"Good afternoon Jasper, I have someone here I'd like you to meet," Scott greeted.
"Well hell, where did you find this old plug, How ya doin' Mike? Long time no see, Jasper Bellows chuckled.
"It has been a while, good to see you, Jasper," Mike replied.
"Same here, what brings you here, you chasin' somebody? Jasper inquired.
"No Jasper, Mike has joined the team, he's our new CID head," Scott informed him.
"Well I'll be boiled, shit, welcome aboard Mike we can use somebody with your abilities here. I'll let you get up to speed before I talk to you about the lack of case management. I don't blame the guys pulling the weight but they don't get much support. I guess it's hard to manage detectives from a golf course. Only one of the command staff is worth a damn and he's retiring. Sorry Scott I should have let you tell him."
"It's okay, Lieutenant Foyle was out with an investigator on a felony hit and run. That's why you didn't meet him with the others. And he doesn't play golf at all."
"I look forward to meeting him, I'm not a big fan of the game myself," Mike allowed.
"So Jasper where do we stand on the Reardon case, it's rapidly becoming a priority."
"One of my deputy examiners just completed the file. I was going to review it. The file's in my office, let's all go take a look. Oh um nice to see you again Herb."
"You too Jasper," Herb replied.
"You know Scott, Herb has been holding down the fort since Reyes went tits up," Jasper shared.
"Is that a fact, so Herb you wanna place a bet on who the leak is?" Scott asked?
"I think not, but I'm guessing it's the same guy you're thinking of."
"Spoilsport," Scott returned.
The four men sat in Jasper's office.
"Okay, Cause was myocardial infarction with evidence of extreme physical stress by repeated strangling. There are burns and abrasions that indicate that torture may have been the source of the stress too. There was some interesting trace found on the ankles and wrists in addition to ligature marks and petechial hemoraging. D.E. Sturges suspects the trace was postmortem perhaps while moving the body. There is also fiber evidence all of which has been sent to Bruce's crew for analysis," Jasper concluded.
"Any sign of DNA evidence?" asked Herb.
"Swabs were taken and they need to be processed. We found hair and skin cells. It looks like she was raped with a foreign object. It will be a week at least for the DNA unless we make it a major case."
Mike looked at Scott.
"It's your call Mike, what do you think?"
"Another day might mean another body. We need to review all the other dumps and the circumstances. I think we can have that done tomorrow morning. Then I will feel confident about pulling the trigger. What do you think Herb?
"Well the first we know about was Bremerton five months back, the second was two months and the third was about six weeks. The Reardon case was three weeks after that. It follows that the next will be sooner. I think we can pull enough together to see if it is what we think. You'll need to lean on Kitsap county but the people in Snohomish and Pierce counties are pretty cooperative," Herb finished.
"I will deal with Harris over in Port Orchard and let him know what's at stake, and that Reyes has been replaced. If he still balks I can probably lean on Pierce county because they do most of Kitsap's tech work," Scott assured. Okay, I have a meeting with the county commissioners so I'm going to ask you to hitch a ride with Herb back downtown.
"No problem," Herb nodded.
Scott shook hands and departed while the remaining men talked a while longer.
"So this is what the county gave you to drive?" Mike commented about the decrepit looking Crown Vic.
"It looks bad but it's solid. It has civilian plates, it's the last one in the fleet that does. Our former Sheriff didn't see the need for stealth. It's mechanically sound and it has all the emergency equipment. I haven't had to run code since I got it and it's kind of off the radar," Herb explained.
"I see it lacks a back seat, did you build the shelf?" Mike inquired.
"Yes, I did it myself, I didn't want the trustees to pass the description along to their buddies on the street."
"Good thinking, Let's get over to the castle and I can pick up my car. It's too late in the day to get a county car assigned but they're getting one ready for me. I'll have Minnie drive me in tomorrow and we can go pick it up," Mike commented.
****
By the time Mom was ready to go, Chase and I were too. We belted the boys into the booster seats and waved as they left. Chase and I put on our safety gear and headed out for Lincoln Park and the trails. We had a great time although we both had a spill. Not the bike's fault in my case or Chase's. We just became a bit overconfident and physics took over. The trails were great and we were plenty tired when we arrived at the snack bar, after a bit of refreshment and a long stretch lying on the grass we pedaled home. I called Dave, thanked him for the pump and tool kit and told him the bike worked perfectly.
Chase and I showered together and I loaned him some clothes since his were rank.
"What a great shower, you could get four guys in there," Chase laughed.
"Probably two adults, we won't always be this size," I countered.
We stretched out on my bed and kissed awhile but fatigue took its toll and I was suddenly aware of Carter and John playing quietly in the next room. I walked to the toilet and returned to wake Chase.
"Our brothers have returned," I whispered in his ear.
"Chase walked hurriedly to the toilet and returned. We looked in on John and Carter and they were engaged in the construction of a major tower. For years when people didn't know what to get me for birthdays or Christmas I received LEGO blocks, consequently I had a huge supply and I had never been able to use every last piece on a project.
"I'm going to start working on the top piece and Chase or Jem can put it on for us," Carter ventured.
The little guys were being very thorough, their building techniques were awesome. The lower walls were double thick and staggered for strength and at every transition to a smaller diameter they built a thick platform at least three blocks deep before beginning the next stage. It got to the point that they were building sections and Chase and I would lift them up so they could place them and make them secure. Eventually they reached a point where it was time to set the cap section in place and both little guys had to strain to put it in place. I took a picture with John and Carter standing in front of the tower and sent it to Dad and Jeff. I had so many of the blocks that they were kept in two plastic trash cans one of which still had plenty of blocks left inside.
I called down for Mom to come see the creation and she was impressed.
"The only help we gave them was lifting them so they could reach the top to put on their assemblies. It was quite a thing to watch," I told Mom.
"You boys must have really worn yourselves out at the park. Has John shown you his new clothes yet?"
"No and it looks like it will have to wait," I said, nodding in the direction of John's bed where he and Carter were stretched out asleep.
Well that's okay, he'll get his chance a bit later. He has very good taste for a such a young boy. He has an eye for what matches and what doesn't, and also what suits him, Mom told us at length.
"When he's ready he can give me a fashion show," I grinned.
Chase and I messed around on the computer and Mom returned with news.
"I just heard back from Rainier Academy and they have a spot for John but he'll have to go for an interview this week; it's just an aptitude test, I think we'll pick up a computer with some learning programs. He said he lost his when his aunt left."
"That's wonderful, Chase and I can be close by if he needs us and he'll have Carter to help ease the way. I think John can hold his own. In just a couple of days, he's learned to climb the stairs on his own and he seems pretty resilient," I responded.
"I think so too, he's already gained a pound and he seems much stronger physically and emotionally. I think that's down to you boys and Carter," Mom observed.
"He's a nice kid Minnie, Carter and I have already become close to him. He's another brother just like Jem," Chase explained.
"I've noticed Chase, and I am very grateful to have you two boys close by," Mom replied.
As Mike and Herb pulled up in front of the Castle which the main Sheriff's building was called, a man was unlocking a county unmarked SUV and stowing his gear. Herb pulled up behind the vehicle and called out.
"Hey Frank, I've got someone you should meet?"
Frank Foyle was a massive man even at sixty-three he looked as he could easily take on the worst offender hand to hand. His hair was white but still abundant and he was in great shape. At a bit over six feet he was right at two hundred pounds and none of it seemed to be fat.
Herb and Mike stepped out of the car and Herb gestured to Mike introducing him to Frank.
"He's the new head of CID and he's already got a pretty good track record."
"Nice to meet you Frank I've heard pretty good things about you and one bad one," Mike said offering his hand.
Frank took the hand and inquired, "What did you hear, I'll tell you if it's true."
"I heard that you were retiring," Mike supplied.
"Ah yes, I'm just tired of bucking the tide. You've got some command problems that are getting worse." Frank replied.
"So your retirement is motivated by frustration with the current model?" Frank asked.
"Pretty much, Guys like Alvarez and the other two spend most of their time at the golf course or talking to reporters about things they should keep to themselves. It's having an effect on the detectives and clerical people. You have a good pool of people but if you can't retrain your command staff nothing will change for the better. Paul Enright's probably okay he's just unsure how to break away from Alvarez and Miller," Frank explained.
Do you have some time in the morning so that we can have a chat about organization at length and maybe entice you to hang on a bit longer?" Mike requested.
"Unless I pull another case like this morning. Sorry I missed your swearing in by the way. But it was necessary, there was a fatal auto ped collision over in Leschi. The driver fled and hit another vehicle causing injuries. While we were there, a citizen returned to the scene with dash cam video of both accidents and there was a clear view of the driver turning around and driving off, he got the plate too. The citizen followed for a while but lost the suspect in traffic. The suspect is in custody. SPD picked him up and he blew .19 on the machine. I plan on pressing the DA to go for vehicular homicide with specifications. We still don't have an ID on the victim, older homeless man with no papers on him. The old guy yanked a teenager out of the path or it would have been a double fatal. The traffic Investigator will talk with others in the area over the next few days and see if he can get a name."
"Let me know if I can help with the pushing, I can get Scott to do a bit of leaning while I'm in my honeymoon period," Mike suggested.
"Well I look forward to seeing you in the morning, um, where are we meeting.
"Let's meet at the station," Mike requested. "I need to pick out an office and see what the building needs to get the rest of the offices ready for the command staff."
"What?! Bunk with the lower ranks, are you mad?! Frank chuckled. "I'll be there, I was against separating the command and detective staff but I'm not sufficiently political to make a difference in those matters.
"Okay Frank, I'll see you in the morning, I'll be in about six, so any time after that," Mike replied.
"I'll be there too Mike, I can get you in so you don't have to ring the bell. All the keycards are in a file cabinet inside the station, I'll text you the code for the gate." Herb supplied.
"Sounds great Herb, we'll see you then," Mike returned.
****
"Hi Dad, you just missed Chase and Carter, They went home to see Janisse and Jeff should be home soon too," I informed him.
Dad gave me a great hug and went looking for Mom and John.
They were in the kitchen where Mom was rolling out dough for Beef Wellington. John had obviously been helping because his cheeks had hand prints made with flour on them.
Dad gave Mom a kiss and a major hug and then turned his attention to John who squealed and giggled just like Carter does when Jeff picks him up. Dad held John and kissed him as John hugged his neck in return.
"So how was the first day?" Mom asked?
Busy, Scott had all the paperwork ready, a new star and the whole shebang took a couple of hours at most. Then the Sheriff swore me in and I met three of the command staff, all lieutenants and I may have issues with two of them. I'll know more about that in the morning. I have a lot of work to do but it looks like we have a lot of good men who are suffering a lack of support from their commanders. It looks like my predecessor may be indicted soon. He was using his position in the department to milk the county and he had some ties with gang bangers as well. He owns a chain of stores that were shown to be defrauding the state. Basically a welfare scam. He was given a choice of being fired for misconduct or resigning, et voila Je suis la, Dad explained.
"What was that you said last?" John asked.
"That's just Daddy speaking French, I said "And there you go, here I am." We all speak French and a few other languages and you will probably learn them too. Wait till you meet Grampa Mac Gregor, he's going to love you John," I explained.
I can sing Frere Jaques, Baba taught me. She taught me a couple of Russian songs too. She came from a town called Minsk in Belarus, she showed me on a map. She's a really good teacher and she told very good stories. I miss her sometimes. She's very sick and she told me she would be going home soon," John uttered quietly.
Dad kissed his temple but there wasn't much to say. Once dinner was done Mom and Dad went to speak in private. I got the impression that he would have to do a bit of housecleaning.
With John snoozing on my lap I decided to call Nate and see how he was doing.
"Hi Etienne, I was just thinking about you earlier. Dustin and I are going to visit Lincoln Park, do you think you might be around?"
"Probably, Chase and I spend quite a bit of time there, it's great for riding bikes and soccer. I want to try the pool soon."
"Oh yeah it's a great place, and the pool is cool too. It's saltwater you know."
"Yes, Chase told me. I'm looking forward to it. Um, I have some news. I have a little brother now. My parents are fostering an orphan with plans to adopt him. He's a sweet little guy and I'm already attached. It's just so cool to have him here."
"Good for you, you'll be a great big brother. I have some news too. I don't have to go back to court anymore. All three of them took a deal for fifteen years. They might make parole after five but I'll be grown up by then and if they come near me I'll mess them up good, at least Adam and Larry. I never want to see any of them again. They'll be under a strict no contact order when they get out."
"That's good, Nate, just don't let your hate for them mess you up. I think you're a nice guy and once you got free from that mess you became your real self again. Just don't give them free rent in your head. Get on with your life and forget them."
"That's what my shrink says, I think you're both right. I don't really think of them that much anymore, just when I have to explain things like now with you."
"I'm glad to hear that Nate, I won't bring it up again but if you need to talk about it I'm all ears."
"Thanks Etienne, thanks for listening to me spew. I've been much better lately. I wasn't looking forward to testifying but now I don't have to. Dustin has me seeing a really nice shrink, She's pretty good. I really thought I'd have trouble talking with a woman about what they did to me , but she is so nice and it's so easy to talk to her."
"That's good Nate, you had that coming after all you went through, Dustin sounds like a good man. Let me know when you'll be here and I'll get Chase and we'll meet you there."
"Okay, see you then Etienne."
"I look forward to seeing you again Nate, bye for now."
We disconnected and I snuggled with John a bit longer and then carried him upstairs for bed.
*****
Mike pulled up to the access gate of the station at five-thirty almost on the dot. He punched in the access code and the gate rolled open. As he drove to a second gate he saw the first closing behind him. There was no keypad just a button and a camera at the next gate.
Good, he thought access is not electronic, it takes human approval to get through the gate. He pushed the button and a voice said "I.D. Please. Mike held up his new credentials and the gate began rolling open.
"Just pull up to the space by the orange door marked no custody, I'll buzz you in when I see you in front of it."
"Thank you umm?"
"Bob, Bob Evans, I'll meet you in the hall sir."
Mike was impressed by the level of security. When he had been here with Herb they had come through the front door with Herb's keycard.
Mike parked, grabbed his briefcase and tea, then proceeded to stand at the orange door as instructed. The latch buzzed and he pulled the door open. He walked as far as the hallway and found Bob Evans waiting for him at the intersection.
"Good morning Captain Mac Gregor, Herb gave me the heads up that you'd be in today. I'm Bob Evans, let's go back to the desk and I'll get you a keycard and a radio. When you choose an office we'll set up a desk charger."
At the front desk, Bob offered Mike a seat and pointed to a cardboard box. This is your radio, it's the latest greatest from Motorola. Thirty-two channels eight of them are encrypted and we change the key daily. It's done remotely so your first call is dispatch and once they verify you you'll receive a pin code on your departmental mobile phone. It's a simple system and keeps our comms protected. The rest of the channels are digital and compatible with ground and air units, have you used the Astro radios before sir?"
"Yes and the name is Mike unless you're on the carpet. Who controls the list of people that receive updates?"
"Well S, Mike we do, that is the desk officers do, if none of us are here there's a backup in the comms department."
"Good deal, that list might get a little shorter soon. Are there any complete offices upstairs, phones desks and such?" Mike asked.
"You bet, Most of them are decent, a few have their own bathroom, I presume you'd like one of those?" Asked Bob.
"Most likely, I'll go upstairs and have a look. There will be more people in the building from here on so we may need another guy working the desk with you on Days."
"I'm sure we can find coverage, you know that we're all retired officers that man the desk part time right."
"It must beat the hell out of working at Walmart and you get to use that specialized knowledge that you picked up over the years."
"Well Lt. Alverez doesn't like for us to mix with the detectives much. He doesn't put a lot of stock in us older guys."
"Well that's about to change, Bob, can you get me a list of guys who would like to get some time in. There are a few jobs that a clerical shouldn't be doing under any circumstance."
Did Herb give you my background?"
"Well yes , he did. He also told me to keep it to myself. You know, it's just my opinion but he'd make a good lieutenant. As long as he has time to work cases he'd be happy."
"Thanks for the insight Bob, I've been of that opinion for a few days now. So how do I get upstairs?
"You can take the stairs or the elevator if you want to look around. You'll need your keycard to run the elevator or get past the door on the stairs."
"Thanks Bob, I need to get a couple things from my case and then I'll head up. I'm expecting Lt. Foyle around sixish, let him know where I am and ask him to join me please."
"You got it Mike, I think it's gonna be fun around here again."
Mike grabbed a roll of blue masking tape and a felt tip marker. He took the radio and his phones with him and slid his keycard into the slot for the elevator. He punched in the pin code from the sticky note and the doors opened. He pressed the second floor button and the elevator zipped up quickly. Mike decided he would need a retractable leash for the keycard. He looked over the two executive offices, chose the one to the right of the elevator, and put a piece of tape on the door with his name inscribed on it. He wrote LT. Foyle on another piece of tape and placed it on the other executive office.
Lt. Alvarez had not impressed him at all and Mike wanted him to pass by his office coming and going. He had a choice of two offices at the end of the hall and he placed Alvarez' name on the one with the stained ceiling tiles. He placed Lt. Miller next to himself and Lt. Enright on the other side of Lt. Foyle.
He was reasonably happy with the arrangement and sat at his desk to call Minnie and then Scott.
He asked Minnie to keep the next morning open so she could drive him in in the morning. When he called Scott he asked how quickly central services could get the four Lieutenants moved over to the station house.
Scott indicated he could make it happen today if Mike wanted. Mike told him tomorrow was quick enough