The Cop Killer (34 page)

“Why of course came the reply.

Jack answered.

“I donate it all to the Police Widows and Orphans Fund.

The call ended.

     It was Friday. Jack had one more visit to Chester Police museum he needed to collect his personal items.

He arrived collected his things when Sergeant Large said, “Mr Richards can you call in at the Police Station the Chief Super wants a word?"

Jack did as asked and on arrival, he was told to go himself to the boss’s office.

When he arrived, he knocked in the door and received “a come in Jack”.

He went inside the new boss the Chief Super accompanied by Doris stood to shake his hand.

Jack was thanked for his efforts.

Suddenly they could hear Striker outside he said

 “You Davies, is the black boy in?”

“Yes” came the reply

“I take it the Dink is with him, two handy buggers together”

The conversation in the office halted but nothing was said.

“Well Jack thank you I must close the meeting I am expecting visitors”.

“Thank you so much Chief Super Jinton,” said Jack

“Please Jack in future call me “Tabo”.

Jack left with Doris at his side, they entered the lift.

Once inside he said.

“Inspector before I leave a word of advice”.

“Yes please” she said.

“See those damn buttons on your shoulders are you aware what they really signify?”

“Why yes” she replied, “that I am an Inspector”

“Exactly” replied Jack “It is time you ought to remind Striker of that, and the rest”.

They walked into her office picked up his things shook hands and said good-bye.

As he was leaving her office and via the officers parading room to the exit, Striker thought he would have one final send off for this old cop.

He and the rest began to sing, the old song, “Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more”.

He walked on there was no visible response; save for a slight snigger it was assumed by the singers he had ignored their provocative chanting.

Suddenly the room was engulfed with a bellow

“You lot what the hell you think you are doing”

It was Inspector Scott-Ling, white faced with trembling lip, as she was about at long last to follow the advice of Jack the Hat.

“I say Ling, don’t you think it is time to put the tea on,” The melodious voice of Striker called out; there was a roar of laughter.

“What did you say to me?” How dare you speak to me in that tone”, she said.

“I say,” replied Striker “we are feeling our feet now aren’t we”

“Striker” she replied, “for once in your life shut up. I will tell you this only once if you continue with your current tone I will report you for investigation by the Professional Standards Department for gross professional misconduct.”

“Those of you who are smoking put out those filthy cigarettes immediately and in future do not let me see anyone smoking in this or any other part of the building contrary I might say to the law”.

There was now complete silence when she continued to lay down her authority finally.

“In future there will be discipline and good order on this shift.  When I or another senior officer enters the room on the first occasion of any day in which you are present you will stand.  You will refer to all senior officers above the rank of Sergeant as Sir or in the case of female senior officers it will be Madam or Maam, do I make myself clear?”

“Now regarding associates,” she added now in full flow “or visitors to this police station. You will address those persons with the same respect, Sir, Madam, Mr or Mrs do you hear me, this is a police station not some cheap pub”.

“In respect of Mr Richards, let me tell you gentlemen there is not a man here fit to polish his boots, you have no idea have you as to the calibre of older men and women, such as he and Mr Woodcock who have proved themselves to be.”

“But”, interrupted Striker.

She ignored him and continued

 “Striker you are a self opinionated bully will you keep quiet, I have not finished, I have put up with your abuse far too long, just for once in your life try for heavens sake to lead your subordinates by example.”

 “By the way you need a haircut and your shoes require polishing not to mention the crease in your trousers, get yourself tidy, lead by example.

I will continue”.

“Mr Richards has proved over 40 years of loyal police service to be a man of incomparable ability as a detective.”

At that, moment proceedings were interrupted when Chief Superintendent Tabo Jinton spoke.

“Mr Striker I have for some time heard and recorded the various comments you have been passing to Inspector Scott-Ling and of myself. I think they must have referred to me, being the only black boy here.”

 “May I now introduce to you Superintendent Hinton and Chief Inspector Rolands both of the force professional standards department”.

 If you would please accompany them to my office they have some documents to serve on you, oh please be certain to bring your warrant card with you”.

Jack the hat who had stopped outside the door on the pretext of looking for some non-existent item in his coat pockets walked quietly away along the corridor outside the parade room.

This old detective had a smile on his face as he passed the front office enquiry desk and outside heading for home and his beloved Anne and finally, retirement.

The police station front office civilian, Ted Barker, looked up, he saw no one. However, he was certain he heard a voice singing the song “Hit the road Jack”. Had he not known him better he would have sworn it was Mr Richards singing.

As for Striker Doris later told Jack that Striker had been suspended from duty pending a disciplinary hearing, she was summoned to attend. Rumour had it Striker, would be dismissed.

Doris later admitted she should have taken a stronger line initially with Striker, when perhaps all the abuse would have stopped from him and her other subordinates.

Some had commented on hearing the story, such events could never happen in the police service, generally they were correct of course.

This had been a one off, due of course to Striker; he was the villain and a bully.

She admitted to herself, a more firm line by her would have proved to make her life more tranquil.

Things would be different in future.

That evening, Jack sat in his study wondering if the case of the Six Dead Cops would be the last of his involvement with the police.

He was not to know that any of hopes of complete retirement or further involvement with his ex colleagues and not forgetting, Striker was only a pipe dream,

Still that is for another day.

Anne brought in the usual glass of sherry before dinner; he sat listening to the soft tranquil music and drifted into the land of nod.

The End

Maybe.