Fallout

Chapter 6

The Journal of John Nolan.

Somehow we managed to get past Halloween. And in the process, we took down the source of the zombie drug. It turned out it was only a two-person operation. But the cook and dealer made themselves comfortable in the neighborhood around the center. That's one drug I don't think anyone is sorry to see go. Probably not even Elijah Stone. He wasn't making any money off it, and the sales might have cut into his business.

The division is still watching the aquarium supply store. So far, no one's spotting any illegal transactions. That would be too easy. But it gives Elijah the perfect venue to keep an eye on Wesley. That gives me the shivers. Angela doesn't feel too good about it either. But I'm offering her a distraction.

She's putting a lot of energy into my campaign. I think I gained some ground with my party. But you never know. People can drink your beer and eat your food and still vote you down. The election is by secret ballot, so I'd have no way of knowing who came through for me.

But when she's had time, and she hasn't had much, Angela's been digging into cases involving Smitty. She's specifically looking at charges dismissed because some vital piece of evidence was lost or mislaid. Unfortunately, one of those would be too many. Armstrong practically hung me with a deal like that. As it turns out, there were quite a few felons kicked loose. And almost all of them involved the release of one of La Fiera's people.

"I've always felt that Smitty gave up too easily when she escaped. He never fired a single shot or gave serious pursuit. And since that escape was responsible not only for Angela's kidnapping but Jackson's death, Smitty's failure to intervene may have been fatal. That would make him the worst kind of dirty cop.

Of course, to act, Angela needs hard evidence of his guilt. But she warned me to stay away from her search right now. Any involvement I have with the investigation could look like a ploy to win an election. Then whatever I tried to accomplish as a union rep would be suspect.

Tim Bradford is attempting to appear impartial about the race, although I don't believe he thinks much of Smitty. Bradford is a get in there and get it done kind of guy, while Smitty is strictly get out and let someone else do the work. Those attitudes don't mix very well. However, when I asked Tim for a chance to hold an informational meeting about union issues, he made sure to also offer one to Smitty. Fortunately for me, Smitty declined. I'm not sure he even knows what the union issues are.

I had to learn myself. So Lucy helped me track down some union history. I'm not sure I liked what I found. The union traditionally supports good cops. Unfortunately, it also shields bad ones. Stanton was a frustrating case in point. To my thinking, when he deliberately allowed Jackson to get beaten up, he should have been prosecuted for attempted murder. Instead, the bastard only ended up with a demotion. But if Smitty got Jackson killed, no way will the union be able to protect him. Not on my watch, anyway. As far as I'm concerned, he should never see the sky again.

However, there's stuff going on the has nothing to do with Smitty. Harper seems a bit off. I'd expected her to be making more post-holiday noise. But after Halloween, she's been strangely quiet. She said she and Donovan were taking Lila trick or treating together. And usually, after she spends some family time with her ex, she'll tell me what happened – in excruciating detail. But not this time. When I asked how it went, she just said "fine" and changed the subject. Normally, the only time she uses "fine" is to describe a covert operation. I'm not even going to guess what might be secret about an evening of co-parenting.

Harper's not the only one with issues. Tim Bradford's spotted Lucy hanging around with Aaron Thorsen a couple of times. And from the look in his eyes, I don't think he liked it. Sometimes Tim is super-protective of Lucy – especially when he assumes she isn't looking. But I don't know why he thinks he has to worry about Aaron. Our new rookie is concentrating too hard on his career to fool around with Lucy or anyone else. As far as I can tell, she's just a friend, if an attentive one.

Tim could suspect Aaron really is a murderer. But how Tim would believe a murderer would put his heart and soul into being a cop is beyond me. His attitude may have more to do with jealousy. Still, Tim knows how much damage having any kind of romantic relationship with Lucy would do to their careers, especially his.

Wow! I just now got a call from Bailey. Her station went out on a fire similar to the serial killer's signature. And one crucial detail was exactly the same – the dead man inside with broken legs. The arson investigators will be looking for evidence as soon as the building is safe to enter. We're hoping they find better clues than have shown up so far.

"Eyes up here," Tim commands from the roll call podium. "We had another murder-arson last night. We'll be continuing to coordinate with the fire department to find the killer. Detective Lopez is spearheading the investigation. So if you pick up any intelligence, including whispers on the street, direct it to her.

Now, given the recent generosity of Officers Smitty and Nolan, you may not need any reminders of the upcoming union election. However, for those of you who've been unconscious for the last month, the election will be held tomorrow. Ballots will be available to union members in good standing when you arrive tomorrow. These are secret ballots. No electioneering will be permitted in the designated polling area. So, Smitty, Nolan, if you bring donuts or anything else to swing the vote, just leave the goodies in the break room.

All shifts will have the opportunity to deposit ballots in a sealed receptacle. They will be picked up and tallied by a representative of the union election committee. You are free to tell your fellow officers what your vote was. You are not free, however, to ask anyone who doesn't volunteer the information how their vote was cast.

Now, as to patrols today, Nolan, you'll be on your own. Check in with the community policing center, but I want you to concentrate on that area's high schools. There are rumors of some new contest which may have students acting crazier than usual."

"Crazier in what way, sir?" John inquires.

"Something about a treasure hunt. I don't have any details yet. When I do, I'll pass the information on. But, all of you, if you spot someone running around with a shovel, don't assume it will be used as a weapon. However, if you see someone digging up property, public or private, you'll have to intervene.

Also, since the art show at the center, the taggers are back out in force. So again, if possible, prevent the destruction of property. And if any of you happen to be in the vicinity of the aquarium supply store, keep your eyes open. Elijah Stone could make a move at any time.

That's all. Get moving."

"And don't forget to vote for me," Smitty yells after the departing forces.

Nolan catches Lucy's eye. "Democracy at work?"

"More like idiocy at work," Harper interjects. "I hope you win, Nolan."

"Yeah," John agrees, "me too."