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Chapter 26: Respect

"Over here!" Mullers said, waving her hand. She and several other girls from D-squad were seated at a smaller table, and she'd saved a seat for me. I smiled and waved back before picking up my lunch from the buffet.

"So I guess the other squads will be attending the trial for the rest of this week," Mullers said. "C-Squad is tomorrow."

"I wish I could see it. I'd like to watch the cross-examination," Stiner said. "Obviously Lieutenant Harris is an unwilling witness for the defense. They're trying to use him to show that Harris's open stream of info and complete incompetence was not only inappropriate, but that it gave Mayor Thompson a wide open opportunity to do what he did. Like giving candy to a baby, who then was arrested for eating the candy."

"What will the prosecution do?" I asked.

"They'll probably show that the mayor extracted information from Harris, that maybe he blackmailed him or something. Maybe they'll try to show that the mayor may have threatened Harris's job if he didn't divulge."

I frowned.

"Geez, is Harris on trial or is Thompson on trial?"

"Well, that's the thing," Stiner replied. "Harris is the mole, and what he did was a major help to Thompson, perhaps the only way that the Wilson Heights Gang continued to commit crimes. I'll bet that if Thompson gets off, Harris might face charges."

My eyes almost bugged out of my head.

"What?"

"Oh, Carnegie, what do you care if Harris gets sent away?" Brookstone asked. "I've never felt so much animosity as what's between you two."

I chuckled, attempting to hide my automatic response of disbelief. Is that what people thought? Little did they know that three days ago, Harris had asked to have sex with me in his Corvette. I guess there were no Callahan-Bordeaux-like rumors floating around about Harris and me. Evidently everybody really thought Harris and I hated each other.

"Yeah, but it's kind of scary that just being a little too chatty with a non-cop can get you in trouble," I replied.

"It's kind of a relief, though, isn't it? Now we don't have to worry about Harris working us through the mornings."

We weren't able to go to the courtroom the next day, but Captain Callahan had us suit up in bathing suits and do a police chase in the water. It was easy to get the men motivated; she just had them chase after her in the pool.

It was great to be in the cool water on such a hot morning. In the center of the deep in-ground pool was the police academy emblem. Clearly it had been painted recently, because it was very bold and crisp, even with six or so feet of water above it. Near the pool was a sign denoting its hours, from dawn until dusk. There weren't enough hours in the day to find that kind of free time. I hadn't gone swimming in a pool since I'd moved out of my parents' house almost fifteen years ago. Needless to say, I had no bathing suit other than the academy-assigned suit that happened to be the most drab one-piece I'd ever seen. I happen to believe that Callahan had us swim only so she could show off her figure to the guys.

"Is Harris coming back?" I heard Norris asked Captain Callahan at one point.

"Yes," was her short reply.

"But he's a joke. He makes us look bad."

I had predicted that the students would lose respect for him, and I stared directly at Captain Callahan to give her a knowing look. She didn't look at me, of course.

"He doesn't know his ass from a hole in an armored truck," Norris jeered. "Strike that—it takes him at least five minutes to find a hole in an armored truck even when it's made right in front of him," he said with a guffaw. I heard Beaner giggle and then stop, presumably as Callahan shot him a look. I was still looking to flash a triumphant grin at Captain Callahan. I knew that the cadets would lose respect for Harris.

"Why aren't you laughing, Captain?" Bordeaux said. "You know it's true."

"The only people with a right to make fun of Lieutenant Harris are those who would be comfortable having me grill them about their past," she growled. "Do you really want me dredging up your police record, hmm? How about your juvenile record?"

He blanched. Apparently his past wasn't spotless either. God knows mine had some dark marks.

"I didn't think so," Callahan added. "So shut up and be glad it was Harris and not you on the stand."

"You all threw him under the bus, making us watch that," Norris spat. "How am I supposed to respect a guy that you guys don't respect?"

This time I caught Callahan's eye. I gave her a knowing look while shaking my head. Her expression was unreadable.

"It was not my idea to bring cadets to the courthouse," Callahan said, looking far less confident now. "Commandant Lassard thought it would be a good idea. He is my boss."

"Well, don't expect me to treat Harris any better than you all do," Norris growled.

At lunch I sought out Gertrude, who revealed to me what C-squad had observed in the courtroom today.

"Sergeant Nick Lassard, the Commandant's nephew, was on the stand today," Gertrude explained. "He was really impressive. Did you know that he was the one to figure out the mayor's motive?"

"What was the motive?" I asked.

"Money," was her reply. I smiled at her—what a vague statement. Thankfully, she continued without my asking her to. "The new train route was still being worked on back then, and the mayor wanted to lower property values so he could buy up all the property there. Of course, once the train got finished, the values would go back up, the gang would be "caught" and he'd make a ton of money selling the property."

"Oh, was he the only one on the stand today?" I asked.

"No, Lieutenant Harris was there too," she said. "I guess it was his second day on the stand. I could hear him sighing as he stepped out of the witness box; he looked exhausted."

"How did he do?"

"Well, the prosecutors cross-examined him. I think they were trying to show that he was being blackmailed or bribed into providing the mayor with information, but it really didn't work. It looks like Lieutenant Harris told the mayor everything without any real pushing. I'd honestly be surprised if he comes back to work."

Lieutenant Harris sure had some guts, or else he was too dense or proud to see how much he'd been humiliated on the stand in front of the students. Immediately following lunch, he was waiting for us in the classroom, baton in hand, smirk on his face.

I was already seated when I watched Norris and Beaner walk into the classroom, obviously discussing Harris but not paying attention to who was inside the room.

"I predict that Harris won't even be able to sit down when he gets back; his ass got reamed so hard," Norris commented, laughing as Beaner began to crack up.

Harris jerked as if stung and straightened his back, clearly annoyed. Meanwhile, Brookstone leaned forward in her chair when she saw Norris walk in; now he had a captive audience. Oh God.

"If he comes back," Beaner guffawed. "I still don't believe Captain Callahan. Who would come back after being, like, raped in front of everyone by that lawyer?"

"Is that right?" Harris quipped, slapping his baton across the palm of his hand. Beaner snapped his head forward, eyes widening with shock. Norris's eyes shot to Harris but he didn't look embarrassed. It was obvious that he'd lost all respect for the man, if he'd had any to begin with. Harris continued talking. "I can assure both of you dirtbags that you'll be begging to sit down tonight. You will report to the swimming pool immediately after dinner."

"But you're not supposed to swim after you eat," Beaner replied worriedly.

"Oh?" Harris said, grinning evilly. "I'm not sure I believe that, you see, so I'm going to do an experiment. And guess who my guinea pigs are gonna be?"

"That's just stupid," Norris groaned, crossing his arms. "Why should I listen to you? You're a joke."

Several other students walked in and began rubbernecking as they listened to the heated exchange between Harris and Norris. I shook my head. Norris had hinted at this out by the pool, and now he was going to act it out.

Harris's face reddened at the insult, but his voice remained eerily calm. It reminded me of his appearance after I'd slapped him across the face. Everyone in class stayed perfectly quiet.

"No one's laughing, Norris," Harris muttered through clenched teeth. "I'd recommend you watch your mouth from here on out."

"I'll definitely watch it better than you watched that diamond," Norris replied, a laugh seeping out between his teeth. Obviously he was referring to the armored truck incident. Beaner stayed silent from his seat. Norris's usual squadron audience was silent.

"That's enough," Harris said, signaling towards the door. "Go on, get outta here! Out!"

Norris stared at Lieutenant Harris but instead of walking out of the room, he took several steps toward Harris. He was a good five inches taller than Harris and glared down at him with hands at his sides. I watched Harris to see him blinking in disbelief, but standing his ground. The reaming he got in the courtroom probably hardened his resolve.

"Wanna make me?" Norris growled.

"I don't make trash; I burn it," Harris retorted. He thrust his finger towards the door. "Out, Norris!"

No movement from Norris. Was he going to… do something to Harris in front of us?

"See you at the unemployment line," Norris muttered. "Don't worry; you'll be there soon enough."

Suddenly Captain Callahan entered the room, followed by Bordeaux. Immediately she sensed that something was wrong by the close proximity in which Norris was standing to Harris.

"You gonna kiss him, Norris? If not, get out of his face," Callahan snarled. She grabbed his arm and wrenched him away from Harris.

"He was just on his way out of the academy," Harris commented, looking more confident by the second, now that Norris was no longer in his face.

"Do you not know how to follow orders?" Callahan roared, glaring at Norris and releasing his arm. "Now, march!"

Norris glared at Harris and then left the room, leaving the rest of the class in shocked silence.

"Anyone else wanna leave today?" Harris snapped, his eyes scanning the room angrily. "Just say the word and you'll be done. Oh, and Beaner, you'll still be getting some swimming in tonight."

For the rest of the class period everyone was totally quiet. No one even raised their hand or whispered to each other. Harris went about teaching and writing on the board as if nothing was different, his voice and chalk squeaks the only sounds in the room.

I'll admit that I was surprised at Harris's complete self-control. Not only had he been embarrassed in the courtroom, but then Norris had just reminded him of that embarrassment in front of the D-squad. He had a shocking amount of inner strength, to keep going and teaching after that had happened. Frankly, I think I would've crawled into a shell. Just as class was going to let out, Harris finally addressed the confrontation between him and Norris.

"For those of you who saw what went on between me and Norris today, you should know that it's not my job to train all of you to be cops."

I saw several of the cadets make a face of confusion. Was this his resignation speech?

"Some of you aren't worthy to be cops—Mr. Norris and O'Malley being perfect examples of this," he continued. "Those of you who are worthy will be bona fide police officers after you've completed this academy. You are not only to have the skills but also attitude and perseverance to be a cop. Now, loyalty is also important, but you don't get to see any of that around here."

With that, he glared at Captain Callahan, who stood near the door. She said nothing.

"Yes, loyalty," he snapped, turning quickly on his heel to face the classroom. "It's two different things, gluing someone's ass to a chair, and attempting to humiliate them in front of their students. What do you think, Captain Callahan?"

She seemed taken aback at his aggressive statement, and fidgeted in place.

"You're right, Lieutenant Harris," she said, nodding crisply.

He jerked as if stung by the comment but said nothing.

"Will this be on the test?" Fenster asked, waving his chubby arm in the air.

Harris rolled his eyes.

"Shut up, dirtbag." He turned to Beaner. "Beaner, you are to report to the poolside right after dinner. The rest of you are dismissed until tomorrow."

"Awesome," I heard a couple of cadets mutter, obviously relieved. A smile appeared on Harris's face.

"I advise using your break to rest up for a nice visit at 0700 hours with the obstacle course."

Harris didn't even say "dismissed" or hear us all groan before he angrily stalked out of the room, moving right past Captain Callahan without a word.