McGrave holds the dog up in front of him to get a good look at his face and then grins with delight. He is clearly touched.
"I don't know what to say, Maria."
"Good-bye is enough," she says. "Now you have a partner again."
"Two," Torsten says.
"Two?" Maria says.
McGrave lets the dog lick his face some more. "Duke just gave us another case."
"Us?" Maria says.
"I have good news for you," Torsten says. "Detective McGrave has agreed to become a special consultant to the Schwerstkriminalitat."
McGrave holds the dog with one hand and flashes his Kommissar badge at her with the other. "Nice, isn't it? Comes with a leather carrying case, too."
"You two will be working together," Torsten says.
"Sir, he can't stay," she says.
"I've arranged everything with the government," he says. "It's done."
Maria glares at McGrave, who is petting his new puppy. "Sorry, McGrave, but you've given me no choice." She looks back at her boss. "He should have told you this himself. He's not a cop. He was fired from the LAPD before he came here."
Torsten waves off her concern. "I know that."
"You do?" she says.
"I've known it from the moment he arrived," he says. "But I've always wanted to work with an American cop. The LAPD's loss is our gain."
"Only until I can settle my legal problems back home," McGrave says, "and not a moment longer."
Maria ignores him. "Sir, do you know what they call him there? Tidal Wave McGrave. Do you know why? Just look at what he did last night. He stole a car, smashed through two buildings, and caused hundreds of thousands of euros in damages."
"Thank you for reminding me about damages," Torsten says. "I'd almost forgotten."
"I'm glad you're seeing reason, sir."
"I noticed some dents on the front and rear bumpers of your official car, Frau Kommissar," Torsten says. "When are you going to learn how to park? The cost of those repairs will be coming out of your paycheck."
She stares at him. "You can't be serious, sir."
"Duke is right, Maria," McGrave says. "You really have to be more responsible."
"You're telling me that?" she says.
"Watch and learn," McGrave says and walks away with his puppy.
This should be fun.