New York Chief of Detectives (9 page)

“Do you really think Rodriguez killed this snitch?”

“Absolutely not, but I suspect that the perp that killed Tony took the Glock and then killed Curtis Gee.”

“That seems likely.”

“The problem is that the bureaucrats in One PP will be all over this, and Tony’s reputation will be destroyed forever. I want to prevent that and I think you can help.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“I’m not asking you to do anything illegal or unethical. It’s actually just the opposite. Since you have prosecutorial jurisdiction, I want you to issue an order to my task force and everyone in the brass loop at One PP, not to release this information, because it may damage your ability to eventually prosecute the case. I want you to go so far as to tell them that if this information leaks out, you’ll have it investigated criminally and lock up the person who released it, for obstruction of justice. It may just scare them enough to keep it quiet. There are more press leaks in One PP than in Noah’s Ark. Can you help me?”

Richard Chambers walked away from the table and looked out the window overlooking lower Manhattan.

“If this’ll help you catch the killer. I’ll do it. When does it need to happen?”

Pat looked at his watch.

“In about ten minutes. The brass will be filing in soon along with my task force.”

“I appreciate the advanced notice, Pat. What if I’d said no?”

“I knew you wouldn’t.”

At 0800 hours, Pat and Chambers walked into the Major Crimes Conference Room. In addition to the task force, they were joined by Commissioner Longstreet, Harry Doogin, the First Deputy Police Commissioner and a few aides. The conference room was quite packed. There was a general buzz of chatter in the room, but only the task force knew what they were going to find out.  Pat walked to the podium.

“Good morning everyone, I appreciate you being here so early at short notice. There have been some developments in our investigation of the murder of Tony Rodriguez that I need to share with you, but before I begin, we have Richard Chambers with us, the Queens County District Attorney. The task force has been working our investigation in cooperation with Queens County, and DA Chambers has a few words for us.”

“Thank you, Chief O’Connor. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chief of Detectives’ office on this investigation. This is a very sensitive and complicated case. We are far from bringing this case to a conclusion, but we’re making investigative progress. There’s a lot of interest in this case from the media, but you guys have appropriately been very careful about not releasing too much information. The information being released today to you is considered peak information and cannot be publically released.  Therefore, as District Attorney of Queens County, I’m ordering each of you not to divulge this information to anyone outside this room. I’m certain that you will understand and comply with this direction, but I want you to understand that if this information is inappropriately released, my office will initiate criminal charges for obstruction of justice. I have faith that the task force will reach a successful conclusion in this case. Thank you for your time this morning and I’ll turn the briefing back over to the Chief of D’s.”

Richard Chambers warning had turned up the heat quite a bit. There were several in the room who were noticeably angered by the warning, including Police Commissioner Longstreet, who was visibly red in the face. Several of the aides looked very uncomfortable as well, and Pat’s gut told him that they were the most likely sources of all the One PP leaks.

“Thank you, Mr. DA. I assure you that we understand and will comply with your wishes. All of you are aware that we’ve been immersed in our investigation of Detective Rodriguez’s murder since last Saturday morning, and that it has been very difficult to develop significant leads. The last person that Rodriguez talked to was an informant by the name of Curtis Gee. On Monday morning, my detectives went to his residence in Queens where he was found dead, with two 9 mm gunshot wounds to the head. Ballistics has now confirmed that the two slugs were fired from Rodriguez’s Glock 19, which is still missing. We believe that it’s likely that the suspect who murdered Rodriguez took the Glock and then killed Gee.  However, due to these developments, I’ve asked Chief Doogin to assign an IAB team to assist in our investigation. If there are further developments, I’ll let you know. We’ve still not located Detective Rodriguez’s police car. Thanks again for your presence and your support. Commissioner, do you have anything?”

Robert Longstreet stood up. He was still red-faced.

“I appreciate the DA and Chief O’Connor’s work on this investigation, and I pledge the support of the entire New York City Police Department in bringing this case to justice. We need to do what we have been asked to do and get this investigation properly closed. Good luck to the task force.”

The meeting broke up and Longstreet said four words to Pat.

“My office, fifteen minutes!”

Pat did not think he was inviting him for milk and cookies. He responded, “Yes sir, I’ll be there.”

CHAPTER 17

Wednesday, April 7-Day 6

Police Commissioner’s Office- One Police Plaza

Borough of Manhattan, New York

0900 Hours

Pat
had half a cup of coffee and made his way to the 14th floor to the commissioner’s office. He walked past the secretaries and went directly to Longstreet’s office. The commissioner was standing in the door and motioned Pat inside. He slammed the door and pointed for Pat to have a seat in front of his desk.

“Patrick O’Connor, I can’t believe that stunt you pulled in there with the Queens DA You set us all up and forced me to have to support you. You never said one word to me about it, and I was caught cold. You can’t imagine what it’ll be like when I tell the mayor that I can’t discuss the case with him.”

“I’m not being disrespectful, Commissioner, but why does the mayor need to know this until the professionals have completed their investigation?”

“Damn it, Patty, you don’t have a clue about the politics in this city.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I do understand the politics all too well, and that’s why I want no part of it.”

“Don’t be self-righteous with me and cop an attitude, Patrick O’Connor! You know the grief I get. I could remove you from command for this if I chose to. You have disrespected everyone in that room, including me.” 

“So, Commissioner, are you through telling me all my shortcomings, so I can get back to work?”

“Damn it Patty, this is what I’m talking about. You don’t understand.” 

“Can I speak now?” Pat asked, his voice tinged with anger.

“I suppose so, because you’ll do it anyway.”

Pat paused for a few seconds, collected his thoughts, and then calmly began to speak.

“First of all, Commissioner, my intentions weren’t to embarrass anyone. My intentions were two-fold. It was first of all to protect the integrity of this investigation, and secondly, to protect the reputation of a very distinguished member of the force, who gave his life protecting this city. You know that there are more leaks among the top brass and their aides at One PP than there are fish in the Hudson River or yellow cabs in Manhattan. Every major investigation gets leaked from the top, and nothing is done by you or anyone else to stop it. Well, today we put some teeth into stopping it, at least in this case.” 

“You just can’t generalize like that, Patty.”

“You said you would listen to me, Commissioner.”

“Okay, go ahead.”

Pat stood up and looked out the window and then turned facing the commissioner.

“If you try to run this department in a manner where the goal is pleasing the mayor and the politicians, you’ll soon fail. Our only goal here is to solve this case, and find out who killed our guy and hopefully, his snitch. We cannot compromise this case just to keep you in good graces at Gracie Mansion. If you want to use your position as p. c. to boost your political ambitions, then listen carefully. It’s always politically correct to arrest murder suspects, especially cop-killers. I’m focused on the task at hand. I know you’re pissed, but if you let me do this my way, we’ll clear this case and maybe put a feather in your cap at the same time. Now, can I get back to work?”

“Get the hell out of here, Patty, and catch this bastard.”

Pat walked out the door as Chief of Department Charles Abernathy was walking in. Chief Abernathy could tell that Longstreet was frustrated.

“The last time I checked, I’m the five-star Police Commissioner of the largest police department in the United States, and I just had my ass chewed out by my three-star Chief of Detectives.” 

“If you want me to nail him, I will, Boss. Pat O’Connor is not untouchable.”

“No, don’t say a word to him. The truth of the matter is that Pat’s right, and he’s one of the few people at One PP who knows how to stay focused. He doesn’t care who gets in the way. He stays on track and isn’t even fazed by the politics of this city. He’ll catch this killer, I’m certain, if the rest of us can stay out of his way. He is the best Chief of Detectives we’ve had in a long while, and he knows it. I must admit I trust him.”

“You and I both trust him, but he’s a pain in the ass.”

After discreetly listening outside the commissioner’s door, Pat smiled, walked back to his office, and asked Angie Wilson to come in.

“Hello, Chief. How did it go with the commissioner?” Angie asked.

“About like I expected, but I still have a job.”

“How can I help you?”

“Is Mike in town?”

“Yes, he’s working.”

“Would you call him and see if he can make some time for me this afternoon?”

“Sure. Any particular time?”

“The sooner the better!”

CHAPTER 18

Wednesday, April 7-Day 6

Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Borough of Manhattan, New York

1500 Hours

The
New York office of the FBI is located less than a half mile from One Police Plaza. Situated beside Thomas Payne Park, it would be an easy walk. However, Pat O’Connor opted to have Dickie Davis drive him over, in case there was a break in the case. Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Mike Wilson had agreed to meet him at 1500 hours. Pat walked in alone and approached the security checkpoint manned by uniformed FBI Police Officers. These officers provide security for the FBI Building and have police powers on federal property. An officer spoke to Pat.

“Sir, how may I help you?”

Pat flashed his shield and credentials.

“I’m Patrick O’Connor, NYPD Chief of Detectives, here to see ASAC Mike Wilson.” 

Pat was directed to walk through the magnetometers, which immediately sounded an alarm.

“Sir, are you armed?”

“Of course I’m armed!” 

Several of the uniformed officers surrounded Pat. The original officer looked directly at Pat.

“This is a federal facility, and only federal officers are allowed to carry weapons in this building.” 

“The last time I checked, we’re still in the City of New York and I am the NYPD Chief of Detectives, but if you insist, I’m also a federal officer!”

Pat reached in his suit pocket, pulled out a black leather credentials case and handed it to the annoying officer. Opening it, he saw a silver circled star badge and credentials identifying Patrick O’Connor as a Special Deputy United States Marshal. The officer showed his obvious frustration and let out a deep sigh,

“What is this? I thought you worked for the NYPD.”

“I do, but a number of the personnel assigned to me serve on various federal task forces and are cross-sworn federally. As their boss, I’m also cross-sworn as a U. S. Marshal. Now will you please have your ASAC come to the lobby?”

“Yes sir, but do you know I could have arrested you for passing through that metal detector carrying a weapon?”

“Funny officer, that you mention the word arrest. I have a question for you. Have you ever arrested anyone before? Now don’t lie to me, because I know you FBI types are honest.”

The officer was speechless.

“I didn’t think so, and I doubt seriously if you’re going to arrest me. Next time, just ask me if I’m armed. I promise I’ll tell you.”

Mike Wilson walked up and greeted Pat.

“Good afternoon, Chief, it’s good to see you. Having a nice time talking to the uniforms?”

“Let’s just put it this way. We were coming to understand each other.”

Pat was given a visitor’s ID to clip on his pocket. He and Mike entered the elevator going to the 23rd floor.

They walked into Mike Wilson’s office, which was about a third the size of Pat’s office. He saw the pictures of Angie on the credenza behind his desk.

“Those are great photographs of Angie. She’s a real jewel and does a marvelous job.”

“She loves working with you, Pat, and thinks you’re not only a great boss, but a magnificent investigator.”

“Well, I don’t know about all of that, but I do try to surround myself with the best people, including your wife.  I’ll get straight to the point, Mike. We’re working a double homicide involving an NYPD Detective and a snitch named Curtis Gee. We’re having little progress and haven’t developed a true suspect.” 

“Angie has been keeping me up to speed on this, Pat. What is it that you want the FBI to do?” 

“The murdered cop is Anthony Rodriguez, who worked in the Organized Crime Control Bureau. He was found last Saturday morning, dumped in a parking lot in Queens. His police car hasn’t been found as of yet and we need help locating it.”

“Have you put it in NCIC?”

“Give me a break. Of course, we’ve done that. We’ve also broadcasted an alert to all law enforcement in the eastern seaboard of the United States, with no luck.” 

“We can make sure all the federal agencies in New York are aware of this.”

“Once again, Mike we’ve done all of the normal things.  I’m well aware of the extensive use the Joint Terrorism Task Force is making of the LPR’s or License Plate Readers. I want to get the tag on the missing police car added to the database, so that we can try to locate it if it’s moving.”

“I’d like to help you Pat, but you have no evidence that this is related to terrorism.”

“We have no evidence that it’s not related to terrorism. Every time I go to an FBI terrorism seminar, you guys talk about terrorists targeting public officials and what a priority it is to notify the JTTF of any stolen or missing police uniforms or equipment. Does that sound vaguely familiar, Mike?” 

“It does, but I just don’t think that this case meets the criteria.”

“I think the FBI likes to be on the receiving end of information, but always hesitates when it comes time to give out information.  If you’re going to maintain that hard FBI line, then I’m asking you to do it for me as a personal favor. Once we catch the guy, he won’t know how we caught him. So it turns out he wasn’t a terrorist, no big deal, we still get our man and better yet, a cop-killer is off the street.”    

Mike Wilson was reluctant to honor Pat’s request.

“You know we get a lot of grief from these left wingers over the Patriot Act and invasion of privacy.  They compare us to the Nazi Gestapo. We have to be careful. I’d like to help, but I just don’t know if I can.”

“What would you do if it were an FBI Agent that was murdered? Do you think I’d say ‘no’ if you asked me to help you?”

There was a long pause and then Mike stood up and looked out the window over Thomas Payne Park.

“Every day we wonder when we’ll be attacked again and we have to play by the rules, while the terrorists and perps have no rules. This is the kind of thing that Washington is nervous about.”

“Okay, then let’s cut to the bottom line.  Will you help me?”

Mike Wilson slowly took in a deep breath and exhaled it. 

“Of course I’ll help you, Pat. I don’t want you to transfer my wife to third watch in uniform. Give me the information.”

Pat handed Mike the folder with all the information in it.

“I owe you, Mike. I really hope this works, and I never said anything about your decision affecting Angie.”

“I know you didn’t, Pat. It was a light-hearted comment. I’ll enter the tag myself in a few minutes.”   

Pat shook hands with Mike Wilson and headed for the elevators. He walked out into the lobby and saw the FBI Police Officer turning a little red and trying to avoid eye contact. Pat walked over to him and decided to give him a break.

“I appreciate you being so vigilant today. If I were a terrorist, I wouldn’t try anything when you’re working.”

Pat reached in his pocket and handed the officer a miniature NYPD Detective’s shield. The officer smiled, and Pat walked away.

CHAPTER 19

Wednesday, April 7-Day 6

Thomas Payne Park

Borough of Manhattan, New York

1600 Hours

Pat
decided to walk back to One PP and get a breath of fresh air. He only hoped that the high-tech assistance from the FBI would work. He didn’t know exactly where the LPR’s were placed, but he had a pretty good idea. The NYPD took the lead role on terrorism in New York and did a lot of things independently from the FBI. There were still a lot of hard feelings toward the “First Bunch of Idiots” (FBI) after September 11, 2001. Most people believed the Bureau had held back information from the NYPD that something major was about to go down. Pat had learned to get along with them and had good contacts like Mike Wilson in most of the federal agencies.

Pat’s phone vibrated and he grabbed it sitting down on a bench.

“Pat O’Connor.” 

“Hi, Pat, it’s Caroline Rodriguez. Is there something going on that I don’t know about?”

“What do you mean?”

“I just got a visit from two Internal Affairs Detectives. They wanted me to sign consent forms for them to search our computer and look at our bank records. They weren’t nasty or anything, but I told them that your detectives had already taken the computer. I just can’t imagine what they’re looking for. We don’t have anything to hide.”

“They’re just covering the bases. Did you give them what they asked for?”

“I didn’t feel like I had a choice. Did I do something wrong?”

“No, Caroline, it’ll probably be the easiest way to go, since there’s nothing to hide.”

“Don’t try to shelter me, Pat.  I need a straight answer. Was Tony involved in something?”

“I’m certain he wasn’t involved in anything improper. I know we’re not making very quick progress, but we’ll solve this in due time.” 

“I’m sure that’ll be the case, but all this uncertainty is driving me nuts.”

“Stay in touch, Caroline. Call me if you need anything, and I’ll keep you posted if anything develops.”

Pat stuck the phone back in his jacket, feeling a little guilty about not telling her about Curtis Gee, but he wanted to follow what he asked the others to do.

While sitting on the bench, Pat got a whiff of hot dogs and spotted a street vender. He was hungry and walked over.

“Is that chili I smell?”

“It’s the best in New York.”

“I can’t stand relish or sauerkraut on a hot dog!” 

“These are southern style hot dogs with mustard, slaw, onions, and chili. How many do you want?”

“Better make it two and a soda.”

Pat returned to the bench and devoured the hot dogs.

While walking back to One PP, he wondered what he could do to get some momentum going in this case. He called Bryan Flannery on his cell phone.

“Flannery.” 

“This is O’Connor. Are you in the building?”

“Yes sir.”

“Meet me in my office in about 15 minutes.” 

“I’ll be there, Chief.”

When Pat walked back in his office suite, Bryan Flannery was waiting.

“What’s up, Chief? I can tell the wheels are turning.”

Bryan Flannery had worked around Pat O’Connor long enough to sense that he had an idea.

“Let’s go in my office.” Pat instructed.

They sat down at the conference table.

“The lack of progress in this case is killing me. We can’t even find those stupid blue tortilla chips, let alone Tony’s car and gun.” Pat said in frustration.

“I know you want this case solved badly, but I’ve learned from you to be patient.” 

“I hate it when people use my own stuff against me.”

Bryan laughed.

“You’ve always been my teacher. What do you want to do?”

“Tomorrow night I want to pull together all the resources possible and saturate Queens looking for that police car, as well as this possible suspect’s early 90’s Chevy Caprice. Let’s see if we can get SOD to help and maybe even do some roadblocks and hand out as many flyers as possible. Let’s just shake the bushes, until we create some leads. Let’s meet at 1800 hours and plan on working until’around 2 in the morning or even later if we need to.” 

“Okay, I’ll make it happen. I can see the rabbit coming.”

CHAPTER 20

Wednesday, April 7-Day 6

Chief of Detectives’ Office-One Police Plaza

Borough of Manhattan, New York

1730 Hours

Pat
spent most of the afternoon reviewing the entire Rodriguez case file. He desperately wanted to find something he had missed. He invited Mike Logan and Mary McDonald to come by the office to meet with him. They were joined by Flannery. They sat at the conference table in Pat’s office, and Pat opened the meeting.

“Mike, I really appreciate you guys coming in. I know you’re busy up to your eyeballs.”

“No problem, Chief. I’m sorry we haven’t made a collar.”