That summer was a blur for Lane. He had to unlearn everything he’d learned in the academy and learn Slattery’s way of policing. Rule number one –– the law was whatever was convenient for Slattery. Rule number two –– when in doubt, refer to rule number one. Rule number three –– when rules number one or two don’t work, it was okay if people disappeared.
One of Lane’s first encounters with the rules occurred on their third patrol. It was just past 2 am and Slattery had been making him drive every shift, all shift. He said it was important to know their beat inside out. They pulled up behind a late model sports car with out of district plates. “Light him up,” Slattery commanded. “For what?” Lane asked. “Just do it,” Slattery said, his voice going deep, “we’re not calling this in.”
Lane activated the lights and gave a quick woo-woo with the siren. The driver pulled to the curb and stopped. Brock got out slowly and walked to the driver’s window while Lane stood on the sidewalk and covered him.
“Hello sir, what brings you to this part of town?” Slattery asked the driver. “May I ask why you pulled me over officer?” the driver asked. “No, actually you may not. I’m gonna ask you again –– what brings you to this part of town?” Slattery repeated, shining his flashlight directly in the man’s eyes.
“Officer, I don’t know what the problem is, I’m just driving back to my hotel,” the driver stammered. “The problem is you’re in my part of town and I want to know why,” Slattery said coldly. “Get out of the car now.”
Lane watched from the sidewalk, puzzled by what was happening.
“Officer, I haven’t done anything!”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Slattery reached into the car and pulled the handle, opening the door. He stepped back and said “Get out and keep your hands where I can see them.”
The driver stepped out nervously. Slattery gestured to Lane “Cuff him and sit him on the sidewalk.” Once the driver was cuffed Slattery beckoned Lane to the sports car. “10 to 1 odds there will be something illegal in here. These out of towners only come here to get hooked up.”
They searched the car, quickly finding about ten baggies of white powder in the glove compartment. “Coke my friend,” Slattery said. “I think we’re good here.”
Walking back to the driver, Slattery said “We found your stuff, looks like you’re in a bit of trouble.” “This is an illegal search, you had no right to pull me over!” the driver exclaimed.
Slattery grabbed the driver’s shirt and pulled him face to face, “So you’re a smart guy huh? You come into MY neighborhood and now you’re telling ME the rules?”
“This is how it’s going to work buddy. We’re going to take your ID. We’re going to take your cash. We’re going to take your coke. If you decide to get funny, someone’s gonna pay you a visit Now you can get in your car and leave in one piece or you can make your life difficult. What’s it gonna be?”
“I’ll leave,” the driver whimpered.
“Smart decision.”
The man got back into his car and drove slowly into the night. Slattery chuckled and told Lane “We’ve got lunch money for the week, and I didn’t even have to break anything.”
The next time they pulled someone over late at night, the driver wasn’t as cooperative. Slattery dragged him out of the car and into a nearby alley. Lane heard grunts and groans as Slattery worked the stranger over. As Slattery emerged from the alley with a feral look on his face, he told Lane “That dude took option B. Not very bright.” Dialling a number on his phone, he mumbled “I got a car and a body over at 4th and Harlowe. Gonna need you to clean up and the car’s on me.”
Thus began Lane’s education…this was going to be awesome.
