Just before graduation, Paulie thinks seriously about proposing to Carolyn. Before he takes that step, though, he considers what that might mean to both of them. He decides the time has come to change his name. He convinces himself that if he does, it will be better for himself and for his future with Carolyn: the FBI will take him more seriously, improving his chances to become an agent for the Bureau.
He asks Carolyn’s father what steps are needed to change his name. He wants to do this before applying to the Academy. Winston Arrington, smiling inwardly, asks Paulie if he’s ashamed of his ethnicity. Paulie politely, though forcefully, states that no, he is not. But, he explains that he wants more than anything to become an FBI agent.
Carolyn’s father likes the idea. He encourages Paulie because of his daughter, whom he knows is in love with the young man. If they ever get married—a thought that Winston dreads and certainly hopes will not come to pass—he’d find consolation in the fact that his daughter and grandchildren would not bear an Italian name.
Arrington promptly takes Paulie to the courthouse and tells him how to proceed with his name change application. Shortly thereafter, Paulie appears before a judge, who grants him leave to legally change his name. That day he becomes Paul A. Andrews.
That night, Paulie calls Carolyn to tell her what he’s done.
“Why?” she asks, confused.
“You know that I want a career with the FBI,” he responds. “And I don’t want my name holding me back.”
“Why do you think that would make a difference?”
“Believe me, it will. Your father agrees.”
“My father?”
“I asked for his advice.”
“Why would you ask him and not me?” she cries, unable to disguise the hurt in her voice.
“Carolyn, he is law enforcement. And after I graduate, I intend to propose to you. I want your father to know that my intentions are real. I want his respect.”
Carolyn says, “Paul, I loved your name and would have been proud to carry it. And I love you no matter what, but I am sorry you made this decision.”
She hangs up the phone, disheartened. Why did Paul bend to her father? She actually feels some disgust.