Six years later....

The gathering was typical of most rowdy parties to celebrate youthful achievement -- loud music, animated storytelling, and no signs of winding down before morning. Kermit Griffin sat in a corner of the Coconut Bar and Grill watching Florida's newest members of the 'thin blue line' pat each other on the back after weeks of intensive training. The ceremony, held in the oppressive coastal heat, had been a milestone for David Griffin. It was a testament to survival, a 180 degree turn from a nearly dead teenage addict to a man.

David had marched onto the stage, tall and lean and strong, and accepted his badge from the mayor. There had been no high school graduation for him. He'd struggled through a GED course from the halfway house he'd called home for three years. Events beyond anyone's control had kept his older brother from his college graduation. This was the day the two brothers had been granted to share in the victory.

Reaching the end of the stage, the new Officer Griffin had stopped, snapped to attention, and saluted his brother. Seated in the front row, the dark figure, suspicious to most of the officers present, had risen and responded to the gesture with pride, understanding the meaning and respect offered.

Marilyn and Rob had an early flight and were on their way home with a colicky Baby Jason, leaving Kermit alone to bask in the youngest Griffin's glory. Sipping on an iced tea, David was happily joking with his friends, boasting about criminals running in droves from the city after the new class of rookies had been certified.

Paul Blaisdell slid into the booth beside his colleague, joining in the unbridled pride. "The kid turned out fine, didn't he?"

Taking a long drink then smiling in response, Kermit answered, "Oh, yeah." Kermit straightened the dark suit, which was becoming his uniform, and issued his own thanks. "It means a lot to me that you helped him get into the academy. Florida was a good choice."

"He's a good kid and he'll be a good cop." Paul wouldn't compound the discomfort his younger friend experienced when forced into obligation. "Thought it would be best for him away from his past up north." Pausing to accept his drink from a petite waitress, Paul took an opportunity to needle Kermit once more. "And who knows, maybe I can drag another Griffin into police work."

"Don't start!" Kermit snapped at the transparent pressure. "I told you I'm not cop material. You, of all people should know that." Annoyed at the toothy grin that met his protest, he gulped another swallow. "Now, David...there's a cop."

Once again examining his brother, he could find no comparison to the shivering boy he'd yanked from the streets. He didn't drink or smoke or do any drug more potent than aspirin. Strong and fit, David Griffin had purpose. He'd fought for years to decide what to do with his life; how to get back to the street and help the other kids who'd been tossed into the void like he had years ago; kids who had no older brother to pull them out of the spiral of drugs and death. Paul's suggestion of the police academy had been like the opening of a new door. Here he could help and defend. It was his true calling and his success at the academy had proven it, top of his class and winner of the Barren's Sharpshooter Award for marksmanship.

"Well, Peter's showing an interest so maybe I can get him under my thumb," Paul quipped.

Blaisdell's new foster son was already blending into their family and becoming obsessed with the cop lifestyle. Kermit had only met Peter Caine a couple of times but the boy reminded him so much of David. Neither of them could sit still for two seconds and both had this 'in your face' personality painted with a touch of sadness. It made Kermit naturally fond of the newly orphaned boy.

Appraising his younger cohort, Paul commented, "By the way, like the suit. Good look for you. Kind of undertaker chic."

Kermit gave a half grin. "Got into it on my last mission. Think I'll keep it." Yanking an offending umbrella from his new drink, he complained, "Damn, is everything pink and green in this godforsaken place?"

"Okay, okay, guys! I got something to say," the booming voice of David Griffin lulled his boisterous crew into silence. The group had been moving steadily closer to the tables where most of their families were seated.

Rolling his eyes in disgust, one of the other freshly certified rookies groaned, "Oh damn...Griffin's gonna talk! Somebody arrest him, quick!!"

"This won't take long," David replied to more groans, flashing a broad smile. Focusing his attention on the brother who generally preferred to be anonymous, David spoke from his heart. "This is my big brother. He had faith in a squirt who gave him zero respect and bucked him at every turn. Stuck to my back like glue. He made something out of me."

Choked with emotion, David paused in the midst of a now silent crowd. Kermit had persisted through the years of hatred and growth. Calling and writing letters in the face of little or no response. Maturity, peers that hadn't had a big brother to dry them out and understanding social workers had helped David focus on the truth. After banishing his own self-doubt and self-pity he found the strength to reconnect with his brother, the brother who loved him, the brother he loved.

Kermit rose to face the little brother who was now a good three inches taller than the mercenary there to celebrate his achievement. "You made something out of yourself. I'm proud of you."

"You showed me that there were things that were worth dying for, Kermit." He placed a warm hand on his untouchable brother's shoulder. "And...worth living for. Thank you." Undaunted by the eyes of the crowd, David pulled Kermit into a firm hug. Whispering privately into his ear, David breathed, "Love you, Kermit. Always did."

"I knew that, Squirt," the slightly broken voice whispered in response. "Love you, Davey." Feeling a decidedly father-like pride, Kermit found himself banishing the image of David as a desperate boy who needed a savior and replacing it with this David, the man.

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