Case 4 - The Ball

Case 4 - The Ball(jpater) Tina Cassidy, the day shift dispatcher, came into the communication office. Ola, the swing shift dispatcher was on duty. “I guess you had to cover graveyard last night,” said Tina. Thinking she was relieving Ola. “They called me to come in and cover your shift,” said Ola. Tina had a surprised look on her face. “The Captain called a meeting to be held at the auditorium and he wants you there,” said Ola.

Tina went to the auditorium. The Police Commissioners, the city council, the mayor, the Special Investigation Task Force, reserve officers, and off duty police officers were there. Tina sat down at the table where Inspector J.P. Bullet, Harvey Lucas, Antonio Perez, and Rebella Howard were sitting. “What is going on?” Tina whispered to J.P. “I don’t know. They told us that there was a meeting at the auditorium and that they wanted us here,” said J.P.

Captain Graves went to the podium. “I want to thank everybody who came. A few months ago the crime rate was soaring. With the chief’s approval, I formed the Special Investigation Task Force. In less than a month, they have helped lower the crime rate and recapture one of New York City’s most notorious crime bosses. Because of the success of the task force, we are now going to make it a permanent division at the 169th Precinct. We are also going to be adding a new member to the team. J.P., will you please step up here.” J.P. went up to the podium. “Two years ago, this 21 year old young lady came into my office. She was young and eager and wanted to go to the police academy. I saw potential in this young lady. So, I agreed to sponsor her so she could go to the academy. After graduating from the academy, she started working in the communication division, where she has worked there for two years. As Dispatcher, she has gone above and beyond her call of duty and I know she will do the same for the Special Investigation Division. The newest addition to the Special Investigation Division is Ms. Tina Cassidy,” said Captain Graves. Tina was surprised and was trying to hold back tears of excitement. Everybody in the room stood up and started clapping. Tina went up to the podium where Captain Grave gave her the Detective badge.

Alister Crane was in the back of a limousine smoking a cigar and reading the morning paper. “Absolutely sickening!” Alister shouted. “What is wrong sir?” asked Smalley, the limo driver. “I paid good money to get him out of prison and he got caught again. Darn Him!” shouted Alister angrily. “What are you going to do about it, sir?” asked Smalley. “What do you think I am going to do Mr. Smalley? I get rid of those that cause me to lose money,” said Alister. The limo stopped at a red light and Alister rolled the window partially down, threw the cigar and rolled the window back up. He lit another cigar and went back to reading the paper. Alister read an article in the paper. “Smalley! Listen to this! There is going to be a Ball Friday Night. Tickets are $100.00 at the door. There is going to be wealthy people there. That means money and jewelry,” said Alister. He picked up the mobile phone and called Boomer, a vile henchman and the leader of a group of robbers that Alister called his clean up crew.

At the 169th Precinct, Captain Graves met with J.P. Harvey, Antonio, Rebella and Tina. “There is going to be a City Ball to raise money for the needy. The chief is concerned that Alister may be planning something. We are going to have the patrol division watching the streets, which means there is not going to be any security at the ball. That's where the 5 of you come in. You will be working undercover to provide security.”
After the meeting was over J.P. Harvey, Antonio, Rebella and Tina went into detective’s office. “Here’s the plan: I, Tina, Harvey and Rebella will be working undercover as couples. Antonio, you will be stationed next to the back exit in case we have to get people out of there,” said J.P. “What about our weapons?” asked Harvey. “I have a bag and we could put them in it and set it next to Antonio,” said Rebella. “Good idea,” said J.P.

It was Friday evening. J.P. and Tina were standing next to the table with the food and punch on it. Harvey and Rebella were out dancing and Antonio was stationed by the exit door. Antonio heard a noise outside. He peeked outside and saw the clean up crew coming around the building headed for the front door. “The redcoats are coming!” shouted Antonio. “Start getting the people out of here,”said J.P.

Alister was watching from a distance with binoculars. “They are fixing to enter Mr. Smalley,” said Alister with an evil grin on his face.

J.P., Tina, Harvey and Rebella got behind a table and got down where they were not visible. Antonio handed Harvey the bag with their service revolvers. He motioned for the guests that had not safely exited the building to get down behind a table for their protection. Antonio went over to the light switch and dimmed the lights.

Alister’s clean up crew was fixing to make entry when the lights went dim. They backed away from the door and waited for Boomer to give them further instructions.

Looking through his binoculars, Alister noticed that the lights went dim. “Let’s get out of here Mr. Smalley,” said Alister getting into the limousine. Alister and Mr. Smalley left unnoticed.

Boomer gave the orders to make entry. They entered the building. Inside the building, Boomer and henchmen looked in all directions. They were in a state of confusion and wondering what was going to happen next. When they entered the room where the ball was being held, Antonio very carefully and quietly rose up and turned the lights on bright. J.P. and the others arose from behind the table with their service revolvers drawn. “We are the police and you are all under arrest!” shouted J.P. Boomer and the henchmen put their hands in the air. Antonio motioned that it was safe for the guest to come out from hiding.

Additional units were called to the scene. Boomer and the other henchmen were transported to jail.

When the ball was over and everyone had left except J.P. Harvey, Antonio, Rebella and Tina. J.P. went up to the d.J. and gave him a $20.00 bill. “Could you play a couple of slow songs?” asked J.P. The d.j. started playing and J.P. went up to Tina and took her hand. “May I have this dance?” asked J.P. They went out on the dance floor. Rebella tapped Harvey on the shoulder. “I told you they had the hots for each other,” said Rebella. “I think they make a cute couple,” said Antonio. “Well, there is no need to waste the evening. Rebella, may, I have this dance?” asked Harvey. Harvey and Rebella went out onto the dance floor.

Monday morning at the 169th precinct, Ola, Rebella and Tina were talking. J.P. entered the room. Tina went over and poured him a cup of coffee. He took it. Ola and Rebella turned their backs pretending not to be watching. J.P. kissed Tina on the cheek and left. Tina put a big smile on her face and went over to pour herself a cup of coffee. Not paying attention to what she was doing, she started pouring coffee on the desk rather than in the cup. “Man!” said Tina realizing what she was doing. Rebella went over. “Don’t worry I will clean it up,” said Rebella taking the coffee pot from Tina. She poured Tina a cup of coffee. Tina left the room. Ola looked at Rebella. “Are they?” asked Ola. “If you are asking if they are in love with each other, the answer is yes,” said Rebella.

Inspector J.P. Bullet was walking down the hall to the detective’s office. Captain Graves walked up beside him. “Martha, the organizer of the ball called me this morning. She said that the guest thought it was a show and they made additional donations. She was wondering if you and the others could come to another ball and put on a show,” said Captain Graves. J.P. laughed at what was said. “Not a chance,” said J.P. as he turned the doorknob to the detective’s office.