The Tenacious Detective

llway to a small conference room. The doctor gestured

octor began. "He's been diagnosed with advanced stage lung cance

d over at Alder's wife, who was

r parts of his body. We could start him on chemotherapy, but the likelihood of it

e had known Alder for years, and the

asked, his voice ba

move him to a private room and provide him with palliative care. We'll do ev

dded, fee

Alder's wife asked

r said, standing up. "

they entered, Jeremy was struck by how frail Alder looked. He

d over to his side

y," she whispere

open, and he looked up

voice barely audible. "I n

Jeremy said, tears st

der's wife added, her vo

eyes. A few seconds later, he reope

," Alder smiled as he touched his grandson

the man who had taught him everything he knew was now lying in a hospital bed, barely able to speak. He

trembling. "But I don't think I can go back t

an't let this consume you, Jeremy. You have a talent and

been passionate about solving crimes and bringing justice to the victims. But

looking down at his hands

't be," he said. "But you're stron

aring at his father, who appeared to b

r would be fine?" Jerem

responded. "The doctor

th tears. "This is so unfair," he said.

en there for him, even when his parents were too busy with their work. Alder had been the one to take him on camping trips

him every day, even if it meant taking a break from work. He would help him wi

Alder. He found him sitting up in bed, reading a

y," he said. "How ar

"I'm okay," he sai

en better," he said. "Bu

bed. "I brought you some flowers," he sai

d in their scent. "Thank you, Jere

r, about books, and about their favorite memories. Jeremy was amazed at how much his grandfather had

lt a sense of peace and comfort being in his grandfather's presence. He

to die soon," Alder said,

ng, Grandpa," Jeremy

ly shutting down. "I have lived a long and fulfilling life, Jere

eve that the man who had been his role model and best friend was going to leave him

ing to do great things, Jeremy. I have faith in you," he said

believe that his grandfather was really gone. He knew that Alder had

for the nurse. The nurse came in and checked Ald

oster w