The other cops inside Pino's parking lot widen their eyes and try hard to ignore the two rivers of tears flooding down Joe Morelli's stubbled cheeks. No one says a word. Because nobody knows what to say. So they just stand there in awkward silence watching the Escape explode into a huge fireball. Some of them want to giggle. Some of them wonder who hates Morelli this much. And the majority of them start contemplating the possibility of a brand new betting pool. It seems that Stephanie's Cayenne is here to stay. Joe Morelli's motorbike and cars, on the other hand, are a totally different story now. Being a police officer can be really distressing and frustrating. They all need a few laughs and a vent for their anger, stress and pressure on a daily base, and betting on Stephanie's blown up cars have helped them through a lot. However, they probably won't give Morelli a cut of the money, though. He may be one of their own, but he sure can be too cocky and arrogant sometimes. And they all like Stephanie. It's only fair that they give her a share of the jackpot.
The firefighters soon arrive. They, too, try hard not to listen to Detective Morelli's heartbroken sobs and focus on putting out the fire. They feel sorry for the battered Italian Stallion. They really do. But still they can't help feeling like sniggering at his incredible bad luck. It's a part of human nature, they guess. And yes, they'd love to join in the new betting pool. Life as a firefighter is full of stress, too.
Joe Morelli takes a ride back to the police station. He didn't finish his pizza and beer. He's exhausted and bone-tired, and has somehow lost all his appetite. He hears his new Escape weeping. He sees the ghost of his beloved Ducati. He has lost Stephanie to a most scary invincible rival. He has lost another battle to a still unknown enemy. And he has just found out how empty and lonely his 2-story house is without Bob last night. He doesn't know what he has done to deserve this. How can someone hates him so much? He's Joe Morelli. The only Morelli man who beat the Morelli curse. The only Morelli man who successfully makes something out of his life. He's a highly trained and praised police detective. He's fun to be with. He's handsome and sexy. He's Grandma Bella's favorite. Everybody, EVERYBODY, loves him. And he really, really wants his peace and quiet back. He just wants a normal life. A wife. A dog. A house and 6 cute kids. 3 boys and 3 girls. Is that to much to ask?
The uniform cop behind the wheel winces and cringes as Morelli starts mumbling and crying at the same time. And inside a small café not far from Pino's Joyce Barnhardt smiles a happy smile. God, she loves her life!
~End of Kiss 36: It's. My. Life~