Officer Jones

Chapter 42

Gilbert, Arizona

Day after Labor Day-1995

Kyle Jones finished putting on his police uniform. His military background had rendered him meticulous-Lucy called it anal-retentive-about the look of his uniform. He checked himself one last time in the full-length mirror, passing the inspection. He took a deep breath, not looking forward to what he had to do next.

He couldn’t sleep the last few nights. Grady’s words had awoken something in him, something that he thought he had put behind him years ago. He knew he must rededicate himself to the vow that he and Grady had made-seeking justice for those who were unable to help themselves.

But even with this epiphany, Grady’s assault on Lucy crossed so many lines that he knew their relationship would never recover, and he had no choice but to evict him. Batman and Robin would be no longer.

He walked into the sun-filled kitchen to find Grady sitting at the breakfast table, slurping cereal and reading the morning edition of the Arizona Republic.

Grady looked up from his cereal with an apologetic look. They both began talking. Then simultaneously stopped and then began to talk again at the same time.

“You first,” Kyle finally said, once again putting off the inevitable.

“I just want to say how sorry I am about the other night. I had no right to attack you and Lucy like that. I was wrong.”

The apology was nice, but not enough. “Listen, Grady, I think it might be best if you found another place to live. Lucy feels uncomfortable around you after what happened.”

“I totally understand,” he responded affably. “I’ve already started looking for a new place, but would you mind if I came back to shower when I have a job interview, and perhaps keep some clothes here? I promise I’ll call ahead to make sure Lucy isn’t here if I come by. I really don’t trust the people at the shelter.”

“Shelter?” Kyle asked with surprise.

Grady returned his attention to the classified ads. “Yeah, I checked out one in Tempe yesterday. Hopefully I’ll land a job soon, so it’ll only be temporary.”

“You’re looking for a job?”

He looked up. “I heard what you guys were saying about me the other night. Actually, I always hear what you’re saying.”

“I’m sorry about that, Grady.”

“No, don’t be. You were right. It’s time for me to stop making excuses for myself. Today is the first day of the rest of my life,” he said and proudly held up the classified ads full of his ink circles. “There’s a lot of opportunity out there and I plan on going after it.”

Kyle sat down across from him. “That’s good to hear. If you want to drop by to clean up when you have an interview, it’s fine by me.”

Grady smiled. “Thanks, Kyle.”

Kyle studied the man diligently circling classified ads in magic marker. It was more like the Grady he knew. Even his slouching posture was gone.

“Sometimes when I have a difficult project in front of me, I like to keep a journal, so I can keep track of my goals and then mark things off when I accomplish a task. I find it very helpful,” Kyle offered.

“I’ll keep that in mind-I appreciate the advice.”

Kyle looked at his watch, noticing that he was running late. But just before he turned to head for the door, Grady set the paper on the breakfast table. Suddenly staring back at them was a front-page photo of Leonard Harris of the Arizona Cardinals. He was flashing a big smile at the news that he only received probation for the vehicular homicide of two Arizona State coeds, despite his blood alcohol level being well past the legal limit. It had been the biggest story in the Valley for the past year.

Kyle felt like the headline was mocking him for his own transgressions. He was lucky he didn’t kill any innocent people the other night. He and Grady looked at each other, and it was as if they were reading the other’s mind. Sending a bat signal.

Kyle began to head toward the door. He knew it was another reminder that he needed to recommit himself to justice. As he did, Grady called out, “Kyle?”

He turned, “Yeah?”

“We’ll always be Batman and Robin, right?”

Kyle nodded, feeling their bond rekindling. “Always-Batman and Robin.”