This is the last chapter. A big thank you to everyone who has stuck through to the end.
Chapter 09
"How many cars have we got in play now?" Jim demanded.
Marty's voice filled the room, "our truck and Duquesne behind them and two unmarked cars ready to join us."
"Are they from the 100th; if not, can they come up with backup and a bus if we need it?"
"They're in and we can converge at ABC Automotive"
"No sirens, no heroics," Jim paced between the desks, "let's bring this in easy."
"Yeah," Marty answered laconically, "we don't need anyone getting shot in the head,"
Jim had the good grace to snort out a hard little laugh. He was frustrated. He kept trying to picture ABC Automotive in his head. Just and old service station with the pumps removed but Jim couldn't work up an image of the place as a whole. Angry he turned too quickly and ran into Junior Clark's desk, causing the things on it to crash to the floor. Reaching down in an attempt to put them back his hand encountered a square tissue box. Jim turned it round in his hands and realized it could help him imagine the scene in Far Rockaway.
"Marty, Baldwin, are you in place?"
"We're parked about three car lengths away." Baldwin answered.
"How many service bay doors in front," Jim asked as he set the box down on the desk and felt its front.
"Two double doors in front."
"Is there office space or store front?"
"To the right of the bay doors," Jim's hand slide slightly to the right. "Hold on, one of those bastards just walked into the office from the service bay, okay; just getting something from behind the counter. Suspect just went back into the work area."
Jim continued firing off questions, demanding accurate information. Where were the exit doors? How many windows were there and how high off the ground were they?"
Was there an alley behind the building or a vacant lot with a jumble of wrecked cars? Where did the electricity enter the building? With each answer his hands mapped it out on the tissue box. Jim was truly seeing with his fingers and Andycould see and understand how Dunbar saw ittoo.
The brothers shoved Junior out of the truck, took the white cane from his hands and smashed it against the wall. They didn't bother searching him; they didn't expect him to be carrying anything that could be dangerous. Wrong.
Matthew Pederson started praying over Clark, each amen punctuated with a kick in the ribs. It seemed as if the trusting in God didn't stop the man from having a little fun with the sinner. After Mark Pederson returned from the office, beer in hand, he just leaned back and enjoyed the show.
"We're in place," Marty's voice came over the wire. "Junior's getting a shit kicking. We have to go in now."
Jim added, "throw in smoke bombs if you have to… tear gas is too damn flammable; the place would go up like a bottle rocket. Whenever you're ready, do it."
"Oh, ya trust me, boss, I'm honoured," crackled over the intercom "--- on my count, three; two; one… now."
Matthew Pederson was ranting… "Lift up your head and plead to God. Ask 'Domine ut videam' Lord, that I may see!"
Okay, back up was outside… now was the time to act. This time, Clark'd really be acting.
"Wait, I see light," Junior called as he fumbled up off his knees, pulled off the dark glasses and reached back for his service revolver, "coming in now."
The doors smashed in as Mark Pederson yelled, "Damn it Matt; its that cop from yesterday."
Inside the precinct house, the noise of breaking doors, raised voices and scuffling came through the intercom like an old time radio show. In the end no smoke bombs were set off; no shots were fired.
"We got 'em," Baldwin's voice came over the wire.
"Yeah, you can add assaulting a police officer to kidnapping and attempted murder," Junior added. "That slimy bastard wears cowboy boots." Jim and Andy cringed and tried tofigure outhow many times Clark had been kicked by those pointy toed torture devices.
"Bring'em in, I'll phone the 100th right now," Andy said as he turned to his office.
"Wow! That was better trying to follow a TV show!" Both Jim and Andy swung their heads towards young Pete Steckle. They had forgotten the young man was even there. "And that graphite cane gonna cost about $35.00."
"I'll take it out of petty cash," Sipowicz said as he closed his office door.
In the end, it was almost anti-climatic. Junior Clark, Baldwin Jones and Marty Russo processed the Pederson brothers at the 100th Precinct in Far Rockaway. Matthew Pederson boasted of his crimes with the fiery gleam of a prophet, or perhaps a madman, in his eyes. Mark Pederson simply lawyered up. The owner of ABC Automotive was never contacted; the man was a member of Pastor Pederson's church and in a hospice dying of lung cancer. The pastor's sons knew shop had been closed for two months and how to get in to carry out their plans. Pastor and Mrs. Pederson made their way to the 100th Precinct but never got to see their sons until the arraignment the following day. Mark and Matthew pled not guilty and were remanded over for trail without possibility of bail. As for the whys of these senseless killings there were many opinions but only Mark and Matthew Pederson truly knew why and they both remained silent on that.
The next morning Marty and Jim walked into the 15th Precinct to finish up the paperwork and collect their stuff before heading back to the 88th. As they walked up the stairs they could hear Baldwin Jones laughing at Junior Clark.
"I am not gay," Clark spit out.
"It sure sounded gay from the van," Jones replied,
"And it sure looked gay at the Starbuck's," Marty cut in as he and Jim entered the squad.
"You asshole," Clark turned on Russo, "I got a bruise on my back because you dumped on the floor at that Starbuck's"
"Maybe you can get John to kiss it better?" Marty laughed and Irwin shook his head muttering 'Neanderthal' under his breath.
"And where the hell do I buy a graphite white cane?" Clark groused.
"Try Lighthouse on East 59th Street," Dunbar said as he started packing up the things he'd brought for Hank, "that's where I got mine."
"Yeah, I shoulda asked you first, I guess I just forgot you were blind for a minute."
Jim smiled; this was what he wanted everyone to do, just for minute, forget he was blind.
"Dunbar," Andy called from his office, "get in here."
"I'll take Hank's stuff down to the car and be right back." Marty said.
"I can find my way to the car," Jim replied.
"I know, I just want to hear that Sipowicz says before I start driving." Marty was worried; he still didn't trust the gruff squad leader, but he didn't want to let on he felt that way. "Hey, Junior, why don't you get your boyfriend to make up another pot of coffee for the rest of us?"
"I AM NOT GAY!" Jim heard Clark shout at Russo before the door to Sipowicz office closed.
"Sit down Dunbar; I got something to read to you." Andy's voice betrayed nothing of what he was about to say.
Jim stood. The little control game he had started to play at the 15th wasn't over yet. Andy waited a few seconds before he spoke again.
"Detective Dunbar, would you please put your ass in that chair."
"Of course, Sergeant Sipowicz," Jim said smoothly as he sat opposite Andy.
Andy sighed. "That was quite the show last night. That Steckle kid is probably gonna be talking about it for years. Course, I might too. I wrote up my report for the chief of d's and I'm letting you know what it says, so here goes." Jim went still as he heard the shuffle of paper. "First is the usual blah blah blah the brass wants to hear and next is this. As per your question of safety, after observing Detective Dunbar working in an unfamiliar environment I found that he adequately adapted to his surroundings and posed neither a threat to himself or anyone else. During the telephone interviews and interaction with other members of this squad Detective Dunbar showed initiative yet was able to work well within these tasks. Detective Dunbar went into the field when it was logical and appropriate yet knew how to work within his limitations and stayed in the squad room when the situation warranted. During the take down proceedings Detective Dunbar was able to work in the command centre and direct operations with assurance and allow the field officers the latitude to use their initiative when necessary. I believe Detective James Dunbar is an asset to his precinct and the New York Police Department and if he ever wishes to transfer to the 15th Precinct I would be ready to make all possible accommodations to keep him here. However, I feel he is wasted in his present position and feel Detective Dunbar should be encouraged to rise within the New York Police Department to whatever level he wishes. I will therefore be suggesting to the Detective he sit for the Sergeants exam within the next six months and the Lieutenants exam within the next two years. Sincerely blah blah blah."
Jim was speechless for a few moments and then he simply said, "Wow."
"You know this will probably be circular filed by the Chief of D's, so I'm sending a copy to Gary Fisk, Jim Deakins and the Commissioner. You'd probably do well in MCS; I'd love to see you working with Bobby Goren or Mike Logan. It would be really scary."
"I don't know what to say, thanks, I guess."
"Don't mention it, now, get outta here and take Russo with you." Andy watched as Dunbar rose and reached for the door, "also, a suggestion; this year volunteer to work Christmas Day; give Fisk one less thing to worry about."
"Yeah, I probably will." Jim extended his right hand, "it's been a pleasure working here."
Andy grasped Jim's hand tight. "Come back anytime. Bring the dog, leave Russo behind."
Andy watched Dunbar and Russo leave the squad, smiling slightly as he shook his head. Still, he had his own squad to worry about and he had to stick someone here with Christmas Day duty. "God," he whispered to himself, "I hope Fisk appreciates what I just did for him."
Fin
I want to personally thank Kenina. Whenever I forgot ow to file these chapters properly she had the answers and her encouragement meant a lot to me.
Also Hershinator, you reviews were much looked for and appreciated. I hope I answered each question you asked me. You kept me on my toes and helped me remember not everyone watches as much television as I do.
And everyone who review my story. You all gave me the impetus to continue and I hope you were not disappointed.