Book 6 in the Casper Halliday NYPD Series

(Some sequential chapters are omitted in this preview)

One

The man stepped forward. He spread his feet and centered his weight. He slapped the loaded magazine into the butt of his 9-millimeter handgun. The man closed his eyes for a single moment.

When he opened his eyes, only one thing existed. The target.

He raised the weapon in a fast, fluid motion and fired six consecutive shots.

The sergeant pressed the button, bringing the target forward.

“Jesus, Casper,” Sergeant Bryan Kavanaugh said. “Two in the heart and four in the head. With a trashed shoulder? What planet are you from?”

Casper smiled.

“I’m from the planet of put-my-ass-back-to work.”

Kavanaugh shook his head.

“You can still shoot, I’ll give you that. But tomorrow is gonna be a different story. The physical tests. Are you ready for that?”

“I think so,” Casper Halliday said.

Kavanaugh took photos of the target and then removed the target from the mount.

“You aced the long rifle and the shotgun,” Kavanaugh said. “I’ll forward these results right now. Get out of here. Get ready for tomorrow. I can damn sure use you back on the street.”

“I won’t let you down, sir,” Casper said. “I think I’m ready.”

Kavanaugh watched Casper walk down the hall. He whispered to himself.

“You’re not ready, kid. But I’m not gonna tell you that.”

Casper unlocked his car. It wasn’t easy. He had to use his left hand.

Casper slid behind the wheel. His right side shook and screamed at him in pain—from his clavicle, to his shoulder, down to his elbow, wrist and fingers. He managed to pull a pill bottle from the glove box. The child-proof cap was a challenge. When he got the cap off, pills sprayed into the passenger seat and onto the floor. He gathered five of them and shoved them into his mouth. Casper chased them with the remains of the soda in the center console. He grabbed his right wrist with his left hand and slammed his head back against the headrest.

Five pills? You’ve never taken more than two. You’re not supposed to have more than two a day!

Casper heard a car door close to his left. He rolled his head to the right and closed his eyes. He felt a tear roll down his cheek. Casper pushed aside the pain and focused on the voice of reason inside his head.

Shut up.

Casper parked his car in the underground garage. He barely remembered the drive home. He opened the car door and stepped out. He stumbled and fell into a concrete support beam. Casper swore and made his way to the elevator. He wrestled with his apartment key. He stumbled into his bedroom and fell face-first onto the bed.

 The bed was spinning. Casper fought the urge to throw up. The numbness in his body continued to spread. When his breathing slowed, his thoughts focused on tomorrow.

Running. Using his nightstick. Tackling and cuffing a suspect. Climbing.

Casper remembered words someone had said to him. He couldn’t remember who it was.

You are not a superhero.

And then he didn’t remember anything.

****

Casper woke. For a moment, he didn’t know where he was. He never slept face-down, but that’s what he had done. He raised his head and looked toward the window. It was dark. He looked at his watch. Seven-thirty.

In the morning?

There were two light taps on his door. Bobby leaned his head in.

“Casper? Are you awake?”

“Yeah, I’m awake. What’s up?”

“Mando is here. He said he sent a couple of texts, but you didn’t answer. What do you want me to tell him?”

Casper swung his feet to the floor.

“I’ll be right there.”

Casper put on his shoes. He squeezed his eyes shut to stop the room from spinning. He walked into the living room.

“Oh. Hi, Susan.”

Susan McNeil smiled.

“Hi, Casper. How did it go today?”

Casper waved a hand.

“I shot all the bad guys.”

“Good deal,” Bobby said.

“Cool,” Mando Gonzalez said. He held out his hand. Casper shook it. Mando frowned when he saw Casper wince.

“You want to get a beer to celebrate?” Mando said.

“I’m not celebrating until after tomorrow,” Casper said. “But a beer sounds good. Give me a couple of minutes.”

“I’ll drive,” Casper said. “Since you have to drive home.”

“Okay,” Mando said.

Mando opened the passenger door. He started to climb in until he saw something on the floor. He held out his hand to Casper.

“Did you spill your aspirin?”

Mando dropped six pills into Casper’s hand.

“Yeah. I forgot,” Casper said.

“That’s not aspirin, is it?” Mando said.

“Not even close,” Casper said.

“Nobody’s holding a gun to your head, Casper,” Mando said. “If you’re not ready to come back, take some more time.”

“I’m ready,” Casper said. “All I have to do is get past tomorrow.”

“It’s gonna be me and you,” Mando said. “Leo is on another assignment. Did you know that?”

“No, I didn’t,” Casper said. “But I’m okay with it. Are you?”

“Uh, yeah, I guess so,” Mando said. “I heard we’ve had a lot of guys retire in the last couple of months. We’re going to be short-handed for a while.”

“That’s not all that unusual,” Casper said. “Things will even out. Are you hungry?”

“Famished,” Mando said.

“Good,” Casper said. Minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot of Gino’s Pizza.

“Excellent,” Mando said.

They walked inside and sat down at a booth. A young woman came to take their orders.

“Hi. I’m Amy. What can I get you?”

“We’ll have a pitcher of your best imported draft,” Casper said. “And a large Hawaiian Carnivore.”

“Uh…a large what?”

“Is Gino here?” Casper said.

The girl rolled her eyes.

“He’s always here.”

Casper laughed.

“He’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s an all-the-meats pizza. Extra cheese. And pineapple.”

Amy made a face.

“Pineapple? Really?

“It’s fantastic,” Casper said. “You should try it sometime.”

Amy shook her head.

“I don’t think so.”

Amy disappeared into the kitchen. A few seconds later, a man stuck his head through the swinging door.

“Mr. Halliday!” Gino made a thumbs-up.

“Got you covered, my friend! The pineapple man. Just like Sponge-Bob!”

Casper’s smile disappeared.

“Do you have a problem with me coming back?”

“No,” Mando said. “I just don’t want you to hurt yourself permanently.”

“Are you sure that’s all it is?” Casper said.

“Every day we go to work—there are no guarantees,” Mando said. “I know you have my back. And I have yours.”

“Okay,” Casper said. “That’s good to know.

Two

Shane Murphy picked up Chinese food takeout on his way home. He was eating alone in his kitchen when the doorbell rang. Murphy put down his fork. It was almost eleven o’clock at night. He slipped a pistol into his waistband and walked to the door. He looked through the peephole. It was Emma. Murphy returned the pistol to a kitchen drawer.

“Emma? Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know,” Emma Worley said. “Can I come in?”

Murphy stepped aside.

“Of course.”

Emma walked inside.

“Would you like some Chinese food?” Murphy said. “I have plenty.”

“No, thank you,” Emma said. “I want you to talk to me, Shane. I’m having a really hard time with this.”

“All right,” Murphy said. “How about a glass of wine?”

Emma nodded. Murphy poured a glass half full.

“Leave the bottle,” Emma said.

“Okay,” Murphy said. He sat the wine bottle on the table.

Shit.

Murphy had barely sat down in his chair.

“Shane—you lied to me,” Emma said. “You didn’t lie about having a few beers with the boys. You didn’t lie about playing golf when you were supposed to be working. You told me your parents died in a traffic accident!”

Murphy looked down. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“I know. I know.”

“That’s not good enough,” Emma said. “Your mother—your mother, Shane! She was going to die alone! And in a terrible place! How could you—?”

Emma’s head dropped down. She began to cry. Tears also escaped from Shane Murphy’s eyes.

“I can’t undo what has been done,” Murphy said. “All I can do is tell you where I was…several years ago.”

Emma looked up.

“Well, you had better start talking. Because I don’t know if I can handle this.”

Emma drained her glass. Murphy refilled it immediately.

“We were poor,” Murphy said. “I didn’t really know how poor—because we were surrounded by people who had no more than we did. I have two brothers—did I tell you that?”

Emma shook her head.

“You might have mentioned it. I’m not sure.”

“Two brothers,” Murphy said. “One, three years older. One, two years younger. My older brother was forever talking about how successful he would become. How rich he would become. I never saw any evidence of such a future. And then he was arrested for burglary. He was put on probation. The months that followed were full of screaming; my mother. My father. And my brother. And then my brother was arrested again for burglary. He served two years. He came home and the screaming began again. Then he broke into another house—but this time the people were home. The man had a gun. So did my brother. He killed the man. He’s still in prison.”

“Oh, my God,” Emma said.

“My younger brother went to the Mississippi coast on spring break when he was a junior in high school. He met a waitress down there and never came home. He went to work on this girl’s father’s shrimp boat. They moved into a trailer in a trailer park and had four kids.

“Then, the accident happened. My old man was killed. Mom was hurt bad. I had taken a year between high school and college to make money. If I had stayed at home…I would still be there. And I would have been working to pay Mom’s bills for the rest of her life. I admit it, Emma. I took the chicken-shit way out. I would never have a career. I would never have had anything. I knew the government and the doctors wouldn’t just let Mom die. I changed my name. And I ran. I ran away.”

Emma’s head fell forward into her hands.

“Oh, shit. Holy shit!”

“That’s all I have, Emma. That’s the only story I have. If you want to leave me and never look back…I’ll understand.

Emma sobbed until it seemed she could cry no more. At last, she sat up straight and took deep breaths.

“I…I have to have some time, Shane. Regardless, I am going to see that your mother has the best care possible.”

“And I will pay for every penny,” Murphy said.

He reached across the table and took Emma’s hand.

“I love you, Emma. I hope you know that.”

Emma pulled her hand away. She stood on wobbly legs.

“I want to believe that, Shane. I really do. But I can’t be here right now. I have to go.”

“All right,” Murphy said. “I understand.”

Emma left and closed the door. Murphy waited long enough for her to reach the elevator.

He slammed his fists on the table and swore.

Three

The young man tapped three times on the side door of the van. He opened the door and stepped inside. He tried not to stare at the two beautiful women in tiny dresses who sat on the wrap-around sofa. The man in the expensive suit who was seated between the ladies spoke first.

“Chalo. How is it going?”

Chalo reached into his coat pocket.

“It has been a good night so far, Señor del Toro.”

Chalo produced a large roll of cash. He handed it to Sergio del Toro.

“Chalo,” Del Toro said. “We have done business for some time. You must call me Sergio.”

Chalo bowed his head.

“Very well. Thank you, Sergio.”

Del Toro quickly counted the money. He handed Chalo his share. He also handed him a supply to sell over the next three hours.

“I will see you at two,” del Toro said. “I wish you well.”

“Thank you,” Chalo said. He exited the van.

Del Toro turned on an overhead light.

“A little candy, ladies?”

“Oh, yes!” the women said. Sergio del Toro watched and waited as the two gorgeous women made lines of cocaine on a flat mirror. They inhaled the drugs, leaned back, and began to giggle.

Del Toro never touched the drugs that provided his substantial income. But he was more than happy to provide for his lady friends. As he would sometimes joke, it seemed to make them more…pliable.

Del Toro leaned forward and spoke to the driver.

“Ramon!”

“Yes, sir!” Ramon said.

“Let’s go visit with the Lovebirds,” Del Toro said.

“Yes, sir!”

The girls laughed.

“Who are the Lovebirds?”

“A very young couple,” del Toro said. “They’ve been with me for a few months. The girl is actually pregnant. She has a baby bump! How cool is that? Do you think any policeman is going to arrest her?”

“Aw!” both girls said. “That is so cute!”

Del Toro reached out with both hands. He placed each on the warm thighs of the girls. They moaned and moved closer to del Toro. Ramon glanced at the rear-view mirror.

“I’ll take the long way, sir.”

“You do that, Ramon,” del Toro said.

The van rolled to a stop. Del Toro straightened his collar. The girls made adjustments to their clothes. The side door opened.

“Come in! Come in!” del Toro said. A young man climbed into the van. Del Toro frowned and leaned forward.

“Good evening, Logan. Where is Zoey?”

“She said she will wait outside,” Logan said. “It’s a little difficult for her to move about.”

Del Toro shook his head.

“No, no, no, no. It is far too cold out. She needs to warm up. Think of the baby!”

Ramon pressed a button. The side door opened again.

“Zoey!” Logan called. “Come inside.”

Logan moved to help Zoey climb inside. Del Toro elbowed the girl to his right.

“Move your ass. We have visitors.”

The girl moved and scowled.

“You don’t have to be rude about it.”

Del Toro laughed.

“I’m not being rude! It’s a great ass! Sit! Sit down, my friends! Warm yourselves and rest for a little while.”

Logan and Zoey sat on the edge of the sofa. Neither looked comfortable at all. They had little doubt what the two scantily-clad women were there for. Logan reached into his coat pocket and produced a large roll of cash.

“Oh, my,” del Toro said. “You two have amazed me again!”

The girl to del Toro’s left whispered.

“Wow…”

Del Toro peeled off some bills and returned them to Logan. He then handed him several drug packets.

“Very well done,” del Toro said. “I swear—you make me want to hire no one but pregnant couples!”

“Thank you, Sergio,” Logan said. “We’ll see you later.”

“Carry on,” del Toro said. “And take good care of our girl.”

“I will,” Logan said.

The van pulled away.

“Are you okay?” Logan said.

Zoey breathed heavily.

“God, I’m glad we got out of there. That girl was wearing so much perfume I thought I was gonna throw up.”

“Do you need to sit down?” Logan said.

“I think I have to,” Zoey said. “My stomach is turning over and my back is killing me.”

“Let’s find you a place to sit,” Logan said. “Dammit! I should have brought a blanket.”

“I just need a few minutes,” Zoey said.

Logan wrapped his arms around Zoey and kissed her on the forehead.

“You’re such a strong person,” Logan said. “We won’t be living like this much longer.”

Five

Logan made an exchange at the curb. The driver of the car pulled away, made a u-turn, and raced away—away from the dangers of a neighborhood its driver visited for only one reason. Logan turned around and sighed.

Zoey was pacing the sidewalk. She leaned backward with a hand pressed against her lower back. Logan placed his hand on her back and massaged it.

“It’s okay, baby,” Zoey said. “I have to sit down.”

Logan checked his cheap watch.

“Less than an hour to go. I’m going to talk to Sergio. You need to stay home until after the baby comes.”

“We’ve been through this, Logan,” Zoey said. “We can’t afford to make him mad. We could lose the apartment.”

Logan scowled.

“What kind of loss is that? Sharing a two-bedroom apartment with four other people. We’re barely living better than animals.”

Zoey’s head dropped to her chest. Logan knew she was crying. She cried easily these days.

“Please don’t cry, Zoey.”

“It scares me when you talk like that, Logan. I know you hate where we live. I don’t like it, either. But the baby is coming soon. We have a place that’s warm, safe, and dry. What else can we do?”

“I know,” Logan said. “I’m sorry. I’ll shut up.”

Zoey looked up. She wiped her eyes. She smiled.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, honey,” Logan said.

Car headlights rounded the corner. The expensive import pulled to the curb.

“I’ll take care of this and take you home,” Logan said.

The driver lowered his window.

“What’s happening, my man?”

“Another day another dollar,” Logan said.

“Let me get two,” the driver said. “Hell, make it three. I’ve had a good week.”

“Three’s all I got left,” Logan said.

“Awesome,” the man said. “I guess we’re all having a good week.”

The man handed over the money. Then he peeled off two one-hundred-dollar bills.

“How would you like to make hundred extra?”

“For what?” Logan said.

The man pointed behind Logan.

“About fifteen minutes with sweet thing, there.”

Logan’s jaw dropped.

“W-what?”

“You heard me. Two hundred bucks. Fifteen minutes. No funny stuff.”

“She’s eight months pregnant, asshole!”

The man laughed.

“Asshole? Really? I gotta admit. That pregnant shit turns me on. That’s eight hundred bucks an hour! But I won’t need an hour.”

Logan could barely breathe. He pointed down the street.

“Get the hell out of here! And don’t come back!”

The man wiggled the money between his fingers.

“Two hundred bucks. That’ll buy a lot of diapers and formula, dude.”

Logan clenched his fists so tight his fingernails cut into his palms.

“I mean it! Get out of here! And don’t—!”

The man waved his hand.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don’t come back. Bite me, you little shit.”

He put the car into gear.

“I’m here twice a week, like clockwork. Maybe you’d like to explain to your boss how you told me to get lost. Or, even better—how about I find out who your boss is and tell him myself? It’s shitty weather to be sleeping on the streets, my young friend. Do you want to be layin’ on the cold concrete watching the other homeless animals licking their lips at your little honey? I’ll see you Tuesday. Have a nice day.”

Logan took several deep breaths. He walked over and helped Zoey to her feet.

“What was that all about?” Zoey said.

“That guy was high off his ass,” Logan said. “He wouldn’t shut up.”

“About what?” Zoey said.

“About nothing,” Logan said.

****

Casper woke to the sound of the alarm. He was immediately aware of three things. First, he was drenched in sweat. Second, he figured the sweat was the result of having one nightmare after another.

Third, he felt terrible. He moved to the edge of the bed and sat up. Then he jumped up and ran to the bathroom and threw up. He moved to the sink and splashed cold water on his face. Casper had a mental image of throwing up during his evaluation to return to work. He moved back to the toilet and put his finger down his throat until there was nothing else to come up. He moved back to the sink and looked in the mirror.

You, sir, are a freaking mess.

Shut up. Get in the shower.

Casper showered, shaved, and got dressed. He took two small energy drinks and his pain pills and slipped them into his pocket.

Bobby Halliday turned around from the stove.

“Good morning! Big day, huh?”

“The biggest,” Casper said.

“Do you have your gym bag all packed?” Bobby said.

“It’s in my car,” Casper said. “All clean and April fresh.”

“You never know,” Bobby said. “That could be worth a few points right there.”

“Women wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Casper said.

“Let’s keep it a secret,” Bobby said.

“It’s a deal,” Casper said.

Bobby spooned scrambled eggs onto a plate.

“I’ve got a world-class healthy breakfast for you right here. Eggs, bacon, ham, and buttered toast. Everything you need—”

“Dad,” Casper said. “I appreciate it, but, uh, Mando and I ate kinda late last night. And my stomach is doing flip-flops.”

Bobby frowned.

“Oh. Okay. Are you sure you’re all right, son?”

Casper smiled.

“I’ll be fine, Dad. You’ve been asking me that every day for two weeks.”

“That’s my job,” Bobby said. “I know you’ve been climbing the walls, but you were hurt badly. You’re lucky to have another chance.”

“I know that,” Casper said. “I’m not sure how many more I have.”

Six

Casper parked at the end of the parking lot. He shut off the car. Casper had arrived early, as planned. He leaned back, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. His left hand went to his right shoulder. He rubbed with his fingers—softly at first. He rubbed harder. Casper ignored the rising pain and rubbed harder, wishing blood flow into his still-damaged shoulder. He rolled his shoulder. He flexed the fingers of his left hand.

I’m gonna need your help today, lefty. Big time.

Casper opened a pill bottle and poured two pain pills into his hand. He swallowed these along with one of the small energy drinks. He turned on the car’s stereo and a CD he had already put into the player. Casper raised the volume of the inspirational music and willed it to soak into his brain.

He rolled his shoulder again. Casper stared at the pill bottle. He poured two more pills into his hand and finished the energy drink. He turned off the radio and got out of his car.

Focus. Give it everything. Show time.

The physical testing was attended by Sergeant Kavanaugh and two sergeants from other precincts who Casper didn’t know. Casper shook hands with the men and went to the locker room to change. As Casper removed his shirt, he realized that the movement was easier than usual. There was less pain, and less resistance. He felt a surge of energy.

So far, so good.

Casper breezed through the two running challenges. The injury to his thigh had never given him much trouble. The next two challenges involved lifting. Casper completed both minimum requirements.

“We can keep going if you want to what your max is,” Kavanaugh said. “It’s not official.”

Casper smiled.

“I think I’ll pass.”

Tightness and a dull pain had returned to Casper’s shoulder. He maintained confident in completing the tests, but the feeling in his shoulder worried him.

The last test involved a simulated chase, including the scaling of a ten-foot-high wall with a rope. That challenge was at the end. By the time Casper reached the wall, he no longer felt the effects of extra energy. His neck and right shoulder felt like they were on fire. He grabbed the rope and jumped. His hands slipped and his feet fell back to the ground.

Oh, no…

Casper jumped again, his left hand higher on the rope. He looked up. His vision swam, making him dizzy. He squeezed his eyes shut. He pulled with everything he had. Casper couldn’t tell what his right hand was doing. Nothing but pain came from his right side. But he would not stop. At last, his left fingers felt the top of the wall. Casper felt a surge of energy that came from nowhere. He pulled with every single ounce of strength he had left until…

His left arm wrapped around the top of the wall. He pulled himself over and fell to the ground. Casper jumped up and ran toward the finish line—zig-zagging like he was dodging bullets. And not on purpose.

The three sergeants met Casper at the finish line.

“Jesus Christ!” said one of the sergeants Casper didn’t know.

“Are you all right, son?”

“You beat the time, Casper,” Sergeant Kavanaugh said. “I don’t know how. But you did. Are you okay? You look like hell!”

“Are you going to pass him?” the third sergeant said. “I think we need to call an ambulance!”

Casper stood up straight with considerable effort.

“No, sir. I’m fine.”

“Fine, my ass,” the sergeant said.

Sergeant Kavanaugh had retrieved a chair.

“Sit down, Casper.”

Casper moved his feet apart. He clasped his hands behind his back. He felt beads of sweat pour into his eyes.

“No, thank you, Sergeant Kavanaugh. I prefer to stand.”

A sergeant took a step toward Casper. He squinted and stared into Casper’s eyes.

“You’re not healed up, Officer Halliday.”

“I beg to differ, sir,” Casper said.

“He passed the tests, Sergeant Wolfe,” Kavanaugh said.

“By the skin of his teeth!” Wolfe said. “Look at him! He’s half dead!”

“That’s bullshit!” Kavanaugh said. “Of course, he’s not in top shape. He’s been recovering from two gunshot wounds for God’s sake!”

Wolfe put his hands on his hips.

“You want me to sign off that this boy is ready to return to duty?”

“He passed the tests,” Kavanaugh said. “I don’t make the rules. And neither do you.”

Sergeant Wolfe paused.

“We’re short-handed as hell. I hope you know what you’re doing, Bryan.”

Sergeant Wolfe held out his hand to Casper.

“You’re one gutsy son-of-a-bitch, Halliday. I hope I’m not making a huge mistake.”

Casper shook Wolfe’s hand.

“I won’t let you down, sir. Thank you.”

All the men shook hands. The two sergeants from other precincts turned to leave. Sergeant Wolfe stopped and turned.

“Bryan. If he gets himself killed, I don’t want to hear about it.”

“It’s a deal,” Kavanaugh said.

Seven

Casper stepped through the exit door. He took a deep breath and let it out.

It’s over. I did it.

And then, his thoughts became confused. He couldn’t remember where he had parked. He wandered the lot until he spotted his car. He climbed inside. His shoulder was on fire. Blood pulsed through his right arm like molten lava. He stared at his fingers and wiggled them—but it felt strange. Like his brain was controlling the fingers but they were not a part of his body.

Casper squeezed his eyes shut for a moment.

Just get your ass home. Take a hot shower. Sleep it off. You’ll be fine.

It’s official now. I’m going back to work. Back to normal.

The worst is over.

Casper pulled into the parking garage in a dense, mental fog. He didn’t remember much of the trip home. This should have alarmed him, but it didn’t. He got into the elevator with six other people in it.

“What floor?” a man asked.

“Uh…fourteen,” Casper said. He briefly noticed the others looking at him funny.

Oh. They probably think I’m stoned. They’re probably right.

Casper unlocked the apartment door. He stepped inside and pushed the door. It slammed shut.

Oops.

Casper dropped his gym bag on the floor. He looked toward his bedroom, but his vision was swimming wildly. He took one step—and then everything went black.

****

He flailed in the deep water. The only light came from a quarter moon. He couldn’t see land in any direction—only the rolling of waves. The only sounds came from the rolling sea and the screaming wind.

Casper dipped beneath the surface. He drove himself upward with his failing strength, coughing and sputtering, and trying to scream for help. His upper torso bolted upright in a wild panic.

“Casper! Oh, thank God!” Bobby Halliday said.

Casper opened his eyes to face the glaring light. Strong hands gripped his neck and shoulders.

“I…I couldn’t get you awake! I threw water in your face. It’s okay! You’re going to be okay!” Bobby said.

Casper rolled onto his side.

“I’m…going to be sick.”

Bobby jumped up and quickly returned with a bowl. He placed it in front of Casper. Casper coughed. He dry-heaved.

“I think I’m empty.”

Bobby fell back onto his backside.

“What happened, son? My God—you could have crashed on the way home!”

“I got home just fine,” Casper said. “I’m just really tired.”

Bobby stood. He grabbed Casper’s wrists.

“You’re not fine. I’m taking you to the hosp—”

Casper screamed. He tore his right arm from Bobby’s grip. Casper collapsed onto his side. His entire body shook. Bobby stared at him in horror.

“I can’t…I’m calling an ambulance!”

“No, Dad. No…”

“You’ve overdone it,” Bobby said. “I knew this was happening too soon. We’re going to get you to the hospital and—”

Casper grimaced and sat up.

“NO!”

Bobby searched the numbers on his cell phone. He looked up and made eye contact with Casper.

He had never seen this look on his son’s face before.

Bobby dropped his arm to his side. He turned his head away.

Father and son breathed heavily in the following silence.

“I passed the tests, Dad,” Casper said softly. “I’ll be okay.”

Bobby paused for a few more seconds. He looked at Casper, his eyes swimming with tears.

“You’re all I have, Casper. The only family that gives a shit if I wake up in the morning. You joined the force because of me and you’ve already come close to…”

“Close to dying,” Casper said. “I know.”

“Do you have any idea how much I live in fear of losing you?” Bobby said. He wiped his eyes with the backs of his hands.

Casper put his hand on Bobby’s shoulder.

“I think I do. Because I’ve lived with that same fear for as long as I can remember.”

“No hospital?” Bobby said.

Casper shook his head.

“Then you’ll make an appointment with your doctor in the morning,” Bobby said. “I want to know what he has to say.”

“Sure,” Casper said. “It’s a deal.”

Ten

Casper pulled his car to the curb in front of the Gonzalez home. He climbed out of the car and was met on the front sidewalk by Mando and Layla Gonzalez. Layla flashed a dazzling smile.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” Casper said. “You look amazing.”

Mando raised his arms wide.

“Are you forgetting someone?”

“Meh,” Casper said. Mando waved a fist in the air. Casper looked at Layla.

“I don’t even know why I say you look great. You always look great.”

Layla grabbed Casper’s arm with both hands.

“That’s your job. Cut the grass. Take care of the vehicles. And let us know you appreciate the time we spend in the paint and body shop.”

“I’ll try to remember that,” Casper said.

“Speaking of amazing,” Layla said. “Wasn’t that cake to die for?”

Casper’s eyes rolled back in his head.

“The best!”

Mando frowned.

“What cake?”

“Nicky’s welcome home cake,” Layla said.

Mando looked at Casper.

“Uh…you weren’t there.”

“No, I wasn’t,” Casper said. “Layla saved me a piece of cake.”

Mando looked at Layla.

“Did you mail it to him?”

Layla stomped her foot.

“No. I didn’t mail it to him!”

“Chill out, Mando,” Casper said. “I came by a couple of nights later. We had a nice visit.”

Mando crossed his arms.

“Where was I?”

Casper and Layla answered at the same time.

“Asleep.”

“Seriously, Mando,” Layla said. “I’m starting to worry about you.”

Mando threw his hands in the air.

“Don’t mind me! I’m just…right here. Casper comes over and I don’t know anything about it.”

Layla sighed.

“Well, you do now. When we get back, you can write down this new information in your journal.”

“I don’t have a freaking journal,” Mando said.

“Why not?” Layla said. “If anyone should have a journal, it’s you.”

“Can we go now?” Mando said. “I’m starving.”

Layla put her arms around Mando and squeezed. She backed away.

“Smile,” she said. “That’s an order.”

Mando managed to obey the order.

The hostess at Cappelletti’s had assured Casper that they would have a reservation. They were seated immediately upon arrival. Layla looked around the room.

“This is one of my favorite places in the whole world.”

“Mine, too,” Casper said.

They placed their orders. Drinks arrived a short time later. Casper looked over the top of his water glass and saw a welcome sight.

The restaurant’s owner, Cristian Cappelletti. Cristian stopped and visited with a few customers before making his way to Casper’s table. Cristian’s smile was warm and welcoming as he greeted each of them by name. Layla was obviously surprised. She stared at Casper.

After a few pleasantries, Cristian turned to Casper.

“Could I speak to you for a moment?”

“Sure. I’ll be right back.”

Casper followed Cristian around the corner and into his office. He closed the door.

“I think of you often, Casper,” Cristian said. “I heard about the attack, of course. There were many times I wanted to visit the hospital—but I’ve never been sure how much to publicize our relationship—”

“Don’t worry about it, Cristian,” Casper said. “I understand.”

“Just like now,” Cristian said. “I wish I could have spoken with Mando as well—but I don’t know how that would have looked to his sister.”

Casper shrugged.

“I know what you mean. I have a hard time keeping all my stories straight.”

Cristian leaned against the corner of his desk. His face turned to the wall.

“I don’t know if this is the right thing to do or not. But for some reason, it seems like I should tell you.”

Cristian faced Casper. His eyes were wet.

“I’m…I’m seeing someone.”

Casper nodded.

“That’s good. I think that’s good.”

“Then why do I feel like shit?” Cristian said.

Casper took a deep breath.

“Because you feel like you’re cheating. Cheating on your wife. On her memory. But I don’t believe that. My Dad is seeing someone.”

Cristian raised his eyes.

“He is?”

Casper nodded.

“Yeah. And I don’t have a problem with that at all. She’s a very nice lady with a troubled past of her own.”

Casper looked up.

“I can’t picture my mother looking down and getting pleasure from his misery. Or mine. The park by your house—it needs to have your children playing there. Making friends. Growing up. Being good people. That’s how you can honor your wife.”

Casper jumped when Cristian moved quickly. He threw his arms around Casper and hugged him tight.

“Thank you. Thank you, my friend.”

Casper returned to the table. Mando and Layla smiled at him without comment.

“Have you talked to DJ lately?” Mando said.

“Not really,” Casper said. He looked sad.

“It’s cool,” Mando said. “You’ve had a lot going on.”

“Is there something I need to know?” Casper said.

Mando made a face and shrugged.

“It’s probably nothing. Do you remember when he had to leave the ranch because he had a deposition?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, he had to testify at this guy’s trial. I guess his testimony sunk the nails in this guy’s coffin. They had to drag him out of the courtroom. He was screaming at DJ. He said DJ was a dead man. That this wasn’t over.”

“That sucks,” Casper said.

“Yeah,” Mando said. “But this guy’s going away for a long time. Anyway, DJ’s birthday is Sunday. We’re gonna get together at his favorite place. Do you remember where that is?”

“Do I remember?” Casper said. “The place where Joey came to the rescue?”

Mando smiled.

“Yeah. That place.”

“I’ll be there,” Casper said. “If I have to crawl on my hands and knees.”

“Mando says I can’t go,” Layla said. “He said the neighborhood is too rough.”

“What if I make it up to you?” Casper said.

Layla smiled.

“It’s a deal.”

****

Casper dropped off Mando and Layla. He got into his car and started the engine. His cell phone pinged with a text message.

Do you have a minute?

It was Charlie Talbot. Casper turned off the car.

Sure. What’s up?

Did you happen to watch any television this morning?

No. Did I miss something?

I was on Good Morning New York.

Wow. That’s great! Is this about your new job?

Yes. My new job and my new friend pushing me in front of the cameras.

Damn. I wish I had known.

I’m sending you a link to the replay.

Cool! I’ll watch it right now!

The broadcast started after a return from a commercial break. The camera focused on the host.

“Life in New York City has been a struggle for law enforcement and our judicial system for as long as most of us can remember,” the host said. “Stories of racial inequities and abuses of power have filled headlines nationwide. Prisons are overcrowded—leading to early releases for some offenders. This is cause for concern for our citizens and a challenge for members of our District Attorney’s office. Today, we welcome to our studio the newest member of that office; Assistant District Attorney, Celeste Talbot. Good morning, Mrs. Talbot.”

The camera moved to Charlie.

“Wow,” Casper whispered.

Charlie wore an immaculate business dress. Her hairstyle featured curls that framed her face. Her makeup was perfect.

The camera moved to the host, quickly enough to catch him wide-eyed with his mouth hanging partially open.

“Yes…yes! Good morning, Mrs. Talbot! It’s a pleasure to have—to have you with us this morning.”

The host blushed.

“Thank you for joining us, Mrs. Talbot.”

“Please, you can call me by my nickname. Charlie.”

“Charlie?” the host said.

Charlie smiled and nodded.

“It started because of the police radio.”

The host nodded and looked down at his notes.

“That’s right. After law school, an internship, and two years working for a New York law firm, you went to work as an NYPD dispatcher. What can you tell us about that experience?”

“Well, I heard it all,” Charlie said. “Everything from shoplifting, to muggings, to psychotics out of their heads on drugs waving guns at innocent citizens.”

“How do you put those experiences out of your mind?” the host asked. “When your shift is over? How do you sleep?”

“For one thing,” Charlie said. “I’m hearing these reports from a safe place. I’m not facing down these life-threatening situations. The men and women in uniform on our streets—they’re the ones you need to ask these questions. These are our modern-day heroes. But they’re being made out as animals across the country right now. I’m not making excuses. There are bad apples out there. And they need to be pulled out and held accountable for their actions. But they are the outliers. The vast majority of our law enforcement officers are good people. We need them. We will not survive without them.”

“Well said,” the host said. “I will not dwell on it, but you are the widow of a famous former football player. Matthew Talbot.”

The camera zoomed in on Charlie.

Charlie did not waiver. Her eyes focused on the camera.

“That is correct. My husband was murdered by a psychopathic serial killer right here in the city. Members of the NYPD closed in on Robert Ferrill until he took his own life. I will say this without one iota of remorse or regret; I stand by the men and women of the NYPD and everything they represent. I will do everything in my power to be an extension of our police departments to bring the guilty to justice.”

Charlie was distracted by a woman beside the cameras, waving frantically. Charlie squinted, and then her chin dropped and her eyes went wide. She jumped from her seat and ran toward the woman. The host shrugged and motioned to the cameramen to follow Charlie.

Charlie and Emma Worley embraced. They laughed and kissed each other on the cheek. Charlie turned.

“Oh, my God. I think I’m messing up the interview.”

“That’s my fault,” Emma said.

Charlie waved her hand.

“Don’t be silly, Girl. You’re wonderful.”

Charlie addressed the studio audience.

“Isn’t she wonderful?”

The applause was deafening inside the small studio. Charlie ran back to her seat.

“I’m sorry!”

“Don’t be silly,” the host said. “That was a beautiful moment. I didn’t realize you knew our Emma.”

Charlie pushed her hair behind her ear. She blushed.

“We’ve crossed paths a few times. She’s great.”

The studio audience exploded again. The host laughed and motioned toward the audience.

“I think our audience agrees!”

The host faced Charlie and saluted.

“Thank you for being with us today, Assistant District Attorney Talbot. We look forward to following your career. I think you have a bright future ahead.”

The host nodded.

“Oh, yeah. Bright indeed.

“We’ll be right back after these messages.”

Casper watched the video two more times. He smiled and sank back into the sofa.

“Wow.”

Everything Emma Worley touches turns to gold.

Casper’s smile faded.

If only that was always a good thing.

Eleven

Mando pointed.

“There it is.”

Casper parked his car behind DJ Gardner’s truck. It was easy to spot because Casper had never seen another truck like it; a purple Toyota Tundra with a rifle rack in the rear window. There was a custom diamond-plated toolbox behind the cab with a sticker above the lock.

DO YOU FEEL LUCKY? PUNK?

“DJ’s got style,” Mando said.

“Without a doubt,” Casper said.

They had a separate room reserved, with about twenty people in attendance. Some were from DJ’s former precinct. Two of them were introduced to Casper and Mando. They shook hands.

“If you’re friends of DJ,” Casper said. “You deserve more than handshakes.”

Casper hugged one, and then the other. Mando did the same.

“Brothers,” the other officers said.

“Brothers,” Casper and Mando said together.

The meal was served family style. Casper leaned back in his chair.

“Oh, my God. I’m going to pay for this.”

“There’s a reason this is my favorite place,” DJ said.

“You have chosen wisely, Grasshopper,” Casper said. He stood, looked at DJ, and motioned with his head. DJ followed him out of the room.

“Hey,” Casper said. “I heard you had a testimony that turned out ugly.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t my best day ever,” DJ said.

“Do you think anything is going to come of it?” Casper said.

DJ shrugged.

“I doubt it. That guy has been a known drug runner for years. He got rung up for thirty years.”

“Yeah, but you know this works,” Casper said. “It’s a spider’s web. There are always people on the inside and people on the outside.”

“What am I gonna do, Caz?” DJ said. “I was in on the bust. I testified. I told the truth. The rest is out of my hands. That’s the job, bro.”

Casper stared into the distance.

“Yeah. That’s the job. I always have your back, man. If you think something is going down—if you just have a tickle at the back of your neck—you call me. Do you hear me?”

DJ gripped Casper’s arm.

“Yeah. I hear you. And I feel you. We’re brothers, man.”

“That’s right,” Casper said. “Brothers. Forever. Happy birthday, brother.”

“Thank you. Brother.”

****

The gathering came to an end. Casper and Mando led the procession of people toward the parking lot. Casper slowed when he saw a man loitering near his car. He raised a hand to halt the others. Casper and Mando slowly moved their hands to their holsters.

“Can I help you?”

 The visibly nervous man continued to pace alongside Casper’s car. He cleared his throat.

“Is…is this your car?”

Casper narrowed his eyes.

“Why do you want to know?”

“Is this a police car?” the man said. He glanced over his shoulder. Casper squinted. He saw someone else at the corner of the nearby building.

“No,” Casper said. “It’s not a police car. But we are police officers.”

DJ had pulled out his flashlight. He shined it at the young man’s face. Tears streamed down the man’s cheeks.

“Please…we need help.”

The other person stepped forward. DJ moved his flashlight. They saw the very pregnant girl with her arm across her belly.

“Sweet Jesus…” DJ whispered.

Casper held his car keys to DJ.

“Deej. Let them in my car. Start the motor and get the heater going.”

DJ hurried to let them inside the car. Mo Tinsley ran his hand over his head.

“What in the actual hell?”

Mando looked at Casper.

“What are we gonna do with them?”

“We need more information,” Casper said. “Let’s wait a few minutes. Let them warm up.”

“Little momma is about to pop, bro,” Mo said.

Casper sighed.

“I know.”

“Shit,” Mando said. “We can’t let her have the baby in the street.”

“Of course not,” Casper snapped. “They asked for help. It doesn’t matter what’s easy. Or what’s convenient. We serve and protect, right?”

“Yeah,” Mando said.

“Damn straight,” DJ said.

Casper got into his car. Mando climbed into the passenger seat. They turned to face the young couple in the back seat.

“What are your names?” Casper said.

“I’m Logan. This is Zoey.”

“I’m Casper. This is Mando. Like I said, we’re police officers.”

“Not just that,” Mando said. “We’re best friends.”

“That’s right,” Casper said. He pointed through the windshield.

“Those are our friends. DJ and Mo.”

“It’s cold outside,” Zoey said. “We can make room for them.”

Zoey didn’t wait for a response. She moved over next to Logan. Casper motioned to DJ and Mo. They squeezed into the back seat.

“How old are you, Logan?” Casper said.

“Seventeen.”

“Zoey?”

“Sixteen.”

“Talk to me, Logan,” Casper said. “What’s going on?”

Logan told their story—both of them had come from low-income broken homes. It seemed like their only choice was to terminate the pregnancy. There was no support from either side—only anger and degradation. When Zoey told her mother she was keeping the baby, her mother threw her out. She even changed the locks on the apartment door.

This only left Logan with one choice. He and Zoey struck out on their own, living on the streets until they earned enough money cleaning businesses that paid in cash with no questions. They finally found a group of four people looking for more ways to share the rent on a dingy apartment.

“We were surviving, but that was it,” Logan said. “The apartment was safe—but we knew we couldn’t raise a child there. What if the baby cried all night? No one was going to stand for that. So, I found out where we could make more money.”

“Let me guess,” Mando said. “Drugs?”

Logan looked down.

“Yeah. But it has gotten more and more dangerous. Look, if you want to arrest me, I understand. But is there any way you can take Zoey somewhere that her and the baby will be okay?”

“No!” Zoey said. “I’m not leaving here without you! Do you hear me?”

Casper raised his hands.

“Calm down. Calm down. We’re not splitting up anybody.”

Mando and DJ looked at Casper.

“What are we gonna do?” DJ said.

Casper cleared his throat.

“Look at me, Logan.”

Logan raised his head.

“Three of us are cops,” Casper said. “And Mo is as close to being a cop as you can get. But right now, I couldn’t give two shits what the law says. We’re going to help you. We just need to figure out how. We’re going to get together and work this out. I’m leaving the car running. Stretch out and rest. Get some sleep if you can.”

Logan reached out and put his hand on Casper’s shoulder.

“Thank you.”

Casper sniffed and pulled on the door handle.

“We’ll be right out here.”