Earthquake in San Francisco
Chapter 4
1
The New York City streets were jammed with vehicles. Impatient drivers laid on their horns to try to move people out of their way. Those that didn't hail a cab, walked shoulder to shoulder down the street headed in their destination. New York was known as the "city that never sleeps," and Ed didn't doubt it. He'd been in the Big Apple before and at all hours, and people never seemed to be phased by the lateness of the hour they were roaming the streets. Brown admitted he found the city exciting. He loved visiting it, but it lacked the charm of his hometown of San Francisco.
In the Golden Gate city, Ed never had to worry about snow and ice. He'd been subjected to it when traveling different times, and he just didn't care for the cold weather. He much preferred the mild winters of San Francisco. You would need a jacket in the winter, but in New York the temperature could, at times, drop below zero. Ed didn't understand how people could live there year around.
He watched the New Yorkers out the window of the taxi. He couldn't help but wonder where Vivian was taking him. Ed tried to get her to tell him, but she only laughed and told him he'd find out soon enough. He finally quit pushing her to reveal their destination, as the more he tried, the more she enjoyed keeping it from him.
Finally, the cab driver pulled into the New York City Police Headquarters. The sergeant's enthusiasm waned as they entered the police parking garage. What were they doing here? Why did Vivian bring him to this particular place?
Vivian noticed Ed's expression had changed from excitement to . . . she wasn't exactly sure what it was. He didn't look please to be at the police department. She'd hoped he'd figure out why they were here and it would prompt even more excitement on his part. Why did he have such a loyalty to Robert Ironside. He was only his boss. He'd have a new one here, and probably one who was easier to work for.
The cab driver parked the vehicle and collected his fare from Vivian. She got out on one side and Ed got out on the other. Vivian took his arm and led him into the building.
"Viv, I don't understand. What are we doing here?" He asked her.
"You'll see." She smiled at him, although she didn't receive a smile in return. She hoped for a better reaction from Ed. After all, if they were to be together, he was going to have to move to New York. This interview was very important. She wasn't worried whether he'd impress the captain. If he could impress the very demanding Chief Ironside, he could impress anyone.
As they walked to the main desk, Vivian didn't have to introduce herself. The police officer, who sat behind it, smiled as soon as he saw her. "Hi, Miss Page. It's nice to see you. What can I help you with?"
"We've an appointment with Captain Emerick." Vivian could feel Ed's eyes on her. He hadn't said a word since asking why they were here at Police Headquarters. She was becoming just a bit worried. Maybe after the interview, Ed would see things differently.
After receiving their visitor passes, Vivian once again took Ed's arm, and they headed for the elevators. When they arrived, she pressed the button to the floor where the captain's office was located. Still, Ed said nothing. He also seemed to be avoiding looking at her.
The elevator doors opened and they stepped into the hall. Vivian knew exactly where to find Captain Emerick's office. She put her hand in Ed's, and they went down to the fourth room on their right. The door had Emerick's name and rank across the window. Vivian knocked on the door.
Captain J.C. Emerick waved them in with a swipe of his hand. Ed opened the door and waited until Vivian entered in front of him. Emerick offered his hand and smiled. "Welcome, Miss Page."
Vivian shook his hand and then put her hand on Ed's arm. "This is the police detective I've been telling you about, Sergeant Ed Brown from the San Francisco Police Department."
Emerick shook Ed's hand. "I don't need to be told who this man is." His smile turned into a grin. I watched the president's trial quite closely. You work for Chief Robert Ironside; the detective who brought down half the politicians in Washington when he was working with his brother to clear the president. I remember seeing you with Chief Ironside in the papers and on television. I'm honored to have such a fine detective here. Please sit down, Sergeant Brown."
Ed obliged the man, not really feeling like listening even after he flattered him. He wasn't the one who brought down the politicians in Washington. That was his boss. As always, Ed took orders and assisted Chief Ironside, but it was the chief and his brother who masterminded their take-down. Ed decided to get right to the point. "Why am I here?"
Captain Emerick smiled. "I thought Vivian would've told you. But, that's all right, I'll tell you myself. Vivian says there is a chance you might be willing to move to New York."
Ed looked over at her. She should've spoken to him first. Neither of them had faced the problem that was between them. Despite, not being able to forget her, Ed Brown loved his job. He was part of something special and he knew it. There were plenty of officers who envied his position with Chief Ironside. Vivian didn't understand the chief. Furthermore, she didn't understand what the city of San Francisco met to Ed. Her dislike of police wouldn't allow her to see the good work the chief's office did. Nor did she really seem to know much about what they'd accomplished. "She did?" Ed responded.
"Yes, and I'm not above beating all other police departments to the punch," Captain Emerick said. "Ed, may I call you Ed?"
Brown didn't say anything. He simply nodded. At this point, he didn't care what he called him. This meeting wasn't going anywhere. He hadn't come to New York with the idea of moving here. He thought Vivian would've known that. But, the more he thought about it, how could she know? He didn't say he would visit, but wouldn't stay. He supposed he didn't like her deciding his future as a police officer.
Emerick noticed the coolness Brown was displaying. He was led to believe hiring Ed Brown was just a matter of finding the right price to lure him away from Robert Ironside. He'd depended on Vivian Page as part of that allure. Now, he wasn't so sure. The sergeant was less than enthusiastic. "We'd love to have you come and work for the NYPD, Ed. I've been give authorization to offer you a team of your own. You'll head it and be in complete charge. You'd be doing exactly what you are doing now, only here in New York."
Vivian Page couldn't believe Ed's attitude! It was obvious he wasn't even considering Captain Emerick's offer. How were they ever going to be together if he refused to come live in New York? She thought when he accepted her invitation to come visit; he'd be opened to finally moving to the Big Apple. Otherwise, why did he bother to come at all? He should've known his leaving her and returning to San Francisco would dredge up the parting of ways all over again. They had to have a serious talk. What was the status of their relationship? Did he only come to New York to put another notch in his belt, since they hadn't slept together in San Francisco? Vivian tried to turn her attention back to Captain Emerick, who was still giving Ed the pitch for making the move to New York.
"You'd only answer to me, Ed. The police commissioner and the mayor have agreed your special unit will be given a free rein. We want to create an Ironside unit like the one you now belong to. Only this would be a Brown unit. You've the tools to be on your own. Ironside has seen to that. It's time you consider leaving his office and joining ours. Now, I know I've given you much to think about and I'll not pretend the decision to leave Chief Ironside and San Francisco is an easy one, but I think you can see this would be a step up. You'll move up the ranks much faster here. I don't know what you make, money-wise; we will pay you considerably more in your new position. And, you'll be awarded your San Francisco seniority and vacation time."
Still, Ed said nothing. Vivian was beginning to become angry. How could he just sit there? The captain was offering exactly what he had in San Francisco; except in New York, he'd be Robert Ironside.
"Well, Ed. I'll leave you to consider my offer." He put out his hand and Ed shook it.
There was a knock on the door. Emerick called out, "Come in."
The door opened and a uniformed officer came in. "Captain, I'm here to give Sergeant Brown the tour."
"Thank you, Officer. Please wait outside. He'll be with you in a minute." After the young officer stepped outside, Captain Emerick returned his attention to Ed Brown. "I've arranged a tour of the department for you. I'd like you to see where your office would be. I don't know how spacious Chief Ironside's office is . . . "
"It's extremely spacious," Ed interrupted.
"Yes, well, I have no doubt your office will be even more so. Vivian, if you'd like to join Sergeant Brown, you're welcome to do so."
"Thank you, Captain."
He stood up, indicating the interview was over. Ed got up, shook the captain's hand once more, and headed for the door. He waited for Vivian to leave the office in front of him.
"Right this way, Sergeant," the young officer said. "My name is Officer Nichols. It's a thrill to meet you, Sergeant Brown. Everyone has heard of your boss."
Officer Nichols led them on a tour of the entire department. After a couple hours of meeting and greeting other police officers and being given a demonstration of their computer systems, the New York police officer took them down a hall. When they reached the office, he unlocked the door and said, "Your office, Sergeant."
Ed walked in the room. It was spacious, but Captain Emerick had no idea the amount of space Chief Ironside had. This office was smaller. It was decorated very conservatively. The chief had classy taste. Ed much preferred his taste to the person's who decorated this office.
The officer watched him. Brown wasn't even trying to hide his feelings. Officer Nichols had been told hiring Brown was a 'done deal.' It sure didn't look like it. He could tell the California detective didn't approve. "Of course, you'll be given a budget to make the office more to your taste."
Could they give him Chief Ironside's office . . . with Chief Ironside in it? Ed had seen enough. All he wanted to do was get out. "Thank you for your time, Officer Nichols," Ed said and headed for the door.
"We'll look forward to having you join the force, sir."
Brown walked out of the room, down the hall, and headed for the elevator. After pushing the button and waiting until the doors opened, he motioned for Vivian to step in. Neither of them spoke on the ride down to the main floor. When the doors opened, Ed again waited for Vivian to step out of the elevator in front of him. Once they were out on the street, Ed waved down a taxi. Vivian got in and slid across the seat. Ed got in beside her.
"Where to, buddy?" The cab driver asked.
Ed said nothing. "The View Restaurant and Lounge," Vivian said, speaking for him. Apparently, he wasn't going to direct the cab driver anywhere. Once again, both were silent as the driver drove them to their destination. When they arrived, Ed pulled out his wallet, paid the driver with a healthy tip, and got out of the cab.
Taking Vivian's hand, he helped her out of the vehicle. She withdrew her hand from his as soon as she was on the sidewalk. They walked in silence into the restaurant. Vivian requested a private area, which the owner was all too happy to provide for them. He was used to famous people coming into his establishment, and Vivian Page was an up and coming stage actress.
He led them to a private area. It was a revolving eatery with views of Times Square. The table was elegantly decorated and the lighting dim. Ed pulled out the chair for Vivian. As she sat down, he pushed the chair closer to the table.
"Would you like to start with a drink?" The waiter asked.
"Two glasses of Chardonnay, please," Vivian said.
Ed didn't say anything, although he wasn't happy she didn't even ask him if he wanted Chardonnay or something else. He tried to calm his anger at what she had done.
Vivian watched Ed while they waited for their drinks. She simply didn't understand him. He hadn't said a word since they left Police Headquarters. What was he thinking? Why didn't he talk about what happened with Captain Emerick? What in the world was the matter with him? She couldn't stand the silence any longer. "Alright, Ed, what in the hell is wrong? Are you going to talk to me or are you just going to sit there?"
Ed always tried to respect women. He'd been brought up that way. Then there was the chief. He was a fine example of a man who respected and treated women better than any man Ed knew. He tried to follow his example despite his anger with Vivian.
"Ed Brown, if you don't stop giving me the silent treatment and tell me what's wrong, I'm going to walk out of here!" Vivian crossed her arms across her chest.
Ed wasn't sure where to start. But, then the chief had taught him the best way was to come right out with it. "Why didn't you tell me you intended to set me up with an interview with the NYPD?"
"I wanted to surprise you, Ed," she said.
With sarcasm worthy of his boss, Ed exclaimed, "Well, you certainly did that. Did it occur to you at all to ask me if I'd be interested in working for the NYPD?"
Clearly upset with him, she snapped back at him. "I thought you'd at least be open to the idea. Why did you come here if you weren't interested in trying to work things out between us. I want us to be together. We can't do that if you remain in San Francisco. This job gives you an opportunity to have your own special crime unit and to get away from Chief Ironside. He has way too much influence over you, Ed."
The sergeant was trying very hard to contain his anger. Vivian was not making it easy. Still, Ed made the attempt to remain calm as he answered her accusations against his boss. "First of all, Viv, the reason Chief Ironside has influence over me is that he's taught me more about police work than the rest of the department put together. In case you haven't noticed, the chief has arrested and put more criminals behind bars than any police officer in the history of the department. He solves crimes no one else can. He's earned my respect . . .and I don't need to get away from him. Regardless of how long I work for him, he and I'll remain friends for the rest of our lives. I wouldn't be in the position to be considered for this job with the NYPD if it weren't for Chief Ironside. So, I'd appreciate it if you would stop treating him like he's a big dark cloud over my head." Ed started to say something else, but thought better of it. He said nothing more.
"Why did you come here, Ed?" Vivian asked quietly.
"Because you asked me to. And, I wanted to see you. Viv, I'd like nothing more than for things to work out between us. You have to stop pushing me and let me make my own decisions." He remained quiet for a moment before adding, "And, you could move to San Francisco too, you know. Why is it you are only considering that I move to New York?"
"Because I'm a stage actress. I hated making that movie. I love the stage, and to be a stage actress I have to be here, Ed. You know fully well you can be a police detective anywhere. Where will you get an opportunity like this anywhere else? Tell me that. Okay, maybe I'm a little hard on Chief Ironside. I didn't understand him when I met him and I still don't understand him. You have to realize this is a big step for me. You know how I feel about police and guns. I'm trying to accept and respect what you want to do for a living. By urging your interest in the NYPD, I'm trying to accept you as a cop. All I'm asking is you consider the job. Both of us will be giving a little. Can't you see that?" She used her fist to nudge his arm. "Huh? Huh?" She grinned at him.
All anger Ed felt dissipated immediately. She had the ability to do that when she wanted to. He smiled. "Yes, I can see it. But, I need time to think about it. Can you give me a little time to consider it?"
Vivian grinned. "Yes! I can give you time! Now, can we order? I'm starving. "
Ed waved at the waiter who headed directly for their table. He thought silently. Could he make the move to New York? Could he really leave a job he loved and the boss he respected above all others? He looked at Vivian. This woman had moved him like no other woman before her. Ed was torn between the two, and he couldn't see anyway to resolve it. He'd have to walk away from one or the other.
2
Robert Ironside spent the better part of the day going over all the files he could find on Frank Hunt. He had to find something to convince the parole board Hunt shouldn't be given an early parole. Hunt hadn't been rehabilitated. Apparently, he was a much better actor than he was a crook. He'd successfully fooled Warden Leydon, and that wasn't easy. Of all the people Ironside knew in the law enforcement and correctional system, Leydon read people better than anyone. The chief just couldn't understand why he couldn't tell Hunt had been a model prisoner for one reason only. That was to get out on early parole.
Ironside knew career criminals when he saw them. He'd been in this business long enough to have seen it all. Frank Hunt wasn't capable of rehabilitation. As soon as he was released, he'd go right back to crime. The chief had an obligation to protect the citizens of San Francisco. He'd taken an oath to do that, and it was one he took seriously. Someone would be a victim of crimes Hunt would undoubtedly commit if released.
"Chief, is there anything else you need before I go home?" Eve asked.
Ironside looked up. Quite often, he worked his officers late into the evening when there was an important case. Right now, that wasn't the case. With Ed in New York, he'd normally rely heavily on Eve. Besides old cases, there wasn't anything pressing at the moment. It was a good time to let her go home and relax. Although she'd just recently gotten back from Europe while Fran worked with his office on the Donnie Walker case, there wasn't any reason not to let her take some time to herself. It wouldn't be long and Commissioner Randall would dump another high profile case in his lap, and he'd be working his staff late into the evening to solve it.
"No, Eve. Go home and relax. I'll see you in the morning."
"Will you be in when I get here?"
"Probably not. I am going to attend the parole hearing for Frank Hunt."
Eve hesitated. She wondered if the chief wasn't being a bit hard on Hunt, yet his instincts were rarely wrong. "Listen, Chief, if you need help with the Hunt case, I can stay behind and help."
Ironside shook his head. Nothing Eve could do was going to have a bearing on the parole board's decision. His staff needed to take time off when the workload of the office allowed. "No, you go home and get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."
Before she left, she asked, "Have you heard from Ed?"
The detective turned his chair toward her. "Why would I hear from him? He's on vacation. He's otherwise occupied."
Eve detected the slight sarcasm in his voice. Sarcasm was something her boss was well-known for. "Do I detect a bit of disapproval?" She asked, smiling.
"You do not," he answered. "Now, go home!"
Eve chuckled There'd been defiant disapproval with Ed's choice of companion. She walked up the ramp and headed out. Opening the door, she almost ran into Commissioner Randall. "Well, hello, Commissioner."
"Good evening, Eve. Is the boss letting you go home early?"
Eve glanced at her watch. "Actually, it's past quitting time now."
"At least it's not midnight. Have a good evening."
"You too, Commissioner." She smiled and left the office.
Dennis Randall came down the ramp and walked over to his top detective and friend. "Good evening, Bob."
"Dennis, this is twice in one day. What's the problem now?" Ironside wondered.
"You've such a suspicious nature. Has anyone ever told you that?" Randall asked.
"You tell me that all the time. Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"Mayor Barr came to see me today."
Ironside waited for Randall to continue. When he remained silent, Ironside spoke up. "Are you going to tell me why I need to know that?"
"He wants you to do everything you can to stop Frank Hunt from being paroled."
Momentarily stunned, Ironside said, "Just this morning you told me to stay out of it."
"The mayor thinks you're right about Hunt. So he wants you to prevent him from being paroled."
Ironside looked directly at Randall. "I probably won't be able to stop it, Dennis."
"We know that, Bob. Just do the best you can."
"I always do," the chief replied. Ironside watched his boss. He could detect something else was on his mind. "All right Dennis, out with it. What are you holding back?"
The commissioner smiled. "You don't miss much do you?"
"I'm a detective, Dennis. My job is not to miss anything. Now, what the blazes is wrong?"
"The mayor got a call. The man wouldn't give his name, but his message was clear."
"And, that was?"
"Frank Hunt intends to kill you when he gets out of prison." When the expression on the chief's face didn't change, Randall said, "You don't seem surprised."
"Why would I be? I told you the man couldn't be rehabilitated, didn't I? Nor am I surprised I'm his number one target. He blames me for sending him to prison. Why is it these thugs can't see it's their own behavior which sends them to the slammer?"
"Because they justify everything they do in their minds. You know that, Bob."
Ironside frowned. "There's one thing that bothers me. That phone call could've only have been made from one place."
"The prison," Randall said.
"Which means the threat is credible."
"And that brings me to another point. The mayor is ordering police protection for you." Randall waited for what he knew was going to be an argument from his detective.
"I'm the police and I don't need a babysitter," Ironside growled.
"Hold on, Bob, before you go off half-cocked. All the mayor is saying is when you leave the building, you take Ed or Eve with you."
"Ed's in New York," Ironside told him.
"Then take Eve with you or call Carl. We just don't want you going out alone if Hunt gets back on the streets. You've a freehand to investigate and tail Hunt; do whatever you can to put him behind bars . . . if he gets out."
"He'll get out, Dennis. The writing is on the wall."
"But, you're going to the parole hearing to try to stop that from happening, aren't you?'
"Of course."
Randall stood up. Okay, I think we're on the same page. Keep me informed." He headed for the door, stopped, and turned back to Ironside. "Not leaving without an officer with you is an order, Bob, once Hunt is released. You do understand what an order is, don't you?"
"Yes, I give them every day. I just don't follow them well," Ironside replied.
Randall turned back toward the ramp, walked up it, and called over his shoulder, "Tell me something I don't already know."