Disclaimer: I don't claim to own these Adam-12 or Emergency characters, but appreciate the use of them for the pure purpose of enjoying a new story.
An Ugly Night
It's the night shift, and the officers are gathering for roll call. Lots of chatter is heard among the men as they file in. Feet scuff across the floor and briefcases flop down onto the long narrow desks that face the front. Sergeant MacDonald sits at the front desk looking through a stack of papers waiting for the last man to enter before he starts to review the day's activities. Jim walks in talking with Pete about little Jimmy. "Pete, you should see him. I know he's only three, but he has a good little arm."
"That doesn't surprise me in the least, Jim. He takes after his dad, I'm sure." Both men pull up a seat in the second row of desks.
"Thanks again, Pete, for coming to his birthday this last Saturday. He just loves the baseball mitt you gave him. Jean and I have a tough time getting it away from him at bedtime. He even wants to sleep with it."
"I may have to come over this weekend to play a little ball with my godson."
"He would just love that, Pete."
Sergeant MacDonald clears his throat as he tries to get the men's attention. "Gentlemen, let's review the cases of interest today. We have had a rash of burglaries close to the airport off of Jefferson Avenue over the past two weeks. The businesses hit have ranged from convenience to liquor stores. The suspects involved are two caucasians dressed in dark hooded sweatshirts and baggy pants. They are armed with handguns and flee on foot.
Officer Brinkman raises his hand with a query. Mac nods to him. "Go ahead, Brinkman. What's your question?"
"Sergeant, has anyone been injured by these suspects yet?"
"Fortunately, no. Shots have been fired, but I think for shock effect and not to harm. But, don't assume they won't for real next time. Now, the next issue at hand we are trying to crack down on DUI's. It's Friday and a prime time for people to be celebrating the weekend early. We want to be preventative so keep an eye out for the normal signs like swerving and high or low speeds. We have some thunderstorms expected tonight which won't make our job any easier. Be sure to carry your ponchos if it rains as much as they are predicting."
Wells whispers to Grant, "I can't stand patrolling in the rain. The night always tends to drag on then."
"You think it's bad for you. Try getting caught in a storm riding a bike."
Mac speaks up again, "We have one other case to mention. It is really in the hands of the detectives, but they wanted us to be apprised of the situation. There have been three murders in the time span of one month. They are suspicious of a possible serial killer behind the deaths. Each body discovered has been mutilated. The victims have been men in their thirties, which is unusual. Most serial killers tend to target women or children whom are more vulnerable. The victims so far have been professionals. One man was a doctor at Central Receiving, another was an airport security guard, and the last one a LA firefighter. The targets seem to be men in authoritative positions."
Pete speaks up, "Mac, do they have any leads on this guy?"
"Not really. They put together a possible profile of the person. They suspect he is Caucasian, in his twenties to forties, and well educated. They suspect he lives in the surrounding LA area. He is likely driven by the desire to control his victims and has chosen men who he feels exhibit power or a higher status."
Jim brings up another question. "Do we know how he has attacked or subdued his victims?"
"No, not really. All the men killed so far have been on duty when they have been abducted. Each victim has been discovered two to three days later in shallow graves from a nearby park to an open lot within two miles of their job."
A hush comes over the room as the men contemplate the horrible nature of the crimes. Jim just shudders at the thought of a killer cruising their turf.
Grant broaches one more question for Mac. "If this is really a serial killer, how often does he kill and when was the last body found?"
"The facts in front of me say, he has abducted a victim about every seven days and the last body was found almost five days ago. Anymore questions?" The men glance around, but don't say a word. "Ok. Hit the streets and be careful out there."
The men gather their belongings and proceed out to their squad cars. The time is about four pm as the night shift begins. When reaching the back lot, it almost seems like night already. The partners stand under the overhang and peer up at the gray sky. Thick dark clouds canvass the horizon with no break in sight. The temp is a chilly sixty degrees with a slight drizzle. "Do you have your poncho, Jim?"
"I've got it right here." The two dart out to the car trying to get their gear and themselves in quickly in order to stay dry. "I really hate this kind of weather, Pete."
"You should since you tend to get sick after only one cold day."
"What are you talking about? I'm not ill that often." Jim firmly states as he gets situated with his safety belt.
"Yeah, right. That's why everyone calls you, Influenza Jim."
"Alright, can we change the subject, please?"
"Sure. What do you want to talk about?" Pete drives out of the lot heading in the direction of the airport.
"What were you up to last night? Didn't you have a date?"
"Yes, I went out for dinner and some dancing."
"Do I know this girl?"
"No, I just met her last week in my psychology class."
"So, do you like this girl?"
"Oh, she was nice enough, but I don't think I'll go out with her again."
"Why? What was wrong with this one? Is she a little too controlling for you? No sense of humor? What?"
"Jim, it was just a date. Don't go psycho analyzing it. I don't have a check list for a woman."
The radio comes to life and interrupts the men.
"1 Adam-12, possible juvenile vandals at 1841 W. Washington Blvd., respond code 2."
"I Adam-12, roger." Jim responds in the mike.
Pete turns the squad around and runs without lights or a siren. In less than five minutes they come up to the front gate of Rosedale Cemetery and pull in. From the entrance they see the roadway circling around to the right. It's not a large cemetery, but it is full of markers, monuments, and statuary. With the sky threatening to pour down on them, it makes the cemetery a gloomy place to be. Pete drives the cruiser slowly around the circle drive. Before long, Jim spots a small pack of boys defacing gravestones. Pete stops the squad and they both bail out in the direction of the boys. Jim yells out with a loud voice, "Stop what you're doing and don't move!" The boys pause and look up from their graffiti to see the two officers about on top of them. They toss the spray cans to the ground and take off in three different directions. Jim sprints after one of the boys and pulls him to a stop. Pete just takes a few quick steps and is able to reach out and grab the nearest boy. A third boy manages to get away, but will most likely regret it with his two companions now captured.
Pete speaks up, "So, boys what do you think you're doing?" Both boys' heads hang down and hope to not make eye contact with either of the officers. "Ok, so why don't we start with you giving me your names?"
The one in Pete's grasp says, "I'm Billy Sullivan." The other boy answers with his name as well.
"Well, boys, we are going to take you down to the station and will be giving your parents a call about what just happened."
With his eyes wide open in fear Billy speaks up, "Are we under arrest?"
Jim gives them some reassurances. "No, not really. But you will probably have to make amends with the cemetery owner and may have to serve some community service in the area. Both boys are frightened as they are assisted into the back of the squad car.
By the time Pete and Jim pull out of the station after finishing with the boys, it's pitch dark and the light drizzle has turned into a steady down pour.
"So, Pete, did you do anything stupid like that as a kid?"
"Don't you remember me telling you about flipping over my dad's tractor in the ditch or the time I drove my dad's new 55' Chevy into the pond."
"Oh, yeah, I do remember those stories, but those were accidents. Your dad couldn't be angry at you for that."
"Accidents or not, he was good and ticked off at me. I stayed over at a friend's house for a night in hopes he would cool off a little before I saw him."
"Did it help?"
"No. He kicked my hide around good when I got back. I'm not fond of reminiscing about the good old days."
Jim picks up the mike, "1-Adam-12, clear for patrol."
After only a few minutes, the radio squawks again.
"1 –Adam-12, see the woman at 1232 Venice Blvd. for possible prowler, respond code 2."
"1 –Adam-12, roger."
As they pull the squad up to the curb in front of the two-story house, a dim front porch light is on and a soft glow comes from two main floor windows. Both officers can't see much around the sides of the house from the squad with the pouring rain and a few overgrown bushes. Picking up the mic, "1 –Adam-12, code 6 at 1232 Venice Blvd.," Jim says.
Pete and Jim exit the squad and throw on their ponchos and don their hats. They pull out their flashlights as they approach the front of the house. "Jim, why don't you start around the house counter-clockwise while I check with the PR, then I'll come around the other side."
"Ok, Pete."
Pete walks up onto the front stoop and knocks at the door. He announces himself. "I'm Officer Peter Malloy with the Los Angeles Police Department." A moment later, the door slowly cracks open with the brass security chain stopping it from opening past a few inches. Pete can just barely see a low profiled person through the crack.
An elderly woman's shaky voice answers, "Thank god, you're here. Someone has been trying to get in through my back door for the last fifteen minutes."
"Ok. My partner and I will take a look around. Don't open your door for anyone, but me."
"Yes, officer. Thank you."
Pete proceeds around the left side of the house. Rain is dripping off the brim of his hat and making it next to impossible to see a thing in the pitch dark. The damp chill is starting to seep through his poncho, making him uncomfortable. He shines his flashlight beam around the bushes and trees nestled along the side of the house. A sudden gust of wind causes him to reach up to hold onto his hat. After finding nothing he continues to the back of the house. A bolt of lightening flashes and illuminates the backside of the house revealing Jim standing there evaluating the scene. A large oak tree branch has split and dangles precariously over some electrical wires above. As the wind blows the limb swings and strikes the rear door. The house lights flicker with the movement of the branch. "Have you seen anyone, Jim?" Pete questions.
"No, not a soul. This is all I found." Jim points up to the broken limb. "Let's see if we can get this thing down." Jim reaches up and pulls at the branch.
"We need to be careful of those wires, Jim." Pete sits down his flashlight to help with the loose branch. They give one firm yank and it drops down to the ground without causing any damage to them or the wires. "Well, that takes care of the prowler, I think. Let me tell the owner about the branch then I'll join you in the car, Jim."
"Great. I'll gladly meet you in the squad." The two walk toward the front side of the house together as another flash of lightening occurs. Jim pulls off his hat as he slides in the passenger side. A large splat of water lands on the front dash. He turns and tosses his hat in the back. "What a fun night," he mumbles to himself. Even with his poncho on, he feels the cold and damp.
Pete climbs in a couple minutes later. "Mrs. Jenkins was very happy to learn that the weather was the only thing trying to invade her home tonight." He too pulls off his hat and water splashes onto the steering wheel. The cold weather and the rain showers are wearing on both officers at this point. Jim dials up the heater to ward off the chill. Pete puts the cruiser in gear. "Do you want to clear us?"
"Hey, Pete. What would you say to a hot cup of coffee?"
"I would say you are reading my mind, partner. Why don't you request a code 7 at the station?"
"1 –Adam-12, requesting a code 7"
The dispatcher responds with, "1 –Adam-12, continue patrolling and assist 1 L-20 and 1 Adam-36 with a TA at the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Overland Avenue."
With frustration Jim responds, "1 –Adam-12, roger."
While hurrying to the scene, Pete must drive cautiously with the strong downpour and the wet roads. A few minutes later, they approach the intersection seeing only the flashing red lights from the squad and rescue vehicles already there. Pete pulls Adam-12 in at an angle to the left of the other squad car trying to block off the road better. The above traffic lights are swinging in the wind. The color green lingers for a second before yellow, then red appears. The signal cycle continues as if all is normal.
"1 Adam-12, code 6 at the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Overland Avenue."
Pete and Jim put back on their soggy hats before exiting. As they leave their warm car they have a hard time making out the vehicle hulks before them. The pouring rain makes it difficult to see what exactly they're looking at. They first come up on an overturned black Bonneville. Looking closely, they see the victim appears to be hanging from a safety belt still. Fireman Lopez and Desoto are carefully cutting the belt and preparing to pull out the driver through the broken side window. "Do you need some help," Jim offers.
"No, we've got it here. Thanks." A backboard is lying just outside the vehicle ready to place the victim on.
As they continue forward through the downpour Pete and Jim approach what looks like a half crushed red thunderbird. A large green Mack truck has its front engine shoved through the backseat into the front section. The semi's driver's door is left open as if he just jumped out for a minute. Three more familiar firemen, Gage, Kelly, Stanley are working together with the Jaws of Life to pry out a victim trapped behind the steering wheel. The person pinned in the vehicle looks to be in critical condition. "Can we help out?" Pete states to the men at work.
"Can you grab a tarp from the truck? We need to cover the driver from shattering glass and the rain coming down." Captain Stanley asks.
"I'll get it, Pete." Jim jogs in the direction of the big red engine and almost collides with Mike Stoker, the engineer. Jim returns and is ready to pass it over to the captain.
"Can you slide in through the passenger side and shield the driver with the tarp?" Johnny requests.
"No problem." Jim hustles around the front side of the two jumbled vehicles and climbs in.
Having the necessary manpower at this spot Pete continues around the truck bed in search of the next damaged vehicle. Through the rain he sees Sergeant MacDonald and Ed Wells wrapping blankets around two more accident victims. They're helping them out of a blue Cutlass, which came to rest against a telephone pole at the far corner of the intersection. An ambulance is waiting just beside them with its doors open.
"Hey, Mac. What can I do to help here?"
"Pete, can you direct the first tow driver over here? I think we can get this car moved out and not hinder the rescues still in progress."
"I can take care of that, Mac."
"Thanks, Pete." Mac and Wells usher the two people into the waiting ambulance to keep warm.
The ambulance driver asks, "Should I head into the hospital now with these two or should I wait for more critically injured ones?"
"Let me go check with the paramedics here. I'll be right back." Mac says. The showers start to lessen a bit to more of a drizzle. He walks back over to the truck and thunderbird collision zone and still the fireman are feverishly working to free the victim. Johnny is too engaged to bother at the moment so Mac interrupts Captain Stanley. "Hank, how much longer until you get her out? Should we hold this ambulance?"
The two men have worked along side each other many times before. "Mac, I think we have some work ahead of us before we can get her out. Maybe Roy's patient will be ready to transport. Can you order up another ambulance for this girl?
"No problem, Hank. I'll check in with Desoto right now."
Jim is continuing to give aid inside the Thunderbird. The captain heads back to the squad to grab the oxygen tank and respirator equipment.
Mac sees Roy kneeling over the male victim from the Bonneville. He and Lopez seem to be securing the man to the backboard. Mac speaks up. "Desoto, we have two stable victims waiting in the ambulance. Are you about ready to transport this one?"
"Yes, Sergeant. Can you help us carry this man over and then I can ride in with all three?"
"Of course." Mac reaches down to grab a hold of the handle area on the board.
As they walk over to the waiting bus, Roy asks, "So how is Johnny doing with his patient?"
"They're having a hard time getting her out. She's pinched in there pretty good. Captain Stanley wants me to order up another ambulance for her."
Roy looks at Lopez and asks, "Can you drive in the squad to Rampart with Johnny riding in with the next bus?"
"Sure, no problem, Roy. I'll let Cap know that you're on your way." They slide the backboard onto the gurney and secure him. Roy climbs in and glances at his other two patients. He gives a nod to Lopez and Mac and they close up the doors. With a hand slap on the door the driver has the go ahead to leave. One second later the siren blasts out along with the already flashing lights as the bus departs the intersection. Lopez heads over to the captain while Mac walks back in the dark night to L-20 to request another ambulance to the scene. All seems eerily quiet with rush hour long past.
Mac slides into his squad and reaches down to grab the mike. He doesn't even notice the windows being all fogged up. Just as he pulls up the mike toward his mouth a gloved hand holding a damp rag presses tightly to Mac's mouth and nose. Another arm wraps tightly around his neck coming from behind Mac's seat. Mac's first instinct is to rip away what is smothering him and drops the mike and grabs the arms restraining him. His eyes open wide in shock and fear. He struggles to free himself trying not to breathe in the fumes, but in a few seconds the ether overwhelms him and his body goes completely limp.