New York Chief of Detectives by Gary Hastings Page B

a few minutes.”   
    Pat shook hands with Mike Wilson and headed for the elevators. He walked out into the lobby and saw the FBI Police Officer turning a little red and trying to avoid eye contact. Pat walked over to him and decided to give him a break.
    “I appreciate you being so vigilant today. If I were a terrorist, I wouldn’t try anything when you’re working.”
    Pat reached in his pocket and handed the officer a miniature NYPD Detective’s shield. The officer smiled, and Pat walked away.

     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 19
     
    Wednesday, April 7-Day 6
    Thomas Payne Park
    Borough of Manhattan, New York
    1600 Hours
     
     
    Pat decided to walk back to One PP and get a breath of fresh air. He only hoped that the high-tech assistance from the FBI would work. He didn’t know exactly where the LPR’s were placed, but he had a pretty good idea. The NYPD took the lead role on terrorism in New York and did a lot of things independently from the FBI. There were still a lot of hard feelings toward the “First Bunch of Idiots” (FBI) after September 11, 2001. Most people believed the Bureau had held back information from the NYPD that something major was about to go down. Pat had learned to get along with them and had good contacts like Mike Wilson in most of the federal agencies.
    Pat’s phone vibrated and he grabbed it sitting down on a bench.
    “Pat O’Connor.” 
    “Hi, Pat, it’s Caroline Rodriguez. Is there something going on that I don’t know about?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I just got a visit from two Internal Affairs Detectives. They wanted me to sign consent forms for them to search our computer and look at our bank records. They weren’t nasty or anything, but I told them that your detectives had already taken the computer. I just can’t imagine what they’re looking for. We don’t have anything to hide.”
    “They’re just covering the bases. Did you give them what they asked for?”
    “I didn’t feel like I had a choice. Did I do something wrong?”
    “No, Caroline, it’ll probably be the easiest way to go, since there’s nothing to hide.”
    “Don’t try to shelter me, Pat.  I need a straight answer. Was Tony involved in something?”
    “I’m certain he wasn’t involved in anything improper. I know we’re not making very quick progress, but we’ll solve this in due time.” 
    “I’m sure that’ll be the case, but all this uncertainty is driving me nuts.”
    “Stay in touch, Caroline. Call me if you need anything, and I’ll keep you posted if anything develops.”
    Pat stuck the phone back in his jacket, feeling a little guilty about not telling her about Curtis Gee, but he wanted to follow what he asked the others to do.
    While sitting on the bench, Pat got a whiff of hot dogs and spotted a street vender. He was hungry and walked over.
    “Is that chili I smell?”
    “It’s the best in New York.”
    “I can’t stand relish or sauerkraut on a hot dog!” 
    “These are southern style hot dogs with mustard, slaw, onions, and chili. How many do you want?”
    “Better make it two and a soda.”
    Pat returned to the bench and devoured the hot dogs.
    While walking back to One PP, he wondered what he could do to get some momentum going in this case. He called Bryan Flannery on his cell phone.
    “Flannery.” 
    “This is O’Connor. Are you in the building?”
    “Yes sir.”
    “Meet me in my office in about 15 minutes.” 
    “I’ll be there, Chief.”
    When Pat walked back in his office suite, Bryan Flannery was waiting.
    “What’s up, Chief? I can tell the wheels are turning.”
    Bryan Flannery had worked around Pat O’Connor long enough to sense that he had an idea.
    “Let’s go in my office.” Pat instructed.
    They sat down at the conference table.
    “The lack of progress in this case is killing me. We can’t even find those stupid blue tortilla chips, let alone Tony’s car and gun.” Pat said in frustration.
    “I know you want this case solved badly,