The small hot room was filled with anxious reporters as Mike came through the only door and moved up behind a podium that had been set up at Sibley Memorial Hospital for just such occasions. “I’m Officer Michael Connell, aide to Commander Brown. I’ve been asked to brief you on the condition of the Commander as well as that of Officer Robert Mann.”
“Who is Mann? I can’t find him on the police roster,” a reporter called out. “Chief Henry didn’t know who he was.”
“I’m here to brief you on what I’ve just said. Commander Brown is conscious and alert after undergoing three hours of surgery early this morning. His condition is serious but the prognosis is good. Officer Mann, on special assignment to the DC Strangler Taskforce, is in critical but stable condition and is in his room after six hours of surgery to remove two bullets from his body. You’ll need to wait for the doctors if you want more specific information about the injuries. Now I’ll answer your questions if I can.”
The hands shot up and people yelled out their questions. Connell thought he knew how the president’s press secretary must feel.
“Like I said, who is he?”
“Robert Mann came out of the police academy and immediately went undercover in the DC Strangler investigation.”
“Why was that? Why was Henry in the dark?”
“When Commander Brown was put in charge of the taskforce he saw the lack of progress in the investigation and took appropriate steps to rectify the deficiency. Chief Henry had no need to know and the fewer people who knew made it easier for Mann to operate.”
“Isn’t that pretty unusual? Assigning a cadet to a murder investigation of this magnitude?”
“It wasn’t this magnitude when that decision was made. In fact it was but a blip on your radar screens at the time. It was only because of Officer Robert Mann that the case was finally resolved, and he is a Metropolitan Police Officer, deserving of respect as such. Apprehending murderers requires unusual measures at times.”
“Did the Chief approve the operation?”
“Commander Brown headed the operation and made all decisions concerning the case.”
“So I gather that headquarters wasn’t aware of what was going on?”
“You’ll have to ask headquarters what they knew and when they knew it. I’m just an aide trying to give you some of the details.”
“What happened? How did you guys get him? Weren’t you there?”
“Yes, I was on the scene when Commander Brown took down the suspect.”
“You do that a lot?”
“Do what?” Connell asked the flailing hand.
“Attend shootings. How have you been? You disappeared after you were shot last year.”
“I’m fine. This isn’t about me but thanks for your concern.”
“I have a question.”
“Yes, Ms. Patton!”
“Can you tell us the sequence of events that led to two DC Police Officers being wounded and the suspected murderer being killed?”
“I can do that, Ms. Patton. Thank you. Officer Robert Mann entered the dwelling on “O” Street where the shooting took place at approximately 8:47 p.m. last night. Albert Forestall III of that address was lying on the staircase just inside the garage door. Commander John Brown and I arrived on the scene less than a minute after Officer Mann, entering the dwelling at 8:48 p.m. Commander Brown led the way in. Three shots were fired at this time. Commander Brown entered the area where the shooting was taking place with his weapon drawn. There were several more shots fired. I’m not sure how many. There was another burst of gunfire as I entered the area I’d describe as the foyer. Commander Brown, Officer Mann, and the suspect as yet not positively identified, were all down from gunshot wounds. I immediately called for back up and rendered what assistance I could until they arrived.”
“Who was the boy?”
“How’s Forestall?”
“I don’t know who the boy is. He’s in serious condition from an attempted homicide. He remains sedated with no plans to operate. Albert Forestall III, owner of the dwelling, is in serious condition. He required no surgery and took seventeen stitches in his scalp. I’d say both of them were quite lucky that Robert Mann arrived on scene when he did.”
“Who got the guy?”
“Commander Brown. Mann’s weapon wasn’t fired and I did not fire.”
“What did this have to do with Detective Bland?”
“This investigation is ongoing. I really don’t know the details. There are some things we might never know. We would have preferred to take the suspect alive but that simply wasn’t possible.”
“He never used a gun before. Why a gun now?”
“I suppose when the cops rush you, clothesline isn’t much of a deterrent. He had apparently taken Detective Bland’s weapon, after killing him. We aren’t positive yet but that’s where we think he got the gun.”
“Why gay men?”
“That answer may have died with the DC Strangler. Whenever you set up a group of people to be hated, you may be creating an atmosphere for violence against those people. You must then accept responsibility for the consequences.”
“Are you sure this is the guy? Is he the DC Strangler?”
“We are fairly certain he is. As I said, the investigation is ongoing. It’s only been twelve hours since the shooting. It requires a little time to get all the details in order. I’m telling you from the best information I have at the moment.”
“Will Commander Brown run for Mayor?”
Mike smiled and looked from side to side, remembering Commander Brown’s thoughts on the subject. “I think Commander Brown already has a job.”
“Then he will return to work?”
“Yes! He told me this morning he had a few good years left.”
“ Even though he’s a black man, you think he might become chief now that everyone knows who he is?”
“That’s not for me to say. He’d make a fine chief in my opinion. He’s cracked one of the biggest cases in this city’s history. If you’re asking me if the color of his skin had anything to do with his ability to solve the case, I’d say no, but you should ask him.”
“Will you run for Mayor, Mike?” Someone yelled.
“No, I work for a living,” Mike chortled. “And I’m not old enough.” The room roared and Officer Mike Connell slipped out before any more questions could be directed his way.
*****
Albert stood behind the U-Haul trailer after placing another carefully wrapped package in on top of other similar packages. “I’ve put on the name of the man who this goes to. I guess I’ve told you everything you need to know a dozen times.”
“Ten times over, Albert. I’ll deliver them safe and sound.”
“How long are you going to be gone?”
“I don’t know. My father says Swift Deer is retiring this year. My original dream was to be the reservation deputy. I don’t know if I’m cut out for big city police work.”
“North Dakota, that’s a long way, Bobby,” Albert said, feeling the neck brace that sometimes irritated him. “Your shoulder okay?”
“Yeah, it’s fine. It’ll heal.” The sling did make things awkward but Robert had worn slings before.
“So your first stop is Tulsa and you leave the items I have marked and then straight up to Topeka, Kansas and then Pine Ridge, and on to North Dakota.”
“Albert, quit worrying. I’ll be fine and I’ll take the same care with these artifacts as you do.”
“I know, Bobby. Ever the worrier, I am. I’ve wanted to get these back to their proper owners, since I started collecting them. Now that I’m finally doing it, well, they’re like my children in a way.”
“I won’t nurse them but I will deliver them safe and sound,” Robert said, walking around the trailer for one last inspection.
“Toby, you take care of him. Make sure he doesn’t over do it. There are the sweet rolls you like in the bag and Bobby’s favorite coffee in the Thermos,” Albert said. “You come back to see me when you can. Albert loves you and he’ll miss you.” The hug was held for several long seconds. Both the boy and the man had tears in their eyes.
“Me too, Albert,” Toby whispered, feeling his newly shortened hair. “Indians don’t still scalp dudes do they? I told them to cut it extra short.”
“No, Toby. What’s left of your hair is safe. Besides, you are an Indian.”
“Oh yeah! I keep forgettin’. They might not know that.”
Robert returned Albert’s tearful hug with his one good arm. He turned and got into the driver’s seat. Albert stood in the street and waved as the car pulled away.
The black corvette looked odd towing the U-Haul, but Albert had arranged to have it equipped for the chore. He felt rather good that Brandon’s beloved Vette was finally in the hands of someone who could appreciate it as much as its original owner had.
He watched the Vette slowly move up the street and then walked back into the garage as the garage door closed behind him.
THE END