Back in my days as a patrolman

The day started out as usual for me working swing shift patrol out of south sub-station. August 12, 1982. It was 112 degrees in the shade and over 140 in the patrol car as I first get in and start it up. The steering wheel burnt my hands, the seat burnt my rear and the sweat was already running down my chest under the bullet proof vest I wore as I started the engine and put the a/c on high. I took my time checking it out, making sure the shotgun is loaded and looking for left over contraband from a prior cop's prisoner, etc and found a $100 bill stuffed in the front passenger seat between the seat and the back cushion. I checked my pockets, I had $3.50 for dinner and any breaks I needed that night. I thought "Internal Affairs set up" and scanned the lot for an unmarked van that may be video taping me. I see none. I impounded the money in the evidence vault and went back to my hot car, starting out my shift with a sense of clear conscience and wondering how I'd get a good meal that night. It was one reason I took up mowing lawns for side money. As I recall, I ate dinner half-priced later that night at El Jardine Mexican Restaurant and made a few arrests. I loved my job.