Kid Cop - Chapter 7
This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to anyone in real life is a coincidence.
Please let me know what you think - wep363@ameritech.net My Web Site http://wpstories.tripod.com/
This is a story of love, hope, and trust. It is not a sex story. However, this story deals with love between two male teenagers. If you are offended by stories involving love between two teenage boys, please do not read this story. There may be some sex scenes in this story; however, sex is not the main theme and will not be graphically described. If you are under age 18 or 21 or it is illegal to read this story where you live, don't get caught reading it. Reproducing this story for distribution without the owner's permission is a violation of the copyright.
It took most of the morning to sort through all the students, and their lockers. Roy started teaching the first high school class in his life 5th period. Only seniors take US government, as it's a required class. Roy went up to the chalkboard and wrote, 'Charles Brown' on the board. There were several snickers.
"You can tease me about my name if you like," stated Roy with a big smile on his face. "I'll only be filling in for your regular teacher for a day or two. The lesson plan indicates that today we were to review state rights. With all the distractions this morning it might be better to talk about individual rights. Back in the late 50's and early 60's a search like we had this morning was unthinkable. When I was in college that many police showing up at one time would have started a riot. Here's what I want to do. I don't know any of you so, going down each row - I want you to, one at a time, stand up and say your name, then write one word on the chalkboard that describes how you felt this morning."
Every student stood, said their name, walked to the front of the board, and wrote one word on the board. Roy made careful notes on each student. About a third of the class used words that described some kind of anger like 'mad' or 'pissed'. Another third of the class used works like 'unfair'. Some of the responses were very revealing to Roy. He spent about 20 minutes questioning each of them on their answers. "Miss Hurney, could you tell me why you felt violated," asked Roy.
"No one has a right to go through my personal things," replied Miss Hurney. "Isn't it illegal to search my locker without a search warrant?"
"Your locker isn't private property. However, what you put in it is. I suggest if you have to carry something that is embarrassing, carry it on you instead of putting it in yout locker. What you carry on you can't be searched unless there is probable cause. That's why the police used metal detectors and dogs to search the students. A police officer can't tell you to empty your pockets unless he has probable cause even though you are on public ground. Remember, if something happens to you, and you're killed, the contents of your locker and other personal items will be turned over to your parents. So as a rule don't carry anything that you would be embarrassed for them to see." Some of the boys snickered, bringing a smile to Roy's face. 'There's not a 17 or 18 year old boy alive that doesn't have a condom in his wallet.' Roy considered.
Roy wasn't surprised that some of the students even hinted about the fact that they knew about the raid in advance. By the end of the class he knew who had something to hide. He was able to get a similar response from the rest of his classes. His discussion with the principal after school confirmed what he already knew. A number of students were suspended for a few days for carrying pocketknives and several students were arrested for possession of small amounts of drugs, mainly marijuana. She said that the government teacher would remain off for the rest of the week. Then one of the social studies teachers would be ill for a week - then a gym teacher.
After walking into the DuPage County State Police office, Roy went into Don Miller's office like he owned the place and sat down across from him. "Catching these kids is going to be like taking candy from babies!" stated Roy confidently.
Sergeant Miller frowned. "Do you realize that in the various trash cans we confiscated 3 pistols, over a pound of marijuana, various other drugs, and weapons of every shape and description?"
"Realized? I saw them throwing it away. In class, some of them were even bragging about how they knew it was coming."
"Well," replied Don Miller, "now you see how effective our current methods are! By the way, your new team member is here." Don Miller picked up the phone and asked someone to come in his office. Roy was impressed with the size of the young officer. He had to be just over six feet tall and weighed around 200 pounds. "Officer Rick Lopez, this is federal agent Charles Brown. At least that's his working name. If he likes you, you can call him Roy. You are being assigned to him until further notice. Now go wait in my outer office until I'm finished with agent Brown."
After Rick Lopez left the office, Don Miller shook his head. "Here's his file. I've read it and I've talked to him for about a half hour earlier. The guy is smart. That seems to be part of his problem. However, he has a really hard time with controlling his emotions. They tend to control him. You'll find he talks without thinking and reacts the wrong way. You can do whatever you feel is appropriate with him. I have more news for you, Roy. Danny's dad called me today and he's decided to move Danny to a private school. I arranged for him to meet us here in a few minutes to explain his reasons."
"That's a disappointment," replied Roy. "We still need a partner for Tommy?"
"As far as a partner for Tommy goes I did have a conversation with my son last night. If I were going to compare Bill to someone our generation could relate to it would be Wally Cleaver. He respects authority, makes good decisions, does what he says he's going to do, does well In school, and he listens to me. He likes Tommy and he feels that they can get along together. He's on his way up here with Tommy and Danny. It's going to take lots of work on your part to make an effective team out of this ragtag bunch. I don't care how you do it as long as you get results!"
"Dose Rick have an office?"
"He has a workstation."
"Okay, I'm going to give him enough work to keep him busy for the next week. I'll give him until tomorrow to get it done."
Roy left Don's office and went up to Rick Lopez. "Rick, you are about to become one of the most important officers in the entire state. The work that you will do will decide the fate of thousands of people for many years to come. There will be times when you might not feel that your hard work is anything more then a waste of time but you will be wrong." Roy opened his briefcase and pulled out a yellow legal pad. He ripped off several lists of names. "Rick, I need police and FBI background checks on all these students and their parents. After you get the results we will go over the information and then you will do further interviews to gather more information. Here is my contact information should you have any questions. I'll expect that you'll have this project completed by tomorrow so we can go over the results."
"By tomorrow!" Rick replied. "You must be crazy if you think I can have this done by tomorrow!"
"I see that Sergeant Miller failed to tell me that respecting authority figures is also one of your weak areas. When I give you an assignment, Officer Lopez, I expect you to do your best to complete it. Tomorrow at this time we WILL review what you have completed. You have 24 hours. I suggest that you get started as soon as possible and work through the night. We work in a life and death business. Any questions?"
Officer Lopez picked up the list of names and looked at Roy like he had two heads. He knew that if he told Roy what was really on his mind he'd get fired. He felt that everyone despised him because of his Hispanic heritage. Everyone he'd worked with since police academy had belittled him. What Rick failed to realize was that deep down Rick hated himself. His father had belittled him his whole life and his brief police career had not helped his self-image. Officer Lopez sighed and walked away. Just as Officer Lopez left, Don Smith arrived. Roy followed him into Sergeant Miller's office.
"I'll need to tell you what I told Don Miller over the phone, Roy. Ever since last summer when I moved to this area I have been trying to make arrangements to place Danny in a private school. I couldn't manage to get him placed in time for the start of school but I have arranged for him to start next semester. Last night he told me that he wants to be Tommy's back up and take private schooling from you, Roy. I will not allow you to take advantage of Danny in this way. He has a right to be a kid and let me make adult decisions for him. When he's 18 and is legally capable of making his own decisions, then I will support whatever he decides. If Danny wants to get up early and learn self defense from Roy I don't have a problem with that. Or if he wants to study with Tommy and Roy after school, better yet. It can only help his self-esteem. However I will not have you putting my son's life at risk. I have two reasons for enrolling Danny In a private school. I have been saving for Danny to go to college ever since he was born. Up to this point his grades are good enough and he only has to complete High School. The private school I've enrolled him in is one of the best college prep schools in the area. And second, they don't put up with the behavior problems that are plaguing the public school in this area. The school is not far from where my wife works and she will give him a ride there everyday. "
"Danny tried to convince me that going to a private school could hurt his relationship with Tommy. I explained that I don't work with my wife and it hasn't affected our relationship any. I also explained that his relationship with Tommy is different from the relationship my wife and I have. In some ways it's a much stronger relationship. Tommy has been away much of the last three months and somehow they seen as close as they ever were. I like you, Roy, and I feel you can be a good influence on both Tommy and Danny. However, if anyone is going to be exploited it's not going to be Danny. After discussing it with the boys last night we have agreed that Danny is not going to be involved in any police work and he will be going to a private school."
"Mr. Smith," replied Sergeant Miller. "As much as you want your son to stay away from police work I want my son to get involved. And for many of the same reasons. My problem is I can't force him to become a police officer like you can force your son to go to a private school. I don't have the money for him to go to a private school. I don't have the money to send him to college. Up to this point, he has made the grades to be considered college material. But he has nowhere good enough grades to go to school on a full scholarship. Like I was telling Roy, my son Bill reminds me of Wally Cleaver. What's funny is that his best friend Rick Mitchell kind of reminds me of Eddy Haskell."
"This whole thing is my fault," says Roy. "I shouldn't have suggested Danny working with Tommy without talking about it with you first, Don."
"It's okay, Roy. I know you are only trying to find a way to protect Tommy who I also consider my son. I had plenty of time to spend being a father figure to both boys when they were younger. Now I'm very busy and I don't mind you filling in that role. In the future, please try to remember to inform me before you go putting ideas in my son's head. I understand that this is all new for you, Roy. I've made many mistakes with Danny. I can tell you he likes you and so do I. Now gentleman, I still have 4 hours' work to do today and I know you have work to do too."
The three men shook hands and Danny's father left just as Tommy, Danny, and Sergeant Miller's son Bill arrived. Sergeant Miller introduced his son to Roy. Roy's first impression was that Bill was both relaxed and happy in the way he presented himself. Then Sergeant Miller presented his proposal. "I talked to the Captain this morning about what we talked about last night, Bill. He says that because your 15th birthday is just a few months away we can bend the letter of the law a little. The best we can do with your minor status is to offer you a position as a police intern. An officer in training. You can't become an officer like Tommy until you have completed training like Tommy did last summer or at an approved police academy. You will only be allowed to spend so many hours a week doing police work and will be required to spend much of the rest of your free time doing school work. He also said that the intern program does offer one scholarship a year. The pay is nominal. Just over minimum wage for kids your age. Your authority will only be to assist other officers. The good news is you won't have to work for me. You'll be assisting Tommy and working for Roy. You don't have to make up your mind now, son. Do you have any question?"
"Tommy has already explained most of it. I look at it this way. You are going to want me to switch schools. Put myself in danger. Get in shape and train to defend myself. And many many other things. This decision will change forever the rest of my life and the friendships that I now have. At least that's what Tommy told me. I don't really understand all that but what I do understand is that there is no way in hell I'm getting up at 5 in the morning to run and train. If I can do that in the afternoon, after school like normal people, then it's a deal."
"I told you there's no way to get him out of bed at 5 am," Don laughed. "It looks like it's up to you, Roy. I don't need you to come in the office after school anymore unless you want to. You could, 'like normal people', use school facilities to train."
"Well, it looks like we have our team. Welcome to the team, Bill."
To Be Continued...