Grant explained that he had applied to the police department seven months earlier. He passed the written examination, physical tests, and an extensive background investigation. The department even questioned him about his troubled teenage years. Instead of hiding his mistakes, Grant told them about his father’s abandonment, his anger, and the mother who never stopped believing in him. He had begun academy training in April and secretly told everyone he was working night shifts at a warehouse. He had missed family celebrations because of training, but he never wanted anyone to know until he had succeeded.

His swearing-in ceremony had been scheduled for three o’clock that afternoon. Grant expected to finish by four and collect Linda, but unexpected paperwork delayed him until nearly eight-thirty. He called his academy friend, Officer Nate Alvarez, and asked him to deliver the note and bring his mother to the celebration. He thought the mysterious message would be funny. Linda looked at him through tears and said that while he imagined a movie scene, she had imagined her son’s funeral. Grant lowered his head, realizing how badly he had frightened her.