Just like the Writer.
My former Partner, a great cop and a good friend.
Last Saturday night I got all dressed up. I might have been singing along with Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself” while my fingers fumbled with the shirt studs on my Tuxedo shirt. Not being James Bond, or the leader of Brass Band I don’t wear a tuxedo often. When I do they are usually rented. But Saturday was the Providence Police Department Community Foundation Gala Dinner. Since I am a man of a certain age and I keep getting invited to Black Tie events I decided to buy a tuxedo. “It’s an investment”, I told myself, like a Charles Schwab account but you know not tied to the Stock Market.
It turned out to be a really good time. I got to see a lot of friends, coworkers, former partners and hang out with them. The glacial bar service ensured that we had plenty of time to hang out waiting for drinks and couldn’t get too drunk. Shame on me for opting not to bring a flask full of Blanton’s. I’m on a Blanton’s kick lately, and yes it has to do with collecting the stoppers from bottles of that rather excellent bourbon.
After dinner I was hanging out with with my former partner Matt and Detective Rudy Ray. Both are stellar guys and good detectives. The type of guys that when you call for a detective or know they are working on your case, you feel good about that. Both are a lot fun with very dry senses of humor. Better to laugh than cry, I always say.
I had stepped away for a few minutes as one tends to do. When I returned they were talking to two young women from work that I didn’t recognize. They were mental health professionals that work with us and go to calls to provide services to people in the field. They do truly, important work and it makes a huge difference to those who’ve suffered or witnessed trauma. Not to mention helping us help people in the throes of a mental health crisis.
Ray, introduced me to them. “This is Pete Colt.”
“Oh, like the writer.” One of them said.
Now I don’t care what other writers will tell you but this is a moment we all daydream about. Being recognized in the wild. But, I am a bit of cynic. Cops love to bust balls and play practical jokes. I knew my former partner wouldn’t but Rudy Ray…I could see him teeing me up. Until two things happened.
One: Rudy Ray said, “No, this IS the writer.”
Two: the young woman blushed.
It was a pretty cool moment. I was glad to good friends were there to share it with me.