“She’s up. Sets the alarm. Always coffee and kisses waitin’.” Gary walked to a nearby desk made the call, “Okay, Dan, take my truck. Your puddle-jumper won’t hold us and groceries.”
Dan followed Gary to his Dodge pickup. It had more dents than a ‘kick-can.’ The Ram sported red primer over faded yellow and white paint. The tailgate was a two by twelve. Well maintained, the engine purred on the first nudge of the starter. They arrived at Top’s IGA Food Market at 0720. The owner, Roscoe Brogan, was stocking shelves in preparation for the day. He had dealt with the officers on several occasions and respected them. Gary parked in the space nearest the door.
Nice shopping this early, Dan thought, no lines. He started to open his door when a car pulled alongside him. He turned and saw Ben.
“What are you doin’ here?” Dan asked.
“Same as you. Been partners long enough to know somethin’s up.”
“I’m just grabbin’ bread and milk.”
“Sure, you are! And your car wouldn’t start so Gary’s givin’ you a ride?”
“He needs milk too.”
“Good enough to share Hess’ tongue-lashings, but not this! I’m hurt. Cut to the quick.”
Gary shrugged his shoulders at Dan, “Think the jig’s up.”
“Well, I couldn’t leave it hanging on Gary. Could I?”
“You feeling guilty lockin’ Fred up?” Ben asked walking along side.
“No! But, being a member of a society which expects the government to fix problems society’s own foolishness creates–does perturb me much.”
Leaning back against the fender Ben said, “I see you’re in a preachin’ mode. Go ahead. Get it off your chest.”
“I tell you, government’s redefining its purpose! All caught up in protecting individual freedoms. Forget morality and principles. It’s all about power. All those well t’ do politicians, all three branches, quarreling and maneuvering.”
“And his point is?” Gary asked Ben.
“You expecting his rattlin’s to have a point?”
“The point IS government can’t fix anything. It’s bogged down in maintaining its own power, bureaucracy, and pursuing an unattainable utopian society.”
“What’s new there?” Gary asked.
“They’ve let orderly society fall through the cracks. All the free-to-do-as-they-please self-serving groups are stepping on each other’s toes and turning inward for self preservation. That’s why the Morgan’s can’t get help!”
“Amen!” Ben cried in jest.
“Amen and amen!” Gary mimicked.
“Ain’t heard a word I said!” Dan barked heading for the storefront.
“Big Ben, did you know there was gonna be a test?” Gary asked.
“No, I’d ’ve took notes.”
“You’re both hopeless!” Dan said to the others trailing behind. He stopped abruptly, faced about, and continued, “Politicians are concerned with getting re-elected and lining their pockets. Care about individuals? HA! Only at election time! Politicians care about politics. Takes people to care ’bout people!”
“Ghost Rider, think he’s done yet?” Ben asked.
“I’m done!” Dan turned to knock on the door.
The grocer was a tall thin man in his fifties, wearing bib overalls over a yellow T-shirt. He had a grandmother’s smile, and the odd shuffling walk of a man with no butt. He welcomed them and went back to stocking. The officers went shopping. Soon the baskets held over two week’s supply of food and necessities.
On the way to the register, Dan stopped at the end of the aisle. “You two have families to buy for and I don’t. There’ll be no argument at the register, now will there?”
“Can’t see why, Partner. ‘Cause partners are fifty-fifty.”
“Fifty-fifty!” Gary interjected. “MY money’s no good on MY beat?”
“Okay. I’ll catch half, and you two take care of the other half.”
“Three ways or no ways,” Ben said and Gary nodded.
“OH, all right!”
They reached the checkout and Brogan joined the bargaining, “I know you two. So, at this hour, bickering and all; is this a charity case?”
They took a couple minutes to explain their visit.
“I can’t go on-the-house, but I can go cost. How say I ring it up, recalculate it tomorrow, and give you a call. You pay me then.”
“Deal.”
As Brogan worked the register, the officers boxed. “You fellows are good. Care to work it off stocking. I’m really hurt tryin’ t’ keep up with it.”
“No thanks.” they chimed back.”
But, it gave Gary an idea, “You really hurting? Seriously need someone?”
“Like a root canal! Can’t work school kids this early, and that’s when it’s best done.”
“I’ve someone in mind, if you’re willing to take a chance.”
“If you say he’s worth it,” Brogan said. “I’ll have a go, but pay’s a buck over minimum.”
“This fellow won’t be available for a few weeks. Can it wait?”
“No one’s lining up.”
“Okay,” Gary agreed, “I’ll check with you in a week.”
Although the Duo heard the conversation, they stayed out of it. It was Gary’s and they let him run with it. The groceries loaded, they drove to Sidney Street, climbed the steps, and knocked at the Morgan apartment.
“Who’s there?”
“Officer Black.”
“Done told you. Got no bail. Go away.”
“Mrs. Morgan we have good news. Give us a minute,” Gary pleaded. “It’s worth your time.”
A rattle from inside preceded the door opening until the chain caught. Mrs. Morgan peered out, “What’s all this?”
“Hallways aren’t private. Rather talk inside.”
The door closed and then reopened to admit them.
“SO?”
“Good news. Damaged goods. A traffic accident on the expressway last night spilled groceries all over.” Gary lied. “Neither the carrier nor the insurance company want it. So, we gathered up a bunch. Thought you folks could use it.”
“I don’t understand. This some kind a trick? Y’us tryin’ to stick m’ Fred wit’ somethin’ more? Y’us locked ’im up. How come y’u bringin’ us stuff?”
“Because it’s not your, or the kids, fault. Fred made those choices. Whatever the reasons, they’re still wrong….”
“Y’u lock ‘im up an’ bring us charity? Don’t need none of y’ur kind o’ help.”
“I told you I’d be checking back on Roy. No matter what you think of the police, your youngsters need to eat; ‘specially Roy.”
“Sara, you can take it or leave it,” Dan added. “We’re going to put it down right here and leave. No strings attached; except one, don’t tell anybody we brought it. It’d ruin the police image.”
Gary set two brown bags next to the door and left. Ben and Dan followed suit. They made another trip with boxes. This time she greeted them openly, “Put ’em on the table.”
They did as directed and turned to leave.
“Thanks. Sorry I talked hateful. We sure ’nough can use it where’er it come from. Ain’t ne’r had folk do the likes. Ne’r heard such from no police.”
“Neither have I,” Ben agreed following Dan into the hallway. “Ain’t never seen nor heard!”
“And, nobody better,” Dan warned. “You know I’m up to making good on repaying double.”
“My lips are sealed forever, Preacher,” Ben said.
“Foolish I am, but stupid I am not,” vowed Gary departing.
The Duo chatted as Ben drove Dan back to his car. “Since you aren’t going to tell me, I’ll bite. Why the yellow rose?”
“Why you askin’ me?”
“The plastic bud vase on the table. Little silk yellow rose?”
“How would I know?”
“Don’t play dumb. It wasn’t there when I put my first bag down.”
“I didn’t l
eave it. Thought you did. Wasn’t gonna mention it, Bein’ it none of my business an’ all.”
“Well, newsflash, it’s not my doing, Partner.”
“Mine either.”
Simultaneously they realized, “Ghost Rider!”
“That soft hearted sneak,” Ben chuckled. “Curses! Time for me to retire.”
Ben pulled into the station stopping next to Dan’s car. Dan unlatched its top. “Like to see the stars.”
“Reckon we’ve done enough for one night,” Ben said as Dan folded the top back. “Time to go home. Right, Partner?”
Dan started the Corvette, “What’s left, but to?” He said pulling away. At the street he checked his ‘Mickey,’ 0840, Might catch Fred Morgan’s bond hearing. turned toward the courthouse. Thanks to Seaborne Worthington, a wealthy businessman the Duo saved from an embarrassing situation, they had no hassle parking for court. Worthington liked fast classic sports cars, which he stored in a warehouse a block from the courthouse. Dan and Ben were entrusted with the combination to the overhead door, along with permission to park there.
Arraignment hearings were on the first floor. Dan entered the courtroom through the officer’s entry behind the prosecutor’s desk. Court had not convened due to some disturbance in the holding cells giving Dan opportunity to brief the prosecutor.
“Interesting twist,” Prosecutor Mendelssohn remarked. “I’ll call it as soon as I can.”
“Thanks.”
“No need. Judge Harding’s on the bench. Can’t wait to see his reaction.”
Dan crossed over taking a seat in the empty jury box with two other waiting officers. He settled in. Five minutes passed and the rear door opened. Another officer entered. The newcomer briefly surveyed the three dozen people in the room then walked to the juror’s box. Sitting next to Dan, he whispered, “So this is straight home?”
“Don’t recall saying I was going home.”
“That’s what gave you away. Who’s the judge?”
“Harding.”
“Hardnails! Unyielding as they come. So, why we here?”
“I’m gonna…”
“All rise,” the clerk banged the gavel and called the court in session.
“Docket number one hundred thirty three, State versus Fred Morgan, charge of Criminal Trespass,” the clerk called out.
“All planning to give testimony approach the bench and be sworn,” the clerk added.
“Better sit this out. It could ruin your reputation,” Dan whispered to Ben.
“You’ve already ruined it,” Ben followed to the bench.
A court officer ushered Fred Morgan through the side door in handcuffs. His head bowed, he shuffled lethargically unaware of the officers. The judge acknowledged the officers with a nod. The prosecutor read the case facts.
“Mr. Morgan, do you have an attorney?” the judge asked.
“No, Sirs, can’t ‘ford none,” he answered in a quiet monotone.
“One will be appointed at no cost, if you request.”
“Not much need. I pretty much done what y’u says, y’ur honorship.”
“Mr. Morgan, is the court to understand you’re entering a guilty plea?” the judge asked.
“Reckon so,” he replied shrugging his shoulders.
“What’s the prosecution’s recommendation on bond?” the judge inquired aware the officer’s presence typically meant a high bond request.
“Prosecution has none, however the arresting officer would like to address the issue.”
Turning to look at the officers, Judge Harding gestured palm up to the officers. Dan took a step forward. “Your honor, there are extenuating circumstances in this case. The need to obtain food for his wife and sick children motivated the defendant. In the interests of saving the court time, and since the circumstances prompting this crime are temporarily eliminated I’ll refrain from all the details. Further, if it should please the court to O.R. the defendant, I have been informed he will have a job upon release.”
Recognizing the voice, Fred’s visage brightened and his head rose. Turning he exclaimed, “A job!”
A loud murmur went through the large court room. The judge struck his gavel. The room quieted. He motioned for Dan to approach the bench. Dan stepped into the witness box and leaned toward the judge.
“Your job is to lock them up. Not come here and beg release,” he whispered.
“Yes, Sir, I’m aware of that. This case was unusual…”
“Unusual? Understatement,” Harding cut in. “Just checking to see how confused you are. ‘Cause I’m real confused.”
“Sorry, your Honor, the circumstances are…”
“Unusual.” Harding waved Dan away.
Dan returned to his place beside the prosecutor’s podium.
“You can ASSURE his appearance?” Harding asked Dan.
“If he doesn’t appear, I’ll personally hunt him down and serve the capias. There won’t be a crack small enough to hide him.”
The judge leaned back, his authority exemplified in the high back chair. The stenographer poised, her jaws working gum. The prosecutor shuffled papers as if immune to the spell. Finally the judge leaned forward peering at the defendant over Ben Franklin glasses, “If I release you, do I have your word you will appear on the scheduled court date?”
“Yes, Sir!” Fred answered excitedly, “I’ll be here. Them officers done me right, I won’t do ’em wrong.”
With raised eyebrows, the judge looked at the prosecutor to solicit any objection. The prosecutor gave none. Turning back to Fred, the judge spoke.
“I know nothing of you, except you’re charged with fourth degree misdemeanors. However, I know, and respect these officers. It’s MOST rare,” he looked over his glasses at Dan, “for ‘A-O’s to appear on behalf of the arrested. I trust you will not disappoint this court or their confidence.” The judge paused to make notations in a journal. “I will see you in twelve days. Court releases the defendant ‘O-R,’ custody of the officers.”
The bailiff removed Morgan’s handcuffs. Morgan turned to the two officers with disbelief. “Thank you, thank you, thank you…,”
They turned to leave for the Clerk’s Office as Harding asked the prosecutor. “What’s the next curiosity on our docket, Mister Mendelssohn?”
The trio strode down the courtroom aisle to exit. Halfway to the door applause erupted. The judge half-heartedly banged his gavel again, “Order in the court.” The courtroom quieted after the doors shut behind the trio.
“What’d Hardnails want with you?” Ben asked.
“Advice on the market. Told him to sell railroads and buy utilities.”
“So that’s the way it is? Okay, your idea; you walk Fred through the paperwork. I’m out of here.”
“Whoa, where you going in such a hurry.”
“Sell my railroad stock.”
It took twenty minutes to fully process the release. As soon as the clerk sealed the order, Fred turned to Dan expressing glee and thanksgiving. “You done more ’an I could’ve ask, but I got no way home, an’ Sara can’t fetch me.”
“What do you think I hung around for, Fred. I’ll take you home.”
Fred didn’t speak all the way to Dan’s car. Inside the warehouse his eyes widened. “Would y’u looks at all d’ fancy wheels? Yours?”
“Only the Corvette over there,” Dan said pointing. “The others belong to the warehouse owner.”
“One guy owns ’em all? Don’t seem right. Can’t drive ’em all.”
“One for each day or one for every day, you still get there, Fred.”
They left the garage and Fred rode along silent for some time. “This ’n rides good.”
“Yes it does, thank you. Fred, do you know Officer Follert?”
“Don’t think so.”
“He’s your beat officer; a good man. He went out of his way to get you the job.”
“Got me a job! For real? A job!”
“Nothin’ fancy. Stocking shelves at Top’s, but it’
ll help get you on your feet.”
“A Job! Don’t say! When do I start?”
“He’ll work the details out soon as your case is settled, and you’re time’s done.”
“I ain’t kickin’ at no gift-horse, but what’ll Sara and the kids do in m’ lapse?”
“It’s taken care of. What you aren’t gonna do is any more thievin’,” Dan said sternly. “There’s over a two week supplies at your place.”
“Where’d it come from?”
“What’s it matter? It’s legally there.”
“Don’t say! Food in d’ cub’rd an’ a job.”
Dan pulled to the curb on Sidney, and Fred started to open the door. “Hold on! You be in court Thursday after next. Bring your toothbrush. Expect a short stretch. But, understand, the job’s waiting.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Your family’s counting on you, Fred. If you need a ride you call me or Follert.” Dan wrote on a card and handed it to him. “Here’s the numbers and times we’re on duty. You need, we’ll take you.”
“Sure ’nough,” he said waving the card. “I will. Thanks f’r standin’ up f’r me.”
“Well, what you waiting on? Go surprise the family.”
“Don’t say!” he said darting off for the door. Dan chuckled at his gait: he appeared a stiff legged man trying to skip.
On the drive home the air seemed fresher, the stars brighter, and the drive shorter. The clatter of the garage door didn’t even annoy. Stepping into the kitchen, Dan grabbed a cookie and a glass of milk and then went to the “zoo” side of the twin porches.
A porch spanned the front of the original house. When Dan’s father acquired it, he split the porch and enclosed half. Dan preferred the open rear porch, and spent little time here until Trouble arrived. Over a year ago, Dan returned to his cruiser finding a cage and ferret. Animal control wouldn’t respond in the midnight hours, and by shift’s end Dan had grown accustomed to its shenanigans. He named the ferret Shennana, took her home, and the next day called the S.P.C.A.
“We can take it, but can’t recommend adoption without health records,” the shelter manager advised.
Dan hung up. “Whatever your crime, I doubt it warrants a death penalty.” It was the first time he spoke to the critter as if it could understand and he never stopped. Knowing he would need help considering his work schedule, Dan solicited two neighboring teenage girls to help care for the pet. They immediately fell under its charm. With access to the porch they made the pet their own. A week later they informed Dan, “Shennana is a he,” and “Trouble” became his name.
Game of the Blues Page 6