Becoming Quinn

21

When Jake arrived at work, he was directed back to the same meeting room where his suspension had been handed out the previous day. Walking down the hall, he passed other officers he knew, but it didn’t take a psychology major to see that word of his current situation had spread. Most of the officers avoided his gaze, while those who didn’t gave him looks of pity or contempt.

Was what he’d done really so horrible? He hadn’t actually interfered with the investigation. What he’d been doing was looking into an angle no one else would have even considered. It wasn’t like he was a dirty cop or anything. He’d been trying to be a good cop. That’s all.

When he opened the door, he expected to find only Sergeant Stroop. And while the sergeant was there, so was Commander Ashworth, and a man Jake didn’t know.

“Have a seat, Oliver,” Sergeant Stroop said.

The three of them were sitting on one side of the table. A single chair for Jake was on the other. He pulled it out and sat down.

“Before we get started, I’m not sure you know Kenneth Myers,” the commander said, indicating the man Jake hadn’t recognized. “He’s the PLEA representative.” PLEA was the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, the local officers’ version of a union.

Jake exchanged a quick nod with the man.

“We’ve had several discussions since we talked with you yesterday,” the commander began. “And in light of new information, we’ve come to a decision.”

“What new information?” Jake asked.

“Jake Oliver, we are here to inform you that as of…” Pausing, the commander glanced at the clock on the wall. “Four minutes past noon, Wednesday, May 22^nd, your services are no longer required by the Phoenix Police Department.”

“What?” Jake couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.

“Consider yourself lucky, Mr. Oliver, that you’re only terminated and not arrested.”

“But…but I didn’t—”

“You can appeal the decision through PLEA.” The commander looked over at Myers, who’d been nodding throughout the conversation.

“You can do that, yes,” Myers said. “But my advice would be to just move on, son. Some people just aren’t meant for this line of work. No shame in that.”

Fired? Not meant for this line of work?

Forget all that. Forget it! Berit. Remember Berit.

Jake halted his slide into a numbness that threatened to consume him, and said, “Sir.”

“What is it?” the commander asked, sounding like he’d been hoping Jake would meekly accept the circumstances and leave.

“I have reason to believe another officer is in danger.”

Suddenly he had everyone’s attention.

“What are you talking about?” Sergeant Stroop asked. “Who?”

“Officer Davies, ma’am. Berit Davies. I believe she’s missing. I found her—”

“Mr. Oliver,” the sergeant said. “Officer Davies has asked for and been granted a leave of absence to deal with a death in her family.”

“A death in her family? But—”

“I think this meeting is over,” Commander Ashworth said. “Mr. Oliver, I’m told your things have been boxed up and will be waiting for you at the desk on your way out.”

He barely heard the commander’s words. “Officer Davies doesn’t have any fam—”

“That’s enough, Mr. Oliver,” the commander said, standing. “If you feel the need to make more of this, talk to Mr. Myers. But as far as I’m concerned we’re finished here.”

Ashworth walked around the table, followed by Stroop and Myers. Jake watched in disbelief as the commander walked out the door. Before Sergeant Stroop could do the same, Jake said, “Wait!”

The sergeant looked over. “Yes?”

“Sergeant Stroop, did you personally talk to Berit?”

“That’s department business, and you are no longer a member of this department.”

He could see the answer in her eyes, though. She hadn’t talked directly to Berit. He was willing to bet no one had.

The sergeant’s face softened a bit. “You’re young, Jake. You’ll find something else.”

She left.

Myers, who had been waiting behind her, stopped in the doorway. “I trust there won’t be an appeal.”

“No,” Jake said, knowing there was no future for him in the Phoenix PD even if he should somehow win.

“I thought not.”