Chapter 10

"My dad's death? I was a little kid. I remember I was asleep when the babysitter came in to wake me up. Why are asking about this?" Liv says. "Has Riley ever said anything?" Mandy asks. "About dad?" Liv asks getting more and more confused. "Yes about your father's death," Mandy says. "My dad died on the job," Liv says. "I know I read the file," Mandy says. She had wanting as much background as she could get on both Riley and Liv. "What the hell is going on here?" Riley says walking to door. Liv actually lets a small scream of fear. "I asked a question what is going on here? Why are you here?" Riley says looking at Mandy. "I needed to go over something with your sister," Mandy claims. "At eleven o'clock at night?" Riley says skeptically. "Time is tight I am due in court tomorrow," Mandy lies. Riley looks over at Liv. "What is really going on? She is clearly lying," Riley says. Liv looks like she is about to break. So Mandy speaks.

"Detective..." "That's right Detective! I know when someone is lying to me. And you are clearly lying to me Ms. Rose," Riley says. "I just want to see how Liv is dealing with everything. She is going to be a key witness," Mandy says. "And doing it so late?" Riley asks. "I had a meeting with Alexa Bliss she is defending Orton. I have reason to believe she is going to move for a quick trail," Mandy says. Neither can tell if he is buying it. "Alright I have work in the morning. I am going to bed," Riley says. They wait until he is upstairs. "Look we will talk later," Mandy says. "But why my dad?" Liv asks. "Its not safe now," Mandy says before she leaves.

Social Club The Next days

"You were right and I'm sorry," Riley says as he sits in front of Adam Cole. "You know the worst part is I should have shut Roddy down year ago. His ambition but doesn't think. He takes these short cuts," Adam says. "If I had just listened I could have cut this off," Riley says. "I should have approached you differently not made demands. Now this shit is out on the streets of my city," Cole says standing up and looking out a window. "Where is the stash house?" Riley asks. "I'm working on finding it," Cole claims. "When you do let me know," Riley says. "You have my word... but we got something else to talk about I need you to get some people off my back. Idiots protesting I bought out a few business. And let me make it worth your while," Cole says handing Riley a roll of cash.

"See now had you just given me this when you brought up Roderick I would have jumped all over it," Riley says pocketing the money. "I have a budget I have to follow," Cole jokes. "So who is it?" Riley asks. "Kingston, Woods, and Big E," Cole says. "Those annoying idiots. I should almost return the money," Riley says. "Just shut down there protests," Cole says. "You got it," Riley says before leaving. "Think you can trust him Adam?" Kyle Riley asks. "I don't think I can trust him. I know I can trust him," Adam says. "He's still a cop," Fish says. "Yeah I know you like him Adam but he's a cop," Kyle says. "Long before Riley Morgan was a cop and I was a made man Morgan and I were two kids on those streets. I know Riley Morgan as well as anyone," Adam says.

Court House

Sonya had to testify on a DUI case she had caught back at her old prescient. She knew Mandy was also in court and she wanted to seek her out. She saw her in hall talking to someone. "Okay we can make that deal. I don't see any reason why the judge won't sign off," Mandy says. "You got it Mandy thanks for being understanding," The other attorney says before heading over to his client. Its a young man who lets an out a deep breath when he finds out the deal has been made.

"Hey you got a sec?" Sonya asks Mandy who checks her watch before responding. "Make it quick I'm due in court and this judge is all about things being on time," Mandy says. "I just wanted to let you know I got more time to go over the RM ideas tonight," Sonya says. "I don't think it's a good idea," Mandy says. "Wait what? Are you nuts? After everything we have done. Not to mention your boss will lose his mind," Sonya says trying not to scream. "I just don't think it's worth the risk. Sonya you are working with him on a case," Mandy reminds her. "Don't worry I can handle it," Sonya says. "Sonya please. There is a lot going on here that I can't get into right now. Just give me a few days. I have to go. We will talk later," Mandy says. Sonya watches her walk towards a court room.

Parking Lot

Johnny watched as Riley pulled in and parked. "Something up?" Riley asks. "Have you talked to Shawn about the case?" Johnny asks. "I haven't had a chance yet. I had a meeting," Riley says as they head for the door. They stay silent until they are though the door and in the bull pen. " Where have you guys been?" Mickie asks. "Case work. Nese in?" Riley says not even waiting for response as he just heads over to the Nese's room. "You guys know this black market case is our number one priority?" Mickie asks Johnny. "We do," Johnny claims. Mickie goes back to her desk to make a call. Johnny sits at his own. A few minutes later Riley returns and picked up some paperwork on his desk. Before to long Shawn arrives followed by Dana and Becky. "We caught a break. Layfield contacted Lynch he wants to meet," Shawn says. "Great," Mickie says. Shawn gives out orders on what he wants done. Johnny doesn't even bother talking to Riley. The black market case was the priority. He would just pray n one died on that crap that was flooding the streets.

"Hey where is your partner?" Riley asks Becky. "She was due in court today," Becky responded. "You remember the cover story. You moved to this country three years ago. Got pregnant can't afford to keep the baby. Are looking sell for enough so you can get home to Ireland," Mickie says. Right my real bastard of a boyfriend Colby ran out on me," Becky says. "Keith and Bobby and are getting ready. Riley and Johnny get the van ready," Shawn says. "Yes Sir," Riley says.

Cemetery

Liv laid followers on her father's grave. "Hi daddy," she says. The cemetery was empty except for some grounds keeper who is working. Liv didn't have many memories of her father. Riley and others had told her a lot about him. She and Riley had talked about that night. Being older Riley could remember more of what they had been told. Their father had stopped off at a gas station to fill up and grab a coffee. Some guy in a mask broke came in to rob the place. There dad stepped in only get shot. "Why is anyone asking about what happened?" Liv wondered. She reached out and touched the headstone. "What did Riley have?" That had to be it. Could she ask him and not make him suspicious?

Central Park

"I don't like this its way to open," Bobby says on the radio. "Nothing we can do he wanted to met here," Shawn reminds him. Becky was wearing a fake belly and sitting a picnic table. This time Shawn was in the van with Johnny but it was further off than they would have liked if nothing else it would be harder for them to jump in if things went south. Mickie wasthe closest to Becky sitting a different table. Keith was far off to the side to cut off an attempt to run to the west. Dana was in jogging clothes keeping an eye out for Layfield. "Riley you got anything?" Shawn asks. Riley was near the main entrance. "He just passed by me," Riley says. "10-4. Everyone be ready," Shawn says. Riley watched Layfield move toward the meeting place. He checks his watch and follows. He keeps his distance but never loses site of the target. "I got him in site," Roode says from his post undercover as maintenance worker.

"I see that stupid hat," Lynch says. Layfield often wore a cowboy hat. It made tracking him easy. "He looks jumpy again," Dana says. "Everyone hold back," Shawn says. "We got another problem. Johnny can you text me a picture of the big black guy... Simmons that works as Layfield's muscle. I think I see him," Riley says. Why Johnny does that Shawn asks if anyone else has eyes on Simmons? They all reply negative but it's there are so many people in the park it's easy hard to pick someone out unless they have something like Layfield's hat. "You should be getting it now," Johnny says. "Its him," Riley says. "That's not normal. Layfield never has Simmons with him to meet a mother. He mostly keeps him around when dealing with smugglers from overseas," Mickie says.

As a cop you learn to trust your gut. You learn to read a scene. Pick up on danger. Knowing when a suspect might run, when an informant might tip someone off, when someone is going for a weapon. Everything about this felt wrong. "Be on your guard guys," Shawn says. "Becky he's coming up to you now," Roode says. "Riley hang back try to keep an eye Simmons. Layfield approaches Becky. After introductions he got right to business. "So when are you due?" "A few more months," Becky says sadly. "How many exactly?" Layfield asks. "Well my due date is in ten weeks," Becky says. "Something has got him scared," Johnny says listening in. "Mr. Layfield are you okay? You look sick," Becky says over the wire. A pit was growing in Riley's stomach. "Its this heat," Layfield claims. Riley kept watching Simmons he wasn't getting close but he was clearly casing the scene. Riley had to be careful. Watch Simmons to closely you tip him off. Don't watch him close enough you miss something that could get someone killed.

"Now Becky the sooner you have the baby the sooner I can find a real home for him or her. And you can get home to Ireland," Layfield says. "I understand that. Nothing has come right since coming to America," Becky laminates. "I am so sorry to hear that. Would you consider something? Now I would make it worth your while," Layfield says. "Here we go he's going to make an offer," Mickie says. "What are you asking?" Becky asks. "Would you consider inducing early?"Layfield asks. "That is so risky," Becky says stunned. Riley sees Simmons moving towards Layfield and Lynch. "Its actually not as risky you think," Layfield says. "Mr. Layfield I just don't know I really don't want to risk anything happening to the babe," Becky says. "Of course. I wouldn't recommend this if I didn't think it would do a lot of good. I have a couple a just lovely couple that are desperate for a baby. And we have talked about your desire to get home," they hear Layfield say. Simmons meanwhile is looking at Mickie. "I think we have been made," Riley says.

"Keep an eye on him Riley," Shawn says. "Okay Becky I am willing to offer…." "COPS!" Simmons suddenly yells. "Damn it!" Riley thinks as he spins around seeing Simmons yelling. Layfield gets up and tosses Becky into Mickie Simmons runs one way Layfield runs the other. Riley gives chase to Simmons. "NYPD STOP!" He yells. Simmons is older and larger. Riley chases him down and tackles him. The fall onto the ground. What Simmons my lack in speed he makes up for it in power and he shoves Riley off and takes position on top. One hard punch and Riley is dazed enough it lets Simmons get up and run again. Riley tries to get up but is hurt. Johnny comes around the corner and fires a tazor bringing Simmons down. "NYPD don't move you under arrest," Johnny says putting the cuffs on Simmons. "Riley you alright?" Johnny asks. "Just my damn pride," Riley says. "This is Riley, Johnny got Simmons what about Layfield," Riley asks over the radio. "Negative he got away," Shawn says.

Court House

Mandy was finally done for the day. A day like today could be draining than a trail. At least with trail you could focus on a single case. Right now when she was juggle multiple motions and appeals she had keep balancing everything. She had to make sure every i was dotted and every t was crossed. Literally because judges had thrown cases out for paper work done incorrectly. Because of her role with DA's office she would always have a guard walk her to her car in the parking garage. "Hey I'll walk you out," Sonya says. "I thought you left," Mandy says. "I waited around besides we need to talk," Sonya says. "Now is not a good time I'm exhausted," Mandy says as they reach the garage. Sonya looks around to make sure they are alone. She doesn't yell but her tone makes it clear she is mad. "Do you understand what I have risked. I'm a cop just like Morgan. You snitch on another cop it can ruin your career. You become a rat no one ever trusts you again. A lot of people would have told me to just let Liv Morgan go. Or just file the charges and ignore her pleas. You know why I didn't?"

"Sonya I know you risked a lot," Mandy says. "Do you know why? Its because cops like Riley Morgan make things tougher for everyone. They make people on streets think people with a badge are the real bad guys. They make it so people are real victims don't trust coming to us or when I arresst some guy people on the streets think we set them up," Sonya says. Mandy was silent she know how passionate Sonya was about her career. "You also understand I have lived almost every day in fear about Morgan finding out? But I did the right thing and came to you. Because besides being my friend you are the best. And I could maybe understand if it was a case of nothing was there. But I can tell you found something! So tell me Mandy what did you find? What did you find that scared!" Sonya says. "Sonya I can't get into this. Please just give me a few days," Mandy pleads. "What is going on? Does Morgan have some crazy connection beyond just Adam Cole? Does he have something on you? You owe me that," Sonya says.

Mandy takes a long deep breath. "Sonya I can't get into this now. Just please understand I have a good reason. Things are very dangerous right now," Mandy says. "Dangerous how?" Sonya asks. Mandy monitions for Sonya to get into the car. "Okay what is going on? Tell me," Sonya says. Mandy holds up one finger asking her to wait before turning on the car and the radio. "Dangerous in that Riley Morgan might have The Sword of Damocles hanging over the entire District Attorney's Office," Mandy says.

Shawn's office

"Got a second?" Riley asks sticking his head into the door. "Yeah sure," Shawn says looking up. Layfield was in the wind. They had flagged everything and warned everyone. They would run down key CI's see what they could find. "I get know is not a good time. And finding Layfield is a out top priority. But Johnny and I caught a case. Some doctored up pills. They messed up the mix and well pretty much that takes it OD's," Riley says. "Why don't you want to hand this off to narcotics?" Shawn asks. "Johnny doesn't because Candice is one of the doctor's in the OR dealing with it. I don't because Adam Cole gave me a tip on this and I didn't follow up quick enough," Riley admits. "Let me guess Cole only gave you the tip because its a competitor to his business," Shawn says as Riley nods. Riley tells him about Strong and the Brits. "Riley be careful," Shawn says. "I know. When they come for me it's going to because of Adam Cole," Riley says.