Sample Sunday - Excerpt from Chapter Ten

Wednesday August 26th, 4:06 P.M. Washington Heights

 33rd Precinct Detective Unit

    As soon as Kelli and Bill walked into the squad room, the lieutenant waved them into his office. He didn’t look happy.

    “Close the door,” he said, and plopped back into his chair. “Before you say anything, let me tell you what I know.”

    Kelli and Bill sat down opposite the lieutenant, giving him their full attention.

    “I know you’re both pissed off at what happened today and I can’t blame you. I’m pissed off myself. Agent Farnsworth called me at three-twenty to inform me they were taking this case. When I asked him why, he told me to call One Police Plaza.”

    He paused and picked up a sheet of paper and passed it to Kelli. She took it from him, read it over and looked back up.

    “Just what the hell does this mean? They want us to cease our investigation. They don’t even give an explanation. What the hell boss?”

    “That came direct from One PP. It seems this case is directly connected to Carlos Rodriguez. And since he’s working with the DEA, they don’t want us mucking around and blowing the case they have going against this drug ring they’re investigating.”

    “And just how the hell did they figure that out? Shit, we don’t even know who killed Maria Gonzalez or attacked Pamela Dawkins,” Bill said, a puzzled look on his face.

    Kelli shook her head and laid the paper back on desk. “Are we going to let them do this? We’ve already put a lot of time into this case, and I have a feeling our witness may be ready to talk. And these sons of bitches don’t even give a shit that she almost died today!”

    “Well she didn’t, and that’s all that matters. Nevertheless, as far as we’re concerned, this case is closed. If the DEA finds out you two are still investigating it, heads will roll, I guarantee.”

    Kelli looked at Bill and he nodded. She turned back to the lieutenant and sighed. “Yeah, okay, we’re done. It’s a bunch of crap and you know it, but we’ll back off.”

    The lieutenant leaned back in his chair and looked from Kelli to Bill and back. “Okay, I’m going to hold you to it. If I hear that you’re still looking into this, I’ll have both your badges. Now get out of here.”