CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

 

 

Captain Donnelley had worked his way up from beat cop. He had been a detective for 12 years, then promoted to captain. When word came down about Mike, he cancelled all time off and mobilized every man in the precinct. It wasn't just an attack on one of their own; it was on one of their best and most loved. The squad room was packed and buzzed with the din of anger and speculation. Donnelley wasn't much on making speeches, but he liked listening to a good one. In the captain's mind, a good speaker is a man to be respected. He considered it his great weakness because the right words can move men to push themselves beyond their best, to something unstoppable. This was a time when he needed to get it right.

"Everyone, listen up." The room quieted. "As you all know by now, Mike is in the hospital. He's in bad shape, but I am told he should make it." A restrained cheer went up, but the captain waved his hand for silence. He had much more to say. Everyone settled down. "This wasn't just an attack on Mike; it was an attack on the badge."

There were nods of agreement.

"I want Mike's neighborhood canvassed, then I want every scumbag in the city rousted. Get me answers and get me them now."

Each man felt a sense of urgency. The speech, while not especially eloquent, hit the mark. Some of the men had just finished their shifts but were staying; two of them were coming off a double and were staying, too. There weren't any complaints, and each was ready to scour the city to find those responsible.

"One more thing. Don't take anything for granted. Right now all we know is Mike was beaten by, at the very least, three guys. This might be the start of something bigger. Watch each other's backs." The captain paused and took a breath, "I want every man to keep their gun with them at all times. The sergeant will take it from here."

The noise started up again. The sergeant had a map of Mike's neighborhood up on the wall. Other boards, containing photos of all the people killed in the gang wars, were pushed aside. Some thought it might be related, but they agreed it was best to consider every angle.