After the funeral Susan Sanders, the Corbino family, and members of the police force who knew and worked with Jim gathered for a brief reception in the Sanders’ apartment. Josh told his mother he would come later.

When he left the cemetery, Josh went for a long walk at the beach, remembering his father and the good times they had together. Josh remained stoic during the funeral service, but as he walked alone near the sea his emotions poured forth and he wept openly, for only the sea could hear him, and the seagulls that gathered at his feet knew only the sound of the teardrops that fell softly on the sand.

Late that afternoon, when Josh returned home, the reception had ended and most of the people had left; only Vinny remained behind, waiting for Josh.

After Josh embraced his mother, he and Vinny went outside to sit on the fire escape. Vinny broke the silence.

“Where did you go? I was a little worried.”

“I went for a walk along the beach.”

Vinny unburdened himself. “Josh, if I hadn’t suggested going to the deli, you would have been at home and your dad wouldn’t have come looking for you.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Vinny. My dad liked your folks, and he often patrolled that area.”

“Did you recognize the man who shot him? I heard you say his name.”

“He was the man in the shadows. My dad told me they were friends.”

Vinny saw the hurt, the anguish on Josh’s face. “It was a tragedy Josh…for both of them.”

“I won’t ever own a gun. I hate guns.”

Vinny was quick to change the subject. “Josh, if you need some help, I mean money, I can talk to my folks. You could work part time after school in the deli. They need someone to deliver groceries.”

Josh didn’t want to return to the scene of the crime, but he knew they’d need money. “Thanks Vinny, that’ll help. I have to take care of my mom.”