Senile Squad: Adventures of the Old Blues (38 page)

Bud Williams, at the far end of the table, slapped his newspaper on the table. “There’s a serial rapist on the loose.”

Ben smiled and looked at the Sarge who looked about The Bureau and said, “We’ll just have to send a little justice his way.” The Sarge smiled and chewed on his cigar. Bonnie Platt clicked her gold-plated lighter and leaned toward him. “No thanks,” he said with a wide smile. “Don’t smoke.”

Settling back into the butter-soft chair, the Sarge smiled.

SO DEAR FRIEND, IF YOU’RE EVER IN A PARK OR ON A CITY street and feel confronted with a dangerous situation, just look for a couple of harmless, nameless old men playing checkers, cards, or simply strolling around with particularly shiny walkers or canes. Make it a point to stay close to them.

They won’t mind, you see, because all their lives protecting you has been their only duty. It’s all they’ve ever known and all they’ll ever be. Every one of them knows that one day they’ll be called for their final “End of Tour.” Each wants only to be remembered as a good cop—one who has lived with honor and true to the code of Ol’ Blue.

DETECTIVE CHRIS LEGROW, badge number 1557, is a member of the Omaha Police Department’s Special Victims Unit. He investigates domestic violence cases that include everything from destruction of property to sexual assault and crimes against vulnerable adults. Formerly he worked for nine years as a Family Teacher at Boys Town. He and his wife, Kara, have nine children.