Ed tapped the speaker; static crackled. The closet was hot– but not stifling like the Central Jail storeroom. He thought of his last two weeks.
He’d played it brass balls with Parker, presenting all three depositions, agreeing to testify as the Department’s key witness. Parker considered his assessment of the situation brilliant, the mark of an exemplary officer. He gave the least damaging of the three statements to Ellis Loew and his favorite D.A.’S investigator, a young law school graduate–Bob Gallaudet. The blame was shifted, more than deservedly, to Sergeant Richard Stensland and Officer Wendell White; less deservedly to three men with their pensions already secured. The chief’s reward to his exemplary witness: a transfer to a detective squadroom–a huge promotion. With the lieutenant’s exam aced, within a year he would stand as Detective Lieutenant E. J. Exley.
Green left the office; Ellis Loew and Gallaudet walked in. Loew and Parker conferred; Gallaudet opened the door. “Sergeant Vincennes, please”–static out of the speaker.
Trashcan Jack: sleek in a chalk-striped suit. No amenities–he took the middle seat checking his watch. A look passed–Trash, Ellis Loew. Parker eyed the new fish, an easy read–pure contempt. Gallaudet stood by the door, smoking.
Loew said, “Sergeant, we’ll get right to it. You’ve been very cooperative with l.A., which is to your credit. But nine witnesses have identified you as hitting Juan Carbijal, and four drunk tank prisoners saw you carrying in a case of rum. You see, your notoriety preceded you. Even drunks read the scandal sheets.”
Dudley Smith took over. “Lad, we need your notoriety. We have a stellar witness who will tell the grand jury that you hit back only after being hit, and since that is probably the truth, further prisoner testimony will vindicate you. But we need you to admit bringing the liquor the men got drunk on. Admit to that interdepartmental infraction and you’ll get off with a trial board. Mr. Loew guarantees a quashed criminal indictment should one arise.”
Trashcan kept still. Ed read in: Bud White brought most of the booze, he’s afraid to inform on him. Parker said, “There will have to be a large shake-up within the Department. Testify, and you’ll receive a minor trial board, no suspension, no demotion. I’ll guarantee you a light slap on the wrist–a transfer to Administrative Vice for a year or so.”
Vincennes to Loew. “Ellis, have I got any more truck with you on this? You know what working Narco means to me.”
Loew flinched. Parker said, “None, and there’s more. You’ll have to stand in the show-up tomorrow, and we want you to testify against Officer Krugman, Sergeant Tucker and Officer Pratt. All three men have already earned their pensions. Our key witness will testify roundly, but you can plead ignorance to questions directed at the other men. Frankly, we must sate the public’s clamor for blood by giving up some of our own.”
Dudley Smith: “I doubt if you’ve ever drawn a stupid breath, lad. Don’t do it now.”
Trashcan Jack: “I’ll do it.”
Smiles all around. Gallaudet said, “I’ll go over your testimony with you, Sergeant. Dining Car lunch on Mr. Loew.” Vincennes stood up; Loew walked him to the door.
Whispers out the speaker: “. . . and I told Cooley you wouldn’t do it again”–“Okay, boss.” Parker nodded at the mirror.
Ed walked in, straight to the hot seat. Smith said, “Lad, you’re very much the man of the hour.”
Parker smiled. “Ed, I had you watch because your assessment of this situation has been very astute. Any last thoughts before you testify?”
“Sir, am I correct in assuming that whatever criminal bills the grand jury hands down will be stalled or quashed during Mr. Loew’s post-indictment process?”
Loew grimaced. He’d hit a nerve–just like his father said he would. “Sir, am I correct in that?”
Loew, patronizing. “Have you attended law school, Sergeant?”
“No, sir. I haven’t.”
“Then your esteemed father has given you good counsel.”
Voice steady. “No, sir. He hasn’t.”
Smith said, “Let’s assume you’re correct. Let’s assume that we are bending our efforts toward what all loyal policemen want: no brother officers tried publicly. Assuming that, what do you advise?”