Malinda Adams's comments were almost humorous enough to lighten the extreme tension in the room, and I suspected at that point everyone else realized it was getting silly.
"I move to amend the amendment," said Sheila Sorrells, "to award the Distinguished Police Cross to Lt. Irwin posthumously."
"Is there a second?" asked the Mayor. The room was silent for a moment, and it looked like no one would speak up.
"God damn you all." muttered Ian McGhillie. "I second the motion."
"You're taking their side?" asked Dagmar Schoen, her voice connoting disbelief.
"What do you want me to do?" shouted McGhillie, worn to exasperation. "Tell my son I let this failed Police Captain downgrade the award to a DSM?"
"All right, we have a motion on the floor, and seconded." said the Mayor tiredly. "Per the
