Shogun Series Bill's Side 11 Richard Pickett Story

(Continued from Bill's side 10“) "Never mind that. I know you well enough to know you know what you’re doing. Just stick with me and keep me informed especially on this one. I’ll give you as much leeway as I can. I got a hunch this case is going to be rough in more ways than one. Get me? I’ve been around a while. I didn’t come with this morning’s milk. The Captain and I already been discussing this one with the Commissioner. This vigilante thing is dangerous and already out of control.” Bill still didn’t know where this was going but at least so far he hadn’t been demoted to walking a beat. His hope and nerve was picking up. This Griggs guy was tough and had a rep for no bull. “Yeah, that’s wha ….” “Just shut up and listen, Sgt. Lipton. The Captain doesn’t want any part of that vigilante case. He wants a good record for an upcoming political agenda. That’s no secret. He doesn’t want anything to do with this case because he’s afraid it won’t get solved and his record will be stained with it. You just stick to what you’re supposed to be doing and keep your ear to the ground. From experience I know that vigilante.. if it’s just one,... isn’t going to work out his issues in just one precinct. Keep in touch with what’s going on while you’re on and off duty. If you got to check something out off the cuff, you are to ask me first. Get it? Mums the word to the Captain. If he hears anything about our talk I’ll deny every bit of it and you’ll be left holding the bag. Do you get my drift here Sgt.? ……… … .. …. “Cat got your tongue?” “No sir, I just…uh …yes sir I mean ….I get your drift.” “Good , I enjoyed our conversation…now haven’t you got someplace to go? It’s knock off time. I believe your up for mounty duty tomorrow.” “Yes, I believe I am. Is there anything else Lt Griggs?” “Yes, close the door on your way out.” Bill took his hat up off his knee, stood up and walked the three steps to the door when Lt Griggs said without looking up from his paper work on his desk, “Bill…? “Yes sir?” “ Glad to have you back“, he said with a more relaxed tone, “Now get outa here.” And he went back to his case file. Bill smiled, went to his office, traded his ball cap in for his Stetson and left the building mulling over what the Lt had and had not told him. (to be cont on Richard Pickett poetry site)