THE PSYCHS OF MANHATTAN

by C. C. Harris

  I could see my side was bleeding. I gently knelt. This was demoralizing. My life presented one fuck-up after another.

  The cops wrenched my arms behind my back and I felt excruciating pain. I looked at the bloodied kid. ‘Look who’s the cry-baby now.’

  ‘He’s a crazy man, get him away from me!’

  My fear now was trying to explain this to Sarah. I looked a bloody mess.

  Back at the precinct, I sat with a cop while he checked my wounds.

  ‘Bloody hell, Curtis, what is wrong with you?’ Sarah asked.

  ‘I’ve fucked up again. I’m sorry.’

  ‘I’m not getting it. One minute we’re talking normally, and the next you take off and stab some street kid. The chief is going to start wondering what I’m doing.’

  I knew she was right. I knew she wanted a man, not a kid running around like a loose cannon.

  ‘I really want to trust you. I’m over the bad boys.’

  ‘I was pounced on by street kids from Brooklyn. It was self-defense. They would have killed me.’ I hoped I didn’t sound lame.

  ‘I can get them for assault if that’s the case,’ Sarah responded.

  ‘I don’t want to press charges. Do you think the commissioner could pull some strings to get them some work? Maybe they could do community service at an…animal shelter. I’m guessing their life has been shit. It might stop them ending up in the pen and having criminal role models teaching them the tricks of their trade.’

  ‘Gee Curtis, your sounding like a street cop. I’m sure the chief will agree to redirect them. I can arrange a referral for a multisystemic therapy program.’

  ‘I’m not sure what that is but thanks,’ I said.

  ‘It’s a service for juvenile offenders. They help out their families, their schooling and get them into community work.’ Sarah’s voice softened. ‘That’s a change of heart, Curtis. No doubt about it, you’re full of surprises.’

  ‘I’m also wanting to thank the vagrant for saving my life. I’m not sure how I can meet up with him.’

  Sarah nodded. ‘I can organize that for you. There’s more to this vagrant than meets the eye. A driver high on carfentanil ploughed into his car, killing his wife and two children. He survived with the family dog. He’s been living on the streets ever since.’

  ‘Jesus! His whole family wiped out in seconds! What’s this drug carfentanil?’ I asked.

  ‘It’s a synthetic drug that’s cheap to buy. Just getting that stuff on your skin is an express lane to the morgue. It would be a dream chemical for a psychopathic leader. Their enemy would drop like flies.’

  ‘Yeah, that’s evil shit.’ There was a momentary silence, then, my thoughts switched from evil to good. ‘Who’ll be interviewing the vagrant?’ I asked.

  ‘Don’t worry, it’s going to be me, and I’ll look after him. The chief is organizing accommodation for him and arranging a reward with the commissioner. I’ve organized trauma counseling and he’s willing to do it. I’ve also arranged a vet check for his dog.’

  ‘Thanks for looking after them,’ I said.

  ‘I don’t mind. The poor guy has experienced a real-life horror story,’ Sarah replied.

  ‘There is one other thing Sarah and I promise I want ask for anything else.’

  ‘Yes, Curtis?’ Sarah responded with raised eyebrows and a slight grin.

  ‘I’m going to South Carolina tomorrow to visit the Fort Jackson Cemetery. Would you be able to drive me? Buddy may not be keen on a flight. I promise, I owe you big time. Maybe a vacation together once my reward money comes through and I pay off the mafia?’

  ‘It’s a deal. I’m betting it’s to do with this drill sergeant but in the meantime, I’ll call a cab to take you to the doctor’s. You’re not looking in great shape. South Carolina is a long drive, so you better have plenty of rest. I’ll pick you up at 6.00 am. Buddy can have the back seat.’

  ‘How’s he going in your apartment.’

  ‘Well, he didn’t take long to settle in. He’s already claimed my couch as his bed. He sleeps on his back with his legs in the air. He looks like he’s in heaven. I’ve always been a cat person, but I must admit, I’m growing fond of him.’

  I leaned over and whispered in her ear. ‘Cops aren’t too bad after all, especially when they’re as kind and sexy as you.’

  Sarah grinned. ‘Stop it Curtis, sucking up will get you nowhere. Anyway, you’ll ruin my tough cop reputation.’

  FIFTY-ONE

  The Common Good

  Sarah called exactly on 6.00 am. ‘I’m out the front in the vehicle with Buddy,’ Sarah said.

  I looked down onto the street and saw Buddy’s head poking out the rear window. Buddy looked up and gave two demanding barks. He hadn’t forgotten me!

  I raced out of the apartment block, my wounds forgotten, not before giving little mouse Charlie his breakfast. Outside, the cool air brushed my face. The air smelled sweeter and the sky was clear.

  Buddy leapt from the vehicle window and into my arms. His coat was shiny, and his black tail was bushy. The only sign of his injuries was a shaved neck where his wound had been stitched.

  Sarah called out. ‘Hop in, Curtis. I’m waiting for a hug too.’

  ‘I usually don’t obey orders, but this is definitely an exception,’ I replied.

  Her lips were warm and welcoming.

  ‘Now let’s get going or we’ll be arrested for sexual misconduct and Fort Jackson is a full day’s drive.’

  ‘Do you know any more about this drill sergeant?’ I asked.

  ‘Only that the sergeant and her military dog Hugo were both awarded the highest US Army bravery medals.’

  ‘Are you ok, Curtis?’

  ‘I’m good,’ I replied but part of me felt bad.

  ‘I’ve heard that before. I’m a good listener if you want to talk,’ Sarah replied.

  I filled Sarah in on some of the blanks in my life. She was right. She was a good listener and I’d felt better for it. When we arrived, I noticed the cemetery had changed in size. There were many more headstones. The last time I’d stood here the world had owed me and people were assholes.

  ‘Here’s a map of the cemetery. It’s divided into four sections. Your drill sergeant is in section two.’

  ‘Where did you manage to find this?’ I asked.

  ‘It was easy. I did a search of her name on the ‘Find a Grave’ website.’ Sarah pointed to the map. ‘Here’s the section and the site number.’

  ‘I don’t know how to thank you.’

  Sarah grinned. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll think of something tonight. You better hurry before it gets dark. Do you need company?’ she asked.

  I didn’t want to reject Sarah’s kindness but at the same time I needed to be alone. ‘I’ll be ok, but thanks for the offer.’

  I turned to Buddy. ‘See that sign there? It states pets are not allowed on the cemetery grounds at any time. Sorry Buddy, you’re staying right here with Sarah.’

  Buddy gave a sharp short bark and as I left the parking lot, Sarah called out.

  ‘Curtis…wait. Don’t you think Buddy could have a quick visit? After all, he’s a hero too.’

  She was right. It wouldn’t be fair if we couldn’t both thank the sergeant. ‘C’mon, Buddy! C’mon boy!’

  He was at my feet in seconds.

  ‘You be good or we’ll both be kicked out.’

  I followed Sarah’s map and headed for the spot marked ‘Section B’.

  Turning the corner, I was struck by the sight of hundreds of gravestones. They looked like giant white teeth, stretching across the field in even rows, upright like a platoon of soldiers waiting for their marching orders.

  We made our way through the rows of headstones. I noticed one soldier was only eighteen. My heart sank. I couldn’t help but feel like shit for being alive.

  Buddy suddenly changed direction and sat purposefully at a gravestone. It was the sergeant’s. How the hell did he know?

  The sad irony of it hurt.
One day I was pissing on her boots; the next I was thanking her for saving my life.

  Suddenly, the sound of distant gunfire broke the silence. The shots of a three-volley salute echoed through neighboring pines followed by the haunting refrain of a bugle. Figures could be seen dotted on the horizon. It wasn’t a day of celebration. I noticed a burial ceremony in the distance. I wondered how it was possible to walk away from someone you loved who was six feet under. Nothing stays the same, I thought.

  I looked at the words etched in the white sandstone: Together in life, together in death. May God be with them on their final journey.

  ‘I was an asshole. Your survival training saved my life.’ I stood by the headstone and gave a salute of respect.

  I wished my drill sergeant could feel the breeze and experience the sweet smell of pine. I stood in silence and resisted the urge to wallow in self-pity.

  I turned around. Buddy was gone. I looked up and noticed he was sitting by the pines.

  ‘C’mon boy.’ The last thing I needed was a cemetery violation.

  As Buddy dashed back, I saw Sarah standing several yards away.

  I hurried to her and held her close. Dark clouds rolled across the fields, their moving shadows reflecting off the white headstones.

  ‘We’d better get back to the vehicle before it rains. By the way, who was the soldier standing by the pines?’ Sarah asked.

  ‘What soldier?’

  ‘She shook Buddy’s paw,’ Sarah said.

  ‘Beats me.’ I hadn’t seen my sergeant, but I’d felt her presence.

  ‘There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, Curtis.’

  ‘You have me worried.’

  ‘It’s nothing bad. It’s just that…as you know…I’ve been wanting to change careers and I’ve been offered a job in California working for the SPCA. I can work at home and on site. Like I told you a while ago, working with animals is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s a drop-in pay but I’m ready for a sea change. There’s also a part-time job available in Monterey working for a conservation organization.’

  ‘They must be special to get your attention,’ I said.

  ‘Yes, they are,’ Sarah responded. ‘I hadn’t heard of them until I came across their Facebook page. One day, I’d like to be an environmental advocate against these big oil and gas companies. They love to fill politicians’ pockets with dirty energy money while our world is heating up. Besides that, life is too short. It can go in a flash. I don’t want to be waking up in a nursing home and wondering why I’d stayed in a rut.’

  ‘If that’s what you want to do, then go for it. It’s great you want to do something you believe in. I’m sure the oil and gas companies will be a pushover with your experience in the NYPD. I’m happy for you.’ But I was devastated. Did this mean, ‘goodbye Curtis it was nice knowing you, it’s not you it’s me? I’m off to save the planet but you’re not included.’ Before I could feel any worse, Sarah continued.

  ‘There’s a timber home for sale in Sand City. It’s not far from the beach. The only problem is, it’s too big for one person and it would feel lonely without you. I’m wondering whether you’d be interested in a Californian lifestyle. Of course, not forgetting Buddy. I’m sure he’d love the walks on the beach.’

  I exhaled with relief. ‘Well then, I’d better start looking for work in California.’

  ‘Does that mean yes?’ Sarah asked.

  ‘Definitely. Once I’ve paid the mafia and they’re off my back, I’ll be packing my bags. What do you think Buddy?’

  Buddy gave two rapid barks. His bushy tail wagged in the breeze.

  I grinned. ‘And it’s a yes from him.’

  I couldn’t think of a better beginning.