INTERNAL AFFAIRS

 

By:  Kenda

 

 

     Lieutenant Abigail Marsh was taking time out of her hectic morning to straighten up her office.  She shoved files in cabinets and desk drawers, not being concerned as to what order they were in.  She'd need to retrieve them later anyway.  She opened her middle desk drawer, and with a sweep of her hand, deposited the stray pens and pencils into it.  Next she grabbed for the loose stack of reports sitting on the corner of her desk.  In her haste, Abby knocked the papers onto the floor.

 

     "Damn," she mumbled as she bent to retrieve the papers that had fluttered this way and that.

 

     The sound of a throat being cleared caused Abby to look up from her crouched position.  Her eyes traveled up long legs clad in navy blue trousers, discreetly bypassed the man's crotch, hopped over his belt buckle, then journeyed up the tie and the mammoth neck it surrounded until they came to rest on her visitor's face.

 

     "Lieutenant Marsh," the man nodded gravely.

 

     Abby smiled weakly.  Shit.

 

     "Good morning, sir."

 

     "I don't expect you to be on your knees when I enter your office, Lieutenant.  Being seated behind your desk will suffice."

 

     Abby rose, trying to unobtrusively straighten the skirt that had hiked its way up her thighs.  "Yes, sir."  She wondered for a moment if she should pick up the wayward papers, or leave them as they lay.  A quick glance at the intimidating man made her decide to leave them.

 

     With a wave of her hand, Abby indicated to the looming presence that he should have a seat in one of the chairs across from her desk.

 

     "Can I get you a cup of coffee, sir?"

 

     "No, thank you.  I'm fine.  Besides, this is not a social visit.  I have an important matter to discuss with you."

 

     Abby folded her hands in front of her, resting them on her desktop.  She gave the large black man her full attention.  "Yes, sir.  What is it?"

 

     "For quite some time now, far too much confidential police business has been leaked out of this department, your department, to the press and onto the streets."    The man's dark eyes held Abby's as he reminded, "We've discussed this matter before, Lieutenant."

 

     Abby tried not to squirm under the man's intense stare.  "Yes, sir.  I know, sir.  And I have discussed it several times with my people.  I've made it clear to them that they are not to be discussing anything they hear in this department with anyone.  Not wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, no one.  They have all assured me that they understand that.  They're professionals, sir.  I'm very confident that no one on my staff is violating department policy."

 

     "Possibly it is not your staff we need to be concerned with."

 

     "Sir?"

 

     "How often are those two Simon brothers in your office, Lieutenant?"

 

     "Oh, sir, no.  You're way off base if you think Rick and A.J.--"

 

     "How often, Abigail?"

 

     Abby gave a casual shrug.  "Not that often.  Once every few weeks, I suppose."

 

     The man arched an eyebrow.  "You suppose?  Try once every few days.  That estimate would be considerably more accurate from

what I've been told."

     "Sir, Rick and A.J. Simon would never--"

 

     The man rose, all six foot six, and two hundred and thirty four pounds of him.  "The discussion is closed for now, Lieutenant.  As of this very moment, I do not want to see, or hear of, either Simon brother setting foot in this office.  Or anywhere in this police department for that matter.  Internal Affairs is conducting an investigation.  If they come to the conclusion that these leaks are being generated by the Simon brothers, I promise you I will have their licenses.  I'll bring so many charges against them, that the only place they'll be playing detective is on Alcatraz."

 

     "But, sir--" Abby attempted to debate.

 

     "No buts, Abigail.  And if you want to continue to be in charge of the Homicide Division, you'll see that these rules are followed," came the firm decree.

 

       The man bent down and leaned toward Abby, resting his knuckles on her desktop.  In a softer tone of reason he said, "You're a woman, Abby, and I'm a black man.  That means we're both well aware of how difficult it has been for each of us to rise to our present positions.  Don't jeopardize what you've worked so long and hard for because of a couple of private dicks who decided they were detectives when they got their first decoder rings out of a box of Cracker Jacks.  If you're smart, you'll disassociate yourself with the Simon brothers.  No dropping by their office, no phone calls, not even a Christmas card."

 

     For the first time since this conversation began, Abby was defiant.  "That was advice, right?  Not an order?"

 

     The man shook his head as walked out the door.  "It's advice you'd be wise to take."

 

     Long after the man had left, Abby remained seated at her desk.  When it was late enough that she could use the excuse that she was going to lunch, Abby gathered her purse and exited the office.  She wouldn't make it obvious as to where she was going.  She'd take an indirect route, then, park the car behind the Simons' office building rather than in the lot that faced the busy street.

    

____________________

 

     Abby slipped into the Simon and Simon office right at noon.  The brothers were seated behind their desks with lunch spread out before them. 

 

     "You know, ever since Mona died Erica hasn't been the same," Rick was saying.  "I think she's going off the deep end.  Man, that was a sad funeral.  It really tore me up."

 

     A.J. looked up from the file he was reading while eating a tuna croissant.  "Erica's been going off the deep end for a long time now.  She's been married what, seven times?"

 

     "Eight.  No, make that nine.  Anyway, all this trauma she's had the past year, what with reliving the sexual assault she experienced at sixteen, then the same guy trying to rape her seven-year-old daughter, then her mother dyin.’  I don't know, A.J.  I'm real worried about her."

 

     "Knock, knock," Abby said, looking slightly sheepish for eavesdropping as she lightly rapped on the inside of the door.  "I hope I'm not interrupting anything.  If you guys are discussing a family matter, or a client, I can return later."

 

     A.J.'s face turned beet red with embarrassment.    Rick quickly reached for the remote control and hit the mute button. 

 

     "No, no, Abigail, it was nothing like that.  Come in," Rick invited.

 

     It was then that Abby caught a glimpse of the television screen.

 

     With great amusement she teased, "A soap opera?  You two big, strong, masculine hunks are soap opera junkies?"

 

     "I'm not!"  A.J. defended himself.  "It's Rick who's the soapy in the family."

 

     Abby smirked at the blond man.  "Yeah, right, A.J.  It's obvious that you don't know anything about this show."

 

     "I don't!"

 

     Abby gave A.J. a look of disbelief.   She seated herself in a chair across from his desk while Rick extolled the value of All My Children. 

 

"Hey, this is a great show.  Don't knock it.  Everything I know about women, I've learned from watchin' this soap."

 

     "That's obvious, Richard."

 

     Rick made a face, mimicking the woman. "That's obvious, Richard."  Using the remote, Rick clicked the T.V. off.   "So, Abigail, did you come by here for a reason, or do you derive perverse enjoyment from interrupting a guy while he's eatin' his lunch and watchin' his favorite T.V. show?"

 

     Abby's teasing mood nose-dived considerably at Rick's question.  She hesitated before confessing, "I came by here for a reason."

 

      The brothers exchanged glances.  "And that reason is?"  A.J. prompted.

 

     Abby looked over at Rick, then back at A.J. before starting to rise.  "Listen, guys, I didn't mean to interrupt your lunch.  I'm sorry.  I...I'll come back later.  It can wait.  It wasn't that important anyway."

 

       A.J. rose as well. "Whoa.  Whoa.  Just wait a minute.  Sit back down, Abby.  Please."

 

     Abby hesitated a moment before reseating herself.  Again, the brothers exchanged glances at the gross display of uneasiness that was out of character for the self-confident police lieutenant.

 

     In an attempt to help her relax, A.J. changed the subject for a moment.  "Have you had lunch yet?"

 

     "No."

 

     He slid an untouched still wrapped tuna croissant across the desk to her. 

 

     "A.J., this is your lunch," Abby protested.

 

     "Just eat it.  It was buy one sandwich get one for free down at Ellen's Deli today.  I've already had a bowl of soup and a sandwich.  I don't need that one, too.  I'll end up throwing it out if you don't eat it."

 

     Abby smiled slightly.  With a nod of her head she indicated to Rick.  "What about the human garbage disposal over there?  Won't he eat it?"

 

     Between mouthfuls of his second deluxe roast beef sub, Rick negated, "Don't like tuna.  You eat it."

 

     Abby reluctantly, but gratefully, accepted the offered sandwich.  A.J. leaned back in his chair to be within reach of the small refrigerator behind his desk.  "Pepsi or 7-Up?"

 

     "I'll have a 7-Up.  Thanks."

 

     The three sat together for the next few minutes while Abby ate her lunch.  The brothers didn't pressure Abby into talking about anything in particular, but rather conversed with her on whatever subject she brought up, ranging from the weather, to the trip their mother had just returned from.

 

     When the last napkin and soda can was deposited in the garbage, Rick rose and came over to sit in the chair next to the one Abby occupied.  "So, Abigail, what'd you need to talk to us about?"

 

     Abby looked from Rick to A.J. before finally beginning.  "I should have mentioned this to both of you two months ago when it was first brought to my attention, but well...well, I never thought anything would come of it.  I thought I had smoothed things over that day."

 

     "What things?"  A.J. asked.

 

     "Chief Thorton stopped by my office in February and talked to me at length about the fact that the department, my department specifically, seems to have sprung a leak somewhere, so to speak."

 

     The Simons nodded their understanding as to the meaning of Abby's words.

 

     "He spoke to me about the fact that information was getting to the press, and onto the streets, that was making solving certain cases, and convicting certain criminals, difficult.  He also spoke to me about people being in the department that didn't belong there."

 

     "You mean us," Rick stated.

 

     "He didn't specify your names at the time, but it was implied.  He seemed to be satisfied when he left that day, with my promise to talk to my staff and reiterate to them the importance of keeping what they see and hear at work confidential, which I did.  I didn't feel at that time, nor do I feel at this time, that the leaks are being generated from anyone who works for me."

 

     "And so I take it something more has come of this?"  A.J. guessed.

 

     Abby nodded.  "Yes.  Thorton came to see me this morning.  Only today he was considerably angrier than he was the last time we talked.  I assured him that I had discussed the situation with my people, and that I didn't think anyone on my staff was talking out of turn."

 

     "But it wasn't anyone on your staff he was concerned with," Rick surmised.

 

     Abby looked down at the floor to avoid making eye contact with either brother.  "No, it wasn't.  This time it was the two of you he mentioned."

 

     "And what exactly did he say?"  A.J. asked.

 

     "He said Internal Affairs is investigating the source of the leaks right now.  He said, and I quote, ‘If they find out the Simon brothers are generating these leaks I will have their licenses.  I'll have so many charges brought against them that the only place they'll be playing detective is on Alcatraz.’  Then, off the record, he told me that I'd be wise to have no contact with either of you whatsoever.  No visits, no phone calls, not even a Christmas card."

 

     "You never sent me a Christmas card anyway," Rick wisecracked.

 

     "It's not funny, Rick," Abby scolded.  "We could all end up in hot water over this."

 

     "Over what?"  A.J. asked.  "Rick and I haven't done anything wrong.  You know that.  We haven't been in this business for this many years not to know when to keep our mouths shut.   We've never repeated anything we've heard or seen in your department, Abby."

 

     "I know.  I know."  Abby pacified A.J.'s rising temper.  "Believe me, I don't for one minute think either of you is responsible for these leaks.  The problem is, Thorton does."

 

     "Aw, he's just still pissed at me for blowin' up the mayor's car that time."  Rick dismissed. 

 

     "You blew up the mayor's car?"  Abby asked incredulously.

 

     Rick smiled in remembrance.  "Yep.  It was cool.  You shoulda' been there."

 

     "I'm glad I wasn't.  It was bad enough that I was there when you two stole the patrol car.  I'm more than happy to let Downtown Brown take the heat for the mayor's car."

 

     "He did too," Rick confirmed.  "Thorton was mad.  Town wouldn't talk to us for a week."

 

     "He's a kind hearted soul," Abby said.  "If it would have been me, I wouldn't have talked to you for a month." 

 

     A.J. turned the conversation back to the business at hand.  "So what does all this mean?  What does an investigation by Internal Affairs entail?"

 

     "To start with, it will probably involve every member of my staff, as well as myself, being thoroughly questioned.  From there, they may talk to people from other departments, though I don't really know for sure.  A lot will depend on what conclusions they come to after interviewing my department members."

 

     "Who else besides someone on your staff could be leaking this information out?"  Rick asked. 

 

     "There are a lot of possibilities, I suppose.  Secretaries, file clerks, receptionists, maintenance people, the cleaning crew...it could even be the guy that stocks the soda and candy machines on our floor.  Any one of those people could be privy to, or overhear, pertinent information.  And you both know what the media is like these days.  They'll buy practically any little tidbit of gossip whether there's an ounce of truth to it or not.  It wouldn't surprise me to find out that someone is getting paid quite lucratively for what's finding its way out of my department."

 

     "But Thorton didn't mention any of those people?  The file clerks, or secretaries, or anyone else that might be on your floor in a given day?  A.J. asked. “He only mentioned Rick and me?" 

 

     "That's right," Abby nodded. 

 

     Rick looked over at his brother.  "He's gunnin' for us, A.J.  He has been for years, and now he's finally found his opportunity to put a noose around our necks."

 

     As A.J. nodded his agreement Abby said, "Look, guys, don't take this the wrong way, but can you blame him?"

 

     A.J. asked, "What do you mean by that?"

 

     "Oh, come on, A.J., can the innocent act," Abby chastised.  "Aside from the mayor's car and the stolen patrol car, there was the time Rick borrowed Hannrahan's computer terminal and somehow managed to erase all the information stored on every hard drive throughout the entire building.  Then there was the time last year when you got caught at the Annual Policemen’s Ball in a hotel room with Thorton's daughter."

 

     "Hey, I was dancing with her and my cuff link got caught in her zipper!  We were only trying to get it loose without tearing her gown,” A.J. defended himself.  “I told Thorton that when he burst in on us."

 

     "Yes, well, whatever the reason, it didn't look too good when Thorton found you in his nineteen-year-old daughter's hotel room with her dress unzipped halfway down her back.  He has yet to forgive you for that."

 

     "Regardless of our past indiscretions, exactly what could all this mean for us?"  Rick asked.

 

     Abby shrugged. "If Internal Affairs finds anything that implicates you guys--"

 

     "Which they won't," A.J. said.

 

     "They shouldn't," Abby agreed.  "But if they do, then it will mean just what Thorton said.  He could have charges brought against the two of you, have the state take away your licenses, and in the worse case scenario, you both could serve time in prison."

 

     Rick let forth his high-pitched laugh.  "Oh, is that all?  Well, Mom shouldn't be too upset over that, should she, A.J.?"

 

     "No, not in the slightest," A.J. agreed.  "I'm sure she'll be very calm when we explain it all to her."

 

     "I can talk to Cecilia about this if you want me to," Abby offered.

 

     A.J. shook his head.   "No, that won't be necessary.  We're not going to tell her unless we absolutely have to."

 

     "Yeah, like when the day comes that we have to pack our suitcases for our stay in prison," Rick said.

 

     "If Internal Affairs comes to the misguided conclusion that Rick and I do have something to do with all of this, will we have the right to an audience with them before formal charges are filed against us?" A.J. asked.

 

     Abby thought a moment.  "Well, an officer employed by the department has that right, but I don't know if it would apply to you two.  The head of the personnel department is a good friend of mine.  I can ask her about that.  This is a unique situation, so I don't know if she'll readily have an answer at her disposal, but I know she'll try to find out for me, while at the same time keeping our conversation confidential."

 

     "When you talk to your friend, find out who our lawyer would petition for that right," A.J. instructed.

 

     "Your lawyer?"  Abby asked.

 

     "Our lawyer?"  Rick echoed.

 

     "Yes,” A.J. nodded.  “Thorton's crafty, and it's no secret that there's no love lost between us and him.  As you said Rick, he's gunning for us on this one.  If he can pin these charges on us, he'll take it all the way and nail us right to the cross.   As soon as Abby leaves, I'm going to call Dave and talk to him about all of this.  See what advice he has for us.  I'm not so sure Thorton hasn't already made one big error.  I don't know if Internal Affairs has the right to investigate private citizens who are not on the police department's payroll.   We're not going to be caught with our pants down on this one."

 

     Rick laughed.  "Like you were caught last year in Thorton's daughter's hotel room."

 

     "Rick!  For God's sake!  I had my pants on!  I had all my clothes on.  It was just an innocent dance.  The girl is half my age.  I only danced with her in the first place because it was ladies choice and she asked me.  My cuff link got caught in her zipper!  That's all there was to it!"

 

     "Yeah, yeah, I've heard the story before, and I still don't believe it," Rick dismissed. 

 

     "Well, you'd better start believing it," A.J. advised, "because I have a feeling that's just but one of the reasons Thorton has a vendetta against us."

 

     Abby rose.  "I've got to get back to the station, guys.  Ironically enough, for as much as I've often wanted to kick your rear ends out of my office, I now find myself apologizing to you when I say this.  I'm sorry, but for the time being I can't risk having you two seen anywhere near my office, or my department."

 

     "We understand, Abby," A.J. assured.  "We won't put your job at risk."

 

     "I know we sometimes help each other out on cases," Abby went on to say.  "I don't want to lose that resource.  But for now, if you need to get in touch with me for any reason, call me at home.  If I need you guys, I'll do the same."

 

     "That's fine," A.J. agreed.  "And please, keep us abreast of what's going on with this investigation." 

 

     "I will," Abby promised.  "It feels kind of funny, you know?  Being barred from contacting either of you.  As much as I hate to admit this, you've both become somewhat like brothers to me."

 

     Rick's eyes twinkled as he tried to act indignant.  "Somewhat?"

 

     As always, Abby got the best of the eldest Simon brother.  "Yes, somewhat.  There's a built in margin of error there for all the times you two drive me nuts, and just in general make nuisances of yourselves."

 

     The two men chuckled as they rose to see Abby to the door.

 

     "Don't worry about all of this, Abby.  It'll work itself out," Rick said as the three came to a halt in the office doorway.

 

     "Yeah," A.J. agreed.  "We've been in tighter spots.  Try not to worry, and we promise not to cause you any more trouble.  At least not until all this blows over."

 

     Abby shook her head with affection.  "Thanks, guys.  I'll call you from home tonight, A.J., to see what your attorney said."

 

     "Bye, Abby."

 

     "See ya', Abigail," was the last thing Lieutenant Marsh heard from her friends before she discreetly exited their office via the back stairway.

 

 

____________________

 

 

     Abby talked to her friend in personnel, who subtly did some research into whether or not the Simon brothers had the right to defend themselves before the Internal Affairs Board.   Unfortunately, because of the uniqueness of the case, she wasn't able to give the lieutenant a definite answer.  As she told her, "I'm sorry, Abby, but I just don't know for sure.  There's nothing in the personnel policy that covers an investigation of private citizens.  Nor, to the best of my knowledge, has one ever been instigated before.  It's my opinion, that in this case, the Simons should have the same rights an officer employed by this department has.  That means they should receive a formal declaration of incident, as well as a chance to answer to all charges before a board made up of their peers.  I can talk to Chief Thorton about this if you want me to and let him know how personnel would stand on an issue such as this."

 

     "No, Gwen, I don't want to you to that.  At least not right now.  Thorton's hot enough under the collar over all of this.  I don't want you getting mixed up in it as well.  The Simons were going to talk to their lawyer.  Let me see what advice they get from him first."

 

     Gwen bowed to Abby's wishes that day, while at the same time assuring the lieutenant that their conversation would remain strictly confidential. 

 

      Three days later Rick and A.J. stirred the hornet's nest up further with Chief Hewett Thorton.  Their attorney served papers demanding their right for an audience with the investigators from the Internal Affairs Department, if those said investigators came to the conclusion that the brothers were the source of the Homicide Department’s leak.

 

     Hewett Thorton stormed into Abby Marsh's office that afternoon, bypassing the formality of going through Hannrahan to make an appointment with her.

 

     Thorton slammed the office door.  The glass was still rattling in its pane as he marched over to the picture window that faced the squad room and savagely pulled the blinds on curious eyes.

 

     Abby remained seated at her desk, calmly accepting the man's temper tantrum.  She had been expecting it.

 

     He waved the papers from the attorney in front of her face.  "Do you know what these are, Lieutenant?"

 

     "No, sir, I don't."

 

     "These are papers that were delivered to me personally less than fifteen minutes ago by the Simon brothers' attorney!  The man had the audacity to inform me that we are violating his clients' rights by conducting an investigation without informing them as to the reasons why!  He also told me that the Simons expect to be allowed to sit before the Internal Affair's Board and answer any charges that may be brought against them with their attorney present, before those said charges are filed in a court of law!"

 

     Knowing that any police officer within the department had those same rights, Abby answered the angry man with, "That seems fair."

 

     "Fair!  Fair you say!  And do you think it's fair that confidential police business is getting out on the streets?"

 

     "No, sir, I don't.  But, on the other hand, I don't think it's fair to accuse someone of something and then not give them the right to defend themselves."

 

     "They do have the right to defend themselves!  In front of a goddamn judge they can defend themselves until they're blue in the face for all I care!"

 

     "But that's not how the process works for any officer who is employed by this department."

 

     Thorton slammed his fist on Abby's desktop.  "They're not employed by this department, damn it!"

 

     "But if we're going to have Internal Affairs investigate them as if they are, then I believe they have a right--"

 

     Thorton's eyes narrowed to mere slits.  "This is your doing, isn't it?  I could have your badge for this, Abigail.  You know that, don't you?"

 

     "Yes, I know that."

 

     "Then why did you do it?  I thought I made myself clear the other day that you were to stay away from the Simons!"

 

     "No, what you said was that the Simons weren't to be in this office, which they haven't been.  True, you advised me not to see them, but that wasn't an order."

 

     "I didn't think I needed to make it one!  I thought you were intelligent enough to read between the lines!"

 

     "Hew, please sit down," Abby urged quietly.  She deliberately used his first name in an effort to put them on equal footing.   "Let's talk about this, rather than shouting at the top of our lungs so that the entire department can hear every word that's said.  If you're concerned about leaks, this is a good way to have another one spring."

 

     The angry man remained as he was for a moment.  He finally snared the leg of a chair with his size fourteen shoe and gave it a violent jerk away from the desk.  His anger boiled even hotter when the chair toppled to the floor.  Abby kept any amusement she was finding over this childish tantrum to herself as she watched while Chief Thorton bent to retrieve the chair.  He slammed it into an upright position before finally sitting down.

 

     When the man was settled Abby stated,  "Rick and A.J. Simon are my friends.  I do not intend to deny that fact to anyone.  I did not promise you that I would not see them on my own time."

 

     "Abigail--"

 

     Abby held up her hand, stopping the man's interruption.  "On the other hand, I do respect the fact that there is an investigation being conducted by Internal Affairs.  That is why, as your sources may have revealed, the Simons have not been seen in this department, or even in this police station, since you talked to me on Monday.   Nor will they be seen on the premises until the investigation is completed."

 

     Thorton waved the papers in his hand.  "And did you advise them to speak with their attorney?"

 

     "No, sir.  I did not.  The only thing I told them was that there is an investigation underway due to information leaking out of the station, and that their names had come up as suspects.  You did not tell me that the Simons couldn't be privy to this information."

 

     "I didn't think I had to tell you that," the man scowled.

 

     "I still maintain, sir, that any officer employed by this police department, and who is being investigated for wrong doing by Internal Affairs, is immediately notified by being served a declaration of incident report.  The Simons have that right as well."

 

     Having nothing else to resort to the chief growled, "I could put you on suspension for this."

 

     Abby nodded.  "That's your right as my superior.  Before you make a decision in that regard, though, I want you to understand something, Hew.  I love my job.  I think you know that.  And like you said the other day, I've worked long and hard to get this far.   I would never intentionally do anything to tarnish the name of this police department.   But, I also have my own personal set of morals when it comes to my loyalty as a friend.  Rick and A.J. Simon are my friends, just as I am theirs.  I don't believe, for one minute, that either of them has ever said anything out of turn in regards to things they may have seen or heard in this department.  I realize you don't think much of private detectives, especially not the Simons.  I respect that.  I know that over the years they've caused their share of problems."

 

     "That's an understatement."

 

Abby fought back a smile.  "And while I often find the two of them to be a big pain in the butt, they've come through for me more times than I can count on numerous investigations.  You know as well as I do that they have contacts on the streets we'll never have.  You're well aware that throughout the past fifteen years they've come to the aid of Downtown Brown and myself many times, and have never billed us for a minute of their time.   They've always viewed it as an even trade off.   They help us when they can, and we help them when we can, if what they ask for is within reason.  And whatever else you might think of them personally, they're both first rate investigators.  They have a lot of friends in the department.  If word gets out that Internal Affairs is investigating the Simons and that the proper procedures weren't followed in regards to their right to defend themselves, you'll have a major rebellion on your hands."

 

     "And quite possibly a lawsuit according to their attorney," the man finished angrily. 

 

     "I know Rick and A.J. well enough to say that if you treat them fairly, they'll treat you fairly.  I seriously doubt that they've spoken to their attorney about a lawsuit at this time.  I imagine the man meant that it could come to that if the Simons' rights are violated."

 

     The chief pinned Abby with a hard gaze.   "And just whose side are you on, Lieutenant?"

 

     "I'm on the side of the department, Hew, if by that question you mean do I want to find the source of these leaks.  Yes, I do.  I just don't want to see someone take the fall for it if they, in fact, are innocent."

 

     "So that's what you think?  That I'm framing the Simons?"

 

     Abby carefully chose her next words.  "No, I don't think that you're framing Rick and A.J.   At least not intentionally."

 

     "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

 

     "It means that I know there are incidents from the past involving the Simons, that to this day stick in your craw.  I--"

 

     "Stick in my craw, you say?  Stick in my craw?  You’re damn right those ‘incidents’ stick in my craw!  They blew up the mayor's car for God's sake!  And if that wasn't bad enough, they stole a patrol car with a convicted felon in the back seat!   And if that wasn't bad enough, I stumble upon A.J. Simon in my daughter's hotel room at the Policemen’s’ Ball last year!  My little girl does not date men twenty-five years her senior who also happen to be white!"

 

     Again, Abby had to hide her smile.  "I believe it was far more innocent than that."

 

     The chief waved a hand in dismissal.  "Yes, so I heard.  That doesn't mean I like it any better."

 

     "Hew, listen to yourself," Abby pleaded.

 

     "What?"

 

     "Who taught me everything I know about being a good homicide investigator?"

 

     The chief answered warily.  "I did." 

 

     "That's right.  You did.  And one of the first things you told me was that before you begin any investigation you have to wipe all preconceived notions from your mind.  Any prejudice you might harbor for a person, or group of people, has to be completely forgotten if the investigation is going to proceed in a fair manner.  Hasn't it dawned on you that you're proceeding with this investigation of the Simons based on nothing more than your own prejudices against them?"

 

     "I don't appreciate you accusing me of such a thing, Abigail."

 

     "I know you don't.  And I'm not accusing you.  I'm simply pointing out that those circumstances could be coming into play here.  As you were fond of telling me, you're the only one who can decide if prejudices and preconceived notions are clouding you’re perspective."

 

     "So what exactly do you expect of me?"

 

     "Just be fair, Hew.  Please.  That's all I'm asking.  If Internal Affairs is investigating the Simon brothers, then they should be investigating every person in this department, myself included.  That goes for the cleaning crew, the guy who fills the soda machine--"

 

     "The guy who fills the soda machine!"

 

     "He's in this department more than Rick and A.J. are," Abby pointed out smugly.

 

     "Oh, for God's sake, Abigail!  Now you're being ridiculous!"

 

     "No, I'm being thorough.  And I learned that trait from the best there is.  Hewett Gordon Thorton himself."

     The man leaned back in his chair, massaging his forehead.  "I still should suspend you, you know.  Don't you sit there thinking for one minute that I won't, simply because when you were a rookie I was your boss.  I can still kick your ass to the moon if I have to."

 

     "I know that. And no, I've never thought that our past working relationship exempts me from whatever discipline you deem necessary for my actions."

 

     The chief rose.  "I don't know what discipline I deem necessary at precisely this moment, but I'm sure I'll think of something.  Obviously, I can't prohibit you from seeing the Simons, and since you won't heed my friendly advice in that regard, I'll say only this.  You've got an abundance of common sense, Abigail.  If you're going to continue to see Rick and A.J. Simon on a social basis use caution with what you say to them.  Remember that there is an investigation underway.  I understand that they are your friends, and that you have loyalties to them.  I would also like to think that I'm your friend, and that you have loyalties to me and to this department."

 

     "I do, Hew.” Abby confirmed.  “You know that."

 

     "Enough loyalties that if I am able to prove the Simon brothers are the source of our leaks you'll stand by me and testify against them?"

 

     Abby nodded.  "If you can prove that to me, I'll stand by you and testify against the Simon brothers."

 

     "I plan on seeing that day come to pass."

 

     The chief's dark promise hung heavy in the air long after he departed Abby's office that afternoon.    

 

____________________

 

 

     Two days later Abigail Marsh was knee deep in a murder investigation.  A star witness who was to testify within the week at the trial of a well-known area drug lord had been found murdered in a two bedroom bungalow in a quiet San Diego neighborhood.  What made this investigation all the more stressful for Lieutenant Marsh and her detectives, was the fact that the man was under police protection at the time of his demise.  Abby was just thankful that job hadn't fallen under her jurisdiction.   By the way Hewett Thorton was impatiently pacing back and forth at the crime scene, Abby knew someone was going to be in hot water over this entire affair.  Very hot water.

 

     The black man loomed over Abby as she went about her work.  "Have you found anything yet?"

 

     Abby rose from the chalk-marked outline on the kitchen floor.  She turned and looked up at the chief.

 

     "No, sir, we haven't.  But we've only just begun.  The guys from the lab have just started to dust for fingerprints.  We have a lot of work to do here yet before we can draw any conclusions as to what happened."  As tactfully as possible Abby suggested, "Why don't you go back to the station.   As soon as I find out anything I'll come up and talk to--"

 

     "Don't dismiss me as if I'm in the way, Lieutenant," the chief rebuked.

 

     Several detectives unobtrusively turned from their work to see what the fuss was all about.