Prodigal Son
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Peter paced the length of the corridor and back. Waiting for news was just as bad as being a patient, though waiting did have its advantages. You could get up and move around, but at the same time, you were just as trapped within that waiting. Receiving news was how you won your freedom. As Peter paced, his nervous energy continued to build.
On the opposite end of that scale was his father, Kwai Chang Caine. He appeared to be the epitome of calm, sitting in lotus position on the floor with his eyes closed and his hands resting in his lap. In truth, Caine did his own pacing, in the corridors of his mind. It saved a great deal on shoe leather and didn't wear a hole in the carpet.
"Pop, how can you be so calm?" Peter complained.
"My son, how can you not?" Caine replied. "Come sit with me. Your energy is disturbing the others."
Peter sat next to his father, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I just want to know if everything's okay."
"You must focus your energy and your chi into the knowing," Caine instructed.
"You don't understand. Grandfather could be dying."
"Your grandfather is not dying. Can you not feel his chi as you feel mine?"
"No, I can't," Peter snapped back sarcastically. "Sorry Dad, that was uncalled for."
"Peter, you must calm your chi so you may know your grandfather's condition."
"I know, but it's just so hard."
Both Shaolin lapsed into silence, with Peter resting his head on his father's shoulder. While they waited, Chief Strenlich came in with two police officers.
"Peter, how is your grandfather?" he asked.
"We haven't heard yet. He's still in surgery. What's with the other two officers?"
Frank Strenlich looked toward the two uniformed officers then back at Peter. "I came to ask you some questions, but I don't know why those two are here."
"We're here for Peter Caine," one of the two officers stated dispassionately.
"I can't leave here. I need to know what's happening with my grandfather."
Strenlich turned to the other two officers, "I told you to wait outside."
"We can't do that sir," one of them replied.
"Frank, what's going on?"
"Peter, if you tell me now maybe I think I can get these two to leave. Even though Kermit told me what happened, I need to hear it from you."
Peter suddenly realized what it was that Strenlich referred to, the fight at the construction site and the subsequent death of Jack Masterson.
"Chief, you know me. My word is good. I promise I'll come down to the station and answer whatever questions you have. I can't leave my grandfather right now."
Peter was about to protest further when he felt his father's hand on his arm. "Go with them, Peter. I will let you know if I hear anything."
"Thanks, Pop."
As Peter stepped away from his father, the two officers flanked him. One pulled his arms behind his back and handcuffed him while the other read him his rights.
"Peter Caine, you are under arrest on suspicion of murder. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney . . ."
Peter grew angry at the sudden turn of events. "Hey, what gives?"
"Peter Caine is a respected Shaolin priest of the community and a former cop of the 101st precinct," Strenlich protested. "He doesn't deserve this kind of treatment."
"This isn't your jurisdiction. The deaths of those two men are within the 84th precinct's jurisdiction. You have no say here."
At that moment Kermit came in and saw Peter being taken away by two officers he did not recognize.
"What's going on here? I went to park the car after dropping you off and now I see Peter being hauled away in handcuffs. Who are those two officers?"
"I came in to ask Peter some questions, and saw those two," said Strenlich as he pointed in the direction the two officers had exited with their prisoner. "They said they were with the 84th precinct. They arrived just as I got here. I don't recognize them. I don't even remember seeing them at the scene."
"I'm going to get to the bottom of this," Kermit indicated.
"I'll call Simms and let her know. Something isn't right here."
"Where's Caine?"
"He's in there waiting on news of Peter's grandfather."
"Well I hope it's good news. What did they arrest Peter for?"
"Suspicion of murder."
Continues with Part 27
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2006.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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