New York Chief of Detectives by Gary Hastings Page A

us. It may be part of a bigger investigation and we want to treat it with meticulous detail and see if there is any connection.”
    “I assume you’re talking about the Rodriguez case. I was at the funeral.”
    “That’s the one. We’ve been ordered by the Queens DA not to release any information to the media to prevent our case from being compromised. It’ll apply to this case as well.”
    “Why do we think that this case may be related?”
    “Because our tech guys recovered a security video from near the vacant lot where Tony’s body was found. The only car that entered that parking lot, as best we can tell, was an early 1990’s Chevrolet Caprice. The picture we have only catches a corner, but it looks like it is a light colored Caprice with aluminum wheels.”
    “I can tell you that the wheels match, but I don’t have a clue who owns the car. I haven’t been able to find anything left of a tag, Chief.”
    “I’m sure the lab can find the VIN number and can tell us a lot more.”
    Pat was convinced these cases were somehow related, but could tell that Mike Logan was upset about bringing Sparky McGregor into the investigation. After the briefing was over, Pat asked Bryan and Mike to remain. Mike’s face started to turn red.
    “Mike, this is your time on the stump. What do you have against working with Sparky?”
    “I didn’t say a word, Chief.”
    “You didn’t have to say anything. It was written all over your sarcastic expression.”
    “Okay then, we’re working a cop murder. Why do we have to clutter it up with the damn Fire Marshals?”
    “Because it involves a fatal arson, and Sparky McGregor is as good as it gets.” 
    “It’s just that after nine-eleven they took all the glory. We lost guys too, but it was all about them.”
    “Mike, you need to recognize that we’re in the twenty-first century now, and we need each other. I’ll not put up with anything but strong teamwork and professionalism in this case. I’ll reassign you if I need to.”
    “That won’t be necessary, Chief. I promise you that I’ll make it work.”
    “I trust this will be the last time we talk about this.”
    “Yes sir. I’m sorry.”
    Bryan and Pat put together a list of things to be done, including checking for video cameras and more canvassing by the task force. They agreed that they would convene the entire task force back at 1500 hours on Thursday before they invaded Queens. Dickie dropped Pat off at his high-rise at 0200 hours.
     

     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 23
     
    Thursday, April 8-Day 7
    Chief of Detectives’ Residence
    Borough of Manhattan, New York
    1000 Hours
     
     
    Pat loved the rare chance to sleep late. He left a message for Angie Wilson letting her know that he would be out of the office until mid-afternoon when the task force was to meet, and that tonight would be the operation in Queens. He poured a cup of coffee, glanced at the Times, and decided that he would get some much needed time on his trumpet. He had built a small soundproof room in an extra bedroom where he could practice without disturbing anyone. He spent about an hour playing scales and trumpet fundamentals before putting the horn down.
    The phone rang, and Pat grabbed it.
    “Morning, Chief, George McBain here.”
    “Good morning, George, whatcha got?”
    “We recovered some DNA from Tony’s jacket. We have a profile. It isn’t his wife’s. I have entered it into CODIS, but so far we haven’t gotten a hit.”
    “I appreciate the update, George, and we’ll talk more at the task force meeting.”
    “See you then, Chief.”
    Pat went through his mountain of email and then showered and dressed. Dickie picked him up, and they headed toward One PP.
    “I think we might catch a break tonight, Dickie. I can feel it.”
    “Sounds like the rabbit may surface tonight after all.”
    “Don’t count on it, but we’re going to shake the damned briar patch.”
    Pat and Dickie stopped for a sandwich before getting into the office