About the same time that Josie and Gary were talking, Grant walked up to the Carlino home and rang the bell. Joe opened the door.
"What do you want, Grant? I take it this isn't a social call, since you and I don't exactly socialize."
"I am here, Captain Carlino," Grant said, "as your mayor and your boss. Specifically," he added, "I want to talk to you about Chip Rayburn."
"I don't want to hear anything about that rapist creep," Joe said.
"Well," Grant said, "that's just too bad. He's done his time, remember?"
"Yeah," said Joe, "somehow that low-life managed to get early parole. Sometimes I wonder about our justice system."
"I'll get right to the point," Grant said. "I want you to reinstate him at the 2-3."
"You've got to be kidding me!"
"I assure you, I am not. Let me point out that the evidence against him was obtained illegally by Officers Burrell and Sinclair. Therefore, I am giving you a choice."
"What kind of a choice?" Joe asked warily
"You will either re-hire Rayburn within seven days," Grant answered, "or you will fire Burrell and Sinclair."
"Let me get this straight," Joe said. "You're saying that either I re-hire a known rapist, or fire two of my best cops?"
"Well, technically, Josie Sinclair isn't a cop," Grant pointed out.
"For now," Joe said. "Josie's demotion is only temporary, remember?"
"Well, unless you re-hire Chip Rayburn, Josie Sinclair's career as a cop will be over for good."
"And what if I refuse?" Joe demanded.
"Refuse to re-hire Rayburn, or refuse to fire Burrell and Sinclair?" Grant asked
"Both," said Joe
"It's quite simple," Grant said. "You will either re-hire Chip Rayburn or fire Burrell and Sinclair or," he paused and looked at Joe.
"Or what?"
"Or I will fire you for insubordination. You have exactly one week to decide what you are going to do, Captain Carlino."