Michael McGarrity: Under the color of law

Early in the afternoon he taped a black ribbon across his shield and called Proctor Straley from a shopping-mall pay phone. Straley picked up.

"Do you remember our conversation yesterday?" Kerney asked.

"I do, and I'm glad you called," Straley said.

"After you left it occurred to me that if a federal appointee, such as an ambassador, failed to disclose his financial holdings fully, that is a violation of the law."

"Do you propose to look into that possibility?" Kerney asked.

"If you keep your part of the bargain, I will," Straley said.

"In that case you'll receive something soon," Kerney said.

"If you put it to use, more information will follow."

"Results may not come quickly," Straley said.

"I'm a patient man, Mr. Straley. Good luck and good hunting." Kerney hung up. He passed by shoppers lining up at the food court, kids cruising in and out of the video arcade, and moviegoers buying tickets for the first matinee.

A wide-eyed child grabbed his mother's hand and pointed at him.

"A policeman," the boy said excitedly.

Kerney smiled at the boy, crouched down, and shook his hand.

"I want to be a policeman," the boy said, beaming.

"I can tell you would make a very good policeman," Kerney said. Sara's pregnancy rushed through his mind. He thought about how much he was looking forward to raising a child. He'd never had that opportunity with Clayton.

"Yep, I would."

"You come and see me when you're a little older, and I'll give you a job," Kerney said.

The boy's eyes danced and he nodded seriously.

Kerney walked away feeling better than he had all day. He got back to headquarters to find Larry Otero waiting. He was dressed in his blues with a black ribbon taped across his shield.

"Swing-shift briefing is about to start," Larry said.

Kerney nodded.

"We need everybody doing their jobs, Larry."

"They will, Chief. We've got good people."

Kerney walked down the stairs with Otero at his side.

"Has a collection been started for flowers and some money for Bobbys wife?"

"It's under way, Chief."

Kerney stopped at the briefing room door.

"You ready?"

Otero nodded.

Kerney walked into the room, where a group of silent men and women greeted him with downcast eyes.