Recovery
Chapter 37
The Journal of John Nolan
Under other circumstances, I would agree that someone running around naked would merit a call for Lucy and me. But in this heat, I wasn't sure that the one we got had anything to do with mental illness.
I'd been wondering why the department doesn't have a summer version of our uniforms. But Lucy pointed out that L.A. doesn't really have seasons. Residents turn the air conditioning on full blast in December. She's right. I've done it. She also reminded me that we've seen suspects on P.C.P. tear their clothes off when they get hyperthermic. The situation could have gotten violent fast. But it didn't.
As it turned out, the maintenance staff at the university set up misters to try and keep the area around some of the buildings cooler. Most of the students weren't wearing more than shorts and T-shirts anyway, but a few got carried away and decided to strip down to get wet. I suspect too many cold beers might have had something to do with that. But since they weren't operating motor vehicles, it wasn't an issue. So we warned them to keep at least minimally covered up and were ready to take off – until I noticed the sign.
Actually, there were a bunch of signs on campus announcing a special memorial for students who'd passed away during the school year. I think that Lucy and I realized at almost the same instant that if anything would bring La Fiera to town, that memorial would. Her son Diego was more precious than anything in the world to her. That's something that, as a father, I can feel in my gut. She would never miss a celebration of his life.
But once we came to that conclusion, we had to figure out how to get Grey on board. We'd need him to get the department's full cooperation to set a trap to capture Sandra de la Cruz without endangering everyone else at the gathering. Lucy and I both agreed to let her do the talking. She was more than up to the task of communicating our theory about La Fiera in convincing psychobabble. I don't know if that terminology was necessary to convince Grey, but it gave him a tool to use on the powers-that-be.
The memorial is scheduled to take place in a week. That's not a lot of time to put together a complicated operation. But the L.A.P.D. has set up complex maneuvers in less time than that. What's more, City Hall is hungry for a victory. The politicians take as much heat for the plague La Fiera brought to the city as the force does. So as long as the plan succeeds, the elected officials will be on board. Unfortunately, as the initiator, the blame will land squarely on our division if it doesn't. And I have no doubt Lucy and I will feel the pressure – big time.
Of course, as Grey predicted, the heat is resulting in a rise in the number of fires. That includes a vast wildfire in Washington. I half expected Bailey to go up there to fight that one. But right now, she's needed more in the city. The calls to the fire department for medical assistance have increased even more than the number of blazes. She has both hands full. I doubt we'll have any more lazy evenings for quite a while. She did mention that she'd heard the fire department's plans for giving me a medal are coming together. The way things have been going since I put on the L.A.P.D. uniform, I'll believe that when I see it.
Henry called not long ago. I was relieved to hear from him. I know his heart defect is supposed to be fixed now, but in the back of my mind, I still worry. And since heart disease increases the vulnerability to heat, I worry even more when the temperature goes through the roof. But he said he's fine, and Abigail chimed in to confirm it.
Henry's picked up on the idea of getting youth involved with providing support to newly released prisoners, particularly those rail-roaded by Del Monte. He talked to Ben about it too. Right now, Ben's thinking about a facility to diagnose previously undetected medical problems that interfere with employment. It would be looking at learning disabilities too. Unfortunately, many released prisoners don't have cars, and public transportation in L.A. could be a lot better. So one center will only make a dent in the problem. But it's a start.
Henry is very enthusiastic about the project and already re-thinking his class load to better understand what's necessary. I'm really proud of him. There's nothing wrong with making decent money. But it took me twenty years to realize that satisfaction comes more from helping someone out every day than it does from a paycheck. I believe Henry already has a handle on that.
Grey raps on the podium for attention. "People, I understand the additional complications the heat is bringing to your jobs right now."
A murmur rises from the back of the room. "Sure he does, with his ass in an air-conditioned building."
"I heard that," Grey throws back. "But I'm sweating as much as you are, trying to make things work under the current conditions. Especially now." Grey's gaze falls on John and Lucy. "A situation has arisen that is throwing the department another curveball. We have reason to believe there's an event taking place at the end of this week, which will require the unexpected additional assignment of some of you. To accommodate that change, I've reworked this week's schedule."
A groan rumbles through the tables of cops. "Look, I don't like it any better than you do. I had other plans for this weekend. They're changing as well. But it's not all bad news. To avoid excess overtime as much as possible, some of you will be getting a mid-week break. That will compensate for extended shifts when the department needs you the most. I've posted the revised schedule for the next three days. And I'll be updating it as necessary.
"Now, as to the special precautions regarding the weather, those haven't changed. You'll all be paying extra attention to keeping yourselves and the folks out there as healthy as possible. We've increased the stores of water. You'll each be adding an additional case to the gear in your shops. Plan your patrols to cover as many of the areas generally frequented by the homeless as possible. The city has opened several new cooling shelters. The locations are posted with your schedules. Direct or transport anyone you feel is in danger from heat exposure to one of those shelters. And more than ever, keep yourselves and the people we serve safe. That's all. Dismissed."
Grey motions for Nolan and Lucy to follow him to his office. "Close the door. The D.E.A. has noted some movement at the de la Cruz estate in Guatemala. They believe that La Fiera may be planning her return to the U.S. As you may have guessed, the department is preparing to respond if she appears at the memorial at the university. But we suspect she still has sources within the L.A.P.D. So the two of you will keep any ideas you have about the event to yourselves. And you will not talk about it with each other in the locker room, break room, or any other venue where you stand any chance of being overheard. Better still, don't take the chance of mentioning it at all. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Yes, Sir."
"Now get your butts out there. And Nolan, Chen, good job keeping your eyes open."
A/N This is the next-to-last chapter of this story. I'll be winding it up next week to start fresh on a new one after seeing how the season premiere plays out. So, I'll be posting the last chapter on September 26, before the first episode of season 4 airs. See you on The Rookie Sunday.
