"My rehab wasn't fully covered by insurance and most of the money is in an annuity I draw each month. I found Boston is an expensive place to live."
"How about this," I offered. "Let's assign responsibilities and not second guess results. You all contribute to what we're doing. Quinn handles the power and Howie is our focus. Betsy is great at research and Martha works with Howie, assembles the tips and can deliver them."
"Quinn smiled. "That leaves you, Ben. You don't seem to have anything to do." Before everyone stopped laughing, he continued. "What we need is a leader. I'm proposing you."
Howie was the first to speak. He seemed relieved. "I'm all for it!"
"I certainly don't want the responsibility," Martha answered as she turned to Betsy.
"I already promised to love, honor and obey," my wife said as she kissed me.
I'm not authoritarian by nature but I knew there was a desperate need for leadership of our group. Howie was a natural born follower and damaged goods. He needed direction to brush his teeth and was perfectly willing to accept it. Quinn resided in his own world, immersed in the science of things and not suited to lead. Martha was unable to get by her natural compassion of the moment and look at a long term goal. She recognized this trait and would accept rules she herself would never be able to make.
My wife was the most strong willed among us and absent her other dominant attribute would have second guessed any decision maker directing her. However, my wife was far and away the most intelligent of the five of us and understood our success depended on strong leadership.
I took my time before responding. "Before you all agree, hear me out. If I take on this job, my word is law. On any major policy decision, we'll decide collectively and agree; otherwise, you'll follow orders. Howie is our prime focus but I'll direct his activities. I saw something today that bothered me." Martha began to apologize. "No, Martha. I don't mean the four attempts on the one case. I'm talking about Howie's reaction to witnessing a crime being committed. None of us have ever, and God hope may never have to endure that trauma. What's more, it may get worse. We have to limit the strain we place him under or he'll break." No one disagreed.
Under our agreed compact, Betsy would be the sole judge of where we would try to place Howie. She would determine which case had the best chance of success. The first priority was rescuing children. It was a heart-wrenching chore, choosing which at risk victims might be saved and which ones ignored to suffer their fate. Once decided, there would be no discussion or argument. I would set the schedule of Howie's activities, with ample time for us to have a life and hopefully cease feeling guilty for not doing more. I was especially concerned that Howie have outside interests.