wash away any of the questions still whirling around in his brain, but it does ease the ache in his muscles. If Grey comes through, he'll have a day, or at least part of one, off police duty while he sets things up for Bradford.
The news that Bradford had separated himself from his wife managed to make its way around the station. That's something John couldn't quite figure out. The man put his life and career on the line for her when she was using and then cut her loose when she got clean. John would have thought that after Isabel put in the effort to get straight, Tim would have wanted her back. Or maybe Bradford just enjoyed being the white knight. John can understand that impulse. He's experienced the rush of being the savior. Perhaps once it faded, Bradford started looking for other challenges
Bradford is facing plenty of challenges now. Drilling a few holes in the wall and making sure the internet connections are working is hardly a big deal, but at least it's something John can do to help.
Grey gives John a nod as the rookie takes his accustomed spot at roll call. "Officer Nolan, this morning, it is your privilege to meet with Captain Gross. After the captain has dismissed you, handle the special assignment we discussed. Chen, Santiago called in sick, so you'll be with Bishop."
"As you probably all noticed, the Santa Anas have picked up again, so expect the usual heat-related incidents and stay hydrated. There are no heavy-traffic events planned for today, but there has been an uptick in auto thefts. The favorite targets are Altimas, Camrys, and Fusions - so we're probably looking at thieves working for a chop shop rather than stealing toys to order. Most of the cars were parked on the street or in lots while their owners were shopping - so keep your eyes open. That's all."
John climbs the stairs to what had been Captain Anderson's office. He still feels a little sick, knowing that she won't be on the other side of the door. He hears an immediate "Enter," when he wraps on the glass. The office is relatively barren of personal items, but on a credenza behind the desk, John notices a picture of Gross with a lovely dark-eyed woman in a hijab. That may be the Romeo and Juliet story that Jackson overheard his parents discussing.
Moshe Gross looks up from a file, surveying John before motioning him to a chair. "Officer Nolan, for a rookie you've had quite a tenure. Most officers aren't involved in as many incidents in five years as you have been in six months. During the same period, you've also managed to damage more vehicles than the average demolition derby."
"Yes sir," John acknowledges, trying to swallow his stomach back where it belongs.
"However, you've also performed with uncommon valor as noted by your watch commander, Commander West, and the late Captain Anderson. You've been responsible for saving the lives of several of your fellow officers as well as civilians, including a young child. Your test score was also extraordinarily high. Captain Anderson believed you would be an asset to the force and this division. She put a note to that effect in your jacket. Given that you are, shall we say a mixed blessing, I will reserve judgment.
"I've always found that for better or worse, a person's personal life tends to spill over into their work. I'm sure that you're aware that was the case, to the detriment of her standing, with your training officer. Is there something in your private life that might impact your performance on the job?"
"Sir?"
"A sick mother, an ugly legal battle, family disagreements, anything that might take your mind off your work or cause you to act carelessly."
"Captain, my ex-wife lives 2500 miles away, and our divorce was amicable. My son is in college in Pennsylvania. We get along, except for his opinion of my taste in music."
A hint of a smile tugs at Gross' lips. "Any significant others?"
"I- no."
"That sounds like a 'not anymore.'"
"Yes, Sir, but I've moved on."
"Then I trust you are free of distractions from your further training."
"Yes, Sir."
"Good. Sergeant Grey informs me that you will be assisting a fellow officer with his rehabilitation today."
"You could put it that way, Sir."
"Then go get it done. Dismissed."
John leaves the office not knowing if he has an ally in Gross or not. The new captain won't be as supportive as Zoe Anderson was but may live longer for that. One thing John believes is that Gross will be fair. That's better than many men he has known.