CHAPTER 2
March 17 2009
Office of Professional Review
Florida State Police-District 1 Headquarters
Pensacola FL.
7:00 A.M.
A State Trooper in a crisp tan uniform enters the meeting room, walks to the front and calls the meeting to order. "All rise," he says in a loud voice, "docket number 20091703, Use of Force review for SGT. Jack Edward Dalton is in session. MAJ. Kevin Randal presiding."
"Thank you Sergeant," The major says. "Please be seated and start the recording."
All people present sit down and begin to ready their documents and evidence for the final phase of the review.
The major speaks first. "March 17 2009 07:41 hours, internal review of SGT. Jack Dalton's use of force and firearms discharge. All involved parties are present and the panel has reached a verdict." Jack and his defense counsel stand up. The major continues. "In the matter of the line of duty weapons discharge, the panel finds that SGT. Jack Edward Dalton's use of deadly force was justified in this situation and is well within department regulations. SGT. Dalton is cleared to return to active duties, pending a full check-up both mental and physical Also a paid leave is recommended to last not less than two weeks and as long as Sgt. Dalton has vacation time saved up. This verdict is final, and these proceedings are concluded."
"Also I have been informed," the Major continues," that the Grand Jury has returned a No-Bill indictment in this matter. Sgt Dalton will not be charged."
Jack turned to his defense counsel and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Capt. Ray Wood, the defense counsel, smiled and clapped Jack on the shoulder.
"I would like to thank all involved parties for their assistance, this matter is closed and all parties are dismissed." The Major said.
"Thanks cap, I don't think I would have come out of this without you." Jack said as they exit the hearing room.
"Osborne has had it out for you since day one, you did nothing wrong, he just doesn't like people who speak their minds."
"Go along to get a long?"
"Yea, that's the way he likes it. By the way, I wanted to ask if I could pull you away from the Major Crimes Unit? Ray asked, "I need a good Sergeant in Homicide."
"I don't know, I need some time to think about things. I'm doing important work in Major Crimes, but you're right about Lt. Osborne, as long as I'm in the same division he'll always be on my back, also it would be great to work with you again." Jack mused.
"Take all the time you need, I can wait, but think about it. It would be just like the old days back in traffic. Butch and Sundance ride again." Ray said with a smile.
"More like Ren and Stimpy." Jack says and chuckles.
"That'll be fun too." Ray answers and they both break into laughter. " Frankly you're a good case man with one of the best investigative minds I've ever seen and I think it's wasted in Major Crimes. I want to clear cases and I know you can do it."
"Thank you cap, that means a lot coming from you, I'll think about it, I really will, I just don't know what I want to do right now."
Just then the meeting room door bangs open, and a short balding man of about 60 stalked over to them, anger turning his pale face a comical shade of red.
"Enjoy your victory Jack, short lived as it may be, this isn't over, not by a long shot!"
The man says with venom in his voice.
" You just can't stand what you can't control, the department cleared me, the D.A. cleared me as far as everyone is concerned this is a dead issue!" Jack spits back, very close to losing control.
Ray steps up to the pair, "Is there a problem?" he asked.
"But out shithead" The man barks.
"Excuse me LT. but the correct phrase would be Butt out CAPT. Shithead." Ray said with a dangerous look on his face. Lt. Osborn's face paled as he turned to see Capt. Ray Wood, the homicide commander, standing behind him.
"Sgt. Dalton is correct, this is a dead issue, unless you would like a charge of harassment brought against you. And as for addressing a superior officer as shithead, that will not happen again." Capt. Wood ordered. "are we clear Lieutenant?"
"Crystal sir" Osborn said and turns to Jack, "this isn't over."
"It is today." Jack said.
Nekomi Japan, 10:30 PM.
Morisato Residence,
Belldandy hurries out of the kitchen to answer the ringing phone.
"Morisato residence, Belldandy speaking" said the slim woman.
"Hi, this is…" Jack stopped, remembering to speak Japanese, and started again, "This is Jack Dalton from America, is Keiichi around?"
"It's good to hear from you Jack, sorry K isn't here .He has a project at work that has a short deadline and he has been working overtime all week to get it done. I was just getting ready to take him some dinner." Bell responded.
" I hope he gets done soon, it isn't right to leave a pretty lady home alone." Jack joked. Bell smiled, the ice had been broken.
"Tonight should be the last night, the client will pick up the motorcycle tomorrow after lunch," Bell said, "at least K is happy that he has been able to earn some extra money for the honeymoon." Bell said, and jack could here the smile in her voice.
" About that, I have a surprise for you, I'm going to take care of your honeymoon for you. How does two weeks in Hawaii sound, all on me. And I won't take no for an answer."
Bell's knees buckled and she sat on the bench near the phone. She tried to speak, but no words would come. She was in shock.
"Bell, are you there… Bell?" Jack asked.
" Y…Yes Jack, I'm here, this is a very expensive gift Jack, I don't think we can accept it."
" You can, Bell. I want to do this for you." Jack said.
"Can you afford it?" Bell asked.
"Don't worry about me, I have a little put away for a rainy day."
"I don't know what to say, I'm stunned." Bell said.
"Say thank you and accept the gift. One thing you should know about the Dalton family, we take care of our own, and you Bell, are family." Jack said. "Also," he continues, " I have some time off and I can come in for the wedding. I know that it's not for another month, but I want to spend some time with you guys and help with the final arrangements."
"That would be wonderful, K would love to see you!" Bell said.
"Great, I can make my plans and get back to you this weekend if that's ok?"
"That would be just fine Jack, Send your itinerary to my e-mail at ..hev."
Wow that's a long e-mail Jack thought, but said, "Works for me."
"Well I have to take K some dinner before it gets to late," Bell said "Talk to you later?"
"Don't tell K that I'm coming, I want to surprise him." Jack said.
"I can do that," Bell said " He will be so happy to see you, Good night Jack."
"See you this weekend, take care of yourself Bell."
"It will be good to finely meet Jack in person." Bell thinks to herself as she hangs up the phone.
"Who was that?" Skuld asked as she walked into the hall.
"That was Jack, K's cousin from America." Bell said as they entered the kitchen.
"Skuld, would you hand me that blue bowl. Please?" Bell asked.
"Here you go," Skuld says, "you mean Jack the Policemen?"
"Yes that's him." Bell says as she fills the bowl with warm rice.
"What do you think of him?" Skuld asked as she cut up the rest of the broiled fish to go on top of the rice.
"Well he seems like a good person, with a noble and hard profession…" Bell pauses as she fills another bowl with mixed stir-fry veggies, "but he seems troubled somehow."
Skuld places both bowls in a tan canvas bag with a thermos of warm tea. "What do you think is wrong?" she asks.
"I wish I knew," Bell answered, "there is only so much I can sense over the phone, and this was a long distance call. If I had to guess, I would say that it was something to do with his job. American police have a harder time with crime than we do here."
Almost on cue they here the song from COPS start on the TV. Urd rushes into the room and flops down on the couch.
"I love this show!" she exclaims as she turns up the volume. The whole temple is filled with the sounds of that ever popular, "Bad Boys Bad Boys, what cha'gona do?"
"Well you're going to have the chance to meet a real American cop this weekend because K's cousin Jack is coming for the wedding." Bell says as she collects her shoes from the entryway.
"COOL!" Urd squealed. "He can tell me all about it."
"Just remember Urd," Bell warned as she put on a rose colored jacket over her long rose colored skirt and ivory blouse, "Jack doesn't know about us, so we can't use our powers when he is around."
"Now that's no fun." Urd pouts.
Bell gives her a look that would make ice melt. "Urd …"
"Ok, I'll be a good girl." Urd says as she turns back to the TV.
"Thank you Urd." Bell said as she slipped on her black low heeled shoes. She checked herself in the mirror in the hall. Satisfied with what she saw, she touched the mirror and stepped into it.
Whirlwind Motor Sports
Nekomi Japan
10:25 P.M.
Keichii was tightening the last bolt on the custom American Harley Davidson Soft Tail that was a special order for a wealthy client. The chrome gleamed in the bright light of the shop. The custom Sapphire Blue and Smoked Silver paint had the deep rich gloss that can only be achieved by using several coats of paint, wet sanding, and hand polishing. Keiichi was very tired, but he was pleased too. The brake and wheel upgrades had gone well. The engine rebuild was time consuming, but in the end, worth every second. The American V-Twin ran perfectly. Keiichi refused to put his name on a bike unless it was perfect. Because of his attention to detail, he was gaining a reputation as one of the best motorcycle tuners in Japan, and he was the only tuner in the area who would work on American motorcycles. This Harley was ordered for a well known Japanese actor who fell in love with American motorcycles doing some work in Hollywood.
Keiichi liked nights like this when he was left alone in the shop. Just him, his work, and his thoughts, which always have a habit of turning to Belldandy. It was times like this when he really thought he was the luckiest guy in the world. He had the love of a beautiful woman, a goddess no less. A close knit albeit unconventional family and a job he loved.
I've had a couple adventures I won't soon forget." Keiichi said to himself.
"But now, after all these years, we're getting married." Keiichi thought. He could hardly believe it. Of course he was nervous, but he was ready, ready to be a husband, and in time, a father.
"Yea K, you got it pretty good." He said to him self as he wiped down the chrome. "Now if I could just get something to eat."
Outside Whirlwind Motor sports
Bell poked her head out of the round traffic mirror, saw there was no one around, and dropped lightly to her feet. The city lights from Tokyo looked particularly clear tonight, but they still did not detract from how bright the stars were. She took a moment to appreciate the scene, than began the short walk to the shop.
She reached Whirlwind Motor sports after several minutes and went around to the back door. After being together for so long Bell could feel when Keiichi was thinking about her, like he was right now. Bell is not one to listen to other peoples thoughts, that would be rude, but K was after all thinking about her. She could feel the love and devotion; I came off of him in waves. She could also tell he was a little nervous. Truth be told, she was too. A marriage between a goddess and a mortal had never been done before, they were breaking new ground and some of the other gods and goddess were not happy with the idea. Not that they had anything against mortals as a whole, but they could not see what Bell saw in him. He was a mortal and by definition beneath them. But in the end The Almighty had given his blessing, and that was the last word in Haven. Everything was ready.
There would be two weddings, one in Heaven for all her friends and family who for whatever reason could not descend to the mortal plane. That would be their spiritual marriage. They would be sealed together for all time and eternity at this ceremony. Than there would be a second wedding at the Nekomi Tech student commons, where they officially met. Only a handful of people know the truth about Bell, and the real first meeting, and they are not talking. This would be the legal marriage. Bell smiled at the mental picture as she lightly knocked on the door.
Keichi was wiping down all the chrome to make sure there were no finger prints anywhere on the Harley when he hears a knock at the back door.
"Who is it?" K asked.
"You're loving wife to be." Bell sweetly replied.
Keiichi opened the door and the smell of broiled fish hit his nose. His Stomach growled like a Mack truck, it had been a little over seven hours since an early dinner and that was just a tuna sandwich and a glass of milk.
"Are we just a little hungry?" Bell teased.
"Oh yea," K answered, "it's been to long since I had that light dinner" K said as he pulled her into an embrace.
"I missed you Bell." He whispered into her ear.
"I missed you too my love." Bell answered and kissed K lightly on the lips.
Keiichi had long gotten over his shyness and fear of affection for Bell. He just wanted to do things right and wait for marriage.
"I brought you something a little more substantial," Bell said reaching into the canvas bag she brought with her, "it's just broiled fish, rice and stir-fry. Nothing fancy, but it should clear any hunger pains you have."
Keiichi just smiled "Anything you make is four stars. You couldn't make a bad meal if you tried. Join me?"
"I already had some with my sisters, I will have some tea though."
They ate in a pleasant silence. Just enjoying each others company. After a while Bell broke the silence.
"I spoke to Jack this evening." She said.
"Really!" K said, a little excitement entering his voice. "How is he?"
"He seems well, his is giving us an early wedding present." She said after a sip of tea.
"What did he send?" K asked.
"He paid for our honeymoon, two weeks in Hawaii. Everything has been paid for, hotel, plane tickets, food at the hotel, even a rental car. Jack really is a wonderful person." Bell gushed.
"Wow, I didn't expect all of that," K said. "But Jack has always been like that. Did he say if he could make it for the wedding?"
"He said that he had a surprise for you." Bell answered trying not to give it away.
Being a full goddess, unlike her sister Urd, Bell could not lie or even hide a surprise if asked directly about it. Keiichi knew this, so he did not push the issue.
"Thank you Bell that was a wonderful meal." Keiichi said as he began to put away the dishes.
"I'm glad you liked it." Bell answered, "How much do you have left to do?"
"Not much, I just want to wipe down the chrome and put away my tools"
"I'll wait for you. You never told me, how are you and Jack related?'
Keiichi thought for a moment, "Jack's father was a pilot for the US Air Force stationed at YaKota Air Base. That's where he met my aunt Kimiko. They fell in love and the rest is history. His father later became a flight instructor, training Japanese pilots, and stayed until he retired from the Air Force."
"Jack's father was in the military," Bell said to herself, to Keiichi she said, "So Jack is you're aunt's son?"
"Stepson, Jack is from the first marriage, his real mother died from cancer when he was about four or five. Aunt Kimiko was his step mother. They lived in Japan until he was close to 17. After his father retired they returned to America. My aunt went with them. When he turned 20 he went to work for the Florida State Police. We always kept in touch."
"So you were always close?" Bell asked as she gathered her jacket.
"You could say that." Keiichi said, "I was the only one who didn't make fun of the gijin in town. Kids can be cruel. Slowly he began to fit in, but we always stayed friends."
"What happened to his parents?' Bell asked.
"They were killed in a car crash," Keiichi responded as he put away his tools. "They were at a New Years Eve party when they left about 2 am. Jack said they never saw it coming. They were hit broad-side, Kimiko died instantly, Jack's father hung on for about an hour, but in the end there was nothing anyone could do. He never woke up. Jack took it pretty hard. The worst part was the other driver was drunk and just walked away without a scratch. We talked almost every night, and after awhile he started feeling better. He told me that was part of the reason he became a Police Officer. Not long after that I met you. Now I think I'll Call it a day, let's go home Bell."
"That's the best idea I've heard all day." Bell said smiling.
Outside Whirlwind Motor Sports
A slight well dressed man with dark hair sits in a rented gray Nissan and watches Bell and Keiichi climb onto his little BMW motorcycle and ride away. He makes a note in his notebook. After about ten minutes he puts away the receiver for the bug he had planted. "This may be easier than I had thought", a sly grin stars to spread across his face as he drives away. "So, a trip to the states… I wonder if the triads have ever dabbled in the aviation business".
Silently he curses the wire rim glasses he is wearing, they were always slipping down. "Maybe that new eye surgery with lasers would be worth it after all, if for nothing else to save him the aggravation. "Well tomorrow is another day, another day closer".
Authors Notes: Here is the re-edit of chapter 2. I hope I did a little better that last time. Please read and review.