GOTU - A Robin Marlette Novel by Mike McNeff Read Free Book Online Page B

brief Ernie Jackson and his two men on the case to date. The men's flashing eyes and broad grins showed their obvious excitement. Good cops always want to get the big fish. Robin's faith in these men as good cops had paid off before. He could see it paying off again.
    Necessarily, Ernie Jackson's enthusiasm for the Guardians' new case came from a different perspective than the men of his squad. While assisting the Guardians on a short-term basis did not pose a problem, committing his squad to a long-term investigation did. It took the brass to approve a long-term commitment. Ernie wanted to be on this case, so he had to sell it to his brass. Even though he could see the Guardians latched on to one hell of a case, selling his brass on working with the Guardians would not be easy.
    In the past cases when Victor Thirty-Two squad worked with the Guardians, the results were always great. The cases were also laced with controversy, however, and very few high-ranking officers want controversy—especially when the case is initiated by another department. Everybody knew taking down the big fish meant inquiries from political figures. These suspects used the high-powered lawyers and the political connections to cause interference. Since some high-ranking police officers harbored the fragile dream of successfully running for political office after retirement, to them controversy floated like a fart in the car on the first date. So, Ernie had his work cut out for him. As he listened to Robin, he planned his approach to the Phoenix Police brass.
    Ernie's and Robin's squads began training together on a regular basis when the Phoenix PD gave Ernie's squad functions similar to Robin's. The men soon became a tight-knit group. Robin and Ernie became close personal friends and did family outings together. Soon the two squads were doing joint investigations with the FBI and U.S. Customs, with the Guardians and Victor Thirty-Two squad forming the core of the investigative team. By the intensity of the fire burning in Robin's eyes this day, Ernie knew the new case looked to be the largest joint investigation yet. When Robin and Emmett finished bringing the Phoenix officers up to date on the case, Rocky let out a low whistle.
    “Ol' Miguel is going to be one pissed off son of a bitch.”
    “You're right, Rock,” said Robin. “There is no doubt he'll be throwing shit into the game.”
    “Fuck Rodriguez,” growled Ernie. “We're all trained on how to handle assholes like him. It's the other targets that are going to make my brass real nervous about letting us get involved in this shindig.”
    “Aw, come on, Sarge,” said Marv angrily. “There's no way you can let those bastards keep us out of this case.”
    “Whose side are you on?” Ernie asked Marv with a pained voice.
    “Marv's right, ya ol' fart,” chided Robin. “You know you can pull it off. You always have before.”
    “Yeah, and that's why I've got gray hair and ulcers and you're no help either, asshole,” said Ernie, pointing an accusing finger at Robin.
    By now everybody in the room laughed at Ernie's perceived predicament. Ernie looked around and then hung his shaking head in frustrated resignation. This made everyone laugh louder. Robin laughed so hard tears were welling in his eyes. A forceful knock at the door connecting the adjoining room interrupted the laughter. Emmett jumped up and opened the door, revealing a haggard and bleary-eyed Newman standing in his underwear.
    “Am I going to get some sleep or are you guys just going to fuck with me?”
    “It's okay, buddy,” said Emmett, “You needed to be up to meet these guys anyway.”
    Emmett introduced Ernie, Rocky, and Marv to Newman, who acknowledged the introduction with a wave and a grunt.
    “Can you guys keep it down so I can get some sleep now?” Newman asked in a surly tone.
    “Yeah buddy, hit the rack,” replied Emmett.
    Newman turned and shuffled off toward his bed as Emmett closed the door gently