Part 386: The New Task Force
The police precinct was busting with activity. Reporters from all over the state and a few out of state were there. The uniformed cops were keeping them off of the stairs so the other police could arrive and do their job. Inside was a different story. The world that could easily describe the feelings in the Captain’s office was “conflict”. Lt. Detective Austin Ford was pacing around with his arms crossed. Captain John Page was getting more and more upset by the minute. “Let me get one thing straight with you, Ford,” the captain pointed, “If you want to pace somewhere, then I suggest you do it in your own office.”
“Captain, I can understand why the Mayor would create an all woman task force,” The detective leaned on his desk, “But why take the DAMN case away from us?”
His partner, Lt. Detective Riley Stark was sitting on a nearby chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I would have thought it obvious, Austin,” he sighed, “She took the case away from us because she is afraid we’ll mess it up.”
“Your work has always been exceptional, Stark,” the captain pointed, “She took the case away from you because she is worried Ford will mess it up. You’re just guilty by association.”
“Lovely,” the detective replied, rubbing his hands through his hair.
“Captain, with all due respect, It was one simple mistake-“ Ford tried to reply.
“Do NOT . . .start that crap with me.” Page said, standing up, “It wasn’t a simple mistake. It was a MAJOR one. And as a result of that, a killer walked. A killer of three women joggers.”
“Three lesbian joggers, Captain. The jury never would have convicted him on that basis anyway.”
“DO NOT BRING YOUR PERSONAL LIFE INTO THIS!!!” the captain screamed at him.
“Sir, let me point out, that lesbians-“
“AUSTIN!” Stark finally snapped in, “I’m with the captain on this . . .you REALLY don’t want to finish that sentence.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” The mayor said behind them.
All the detectives stood to attention as she entered. The captain politely came from behind his desk and greeted her. Mayor Sasha Doyle looked at all the men. Most of them were showing her the proper respect with the exception of Detective Ford who was simply staring at the floor. “Captain Page, “she smiled, “The ladies will be showing up shortly. I will address the press and welcome them to the precinct. I would appreciate it if you were out there with me.”
“Of course, your honor,” Page agreed.
“Also, I would like one of your detectives to volunteer to help oversee the duties for the women as well.”
The detectives all looked at each other and made mumbles and whispers. The Mayor took a deep sigh and glared at them all like a disapproving mother. “Gentlemen, I would prefer volunteers,” she grunted, “But I will have your captain PICK someone if necessary.”
The detectives didn’t say a word at that point. In the far corner, the oldest homicide cop among them; Lt. Detective Edwin Day, looked at his fellow officer and was a little disgusted. Not a single one of them wanted to admit they didn’t want to work with a bunch of women. The older detective thought it that equal rights was a dead issue but clearly it wasn’t. He looked up at the mirror and stared at his black skin. Their reluctance reminded him of another issue that he had to deal with a long time ago: racism. “Madame Mayor?” the black cop whispered.
Mayor Doyle looked at the veteran police officer and smiled brightly. “Yes, Edwin?” she grinned.
“I will volunteer to help the new task force in their integration in the two-eight.”
“Thank you,” she politely bowed.
The Mayor and the captain then left the office. Detective Day then proceeded to follow them. As he got past the captain’s desk, Ford immediately stopped him. Day looked at his hand and then at him. “What the hell are you doing, Day?” he asked the older detective.
“I volunteered to oversee the new task force, what do you think I was doing?” the older detective replied.
“Is it because you are retiring in three months, so you don’t mind being the laughing stock of the department while you baby sit the Cagney and Lacey squad?” Ford scoffed.
“Let me tell you something, Austin,” Day leaned in closely, “I got bad news for you. These ladies are nothing special. They are regular cops like anybody else. I am sure they put on their panties one leg at a time . . . just like you.”
Ford became embarrassed as the older black cop implied he wore female underwear. The fellow detectives couldn’t help but laugh. The younger detective waved them off and walked out of the office on the way to his desk. The rest went about their case files and then Day walked out to join the Mayor and The captain. It would probably help the public if ONE of their detectives welcomed the all female task force.
After Jenny parked her vehicle, she got her supplies and walked out into the parking lot. She proceeded to walk toward the front but then slowed down when she saw the large crowd of reporters at the front steps. She winced; wondering what she should do. “Hey, Jenny!” she heard behind her.
Jenny turned and saw that her friend Kellye was coming up the sideway, followed by the rest of them. Ana-Lucia had a duffle bag with her stuff and they were followed by the two fellow female cops that also got promoted. Maxine Boyd was a former forensic cop who got promoted after she was instrumental in breaking a federal case that went cold. Meghan Winslow or “Meg” as she preferred to be called was a beat cop like Jenny and Kellye. Jenny didn’t know much about her, only that she had a dog named Nugent which she seemed to love dearly because she talked him all the time. “Glad to see you made it, Jen,” Kellye said as they finally caught up to her.
“You were under the impression I wasn’t?” the young officer smirked.
“Considering you are about to be a celebrity because you are California’s youngest homicide detective, YES, it did cross my mind.” Her friend playfully pushed her.
“Say . . . is there a back way into this place?” Jenny asked.
“That’s where we just came from,” Ana-Lucia took her by the arm, pulling her, “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”
“Yeah, thanks for taking the attention off of us, Jenny,” Meg laughed.
“You’re welcome,” the young officer replied sarcastically.
The female group of homicide cops finally made their way to the bottom of the stairs. The reporters then immediately started to shout out various questions. The uniformed cops held them back allowing the group to make it up the stairs. At the top waiting for them behind the podium was Mayor Doyle, Captain Page and Lt. Detective Day. They didn’t know the black man but in a few days they would be. Ana-Lucia shook hands with the mayor and the captain. After everybody else shook hands with the two, the captain motioned for them to stand together on the sidelines. They put down their boxes, purses and bags then stood to attention. Mayor Doyle got behind the podium and motioned for all the reporters to quiet down. “Thank you all for coming today,” she said, over by the mic, “Today marks a landmark in police history. An female task force has been created to handle female related crime. No more will such hideous acts go unpunished, nor placed on the back burner. These officers will be the forerunners to take care of these crimes and punish those involve.”
The growing crowd of men and women then applauded the mayor. She waved to them and smiled allowing her to continue. “Lt. Detective Edwin Day had graciously volunteered to oversee the transition of the new task force into an effective homicide division of the Two-Eight. However, Detective Day has served this city well and will be retiring in three months. The task force will need a person in authority to oversee their cases on a daily basis. Since she holds the most experience as a police officer, I can think of no better person than Ana-Lucia Cortez. Under the authority granted to me by the power of the state, I hereby promote her to Lieutenant Detective and the benefits that apply.”
The crowd went into an uproar of the news and applauded the mayor’s decision. Ana-Lucia was confused and wild eyed. After the captain motioned for her to come over, she finally did and shook her hand. Ana-Lucia put on her best fake smile amid the flashing lights of all the photographers. Maxine slowly leaned over to Kellye and whispered, “Did you know about this?”
“Nope, “ the young woman smirked as she applauded, “And judging by her look, I don’t think she did either.”
After the ceremony was over and the mayor had a few more photos taken, the female officers were allowed at their desks. Jenny picked the one closest to the window and Kellye sat behind her. Meg chose the one next to the book shelf and Maxine went for the one nearest the door. That left Ana-Lucia the one at the far back in the middle, closest to Jenny’s. The Latina detective didn’t get the change to pick; she simply got the desk by default because she was in the captain’s office having a heated discussion. Day then walked into the special room, knocking on the door. “Morning, Ladies.” He smiled.
“Morning, Detective Day or do you prefer Edwin?” Maxine asked.
“Day is fine. We’re all detectives here.”
“Thank for agreeing to work with us.” Kellye pointed out.
“I only wish . . .more of my fellow detectives thought the same way but I have my reasons.”
“Whatever, it’s nice to meet you,” Meg shook his hand.
“Likewise,” he said, taking the folder from under his arm, “I’ll way till Detective Cortez comes in so we can discuss our case together.”
“Why is she in with the captain?” Jenny asked.
“I suspect it’s a result of her promotion,” the black man smiled, “You may be the youngest detective we have, Ms. Baker but I suspect Ms. Cortez is probably the one who’s been the most promoted in the shortest amount of time. Many men have waited years for promotion for Lieutenant.”
Ana-Lucia finally came into the room and had a very steamed look on her face. The Latina took a deep and then walked past all of her fellow officers. “Is this my desk?” she pointed.
“Uh . .yeah,” Meg replied.
Ana-Lucia slumped down and put her feet up. She crossed her arms, closed her eyes and took a few deep breathes. The black detective looked at her concerned. “Detective Cortez?” he whispered.
She held up her index finger stopping him from saying anything else. “If you are here to review the case with us, then do so,” she grunted, “I need to sit here for a few seconds and steam.”
“Uh . .very well,” Detective Day coughed, “Ladies, if I can have you attention then.”
The women sat up in there chairs and turned their attention toward their senior detective as he stared to tell them about their first major case.
“Captain, I can understand why the Mayor would create an all woman task force,” The detective leaned on his desk, “But why take the DAMN case away from us?”
His partner, Lt. Detective Riley Stark was sitting on a nearby chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I would have thought it obvious, Austin,” he sighed, “She took the case away from us because she is afraid we’ll mess it up.”
“Your work has always been exceptional, Stark,” the captain pointed, “She took the case away from you because she is worried Ford will mess it up. You’re just guilty by association.”
“Lovely,” the detective replied, rubbing his hands through his hair.
“Captain, with all due respect, It was one simple mistake-“ Ford tried to reply.
“Do NOT . . .start that crap with me.” Page said, standing up, “It wasn’t a simple mistake. It was a MAJOR one. And as a result of that, a killer walked. A killer of three women joggers.”
“Three lesbian joggers, Captain. The jury never would have convicted him on that basis anyway.”
“DO NOT BRING YOUR PERSONAL LIFE INTO THIS!!!” the captain screamed at him.
“Sir, let me point out, that lesbians-“
“AUSTIN!” Stark finally snapped in, “I’m with the captain on this . . .you REALLY don’t want to finish that sentence.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” The mayor said behind them.
All the detectives stood to attention as she entered. The captain politely came from behind his desk and greeted her. Mayor Sasha Doyle looked at all the men. Most of them were showing her the proper respect with the exception of Detective Ford who was simply staring at the floor. “Captain Page, “she smiled, “The ladies will be showing up shortly. I will address the press and welcome them to the precinct. I would appreciate it if you were out there with me.”
“Of course, your honor,” Page agreed.
“Also, I would like one of your detectives to volunteer to help oversee the duties for the women as well.”
The detectives all looked at each other and made mumbles and whispers. The Mayor took a deep sigh and glared at them all like a disapproving mother. “Gentlemen, I would prefer volunteers,” she grunted, “But I will have your captain PICK someone if necessary.”
The detectives didn’t say a word at that point. In the far corner, the oldest homicide cop among them; Lt. Detective Edwin Day, looked at his fellow officer and was a little disgusted. Not a single one of them wanted to admit they didn’t want to work with a bunch of women. The older detective thought it that equal rights was a dead issue but clearly it wasn’t. He looked up at the mirror and stared at his black skin. Their reluctance reminded him of another issue that he had to deal with a long time ago: racism. “Madame Mayor?” the black cop whispered.
Mayor Doyle looked at the veteran police officer and smiled brightly. “Yes, Edwin?” she grinned.
“I will volunteer to help the new task force in their integration in the two-eight.”
“Thank you,” she politely bowed.
The Mayor and the captain then left the office. Detective Day then proceeded to follow them. As he got past the captain’s desk, Ford immediately stopped him. Day looked at his hand and then at him. “What the hell are you doing, Day?” he asked the older detective.
“I volunteered to oversee the new task force, what do you think I was doing?” the older detective replied.
“Is it because you are retiring in three months, so you don’t mind being the laughing stock of the department while you baby sit the Cagney and Lacey squad?” Ford scoffed.
“Let me tell you something, Austin,” Day leaned in closely, “I got bad news for you. These ladies are nothing special. They are regular cops like anybody else. I am sure they put on their panties one leg at a time . . . just like you.”
Ford became embarrassed as the older black cop implied he wore female underwear. The fellow detectives couldn’t help but laugh. The younger detective waved them off and walked out of the office on the way to his desk. The rest went about their case files and then Day walked out to join the Mayor and The captain. It would probably help the public if ONE of their detectives welcomed the all female task force.
After Jenny parked her vehicle, she got her supplies and walked out into the parking lot. She proceeded to walk toward the front but then slowed down when she saw the large crowd of reporters at the front steps. She winced; wondering what she should do. “Hey, Jenny!” she heard behind her.
Jenny turned and saw that her friend Kellye was coming up the sideway, followed by the rest of them. Ana-Lucia had a duffle bag with her stuff and they were followed by the two fellow female cops that also got promoted. Maxine Boyd was a former forensic cop who got promoted after she was instrumental in breaking a federal case that went cold. Meghan Winslow or “Meg” as she preferred to be called was a beat cop like Jenny and Kellye. Jenny didn’t know much about her, only that she had a dog named Nugent which she seemed to love dearly because she talked him all the time. “Glad to see you made it, Jen,” Kellye said as they finally caught up to her.
“You were under the impression I wasn’t?” the young officer smirked.
“Considering you are about to be a celebrity because you are California’s youngest homicide detective, YES, it did cross my mind.” Her friend playfully pushed her.
“Say . . . is there a back way into this place?” Jenny asked.
“That’s where we just came from,” Ana-Lucia took her by the arm, pulling her, “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”
“Yeah, thanks for taking the attention off of us, Jenny,” Meg laughed.
“You’re welcome,” the young officer replied sarcastically.
The female group of homicide cops finally made their way to the bottom of the stairs. The reporters then immediately started to shout out various questions. The uniformed cops held them back allowing the group to make it up the stairs. At the top waiting for them behind the podium was Mayor Doyle, Captain Page and Lt. Detective Day. They didn’t know the black man but in a few days they would be. Ana-Lucia shook hands with the mayor and the captain. After everybody else shook hands with the two, the captain motioned for them to stand together on the sidelines. They put down their boxes, purses and bags then stood to attention. Mayor Doyle got behind the podium and motioned for all the reporters to quiet down. “Thank you all for coming today,” she said, over by the mic, “Today marks a landmark in police history. An female task force has been created to handle female related crime. No more will such hideous acts go unpunished, nor placed on the back burner. These officers will be the forerunners to take care of these crimes and punish those involve.”
The growing crowd of men and women then applauded the mayor. She waved to them and smiled allowing her to continue. “Lt. Detective Edwin Day had graciously volunteered to oversee the transition of the new task force into an effective homicide division of the Two-Eight. However, Detective Day has served this city well and will be retiring in three months. The task force will need a person in authority to oversee their cases on a daily basis. Since she holds the most experience as a police officer, I can think of no better person than Ana-Lucia Cortez. Under the authority granted to me by the power of the state, I hereby promote her to Lieutenant Detective and the benefits that apply.”
The crowd went into an uproar of the news and applauded the mayor’s decision. Ana-Lucia was confused and wild eyed. After the captain motioned for her to come over, she finally did and shook her hand. Ana-Lucia put on her best fake smile amid the flashing lights of all the photographers. Maxine slowly leaned over to Kellye and whispered, “Did you know about this?”
“Nope, “ the young woman smirked as she applauded, “And judging by her look, I don’t think she did either.”
After the ceremony was over and the mayor had a few more photos taken, the female officers were allowed at their desks. Jenny picked the one closest to the window and Kellye sat behind her. Meg chose the one next to the book shelf and Maxine went for the one nearest the door. That left Ana-Lucia the one at the far back in the middle, closest to Jenny’s. The Latina detective didn’t get the change to pick; she simply got the desk by default because she was in the captain’s office having a heated discussion. Day then walked into the special room, knocking on the door. “Morning, Ladies.” He smiled.
“Morning, Detective Day or do you prefer Edwin?” Maxine asked.
“Day is fine. We’re all detectives here.”
“Thank for agreeing to work with us.” Kellye pointed out.
“I only wish . . .more of my fellow detectives thought the same way but I have my reasons.”
“Whatever, it’s nice to meet you,” Meg shook his hand.
“Likewise,” he said, taking the folder from under his arm, “I’ll way till Detective Cortez comes in so we can discuss our case together.”
“Why is she in with the captain?” Jenny asked.
“I suspect it’s a result of her promotion,” the black man smiled, “You may be the youngest detective we have, Ms. Baker but I suspect Ms. Cortez is probably the one who’s been the most promoted in the shortest amount of time. Many men have waited years for promotion for Lieutenant.”
Ana-Lucia finally came into the room and had a very steamed look on her face. The Latina took a deep and then walked past all of her fellow officers. “Is this my desk?” she pointed.
“Uh . .yeah,” Meg replied.
Ana-Lucia slumped down and put her feet up. She crossed her arms, closed her eyes and took a few deep breathes. The black detective looked at her concerned. “Detective Cortez?” he whispered.
She held up her index finger stopping him from saying anything else. “If you are here to review the case with us, then do so,” she grunted, “I need to sit here for a few seconds and steam.”
“Uh . .very well,” Detective Day coughed, “Ladies, if I can have you attention then.”
The women sat up in there chairs and turned their attention toward their senior detective as he stared to tell them about their first major case.
posted by Jason | 10:32 AM
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