Mike was in the patrol car when his cell phone rang.
“Hey!” It was Melissa. He was so relieved to hear her voice, although he couldn’t quite figure out why.
“Hey baby, how’s it going?”
“Just out in the front yard, playing catch with the boy.” The image of Melissa and Sam playing together lifted his heart. “What are you up to?” Mike glanced around the car, looking over a report of a speeding ticket.
“Oh you know, fighting the criminal masterminds of New Jersey,” he quipped. “Sounds like you guys are having more fun though.”
“You know it! Say hi to your Dad...”
Sam's voice popped into the cell phone, “Hi Dad!” and then was gone.
“Hey kid,” he responded, but knew he was already too late. “Man, in a hurry as always.”
Melissa's voice came back on the line.
“That’s our little man, always on the move. Good catch Sam!” He could hear the game continuing as she spoke. “So, tonight for dinner, I'm planning...” She paused. “Hold on a second baby, we have a runaway ball.”
“Sure, no problem.” Mike busied himself with some buttons on his computer.
“Sam, stay out of the road. I'll get it.” Melissa's voice was distant now, the phone away from her mouth. Another pause, then, “Geez, what is that guy doing?” Suddenly, there was the sound of screeching brakes and Melissa screaming. With a loud crunch, the phone went dead.