Blessed are the Merciful by Al Lacy Page B

rubbed his jaw. “But, sir, we—”
    “You heard me! I want those guns and those badges this instant! You’re on suspension!”
    “Chief Bennett, sir,” Seth said, “may I … may I ask you not to do this? I’m willing to forget it if you will.”
    “Officer Coleman, I appreciate your attitude, but the conduct I just witnessed is inexcusable, and it’s not going to be tolerated in this department. These two men must be disciplined.”
    As the officers handed Bennett their guns and badges, he turned to Seth and said, “I understand even better now why you made the decision that brought you to my office today.”
    The next day, dark clouds were hovering over Philadelphia. The air was hot and muggy, and though the wind was picking up, it did little to cool the air.
    Adam Burke left the courthouse after a long, tedious day incourt. When he reached the stable, he glanced up at the heavy clouds and took the time to put the top up on the buggy. He drove through the streets of the city and felt closed in by the tall buildings on every side. For the last few days, Adam had rushed home in eager anticipation of the letter he was expecting from Sheriff Ben Colter. If the letter held what he thought it would, he would soon be free from the confines of Philadelphia.
    Adam arrived at his apartment and hurried to his mailbox. He sifted through the envelopes until his eyes fell on one from North Platte, Nebraska. He rushed inside the apartment and set his briefcase on the table, dropping his other mail beside it.
    Adam noticed in the upper left-hand corner that it was from William C. Dauntt, chairman of North Platte’s town council. He tore open the envelope and took out the letter.
    Dauntt explained that Sheriff Ben Colter had passed Adam’s letter on to him. He told Adam that the town had no lawyer at all. The people of North Platte were traveling to Grand Island to get legal advice or help, a distance of a hundred and twenty miles. Dauntt encouraged Adam to come and establish his law firm as soon as possible, assuring him that he would have plenty of clients in a hurry.
    Adam let out his pent-up breath and shook the letter excitedly. “Yes! Yes! This is what I’ve been waiting for and dreaming about!”
    Adam read the letter again, then carefully placed it back in the envelope and went to the washroom. He had a dinner date with Philipa tonight. He would tell her of his dream during dinner.
    It was pouring down rain as Adam pulled the buggy up in front of the Conrad mansion. He opened his umbrella and bounded up the front steps. The wind was whipping the rain about as he lifted the door knocker and let it fall.
    Delmar opened the door. “Good evening, Mr. Burke. Please come in out of the weather.” Adam stepped inside, and Delmar took the umbrella. “I’ll keep this here for you, sir.” He placed it in a caneand umbrella holder and headed down the hall. “Follow me, sir. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad are in the library. Miss Philipa hasn’t come down yet.”
    Philip and Millicent Conrad greeted Adam warmly. Philip smiled as he said, “We heard about your masterful handling of the Gregory Stedman case, Adam. You are to be congratulated once again.”
    “Yes,” said Millicent. “We’re very proud of you.”
    “Thank you.” Adam said.
    “So, Adam,” Philip said, “has George Benson offered a partnership to you?”
    “No, sir.” Adam’s eyes darted to the library door, hoping to see Philipa coming through it. He thought he heard the rustle of her skirt.
    “Well, he’d better hurry or I’m going to make my future son-in-law an offer he can’t refuse.”
    Suddenly Philipa swished through the door. “Daddy, dear, why don’t you just go ahead and make Adam the offer? I say let’s keep it in the family. It would be wonderful to have my husband a partner with my daddy! George Benson’s loss would certainly be your gain.”
    “You know why I haven’t made the offer yet, sweetie. Your old father still has ethics