Two Old Cops
Arguing
by Michael C.
Keith
One says to the other .
. .
“We were close friends.
I never thought you’d do what you did.”
“Obviously I never
should have told you. I thought after all these
years . . .”
“What? That I’d
be less upset? That I would have come to terms
with it?”
“It’s been over
three decades. I’m really surprised you
still feel so strongly about it.”
“Of course, I still
feel strongly about it. It was very
important to me.”
“Wow, I guess it was.
I’m amazed. I never thought you’d react
this way.”
“That’s because
you lack the ability to feel guilt.”
“Look, what do you want
me to do, for God’s sake?”
“If I have to tell you,
then it’s not worth the bother.”
“So you think what I
did was that terrible?”
“Damn right, it was that
terrible.”
“C’mon. We all
experience temptation. It was just a . . .”
“Just a . . . what?”
“Hey, no one’s
perfect. Are you?”
“It doesn’t have
to do with being perfect. It has to do
with honor and integrity.”
“Can’t you just
put it behind you once and for all?”
“Easier said than done,
pal.”
“All this because of a
silly . . .?”
“What if I’d done
it to you? How would you feel?”
“Not as freaked out as
you are about it. “
“Of course not. I
have a conscience. You clearly lack one.”
“Stop! I give up. I’m
a terrible person. How can I make amends?”
“At the very least,
you might show some remorse.”
“You want me to show remorse?”
“Yes, that’s what
I’d like you to do.”
“Okay . . . okay!
I’m sorry I took the last doughnut.”
“You could say it with
more feeling.”
“Stay put while I get
my service revolver.”
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