The Year We Disappeared

John recalls his rookie year (1970) under the tutelage of Don Price. Price instructs his new charge on the nuances of policing in Falmouth, including “local politics, local untouchables, local bad guys” (89). He is told to look the other way when dealing with certain high-ranking people. John finds this confusing. A crime is a crime as far as he’s concerned, and he doesn’t understand why some citizens get special treatment. One class of untouchables, for example, is anyone related to a cop, and one night, John arrests the nephew of an officer who “knew or owed favors to so many people in town that when you pulled over a local, they would say, ‘So, you know Monty?’” (93). John confronts Monty over the incident, establishing his credentials as an honest cop.

One of the most egregious untouchables is Raymond Meyer, an ex-convict who has served time for burglary and arson. He also has a history of threatening anyone who might testify against him. During John’s rookie year, Meyer’s wife, Brenda, disappears, and Meyer starts dating his 18-year-old babysitter. The police suspect foul play, but they never find Brenda’s body. John quickly realizes that Meyer is no petty criminal but a major player establishing powerful connections in town based on threats and intimidation.