An introduction to Steven Lynch
“T.J. Hooker was my favorite cop show growing up,” Steve said. “Did you ever watch that? Oh, and I loved The ‘A’ Team, too! I dunno what it was about those shows. I suppose if I think about it, I can see how Hooker helped train younger cops while making things right in his city, and the A Team looked out for the underdog wherever they went. I always liked seeing people receive justice when they were wronged and correction when they did wrong. Those shows focused on values I held, even as a kid, and you couldn’t pry me away when they were on.”
Cindy grinned at him from across the table. “You’re very passionate about fictional characters,” she observed. Before he could protest, she said, “I get it, though. They represented real-life values that are important to you. I felt the same way about Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd in Moonlighting. I also appreciated their sense of humor.” Her eyes twinkled at her date. “I suppose that makes me passionate about fictional characters, too.”
Steve smiled back. “Those were good shows. They haven’t been off the air that long, but I miss them. It’s getting harder to find the reruns.” He paused for a sip of diet Pepsi. “I don’t watch much TV anymore. Most of my time these days is spent working or training for work. How about you?”
His date shook her head. “No, I don’t watch as much as I used to, either. I recently graduated from UMO with a degree in elementary education, but after all that work and student teaching, I’m not certain that I want to be a teacher! I’ve been thinking about becoming a social worker instead, but I don’t know which program I should attend: UMaine Orono, or somewhere else. In the meantime, I’m working two jobs to make ends meet, and when I turn on the TV, I usually fall asleep.” She laughed. “I’m only 22, and I already sound like an old fart.”
Her date laughed, too. “If it helps you feel any better, you definitely don’t look like an old fart!” he said, with feeling. Then his face went crimson, and he grabbed his fork to stab at his cheesecake. A cool, gentle hand covered his, and he looked up. Cindy was smiling at him again, but there was no evidence that he had overstepped any boundaries with his comment.
“I know we just met today,” he said, “but you’re beautiful, and a beautiful person, Cindy. I, I, I couldn’t help….” he stumbled.
“Steve,” she said, with her hand still over his, “that was one of the sweetest things anyone has said to me in a very long time. Thank you.” She pulled her hand back and took a drink from her glass of iced tea. Looking back at him, she added, “I don’t want to embarrass you more, my dear young man, but you’re very cute when you blush.” Then she giggled as his ears turned pink. In moments, both were laughing and talking like they’d known each other for years.
About twenty minutes later, he paid the check, and they left the cafe for a walk along the riverfront. The weather was pleasant, and a breeze blew just enough to keep the mosquitoes and blackflies at bay. As they walked, Cindy asked Steve what his career plans were.
“This is gonna sound corny after our conversation earlier,” he said, “but I’m planning to join the Maine State Police.”
“What’s so corny about that? If you’d said you were going into farming, that would be corny.” Cindy chuckled. “Seriously, Steve, there’s nothing odd about wanting to be a state trooper. What brought you to this decision, though?” They stopped and sat on a bench as she asked her question. It was only then that she realized they’d been holding hands. Just our first date, and he already feels like home to me, she thought. He led me to this place, and I willingly followed.
Steve’s voice brought her out of her reverie. “My dad was an officer for many years. He was forced to retire for medical reasons, but he was my inspiration. He doesn’t expect this of me, Cindy. This is a path I’ve chosen on my own. He has always made it clear that my life is mine to live, and I’m thankful for that. Some of my school friends’ dads expect them to follow in their footsteps, and it has made my friends’ lives miserable. That’s neither here nor there, but Dad has been really good about supporting whatever career choice I make. I’ve already applied and been accepted to the next class of recruits. I have to pass the strength and agility training, plus the background and mental health checks. We’ll see. I want to serve the people in this state. I love Maine, and I love to see a balance between justice and mercy. If I can contribute to that in my work in some way, I want to do it.”
“How old are you, Steve?” Cindy said with a smirk. “I thought I was going out with a twenty-one-year-old.” She giggled. “You seem to have an old soul.”
“Do I?” he asked, reddening again.
She gently slapped him on the arm. “I don’t mean anything bad by that, sweet man.” Then she hooked her arm through his and leaned against him. “You’re very thoughtful and kind-hearted for being so young,” she said quietly. “I haven’t met a man like you before.” Cindy felt disappointed when Steve pulled his arm away from hers, but when he wrapped it around her shoulders, her heart melted a little more.
“We’ll have to spend more time together, then, so you can find out if that’s the real me or not,” he said.
“I’d like that,” she replied. They sat in silence for a few moments.
Suddenly, Steve pulled his arm back, put his face in his hands, and then guffawed loudly.
“What is wrong with you?” Cindy asked. “What’s so funny?”
When Steve settled down, he said, “You know how this was a blind date set up by mutual friends of ours? And they told us to use first names only in case the date went badly?”
“Yes.”
“We haven’t revealed last names yet. How are you going to find my number in the phone book without that?” He laughed again. “Mine’s Lynch. Full first name is Steven with a ‘v’.”
“Delighted, Mr. Steven Lynch with a ‘v’. I’m Cindy Anderson.”
Mack Ames Books and Maine Moose Patrol 