Steve called this morning and asked me to come in early to Mocha Daze.

He wanted to discuss the employment applications we had for the people to replace Jenn, Brian and Kevin.

"You didn't want my opinion when you fired those people," I said. "Why start now?"

"I need your help."

"We already had good people."

"Look, I'm asking you to help me, Dad," he said. "I'll make the decision on my own if you don't want to participate."

I knew he'd do that anyway-- regardless of me-- so I said yes.

I called Kurt and asked him to meet me at the shop so we could get some lunch together.

*****

The insurance agent was talking to Steve when I walked in the front door. Somber and dour-looking in his dark suit, I half-expected him to be digging a grave.

Steve rushed up to me. "Dad, don't panic. I'll take care of every- thing and get you out as soon as I can."

"Take care?" I asked. "What's up? What's wrong?"

The insurance agent cleared his throat. "I warned you that we had hard evidence linking you to the break-in. You're under arrest for insurance fraud, Mr. Ciccarelli."

"Oh, no..." I felt the words slip out of my mouth.

I took a couple of steps back.

I had to get out of there when suddenly a thick, meaty paw clamped down on my shoulder and kept me from moving.

The Detective's badge flashed in front of my face as he put me in handcuffs. Was this really happening to me? He pushed me towards the door just as Kurt came inside.

His face went white as he nodded at the Detective standing behind me.

"Can I ask what's going on here?" said Kurt, his voice shaky for the first time since I'd known him. "This man is my..."

He paused, choking on the word he was going to say next.

My heart sank.

I could hear the big man sigh with exasperation. "He's going to County. You can ask him what's going on after he's booked." He paused. "Faggots," the Detective mumbled beneath his breath, pushing me out the front door.