by Henry Hack
“I wouldn’t know anything about that, Inspector,” Pop lied again. “That hardly seems possible. Would she allow herself to become involved with a subordinate, a target of her investigation? Sounds like career suicide to me.”
“You’re right about that, but I still wonder.”
“You know, Inspector, what we just discussed is still just a theory to account for Winston’s words. It still could have happened some other way.”
“Yes, it could have, but for now I think we must leave this as a mystery. Do you agree? Unless Harry or Richie tells us otherwise, we close this up?”
“Yes, sir. I agree with that. There’s one other thing I think you should be aware of that I haven’t had a chance to write up yet.”
“What is it?”
“When the callbox phone was hung up, the sergeant on duty acted immediately, and Sector Baker found Richie almost as soon as if the person who hung up the phone had requested assistance himself. The maximum difference, I figured, was two minutes. According to the doctors this two minute delay made absolutely no difference to the medical condition of Richie Winston.”
“How’s that?”
“It was freezing that night and the bitter cold helped save Richie by slowing the bleeding and his bodily processes. When they got him to the hospital, the surgeon was in the middle of another operation. He ordered the emergency room to pack Winston in ice until he could get to him, which was a full thirty-five minutes later.”
“You’re telling me whether Richie spent those two minutes in his car or packed in ice at the hospital, it made no difference at all?”
“That’s what the doctors tell me.”
“Does Cassidy know this?”
“I think I referred to the situation, but I didn’t give him these specifics.”
“Harry Cassidy has gotten himself into a heavy-duty moral dilemma, Pop.
Is he a religious man?”
“I believe so. Roman Catholic.”
“Then the guilt must be pressing in on him terribly by now. You know, when you think about it, Cassidy knows he’s screwed either way. If Richie recovers and tells all, and it happened as we theorize it happened, Harry loses his job. And if Richie dies, Harry tries to live with that the rest of his life. Who knows what effect that would have on him? A lot of good cops have sucked their gun for sins a lot less than that.”
“Then I guess we should all pray Richie Winston stays in that coma forever and ever.”
“Amen, Pop. Amen.”
Pop found Susan in her office. “How are you, Sergeant?”
“Okay, I guess. And you?”
“That boss of yours is not easy to deal with.”
“Yeah, tell me about it,”
“What time is Cassidy coming over?”
“I’m having the receptionist call him now. Assuming he’s available, I told her to have him here by three.”
“I’m going to grab a bite downstairs with Nick then head back to the squad. Can you join us for a sandwich?”
“I can’t. Besides, after that session with the Russian I have no appetite whatsoever.”
Pop smiled and patted her hand. He said, “Hang in there, Sergeant. You’re doing fine. This will be all over very soon.”
“What will? This case or my career?”
Pop left the office without answering her question.
When Harry’s phone rang, he jumped slightly. Although he had anticipated the call all morning, he had figured they were not going to get to him today when they hadn’t called by noon. But now he heard the familiar voice of Marie Livermore saying, “Officer Cassidy, I have a directive from Sergeant Goldman for you. You are to report here at 3 p.m. for an interview. I will call Officer Vitale, or another PBA delegate if he is not available, to accompany you. You will be paid overtime for this recall based on the PBA contract. Do you have any questions?”
“No, Miss Livermore.”
“Good. We’ll see you then.” She lowered her voice and said, “I’m so sorry I have to call you in. I hope this will be the last time.”
“Thank you for your comforting words, Marie. I hope so, too.”
●
Pop and Nick had a quick sandwich in the cafeteria and then drove back to the squad. Pop said, “I have to make a personal call to Vera. Why don’t you go upstairs and put on a fresh pot of coffee and break out the case files.”
“Sure, Pop. Coffee will be ready for you when you’re done.”
Pop took out his cell phone and dialed Harry’s number. Harry picked up halfway through the first ring. “Hoppy, it’s Pop.”
“Thanks for calling. I was getting worried. I have to leave soon for a three o’clock. interview in Mineola.”
“I know. Sorry I’m late with the call, but I had to get out of IAD and shake Nick.”
“How did it go? Where do I stand now?”
“I think things went well. Maybe this interview will wrap things up. They’re not going to lay charges on you for the alleged choking brutality and there is nothing else – nothing unless you make some admissions to Goldman.”
“I have nothing to admit.”
“I know, but Gregorovich raked Goldman over the coals. She’s pissed and running scared. She may come at you with both barrels.”
“I can handle her and then this will all be over.”
“Let’s hope so, but Hoppy, regardless of how confident you feel, be very careful. Don’t let your guard down now.”
“Anything else I should know?”
Pop told Harry about the doctor’s opinions concerning Richie.
“Thanks, Pop. That’s interesting news. Then it wouldn’t have mattered if Richie was found a half hour before Davis and McCarthy found him?”
“That’s right; the cold weather was a benefit for Richie.”
“I feel a lot better about this now.”
“Why would you feel better? He’s still in a coma.”
“Yeah, what I meant was, you know, it happened on my beat and you always feel responsible for anything that happens, even when you’re not around. You know what I mean, right?”
“Sure, I know. Now you’d better get going. Don’t keep the beautiful, but frazzled, Sergeant Goldman waiting.”
“So long, Pop. Thanks for everything.”
●
Susan was still seething over the treatment she had received at the hands of Gregorovich. What the hell was going on here? He had humiliated her in front of the two detectives and drove her to tears. It was almost as if the Russian had some superior inside knowledge of the case and ridiculed the three of them for their lack of insight and stupidity. She had vented to Rita, but Rita had no explanation for the inspector’s vitriolic attack. She said Gregorovich used these methods often and maybe he was extra upset over the lack of promotions in the Department. Had Susan’s personal involvement with Harry caused her to be blind over something that was obvious? Would Gregorovich come at her again after the interview? Maybe this case would be a turning point in her career and her life. Maybe she should get out of the Job after finishing law school.
Maybe…damnit, stop maybe-ing yourself. Ride it out. As Rita had counseled her, it would be over soon.
Susan walked into Rita’s office and two containers of coffee were on her desk. “Thanks, Rita. I need caffeine.”
“You’re welcome. You look awful.”
“Are you ready for this interview?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be. I just want this case and this day to be over.”
“Finish your coffee and go to the ladies room and freshen up. I’ll arrange the interview room and bring the guys in and I’ll ask some of the tough questions if it seems that you can’t.”
“Thanks. You’re indeed a true friend, but I don’t think there are any tough questions left. Let’s cover the bases to satisfy Gregorovich and then wrap it up.”
“Fine with me, it’s your case.”
Chapter Fifteen
Harry and Joe Vitale arrived within minutes of eac
h other just before three. “Here we are again at our favorite place,” Joe said.
“I’m hoping this is it. Whatever my fate will be should be decided today.”
Sergeant Becker came into the reception room and asked them to follow her. She led them to Interview Room Three and went through the now familiar preliminaries. She then excused herself and said she would be back shortly. She went to Susan’s office and said, “They’re in Room Three. Are you ready? You look much better, by the way.”
Susan smiled and said, “Let’s go and get this over with.”
The two sergeants came into the room and they all exchanged greetings. Susan did not look directly at Harry and he noticed she did not seem as composed as usual, yet his heart fluttered at the sight of her and at the aroma of her perfume.
Susan and Rita sat down and Susan now looked into Harry’s eyes and said, “Officer Cassidy, do you wish to add any information or change any statements previously made by you pertaining to this case at this time?”
“No, Sergeant.”
“Then you maintain all statements, both written and verbal, given by you in this case are factual and truthful?”
Harry wondered where she was heading, and he glanced at Joe before he answered. Joe appeared unconcerned and gave Harry a slight nod.
“Yes, Sergeant,” he said.
“Then you still maintain you did not choke Richard Winston on the evening of December 24 in the Bird’s Nest Lounge?”
“I still maintain I did not choke Richard Winston.”
Rita turned to Harry and said, “I think you’re a liar, Officer. We have five witness statements that contradict your version of just putting your hands on Winston’s shoulders. They all, individually, state you choked him and choked him hard.”
Harry did not respond and Rita said, “Well?”
“Was there a question somewhere in there, Sergeant?”
“What do you have to say about those statements? That’s my question, Cassidy.”
“Those statements are untrue. The witnesses are liars.”
“Why would they lie?” Susan asked.
“Why not ask them? Didn’t we go through this once before? They’re lowlifes. They don’t like cops. They don’t like me.”
“Suppose I told you, in addition to these witnesses, I have a statement from Richard Winston himself you did indeed choke him,” Rita said.
“From Richie? A statement from a guy who is in a coma?”
“Winston came out of his coma for a short time two days ago,” Susan said.
“And he told you I choked him?”
“Yes, he did,” Rita said. “Now what do you have to say?”
“I’ve got to say this, Sergeants. If Richie woke up and said I choked him, he’s a liar, too. And I don’t believe he woke up at all, which makes you two liars. So stop yanking my chain. If you got all this evidence, why don’t you just charge me and get it over with?”
“We may just do that,” Rita said. “But if you admit your guilt right now, things will go easier on you and you won’t be charged with lying to a superior officer during an official internal Departmental investigation.”
“You two have got to be kidding. Do you think you’re dealing with a rookie? As I just said, if you got me, then charge me.”
“For the last time, do you deny choking Richard Winston on the evening of December 24 in the Bird’s Nest Lounge?”
“I deny it, Sergeant Becker.”
“Officer Cassidy,” Susan said. “Do you have any knowledge concerning the attack on Richard Winston that you have not told us?”
“No.”
“Did you stab Richard Winston?” Rita asked.
“No.”
“Did you shoot Richard Winston?”
“No, Sergeant Becker.”
With a soft voice Susan said, “Did you save Richard Winston?”
It was obvious to everyone Harry was caught off guard. He swallowed and said, “Did I what, Sergeant?”
“I asked, did you save Richard Winston?”
“Save him from what?” Harry asked, struggling to regain his composure.
“Save his life. Did you save Richard Winston’s life?” Susan asked.
“How could I have saved his life? If anyone saved his life, it was the two cops who found him and the doctors who operated on him. I don’t understand the question.”
“Suppose I told you,” Susan said, “when Winston awoke from his coma he most sincerely said to me, ‘tell Cassidy thanks for saving me.’”
“Are you for real? Do you expect me to believe this crap? First you tell me he woke up and gave a statement I choked him, and now you tell me he woke up and said I saved him? Give me a break.”
“Believe it, Cassidy,” Rita said. “Now, what did Richie mean by that statement?”
“I’ll go along with this charade and my answer is I have absolutely no idea what he meant.”
“I suggest you think about that for awhile,” Susan said. “We’ll take a fifteen minute break. Maybe you’ll think of a better answer.”
“Fifteen minutes, fifteen years – I still won’t know.”
Susan looked at her watch and said, “Be back here at 3:45 sharp.”
●
Joe and Harry went downstairs for a cigarette and Rita and Susan went back to Susan’s office.
“Now what, Rita?”
“I think we hammered him pretty good. If Gregorovich reviews the tapes he can’t say we didn’t try. But I think we’re just about out of questions here. Cassidy is not going to admit anything to us.”
“Maybe there is nothing to admit.”
“Maybe not. But you sure struck a nerve when you first asked him if he saved Winston.”
“I noticed that also. Are we missing something here? Does Gregorovich expect us to find something only he knows?”
“What could there possibly be? We did a thorough job. I think we’ve exhausted all the leads. I agree with what you said earlier today – Richie’s words are a mystery and only Richie can clear the mystery up.”
Harry dragged deeply on his cigarette and said, “The Kamikaze twins are living up to their reputation. How long do I have to put up with this crap?”
“Not much longer. I believe they are ready to pack it in after a few more minutes. But I promise you this, if they keep badgering you with the same questions over and over, I’ll lodge a grievance with the commissioner’s office. They’re bordering on harassment, and I think they know it.”
“Thanks, Joe. I appreciate the support.”
“As I always say, Harry, that’s what you pay your PBA dues. Let’s go and resume the battle.”
●
“Have you thought over your answer to the question I asked right before we took a break?” Susan asked.
“I have, Sergeant, and my answer is still the same.”
“And that is?”
“That is, I have no idea what Winston meant if he said those words.”
“Will you answer that question as part of a polygraph test?” Rita asked.
“No.”
“Will you answer any other questions posed to you today as part of a polygraph test?” Susan asked.
“No.”
“Why not, Officer Cassidy?” Rita asked. “If you are not hiding anything, and have been completely truthful with us, why not take a voluntary polygraph test?”
“We went through this last time. Do I have to explain it again?”
“No,” Susan said, “but I think you would appreciate an opportunity to clear up any doubts and put this case to rest once and for all.”
“Are you telling me if I voluntarily take, and pass, a polygraph exam you’ll close this case and never ask me another question about it?”
Susan looked at Rita and Rita said, “Yes, unless some new evidence or witnesses show up…”
“Stop right there, Sergeant Becker. You’ve answered my question. I will not voluntarily take a polygraph test.”
Susan again looked a
t Rita and Rita shook her head slightly. Susan said, “That will be all for now. Please wait in the reception room or go to the cafeteria. But do not leave the building until I give you permission.”
As they headed to the reception area, Harry said, “You were right, Joe. It seems to be over. What happens now?”
“They discuss the case with Gregorovich and then they’ll get back to you with a determination.”
“How long will that take?”
“They could tell you something now, or let you hang in the wind for a few days, weeks, or even months.”
“Jesus, I couldn’t stand a long wait. I just want to get this over with. I need another cigarette and some coffee. Let’s go downstairs.”
Susan and Rita briefed Gregorovich in his office. He viewed and listened to selected portions of the interview and hadn’t yet offered an opinion. Susan nervously waited for Gregorovich to slam her again. He re-wound the tape and listened to certain portions a second time. Finally, he said, “You two did an excellent job in that interview. I would have proceeded similarly.”
“Thank you, Inspector,” they both said with relief.
“Now, Sergeant Goldman, what do you recommend? Where do you think we should go from here?”
Susan knew her response could be a career saver or a career killer. The inspector was a no-nonsense, direct answer type of boss. She had to be brief, definite and confident in her recommendations with no equivocation, no hesitation, and no doubts.
“I still believe he choked Winston, but as we previously discussed, we should not proceed with charges and specifications.”
“Do you agree, Sergeant Becker?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Very well. Proceed Sergeant Goldman.”
“I’m sure you noticed, sir, Cassidy’s response to my questions about saving Winston. There is something here he is not forthcoming about, but I feel further interrogation of him will be fruitless in uncovering the truth.”
“Sergeant Becker?”
“I agree again, sir. The mystery will not be solved by any voluntary admissions by Officer Cassidy.”
“Ah, we’re both back to the mystery again,” he said. “And I agree with you both on further interviews with Cassidy. They will most certainly be a waste of time. Please continue, Sergeant Goldman.”