Settling into a routine as weeks turned into months, he walked two miles every morning to the concrete secondary school. Teaching math and science in French, his classes were ninety-five percent boys. It was very different from Providence. Here, the students passed a test to get into school. And when they graduated, they were assured of good-paying jobs—real motivation.
He was feeling good about himself, though the monthly pay was less than what Bouley would stick in his pocket for not seeing anything. But there was nothing to buy but food, and not much choice there, either.
Kutok, the boy with the bright eyes, was his star student. He came from a small tribe near Mora. The other students looked to him because he was unafraid to ask the questions they were thinking: Did Americans really walk on the moon? How big of a television do you need to see the moon? Is everyone in America rich?
He engaged Steve in conversation after class in the shade of the porch as the other boys gathered to listen and occasionally participate. Steve’s basketball skills delighted the boys when he played with them, teaching the step-back jump shot. He knew he was doing good this time.
Several months later, Steve walked to the small concrete block colonial post office that also served as the government hub of the little village. The mail came to the village less than once a week, and letters from the United States sometimes took a month. The building had a telegraph line to the outside world, but no telephone.
He recognized Roxy’s handwriting on the thick brown envelope covered with postage. Sitting on a rock on the shady side of the building, he took out a clipping from the Providence Journal. The headline read:
Feds Crack Providence Corruption
Federal indictments were handed down in a massive investigation into corruption in Providence by Federal Authorities. Bribery, corruption, collusion with organized crime, extortion, and a wide range of other charges has shaken the Providence Police Department. In addition, several high-ranking officers have been forced to resign based upon what they knew or should have known.
There was a picture of several men in cuffs being led into the Federal Building. Detectives Bouley and Rizzo were among the men in handcuffs.
A second story read:
Acting Police Chief Appointed as Inquiry Spreads
Mayor Joseph Assensen has appointed Captain William Krieger acting chief of police as the continuing investigation of corruption by the FBI continues to spread.
In the picture, Krieger was in full dress uniform, with the mayor standing next to him, looking drawn and uncomfortable. Captain Krieger was shaking hands with the United States Attorney. Agent Adams was standing behind them, looking pleased.
Krieger was quoted.
“The Providence Police department is cooperating fully with the FBI to root out any corruption in the department and to get rid of any bad apples that are tainting the good name of the brave men in this proud department. We intend to professionalize the department with higher educational requirements and more training.”
A third article with a picture of Colonel McGuire in full dress uniform read:
Providence Police Chief Suicide.
Today at police headquarters, Colonel McGuire apparently committed suicide in his office, among continuing revelations about corruption in the department. Unnamed sources confirm that the chief was to be arrested on Federal racketeering and corruption charges.
Steve looked at Toad’s byline above the fold of the newspapers. He returned the clips to the envelope. Maybe Sutton would get that Pulitzer. Steve opened the blue envelope, written in Roxy’s hand.
Dear Steve: I hope you are taking care of yourself. I knew but never realized everything you were up against in Providence. I guess it was me being selfish about what I wanted to do and wanted to see. Got into Yale, Georgetown, and NYU. Graduation is in three months. I miss you so much and can’t wait till you come home. With all my love, Roxy.
He checked the postmark: only two months now. The words to a song jumped into his mind.
Then he smiled, thinking about seeing her again.
I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day . . .
The End
Wild World Page 27
