Ch. 46

Valerie was just putting her belongings into her desk drawer when Randy approached her with a sympathetic wince, saying, "Hey, Val, good morning." "Good morning, Randy. What's with the face?" "Boss told me to tell you when I saw you not to settle in but to come to her office as soon as you got here." "Thanks, Randy. Could you tell what kind of mood she was in?" He paused as if to soften the blow and then told her, "I'd say she might have cooled off but not by much. Good luck."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Facing Jordan across the desk, Val tried a friendly smile which wasn't returned. When Jordan continued to stare at her, she decided to open the discussion herself. "Before you say anything, let me apolo-" "Stop. Talking," snapped Jordan. Val's eyes widened and her heartbeat accelerated. Jordan didn't just appear to be pissed—she seemed livid. After a few more moments of uncomfortable staring, Jordan finally began speaking, saying, "Your actions of the last few days have been foolhardy. They were not sanctioned by this department, nor endorsed by me personally. To say I'm disappointed in your conduct would be understating my feelings-" "I know-" "Stop. Talking. You say you want to be a police officer, go to the academy. Good, solid officers are always needed and welcomed. Hot-headed fools who follow their own directives because they have something to prove are not."

"Jordan-"

"Commissioner Ashford."

"What?"

"I'm not Jordan right now, I'm Commissioner Ashford. And that might be part of the issue. Because you work for me so your actions, good and bad, reflect on me. You obviously didn't take that into consideration, though, did you? And that's most likely my fault. Because all night long, in between being furious with you and grateful that you emerged from your foolhardiness unscathed, I had to wonder, 'Did she trade on our friendship? Did she think no repercussions would come because of our friendship? Would she have attempted this if anyone else besides me was her boss?'"

"Jord—Commissioner Ashford, I wouldn't do that. I didn't do that, please believe me! I wasn't thinking of how what I did would reflect on you. I should have considered your position in all this. All I thought about were my own goals. I can only apologize to you as your subordinate and your friend. Dante already gave me an earful-" Holding up a hand to stop her, Jordan stated, "I'm not interested in that. This is what's going to happen. I'm going to do my best to squash this. Somehow, I'm going to try to discretely get these weapons back to their rightful owner, hopefully with no questions asked."

"Thank you-"

"Don't thank me. I'm not through yet. I need you to think long and hard about what it means to be a team player. The seriousness of what it means to be a cadet who plays by the rules. You're going to have a week off without pay to think about all that. Once that passes, you come back and tell me whether or not you think you can work here under MY authority, by MY rules. By rights, I should be firing your behind but we'll see how things go after you return to duty." Valerie was stunned. She had expected a hard slap on the wrist but this felt like more than that to her. She searched the Commissioner's face for some trace of her friend and couldn't find one. Haltingly she asked, "What does this mean?" "You didn't understand my directives?" "No, I mean for us. What does this mean for us?" "I don't know, honestly. I guess we'll have to wait and see on that, too. Any other questions?" "No, not really." "Then we're done here," Jordan said, purposely turning her attention to her computer screen.

Feeling thoroughly dismissed, Valerie quietly made her way from Jordan's office to her desk to collect her purse. From his desk, Dante noticed the somewhat shell-shocked look on Val's face and he got up and approached her, telling her, "We're on our way to the airport in a little while but I was hoping to catch you before we left. How'd things go with Jordan?"

"You mean Commissioner Ashford? About as well as could be expected, I guess. Maybe better than I deserve…" Dante was surprised when he saw her eyes beginning to well with tears and he pulled her into the interrogation room away from the interested gazes of those in the squad room. "What happened?" With a hitch in her voice, Val explained, "I got a week off without pay and she said she should have fired me. I think she hates me now, Dante. I think I've lost her friendship." The tears began to roll down her cheeks and she brushed them away almost angrily, frustrated that she couldn't control her emotions.

"She doesn't hate you, Angel-"

"You didn't see or hear her, Dante. She was cold, I mean like ice to me. I screwed up, big-time. I'm not sure she's gonna forgive me."

"Ok, it's a setback. It's only a setback. We'll let the week pass and then we'll see, ok? I know it'll be hard but try not to let it stress you out too much." He drew her into a comforting hug and sighed before he kissed the side of her neck. Delivering two more soft kisses to her forehead and lips, he murmured, "I've gotta go. Don't stew about this, Sweetheart. Find something fun and distracting to do and we'll talk more when I get back, ok? I love you. And don't worry—it's gonna work out."

"Do I look like I've been crying?"

"A little bit but so what? You're entitled."

"I just don't want to look like a wuss in front of everyone."

"You wanna go to your car? I can bring your stuff out to you."

"No. You're sweet to offer but I'm walking out of here with my head held high. I'll be fine. You guys have a safe flight, ok? I hope whatever's waiting in Jersey is worth it." They walked from the interrogation room to her desk and he stood there while she collected her belongings. He would have walked her out to her car but she stopped him, telling him, "You've got your own stuff to take care of, Just Mine. I'll be ok. Like you said, I've got spine, right?"

"That you do, baby. Like steel." "I'll see you at home." He watched her walk out of the precinct and get into her car. Giving her a reassuring smile and a wave, he stood there until she drove away. Out of her sight, his smile fell and with a look of determination, Dante made his way down the hall to Jordan's office.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Hey, Commish, got a minute?" Dante asked as he poked his head around Jordan's door. "Falconeri, yeah. Come in. Shouldn't you be at the airport by now?" "We have a bit more time until our flight leaves. I wanted to talk to you before we took off." "About the case?" "No, about Valerie-"

"Not a good idea, Dante."

"It sounds like you came down pretty hard on her-"

"Not your business, Detective. Not discussing it with you."

"Fine, then. We won't discuss it. Just hear me out, please. Valerie admires the hell out of you. She'd never admit it but women like you and Anna Devane are her role models. She aspires to have your strength and courage. She values your friendship and it would crush her to lose that. I know what she did was foolish and I think she knows it too, now. Don't kick her to the curb, Commish—that's all I'm asking. Thanks for your time. We'll give you a call when we're on our way back with the evidence." "Do that." As he was leaving she halted him with, "And Dante? I heard what you said. I'll take it under advisement." He nodded and decided not to press his luck further, gently closing the door behind him and walking to the squad room where Randy and Nathan were waiting.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Once they had settled in after boarding the plane, the guys began talking about the fallout from Valerie's "mission". Randy wondered, "What exactly did the Commish say, Falconeri? Val looked pretty messed up when she left the shop." "She was, man. Jordan doesn't play and she was obviously pissed about the whole thing. She ended up giving Val a week off without pay and it seems she had some harsh words for her, too. Val's worried that she may have lost Jordan's friendship. I told her it would work out, which I hope it does but Jordan can be like stone sometimes. We'll just have to see how things go." "Ok, Dante," Nathan opined, "you know I like Val but in this instance, I don't blame the Commissioner. You guys know what happened to me when I went off half-cocked and I didn't even realize I was practically walking into a trap. Val knew what she was getting into and she did it anyway. She's very lucky things worked out for her; otherwise, this could have meant all kinds of problems for the department and for Jordan herself, since she's Val's boss."

"I get that, Nathan, and Val gets it too. I was kind of pissed at her myself, for a while. The funny thing, though, is most of the time, initiative is welcomed, even desired, in new cadets. We want men and women who can think for themselves and think creatively, as well. What she did was crazy but you've gotta admit, it took guts. The fact that she was able to pull it off earns my admiration."

"No kidding it took guts," countered Nathan, "the hardcore kind. If she gets the chance, she's going to make a good officer. I still can't believe she willingly sat in a room across from Joey Robbs without back up. What was she thinking, I wonder?"

"She was on a mission," Dante explained, adding, "That's actually how she approached it, as some kind of mission. She had a goal, she kept it in the front of her mind, and she focused on it. She had to find out if she had the stones to go undercover successfully. I blame Anna for this, personally."

"Anna? Anna Devane? What does she have to do with anything?" "A few weeks back, she, Jordan, Val and a couple other detectives got together for some kind of gab fest or something. I guess Anna spent part of the day telling everyone about her life as a spy and got Val all jazzed up about being an undercover operative. Ever since she talked to Anna, her goal shifted from being an admin to becoming a cop with hopes of going undercover someday. She wasn't thinking about the consequences of what she was doing—she just bulldozed ahead."

"At least it doesn't sound like Jordan's written her off, Falconeri. That's a plus in her favor," Randy mentioned. "That's true, Randy—at least there's that. And as long as she can keep what Val did out of her jacket, everything should work out."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

At the Greenville Precinct in South Jersey, the guys were reacquainted with the officers they had met on their first trip to interrogate Scribbs. Pointing in Nathan's direction, Dante mentioned, "This is actually the detective Joey Robbs was ordering the hit on." "Yeah, we recognized you from the photo Robbs showed Garafalo. It's good to see you on your feet, Detective. You were lucky."

"Thanks, man. And don't I know it!"

"No, you don't understand. There're actually two recordings between Robbs and Garafalo. The first one ordering the hit and the second one demanding he finish what he started. They had a pretty colorful argument about final payment and Robbs was pissed because the job was botched. Check this out," Officer Reynolds finished before cueing up the aforementioned conversation. The guys were silent as they listened to Robbs spouting invectives, noting the venom in his voice whenever he said Nathan's name. When they saw and heard Robbs admit to hiring Garafalo to end West's life, Dante smiled a broad smile, realizing that this was indeed the "goods" that would help them build a solid case against Joe Scartone and finally send him to prison for what he hoped would be a long stretch. To those in the room he said, "This is it, guys. This is money, in my opinion. Of course we'll have to see what my uncle thinks, but this nails it shut for me, anyway."

"Your uncle?"

"Yeah. Ric Lansing, our DA, is also my uncle. I think we have something solid here but the decision to go forward will rest with him." Laughing, Officer Reynolds said in admiration, "You're a pretty connected guy, aren't you? An uncle for DA and Sonny Corinthos for a father! I'm surprised all your cases don't go in your favor!"

"It's not like that at all, man. I don't trade on family connections when I do my job. And how did you find out about Sonny being my father, anyway?" "Grapevine works, even out here in 'the bowels of Jersey' as you so colorfully referred to it last time you were here. We wanted to make sure you weren't in any Mob pockets before we handed over this evidence so we did some checking around. With the exception of a couple of smudges, you seem to be straight." Dante and Reynolds made eye contact for a few seconds and then Dante said, "Thanks for that, I guess. What are we doing from here?"

"We've got a couple of signed affidavits stating that these tapes are the originals and haven't been tampered with by our department. If you guys will sign these papers saying our department has released this evidence into your custody, our requirements will be met and you can take this stuff back to your own house." After Dante, Randy and Nathan signed the paperwork and received copies, the Greenville officers handed Nathan the tapes, noting, "If anyone ought to be carrying these, it should be you, right?" "Right," Nathan answered, adding, "Thanks for your hard work here, guys. We all really appreciate it but no one more than me." "You're welcome. We're just glad it went down this way." Hands were shaken all around and then the three made their way back to Teterboro Airport.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Nathan was pensive on the plane ride back to Port Charles, a fact noticed by both Dante and Randy. Into the silence, Randy finally asked Nathan, "You ok, West? I don't think you've said a word since we left Greenville's shop." With a fleeting smile Nathan explained, "I'm fine. It was weird, though, actually hearing someone ordering my death and being pissed that it didn't happen. Every day we face people who are angry with our interference in their lives—getting cursed out is part of the job. But Robbs wanted me dead. That's crazy to me. I was just doing my job and he wanted to end my life for it. HE'S the criminal but I was the enemy who was doing wrong and needed to be stopped. I'm trying to wrap my head around that. And somewhere in the back of my mind I have to wonder why Garafalo didn't finish me off in that alley. From what I could tell, he didn't usually leave his tasks incomplete." Turning to him Dante responded, "He didn't finish because it wasn't your time to go, end of. I'm just glad he didn't get the chance. I've been thinking about it a lot and I think the tall, skinny guy you thought you saw was someone who interrupted Garafalo before he COULD finish you off. Whoever that guy was, he might have saved your life." "If that's the case then I'm grateful to him. I'll just be satisfied to see Joey Robbs behind bars. If getting stabbed led directly to making that happen, I guess I'll take it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Following Jordan's instructions, they went directly from the airport to Jordan's office where she and Ric Lansing were waiting to see and hear the tapes for themselves. She had called Ric earlier in the day to explain about the possibility of evidence existing that might finally convict Joey Robbs and he insisted on being present when it arrived.

When Nathan placed the envelope with the two tapes in it on Jordan's desk, Jordan gave a look to Lansing, who nodded in return, and she broke the seal, peeking inside. Frowning, she slid the tapes on her desk and asked, "This is it? Seriously?" "Yeah, Boss, but you'll have to actually see what we have here before you make a judgement. In my opinion, this is the dynamite we needed to blow that fat scumbag out of business and into a cell for a long, long time. You be the judge, though," Dante said. Nathan's discomfort was obvious as he once again heard Joey Robbs ordering his death and he was unknowingly shaking his head as he listened. Ric was having an opposite reaction, though, as he smiled and nodded throughout the recordings. After they had finished viewing the evidence, they all turned expectantly to him and he didn't disappoint them, saying, "Yeah, I like it. I like it a lot. Go get him."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

On the way to the Lucky Roll pool hall, Dante called Val on her cell phone and told her, "It's happening, Angel. Ric liked what we brought back and we're on our way to get Robbs now." "Awesome. I want to be there-" "Don't even think about showing up down there, Val! You do and you're done with Jordan, for sure!" "I'm not going to, Dante, ok? I'm only saying I wish I could be in on this." "When we make a collar like this, everyone involved shares in it. You did your bit, ok? There'll be other collars in your future, Val, so don't sweat having to sit this one out. Only then you'll be a fully-fledged police officer with the right to be involved. Just hang tight and I'll finish filling you in when I get home." "Will do. Be careful, Dante—all of you, be careful. I'm pretty sure he'll be armed." "We're not anticipating any trouble but we're armored up just in case."

While Randy, Nathan and a few other officers went in through the front door, Dante took another crew around the back to effectively corner Robbs and prevent his escape. Dizzy was the first one to jump up when he saw the pool hall filling with strangers, an action quickly quashed by Nathan flashing his badge at him. "Where's Joey Robbs?" Nathan demanded.

"Who?" Dizzy thought to stall them a bit and give Joey time to escape through the rear. At the question, Nathan looked at his fellow officers with a smirk and mused aloud, "This fool thinks we're here to play games. Do we look like we've got time for games? We're gonna get him but we might end up grabbing you, too, if you're not careful. Where is he?" "Not sure who you talkin' 'bout, man." Lifting his voice, Nathan intoned, "We're looking for Joey Robbs. We're not leaving here until we either get him or a line on his whereabouts. Cooperation is better but we're not averse to doing things the hard way. You seem to have a big mouth so I guess we'll start with you and take you in for questioning. Let's go." Gesturing to a couple of officers, Nathan motioned them forward to handcuff Dizzy. Dizzy held up his hands and backed up slightly, seeming to make a decision. Nodding his head in the direction of Robbs' office, Dizzy silently told them what they wanted to know.

Joey heard the commotion coming from outside his office and he turned his attention to the camera monitor as he soundlessly watched Nathan and his fellow officers entering his pool hall. Uttering a curse, he jumped up from behind his desk and ran to his safe where he kept an emergency stash of cash. He shoved the money into a gym bag he kept nearby for this eventuality and then he reached into his desk for his Glock. Furtively, he crept to the back door, breathing a sigh of relief when he opened the door and stepped out into the sunlight, a sigh that immediately turned to alarm when he saw Dante and the other officers waiting for him with guns drawn.

"JOEY ROBBS! DROP THE BAG AND GET ON THE GROUND, PUTTING YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD! DO IT NOW!" Joey hesitated and Dante told him, "Man, I'll take you out right here, save the taxpayers some money. GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!" Realizing there was no way to escape, Joey Robbs reluctantly and angrily dropped to his knees, putting his hands behind his head. Keeping his weapon trained on him, Dante nodded to Nathan, who with the others had made his way up the hall and through the back door. Moving forward, Nathan said, "Joseph Anthony Scartone, you're under arrest for, among other things, attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder." He placed the cuffs on Robbs, who was sputtering, "You got nothin' on me! Ain't no way this's gonna stick—I'll be out before dinner time!" Shaking his head, Nathan went on, "You have the right to remain silent, which you might want to use right now. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you." Jerking Robbs to his feet, Nathan shocked his fellow officers by ending with, "Do you understand the rights I have just read to you, you murdering bastard?" As they stood face to face, Joey sneered, "I shoulda finished you myself; that's where I went wrong." "That was only the beginning of your mistakes. I guess you 'shoulda', huh? Get him out of here," he said, pushing Joey toward his brothers.

"You all right, man?" Dante wanted to know. "Yeah, I'm cool. Thanks for the collar—felt good to be the one to cuff him." "You earned it, all the way around. Let's go finish this up."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

From her vantage point outside the cordoned off area where the police action was taking place, Val watched as Joey Robbs was led away and unceremoniously stuffed into the back of a cruiser. She knew she promised Dante she'd stay away but she wanted to see the bust happen for herself. Somehow, in spite of the way things had gone down, she was proud of the PCPD and her association with them. It had taken years but dogged, solid police work had finally paid off. Smiling to herself, she turned to walk away when a voice stopped her with, "Hey, Honey, issat you?" Her heart jumping into her throat, she pivoted slowly around, saying, "I'm sorry, did you say something?" Dizzy frowned at her for a moment and then his face cleared as he replied, "Naw, I'm sorry, lady. I thought you was someone else for a minute. Now I see it, she was a little bit bigger'n you, though." Being ever thankful for the idea to wear layers on her mission, she told Dizzy straightforwardly, "I don't believe we've ever met." "My bad," he said. "No problem. Have a good day," she told him and then walked over to her car on slightly shaky legs, breathing slowly as she went. "Well, yep—this was definitely one secret she was taking to the grave with her," she thought ruefully, starting the car with a sense of relief.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX