Visible Threat (11 page)

28

S
ERGEANT
S
UTTON,
the internal affairs investigator assigned to Brinna’s case, read the complaint filed by Lieutenant Harvey while Brinna and Maria, her peer representative, listened. It was long, but the part that bothered Brinna the most was the summary of the most recent incidents at the end. “‘Officer Caruso shows a consistent disregard for the chain of command. We witnessed that three months ago when she took off against orders, and we saw it again a week ago when she disobeyed my direct order to terminate a pursuit.’”

“No formal complaint was filed regarding that incident with the twins,” Maria jumped in, but Brinna barely heard.

Consistent disregard.

That stung because she considered herself a disciplined cop, a good cop. But a good cop did not show “consistent disregard.”

“Yes, I was getting to that. What happened three months
ago is not an issue here,” Sutton was saying. “When Lieutenant Harvey issued the order to terminate the pursuit, what did you do?”

“I turned off my siren
 
—not right away, but I did eventually turn it off. But I kept following.”

“Were you obeying traffic laws?”

“My focus was on the fleeing sex offender. I didn’t look at my speedometer,” Brinna said truthfully. “I did stop for stop signs and red lights, unlike Corliss.”

“You did not terminate the pursuit?” Sutton asked.

As painful as the whole truth was, Brinna had to tell it. “Technically, no.”

Sutton sat back in his chair. “Tell me everything from your perspective, beginning to end.”

Brinna took a deep breath and related the entire incident, beginning with the dispatch that told her Corliss had just kidnapped a little girl a couple hours previous.

Sutton nodded, took notes even though the session was taped, asked one or two questions for clarification, and let Brinna talk. When she finished, he noted the time the interview ended and turned off the recorder.

Brinna and Maria both stood, and as they turned to leave, Sutton said, “While the lieutenant’s complaint is broad, the only incident we are concerned with here is the pursuit of a week ago. You’ll receive a letter of the disciplinary board’s findings, and any discipline, in about a week.”

Brinna left internal affairs feeling a little wobbly. It bothered her that Harvey seemed to have a problem with her entire career, a career she believed she’d spent doing good. Harvey
was out for blood, bringing just about every action Brinna had ever taken into question.

Sutton she couldn’t read, but he had a reputation for being fair.

Am I such a hothead? Such a rogue?
she asked herself, and an answer popped into her head immediately.
I’m a good cop, aggressive but good.

How do you get from aggressive to “consistent disregard”?
Anger swelled as the full weight of Harvey’s complaint sank in, and she looked at Maria.

“It sounds like Harvey wants my head,” she said as they stepped onto the elevator.

“Yes, it does,” Maria concurred. “But ultimately the decision is the disciplinary board’s and the chief’s. The chief will be sure to study both sides. And there is a lot going for you. You’ve never been in trouble like this before, and no one is going to consider other incidents that have never been formally addressed.”

“I just want to protect kids,” Brinna said between gritted teeth as she leaned against the back of the elevator.

Maria smiled. “I know that. I also know that most good cops bend the rules from time to time. It might not be right, but it happens. It’s difficult for hard chargers to pull back sometimes. Harvey is by the book. He wants the letter of the law obeyed; remember that.”

When the doors opened on Maria’s floor, she paused before she stepped out. “A word to the wise, Brinna. Everyone knows how important these kids are to you. Well, chain of command is just as important to a police organization.
Unless the order is unlawful, we’re supposed to obey.” She leveled her gaze at Brinna before exiting the elevator. “Even the Kid Crusader. Got it?”

Brinna nodded. As the doors closed, she sagged against the back of the elevator.
Chain of command and rules
are
important,
she thought.
I agree. Where am I going wrong?

She’d intended to go home but leaned forward and hit the third-floor button, deciding to get off on the homicide floor and see if Jack was in.
I really want to talk to Maggie, but she hasn’t returned any of my calls, and I’m out of options.

Her spirits lifted as soon as she saw Jack at his desk. His face brightened with a smile when he looked up and caught her eye.

“Hey, nice surprise. To what do I owe the honor?”

“I’ve been to occupational health and to internal affairs, so I thought I’d cap the day off with a friendly face.” She slumped in a chair across from him.

“IA, huh?” Jack folded his hands in front of him. “Is this for jumping in the river?”

Brinna couldn’t help the wry chuckle that escaped her. “No, something else.”

“Something else?” Jack lifted an eyebrow. “Sounds like we can’t put off lunch any longer. I have time now; do you?” He stood and grabbed his jacket.

“I knew it was a good idea to come visit you.” Brinna grinned.

Together they left the police station and walked to a local coffee shop that served sandwiches.

Brinna ordered ham and cheese while Jack chose pastrami.
They found a table by the window and sat with their sodas and sandwiches.

“So tell me what happened,” Jack said as he unwrapped his sandwich. “I’ve heard rumors there was drama, but I try not to pay attention to rumors.”

Brinna sighed, took a fortifying sip of her Diet Coke, and then launched into the story of the Henry Corliss chase.

Jack rubbed his chin after she finished. “I can see why you kept going, but I can also see why Harvey is so upset.”

“I know we had his address and there was no place for Corliss to hide, but the girl was in immediate danger. Corliss’s MO said he’d take his victim to a remote location to molest her. And these guys generally get progressively more violent, so it could have been worse for Nikki.” Brinna leaned forward, suddenly feeling as though it was important that Jack agree with her.

“Hey, I’m just saying I can understand both sides.” He held his hands up. “I might have even done the same thing you did, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t both wrong.”

Brinna blew out a frustrated breath and sat back in her chair while he went on.

“Harvey aside, think of how horrible you would have felt if Corliss had crashed and the girl were seriously hurt or killed,” Jack said. “Yes, it turned out okay
 
—this time. But, Brin, after we found the twins, you promised to stop thinking it was all up to you, remember?”

“Yes, I remember and I agree, but . . .” She placed both hands flat on the table. “Let’s say it was you, and you were given the order to stop. How could you live with yourself
if, by stopping, you allowed the guy to molest and murder the girl?”

“That might not have been the outcome. We had a BOLO out on Corliss; his face was plastered everywhere. He couldn’t hide.”

“So you would have stopped and just
hoped
someone else got him?”

“Honestly, I would have prayed that someone else stopped him. I would have prayed with all my heart that God would intervene.”

Brinna sat back. “I’m trying to learn how to do that
 
—honest, I am. Why is it so easy for you and so hard for me?”

Jack smiled the smile Brinna had grown to love, then reached across the table to grip her hand. Warmth spread through her entire body from his touch.

“Just keep working on it. I promise it will click.”

For a long second their gazes held. Brinna felt such a strong connection to him; his eyes held hers, and she felt strength and comfort there.

“Then I promise to keep trying,” she said. “You and my mom keep saying the same things; you can’t both be wrong.”

Jack laughed and took his hand away, but his touch lingered. “We’re both right. Because we have faith that God loves us and wants the best for us and he listens to our prayers. Brin, sometimes bad things happen in our lives. I think I know that better than anyone.” He paused and sipped his soda. She knew he spoke of the death of his wife, who was killed by a drunk driver.

“I don’t have to remind you
 
—you know it as well as I
do. The point is, though painful, these things often make us stronger.” He played with his straw. “Adversity is not always a bad thing. You seem to think life should always be hearts and flowers.”

“Guilty. I don’t like seeing innocent people hurt by bad people. I admit I sometimes still get angry with God; he should stop the bad.”

“But that works both ways. If he is a good God, why would he stop something in your life that will make you stronger, make you a better person?”

Brinna considered this argument she’d just heard from her mother. Her mentor, Milo, used to say the same thing a different way:
“That which doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.”
She felt close enough to Jack to ask the question that popped into her head.

“Do you believe that your wife’s death has been something that made you stronger, a better person?”

“Absolutely,” Jack said without hesitation, surprising Brinna. “I miss her every day, and I’d rather she’d lived, but I do know, as painful as losing her was, that God has my best in mind.” He sighed. “Brinna, we can’t see the whole picture, how our life will unfold, but God can.”

29

J
ACK’S PHONE RANG
before Brinna could respond. She could tell from his side of the conversation it had to do with her mother. They’d both finished their lunch, and she could admit she was disappointed that her time with Jack was almost over.

“News?” she asked when he disconnected.

“That was Ben. We got the okay from ICE for Ivana to stay with your mom. But it was a fight and it’s temporary. None of their shelters have openings, and the hospital is preparing to release her. She has to go somewhere.”

“What will the press be told if they ask?”

“The official information will be that a women’s shelter has stepped in to house the girl. Your mom’s name will not be on any paperwork. I’ve got to get back to the station.”

“And I think I’ll tell my mom; is that okay?”

They both stood.

“Absolutely.”

“Thanks for lunch, Jack, and the conversation. I always appreciate what you have to say.”

“My pleasure.” He brushed her shoulder gently with his hand. “Let’s do it again
 
—soon.”

They walked back to the station together, arms occasionally touching and Brinna feeling a tingle each time they did.

When they said good-bye, Jack promised he’d call with Ivana’s release date and time.

Back in her car, Brinna found herself looking forward to another visit with her mother and was glad for the feeling. Not long ago she would have tried to shut her mom out. Now she was happy to have Mom in her corner, no matter what
 
—and after IA she needed someone in her corner. Besides, Mom was taking a baking class and experimenting a lot with sweets. There was a good chance she’d have something scrumptious for dessert.

Brinna stopped by her house first and picked up Hero. He was full of energy, and she knew he’d appreciate a game of fetch in her mom’s large backyard. She’d gotten approval to take him to K-9 training every week, in spite of her injury, in order to keep him sharp, but the next session wasn’t for several days. She’d have to do some exercises with him at home. She could tell he was bored, and he’d appreciate just about anything.

Hero bounded up to her mother’s front door, and Rose gave him the obligatory pats.

“What brings you by today?” Mom asked as she gave Brinna a kiss when she walked in.

“I have some news about the girl from the river.”

“Good news, I hope.”

“Depends. It’s okay with Chuck and with ICE if she stays here, but it’s only temporary. They can’t find a bed at a shelter, so you are the best alternative until one opens up. Ben and Jack firmly believe she’ll be more comfortable here than at a shelter. They hope it will help her relax and remember details that could help the investigation.”

Rose chuckled. “That’s all well and good, but I’m more concerned about her personal well-being than the investigation.”

“So am I. I just happen to think both things are related. Won’t her well-being get a boost if the man who victimized her is arrested?” Once in the house, Brinna inhaled and smiled. Mom was baking, and whatever it was would be delicious.

Rose shrugged and gave Brinna a half smile. “Yes, it will help her sense of well-being if that man is no longer a threat. But I’m also concerned about her spiritual health. You should know that.”

“Yeah, I do. I just had a pleasant conversation with Jack about that. I hope the girl understands English well enough to get your message clearly.” She then cut to the chase. “Smells great
 
—what’s cooking?”

She got the desired result. Rose loved cooking for her family now as much as she had when her husband was still alive and her children lived at home. She happily led Brinna to the kitchen for dessert.

“Have you had lunch?” Rose asked, and Brinna nodded. “Good. This is a cocoa cake with caramel. I was just about to glaze it.”

“Smells like heaven. I love caramel.”

“Start some coffee?”

Brinna nodded and set a pot to drip. She leaned against the counter and watched her mother drizzle caramel over a dark-colored cake. The entire kitchen smelled like a bakery.

When the coffee and the cake were both finished, Rose cut two slices while Brinna poured coffee. Together they sat at the table, and as they ate the cake, the conversation stayed on Ivana.

“The poor thing is scared to death of men,” Brinna said. “Nonthreatening, homey surroundings may help her relax and begin to trust
 
—us at first, and then Jack and Ben. If she realizes none of us mean her any harm, maybe she’ll remember more information that can help the investigation.”

“Being here, in a home
 
—” Rose waved her hand around
 
— “will help a great deal, and not just what she remembers regarding the investigation. From what you’ve told me, and what I’ve read about her in the paper, Ivana has been through so much. Being deceived into coming here, promised a job that never existed, and then being forced into prostitution, losing her sister.” Rose shuddered. “She needs to know she has friends. Anyway, the guest room is ready.” Mom cleared away the dirty dishes and refilled her coffee. “She’ll probably need clothes, shoes, everything.”

Brinna stared at her mom, realizing with a jolt that the gift of being hospitable was definitely not an inherited trait. “Uh, yeah, I guess I hadn’t thought about that
 
—or even that far ahead. You want to go shopping?”

Rose shook her head. “Not yet. The church has a huge
closet filled with donated clothes. First I’ll pick up a few things, and then whenever she’s comfortable, I’ll take her there and we’ll see what we can find in her size. When will she be released?”

“Jack is supposed to call with that information.”

“By the way
 
—” Rose smiled and put a hand on Brinna’s shoulder
 
—“I forgot to mention the article in the paper last week. It was a nice human-interest piece. How does it feel to have a fan?”

Brinna frowned and then remembered. “Oh, Gracie.” She sighed. “What a responsibility. Now I know how Milo felt.”

“He never let you down, did he?”

“No” was what Brinna said out loud, but she couldn’t help thinking,
Once. He let me down only once . . . when he took his own life.
“But how can I be sure I won’t let Gracie down?” she asked her mom.

“You won’t.”

Brinna’s cell phone rang and she jumped for it, suddenly embarrassed by the expression on her mother’s face and the emotion that was threatening her own. “That’s got to be Jack.” She answered and was correct. As promised, Jack was calling to relay information about Ivana.

“She’ll be signed out tomorrow, probably about eleven thirty. Chuck will meet you there to facilitate the girl’s release.” Jack’s voice sounded strained. Brinna remembered that particular timbre from their time as partners. It had been there when he was hurting over the loss of his wife.

“Thanks for the information.” She frowned. “What else is bothering you?”

Jack cleared his throat. “It will never cease to amaze me how perceptive you can be.” He paused before continuing. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it will be all over the local newscasts later today. This just came down from the chief. It’s about Rick. . . . His spinal cord is severed; he’ll never regain the use of his legs.”