Co-authored by rubyro, karraselle and BobbyG
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At nine in the morning, the summer heat was already oppressive. The short walk to his favorite diner was like a trek across the Sahara. Instead of grabbing a few scones and heading to Lewis’ as he planned, Goren took a seat near the window taking advantage of the blessings of air conditioning. He opened his newspaper and saw the headline: City Set to Celebrate! History proudly dictated that the 4th of July celebrated our country’s independence. As for Detective Robert Goren, well, he was experiencing independence of a different kind.
For the first time in his life, he had fewer responsibilities and the release was confusing. It would take some time to come to terms with, be comfortable with. With his mother’s death, his time was his own now, at least when the mistress that was Major Case wasn’t so demanding. Every part of his life had been spoken for, carefully sectioned off. But even weeks after his mother’s passing, a voice inside him was reminding him to call her. When would that voice fade completely?
And then there was his brother. Goren hadn't slept well since Frank showed up at the hospital looking for money. His brother had always been a mystery, but now Goren had more urgent concerns. Where did Frank disappear to this time? Is he out on the streets again or is he back in Atlantic City? Why did Frank seem so knowing, so superior when talking about “Uncle Mark”? He remembered what his mother said. “I just never knew for sure.” “Oh…the hell with him. He couldn’t even stick around one day after the funeral. They only thing he knows is cards and the ponies. Just like the old man. Which old man?” Goren thought.
Mark Brady or the man he grew up with? The execution was weeks ago but Bobby was still torn, trying to decide if he really needed to know the truth about his father. What is the truth, after all these years, and could he handle it? The Medical Examiner had offered a DNA test, but Goren had hedged and delayed. What would it prove anyway, and why should it matter? His leave of absence would end soon, and he knew he had to decide one way or another if he wanted Brady to continue to haunt his thoughts, his dreams, or even the rest of his life.
His world had been twisted, nearly broken but only bent. In spite of it all, deep down inside he was still the man he’d become. Unanswered questions and doubts would never change that. He would still be the quirky, inquisitive nuisance everyone took him for. He would continue to be his own man doing what he does best, catching bad guys. Goren was one of the good guys and he knew it. No one, not one thing would ever change that. Goren rubbed his large hand over his face and looked down at the paper surprised he’d absentmindedly scribbled July 4th over and over again in the margins. Today he would celebrate his own independence although bittersweet.
Goren slapped a twenty on the table and reached for his cell phone. “Eames! Is the invitation still open?” he asked. “Of course. My family has been asking about you. Come on over. My brother has just lit the grill. And bring more beer,” Eames said lightly. As night fell, Goren sat quietly with Eames and watched as the nieces and nephews twirled brightly colored sparklers. He sipped on his beer. “I’m glad you decided to join us. I know how much you enjoy your independence, but… maybe this time you…you know,” Eames said. He leaned his head back and sighed. “Bobby?” Eames asked. “Yes, I know and thanks. I’m okay and you have no idea how much I enjoy my independence. See you at work tomorrow,” Goren said as he stood to leave.