A white cop of firm built entered the club in an unusual manner. His face was hard to read but his eyes expressed somewhat anger and sadness. He went straight to the bar and ordered a glass of whisky. He used to come to the club occasionally but since past week he came everyday and stayed drunk there till morning hours. He awaited his drink and saw around him. The bar was empty except for one man sitting next to him. He was in his older forties. He was holding his glass and staring at it continuously.

The cop took his whisky and sat next to the old man. The old man had a glance and then went back to staring his glass. The cop took a sip. In no mood of talking but unable to resist, the cop asked the old man

“It won’t change by staring at it”

The old man looked at the cop again but this time in an observant manner and then back to what he was doing. The cop looked at the bartender in the eyes asking what the matter was. The bartender moved forward to answer when they both heard crying. They turned towards the old man who was in tears now. Bartender replied

“He is coming since 4 days; everyday orders a glass of whisky, stares at it, but then cries and leaves the bar”

The cop looked at the old man and noticed he had seen him. But couldn’t remember where? He emptied his glass and asked the old man

“Any problem, Sir! I can help you I am a cop”

“Get Lost. All you cops are same” He said in angry tone as if could do anything

The cop lost his temper .He was in no mood for this and grabbed the old man by his collar.

“Listen, what do you think you are? Show your id right now”

The old man was almost choking and slowly he took out his wallet and raised it. The cop threw him back on his chair and opened the wallet to see the face unexpected. His anger was gone and he looked sadly in the eyes of old man.

He took the photo out and asked the old man in a voice which expressed pain

“How do you know him?”

The old man snatched the photo back and was in tears again. Sobbingly the old man spoke while the cop listened silently

“His name is Frank…He was my son… A cop like you… He died last week while on duty…” And he sobbed bitterly in no way of speaking anymore.

The cop had listened sincerely feeling utmost shame and guilt of his recent act. He put a hand on the old man’s shoulder and tied to console him. He spoke

“I am sorry for your son. I was his partner…” It felt words escaping his mouth, but getting courage to speak he continued

“I was with him when he died”

The old man looked back on him, his facial expressions changing from guilt to disgust. But then, he trying to control his impulse, stepped up and was going for the door, when the cop stopped him.

“Forgive me, I am your culprit. Please listen to me. I know it’s not easy but I have to tell you something”. The cop was on his knees and held the old man’s hand begging for forgiveness. His eyes started to wet

The old man turned back and spoke “Get up” and raised him. They both sat and the cop spoke this time

“On That night, I and your son were following a thief. He entered a building which was deserted. We decided to split to catch him. Frank took the backdoor and I entered through front. I took the stairs hoping to catch him there but then I heard a gunshot… I hurried down towards the backdoor to find Frank all over in blood…” And he himself broke in tears “…The thief had taken his gun and holy cross chain with him…” And no more to say he felt a great burden has been emptied from his shoulder.

The old man had listened patiently and understood his state of mind. Thus he felt the need to speak and also share his grief

“It wasn’t your fault child. If I had listened to him, he would have been saved today. He wanted to be like his father, a priest. But I wanted him to become a policeman. I wanted him to be responsible citizen. I was strict on him. He never resisted, he never argued. He was the best son anyone could wish for…” After this both strangers cried bitterly. They didn’t need words .It was a moment of truth, a moment of redemption.

They truth had prevailed. Emptiness still lurked in the hearts of the two men but the distances were shortened. Both of them had shared their hearts. They had stepped up for leaving and moved towards the door. They were just near the door when there was a gunshot and a thud.

Both men turned back and rushed towards the bar. The bartender was on the floor.

The bartender had shot himself and held a gun in his hand. The priest held his hand and opened his fist. The priest’s eyes were baffled on what they saw. The cop felt on his knees and was astonished himself.

The bartender held a silver chain with a holy cross in it.