Friday, May 21st 9:00 A.M.
Summer moved into Parkside on Friday, if only for a preview, blanketing the city with the hot-and-stickies. Everyone lolled around the squad room, shirt collars and windows open, and neither providing much relief. Occasionally a little breeze puffed in but it was more of an annoyance than a help, scattering papers and patience in a hot breath of sweat and exhaust. The FBI had put out a statement they were handling the Wasserman case and pursuing strong leads out of state. This pulled some of the heat from the Parkside Police Department, and even the Ice Lady seemed to be backing off, improving her editorial chastisement and the mood of Lieutenant Anderson with it. Paperwork kept Dean chained to his desk until after lunch and he spent the afternoon pacing the courthouse corridor until plea-bargained to freedom shortly before five. He was due at Cynthia Byrne's by 6:00, giving short time for a shower and shave.
The drive to Maid Marian Lane was becoming more familiar with each passing trip-no more need to count the blocks. He was surprised however, when a "For Sale" sign greeted him on the front lawn. Cynthia explained it away, saying it was about time she moved to a smaller place. Randy would not be around much longer and she didn't want the sole burden and responsibility of upkeep. The realtor's estimate of the value of the property pleased her.
The past few days had done much to improve Cynthia Byrne and she beamed with pleasure when Dean presented a bottle of wine, the same brand and year they were served at Café Richard. Randy's young girlfriend, Jenny, a bright and quiet little thing, arrived just after Dean and the four chatted easily before dinner. It was heartening to see two young people who obviously cared for one another. Cynthia served a pot roast, simple but delicious, reminding Dean of Sundays in years gone by. It was his first home-cooked meal in memory, if you could discount the occasional donated casseroles from Fred O'Connor's lady friends. As soon as dinner was finished, the hostess tapped her water glass for attention.
"I have two announcements," she said with a smile.
"Two?" Randy raised his eyebrows.
"Randy and Jen know about the first, but the other is a surprise to everyone!" She paused a moment before continuing. "Announcement number one-Randy has been accepted at Bucknell! He's to start in September!" The pride in her voice lit up the room.
"Terrific!" said Dean, shaking the young man's hand.
"The baseball helped a lot," Randy said, "between it, a campus job and some loans, I should be able to swing it. It's a great school."