The other cop, a tall white guy, was a little younger than Officer Barrett. He never said a word. He looked like he wanted to be in a car chase or a fight. Anywhere but talking to a New York detective in a quiet upper-class neighborhood.
As Officer Barrett smiled, she said, “You’re almost in front of Justice Robert Steinberg’s house. His wife doesn’t like the idea of marked police cars going up and down the street. Our chief doesn’t like the idea of a public figure like the justice being open to potential threats. So we get to patrol the whole neighborhood in an unmarked car in civilian clothing. Not a bad gig.”
I said, “Actually, it’s Steinberg’s wife I need to talk to.” I got a chuckle from both the cops.
“She calls in about once a week with some story about people following her. She’s paranoid as shit. We call her the Supreme Nut Job.”
“Doesn’t sound like I’m going to have an easy time of it. I hope she doesn’t try to duck me.”
Officer Barrett said, “I’ll let you in on a little secret, but you can’t tell anyone I said it.”
I raised my hand and said, “Scout’s honor.”
“She eats lunch at a little place called Rose’s Down-Home Diner a few blocks away. It’s right next to some New Age art studio she goes to almost every morning. The Supreme Court Police brief us every couple of weeks about what’s going on with the Steinbergs. That’s her latest passion.”
I thanked them and was on my way a minute later. You’ve got to love the brotherhood of cops.
Chapter 44
I was startled awake by my phone at about seven. Immediately I realized it was the first full night’s sleep I’d gotten since coming to DC. I grabbed the iPhone, cleared my throat, and tried to say, “Hello,” without sounding like a pirate.
The cheerful voice on the other end of the line made me smile immediately. It was my son Trent. I could picture the broad smile on his cute face as he said, “Rise and shine, Dad. God’s giving us another chance to achieve our dreams.”
“What if my dream was to sleep until ten?”
“Then I gave you a chance to follow your dream tomorrow. That’s what it’s all about, looking forward to things.”
I had to smile. This young man had been paying attention during the sermons at Holy Name. Trent seemed to be getting sharper by the day. I managed to grunt, “What’s up?”
“Nothin’。 Just wanted to talk to you.”
“That’s nice. I like talking to you too. What’s going on around the homestead?”
“Not much. Commandant Mary Catherine has everyone in line. That’s why I’m already up and packed for school an hour early.”
“Don’t call her ‘commandant.’ That’s disrespectful.”
“Juliana called her that to her face. Mary Catherine likes it so much she’s faking a German accent when she gives orders. She’s kind of nailed it. Even Chrissy’s cleaning up after herself.”
“Well, if Chrissy is pitching in, maybe there’s something to it. What do you hear about your big date with the mayor?”
“Everything’s still a go. You’ll be here for the ceremony, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I could picture the ear-to-ear grin on his face.
Trent said, “Cool. I guess I should let some of my siblings talk to you now. They’re lining up like they want to talk to Don Corleone on the day of his daughter’s wedding.”
“You and Ricky watching seventies movies again?”
“The Godfather and The Outlaw Josey Wales.”
“What do you think?”
“Just like you say, they don’t make them like that anymore. Did you know the guy who starred as Josey Wales made a bunch of great movies?”
“Clint Eastwood? I knew.”
“Have you ever seen Dirty Harry?”
“Every cop has many, many times.”
We finished up our dive into great movies, then Trent handed off the phone.
Each of the kids took the phone for about ten seconds to say, “Hey, Dad.” I knew Mary Catherine was behind the efficient tactic. Only Fiona hung on at the end for an extra minute.
She said, “Sister Lora asked if I would play on the basketball team. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve never played sports before.”
“How does she know you’ll be a good player? Were you shooting around in class?”
“Nope. She just walked up to me in the hallway and asked if I was interested. I wasn’t at first, but the more I think about it, the more I want to try it. Is it okay with you?”