Free New York Chief of Detectives by Gary Hastings Page B

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