Wendy the Times receptionist had just joined the group telling Harry that Andrew and Detective Savalza would be arriving there any minute.
A Seattle police car with flashing lights pulled into the lot and Jim Savalza stepped out of the car followed by a bewildered looking Andrew Kincaid.
Click! Charlene captured the look on Andrew’s face as he surveyed the faces and the covered mass behind them.
Jim talked with Charlene briefly and turned around to face the group, raising his hands for everyone to attain silence, saying, “We are gathered here in honor of a man who never does anything half-way,” Jim said in a semi-serious tone. Looking at Andrew he continued, “For me, Andy, knowing you has been pure pleasure and pure pain. I think I speak for all who are gathered here who know you and love you, with the possible exception of Charlene Thayer who may or may not love you… be that as it may; we want you to know that we care! And this is a token of that caring.” To the officers, he said, “You may step aside now… Andrew step forward and unveil this thing.”
Andrew Kincaid was totally unprepared for what was under the tarp. As he pulled it away he caught sight of a large red ribbon attached to the windscreen of his 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser, fully restored. A large cardboard poster stuck to the door emblazoned in large letters, ‘Andrew Kincaid for (political office Andy, you fill in the blank), and the card attached read, ‘for service above and beyond, in appreciation and with love, from all your friends.
Flabbergasted, Andrew was looking at his friends trying to overcome the large lump in his throat. Jim Savalza put his hand on Andrew’s shoulder. Click! A camera recorded the moment for posterity.
Copyright
This novel is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
While Rome Was Sleeping
Copyright © 2008 M.S. Forsythe (Viall, Witzel)
ISBN 0-9816682-0-8