Possessing Morgan:
A Matter of Conviction
by Aurelia
Part 17
See Part 1 for Disclaimers
Chapter 17
Morgan sat at her desk stunned. Someone wanted her Andrea dead? She knew the woman had a temper but surely it wasn't a death sentence. The mere thought that someone wanted to harm her was just incomprehensible in her eyes.
It all started with the Vaughan case. Was it tied in or was it simply a coincidence? Morgan sifted through memories trying to find that elusive piece of the puzzle that would lead her to the suspect. A random thought popped into her mind, snapping her senses on full alert. She picked up the phone and began making calls. Three hours later, after a number of long conversations, she’d gathered some useful information and began a follow-up she hoped would yield the results she wanted.
Her direct phone line rang. “Fifth Precinct, Detective Sergeant O’Callaghan.”
“I need to talk to you.”
“You never felt the need before. I don’t see why I should have to listen to you.”
“Now, look…”
“No, you look, Brennan! You were just fine ignoring us all these years. I couldn't care less to hear what you have to say now.”
“Mo…” She slammed down the receiver, drawing a questioning look from her partner.
“Of all the….. Who the fucking hell does he think he is? Ahh screw him…” Morgan muttered angrily as she shuffled papers around her desk.
Henry had been quietly following up on loose ends in the Vaughan case all morning, eliminating most of the employees on the list. The only real suspects they had now were Grace Parker and Roland Perkins. Great. The secretary and the accountant. Menaces to society for sure.
Henry usually stayed out of her way when she was "in a mood", but this show of anger made him step in to calm the waters. “Hey, are you stopping for lunch?”
“I guess I should. Not much more I can do for now.”
“You want to tell me what has you so fired up?”
“As far as that phone conversation goes, no I don’t. Some new leads I just snagged, however, just may pan out. I’m not saying anything until I’m sure, buddy. I don’t want to end up looking like an idiot if it doesn’t, you know.” But Morgan knew better. Before she made any accusations she knew she had to have the evidence or the suspect would slip through her fingers. Her mind shifted to another gear. “Hey, Henry! Where did you get that form for American Express?”
“Why? Didn’t I give it to you already?”
“Yeah, but I tossed it out.”
“Why?”
“Andy got a little weird about it. I still want to get one though.”
“Ha! Just as well I pulled it outta your trashcan then, huh?” He reached into his desk drawer and withdrew the paper, handing it over to the slack-jawed Morgan.
“Ah. You’ve taken up mind reading now, huh?”
“It doesn’t take much to read your mind, Red. You’re an open book.”
“I can see I’m gonna have to put it under lock then.”
“Aww. Where’s the fun in that?”
“Well, I’ll be a lot happier knowing that you aren't in there running amok through my personal thoughts.” The easy banter between them was always welcome, like an old friend, calming her. She smiled at her partner, motioning for him. “Come on, let’s get some lunch.”
* * *
They returned from the deli loaded with food. Both were content to sit at their desks and go over the case while munching on their sandwiches. As Morgan proceeded to fill out the application form, Henry teased her mercilessly when she put down her age.
“That’s my real age, pal.”
“Really? I thought you were much older.” He ducked the pencil thrown his way.
“Very funny.” Morgan studied her partner, suddenly realizing how lucky she was. He was a gentle, caring soul who had guided her through a very rough patch in her life. Perhaps she should do something for him… maybe a trip to Disney World was in order.
“What’s the matter?”
“Huh?” She hadn’t realized that she had been staring off into space.
“Look, I was just kidding. I knew how old you were, Red.”
“Nah. It’s not that. I was just thinking.” Maybe it was time to let him know that his efforts had not gone unnoticed. “Henry…” she faltered.
“Oh oh, should I be scared?”
“Maybe. I… I just wanted to say…”
“Don’t say it, partner.”
“But I think I need to, Henry. I just wanted to say thank you. You have put up with a lot of my shit in the past, I know that, and you deserve a medal. You are my best friend, Henry. You have taken care of me when I didn’t take care of myself. I appreciate it.”
Henry’s eyes dropped to the floor, trying to hide his embarrassment. He’d never heard Morgan talk this way and was at a complete loss for words. However, it was nice to be appreciated and it brought a smile to his lips.
“This last week, Henry, has been… well, I had an epiphany and I have you to thank for it.” Morgan could feel her eyes sting with unshed tears, refusing to let them fall. She buried her head back into the paperwork, valiantly trying to regain her composure. This emotional stuff is hard work.
“You’re welcome, Mo.” The whispered words could barely be heard over the oscillating fan sitting on the nearby filing cabinet. Green eyes sought out black and an understanding passed between them, their bond as partners now even stronger with the secrets revealed. “So, whadya need this card for?”
“Ummm…” Morgan scrabbled to find an excuse, knowing very well the reaction she would get if she told him the real reason. “I wanted to up my credit rating, that’s all.”
“Well, this one is pretty expensive. Why not get one with less interest?”
“Because I only get the best, Henry.” Stupid! That has got to be the dumbest excuse yet!
“Uh huh.” There it was again. Maybe she should get those two words tattooed on her butt. At least there she wouldn’t have to look at them.
“Look, I’m gonna go mail this now. Anything you want while I’m out?” Run, Morgan, run!
“Nope. You just go and mail your letter.”
“Oh, for crying out loud…” she muttered as she walked away, her cell phone in her back pocket. She could hear his chuckle as she reached the far door. Glancing over her shoulder, she looked back to see him watching her, his hand raised to wave her goodbye. Morgan wasn't kidding anyone.
* * *
Morgan opted for the mailbox on the corner instead of leaving the letter at the front desk. She dropped the letter in, standing next to it as she breathed deeply, sucking the polluted air into her protesting lungs. Henry was getting to her. He knew. She knew he knew, and she was pretty sure he knew that she knew he knew. Whether she liked it or not, Henry was large part of her private personal life. And he knew every damn thing.
She grabbed for her phone to make a few calls that she wanted kept private. “Eddie? Hey! It’s Morgan. I’m gonna call in that favor you owe me…” Eddie was the brainiest computer geek Morgan knew. What he could do on a computer, well, was probably illegal and dangerous to national security. Now she was just hoping that he could spin a miracle or two and be able to assist her with her little convoluted problem.
After a couple more calls Morgan sauntered back to work, lazily strolling along the sidewalk just daydreaming. Her mind was spinning. There were so many damn things going on in her life at the moment. And they were all clamoring for attention, ending up this jumbled mess in her brain, work overlapping over her personal life and vice versa. She knew she should be seriously stressed out but somehow she just couldn’t raise the energy or the enthusiasm to do just that.
“Thought you had gotten lost.”
“Just enjoying the fresh air outside.”
“This just came for you…” He handed over an envelope, dying to know what was inside.
“Oh! Good. Henry, we’re going on a turkey hunt this afternoon.” She handed over the warrant to search Lenny’s apartment. “You wanna call for a forensics team to follow us over?”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Thanks.” Morgan moved to the Xerox machine and made a copy, placing it in an envelope and addressing it. Silently, she moved to Morelli’s desk. “Detective…” It sounded so formal, but the way things were between them, it was probably about as good as it was going to get. “Could you take this warrant over to Legal Aid.” It wasn't a question and Morelli knew it.
“I’ll do it later. I’m busy.”
“It needs to be now, Detective!”
“IT CAN WAIT.” The dark Italian was being a contrary shit... and brazenly insubordinate. She knew damn well he wasn’t busy by the fact that there was nothing sitting open on his desk and he was just yakking it up with his two cohorts.
“No, it can’t.” No one had seen the captain walk up behind the assembled group. “The sergeant gave you an order, Detective.” Glowering at her Morelli snatched at the envelope, shoving his chair back with a squeal. “Before you go, Detective… in my office, NOW!”
Morgan walked back to her desk. “Shit…” she muttered. If things weren't uncomfortable before between them, this would surely escalate it to all-out war. She had now made a dangerous enemy and would be spending a lot of her time looking over her shoulder waiting for that stab in the back.
“Don’t let him get to you, partner.”
“I don’t need this fuckin’ hassle, Henry. He’s gonna bury me.”
“No, he won’t.” They looked at each other. “Hmmm… We’ll think of something.”
“No, you stay out of this. You've got a family to think about here. No! This is my problem and I’m gonna have to handle it.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“A few phone calls will help I think. I hope I still have a few friends on the Force. The one thing I got going for me is no body likes his ignorant ass.” Morgan checked her weapon and grabbed her notebook and phone. “Now, my learned friend, my chariot if you please.”
"Your every wish is my command, O' Great Queen of da Nile."
“That’s more like it. I could get used to this. Queen… of denial? Hey!” Henry had already disappeared out the back to requisition a car. Morgan sighed deeply and headed for the captain’s office. She stood just outside trying not to listen to the dressing down Markham was giving Morelli. Who was she kidding? She was hanging on every word.
“But Captain…”
“I've had enough! You have been harassing her since she got that post. What is your friggin' problem?”
“My problem? I don’t like these friggin' perverts! These... homosexuals... they got no right to be on the Force!”
“Sergeant O’Callaghan is not a homosexual, Morelli.”
“Oh, come on Captain! She's got no boyfriend, she dresses like a friggin’ dude! Now look at her, will ya! Gettin' all cute and shit with the counselor! She's got dyke written all over her.”
“It looks like you're the one with the problem, Morelli! I don't have a problem with her! You're ASSUMING shit that's gonna get your ass in a lot of trouble! There is not one shred of evidence that's she's a homosexual even if it did mean anything, which it doesn’t. Good God man, have you even considered that maybe with her lifestyle as a cop that she's got no time for a boyfriend? God forbid that she keeps her private life private. She dresses like a... what?! You want her in a skirt and heels? Don't be an idiot!” He looked the disheveled cop up and down. “And she’s got a hell of a lot more style than you have, Detective.” His dark eyes bore into the agitated cop. “And now Sergeant O’Callaghan and the counselor are... friendly? A couple of girls go out shopping?! You're kidding, right? If that’s what defines a lesbian, then I guess MY WIFE is one too.” His voice had been steadily increasing in volume until it reached its peak at the word ‘wife’. The man was an ignorant bigot.
“No, she’s a dyke alright…”
“Maybe the sergeant might like to press charges against you for discrimination along with insubordination.” Morgan heard a scrape of a chair and a few steps before the door opened. “Oh, there you are. Sergeant, in my office.”
Morgan dragged her feet, not wanting to have this confrontation. “Sir.” She was cornered.
“Now, we're gonna this settled once and for all.” The captain’s dark features shifted from one detective to the other. “Who’s gonna go first?” Both stood stony-faced, anger and resentment building inside each of them. “It looks like it’s gonna be me. It seems, Sergeant, that Detective Morelli here has a problem working with you.”
“I know, Sir.”
“What do you think we should do about it?”
“Well, I got no problem working with the man.”
“Well, I sure as hell do!”
“I’m well aware of your grievances, Detective. Let the sergeant speak.”
“As I said, Sir, I have no problem but I think the detective here has got an idea in his head and no amount of denial is gonna change that.” She looked directly into those tired brown eyes, knowing very well that the captain pretty much knew everything anyway, no matter what he said.
“I agree. So, Detective, what do you suggest we do?”
“Get rid of her! She’s got no right here!”
“That’s not an option that's up for debate. She stays. Live with it.”
The short man took the opportunity to depart the no-win situation, slamming the door behind him. “It’s not gonna end here, Captain.”
“I know.” He sighed deeply. “I really don’t need this now.”
“I’m really sorry, sir.”
“Don’t apologize, Sergeant. He's got a serious problem and I’m not sure how to handle it. The obvious thing would be to transfer him but that will only make matters worse for you. At least here I can try to keep a lid on it. And don't you even think about asking for a transfer for yourself! You're the one that's picking up the slack of those three!”
“Looks like you’re caught between a rock and a hard place, Captain.” Morgan gave him an apologetic grin.
“Looks like it.”
“So what do you want me to do?” It was one more problem to add to her growing list of problems that she didn’t want to deal with.
“Look, Morgan, I don't give a damn. I think you know that. You’re a good cop. You do your job. You keep your personal life to yourself. But…”
“But?”
“Things could get tough... real tough...if you’re not careful and I'm forced to step in. I don’t want myself in that position. Hell, I don't want you in that position! You know how things are. God Morgan, be careful. Just watch your back around Morelli and his bunch.”
“You think he’ll try something?”
“I would be surprised if he didn't. He's just stupid enough...and mean enough… to at least try and set you up.”
“Yeah. I’ll do my best, Captain. And for the record, if you’re forced into making a decision, whatever it will be...I’ll understand.”
“I can always rely on you Morgan to do your job. Don’t count yourself out, kiddo.”
“Thank you... for everything.” Clearing his throat, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand. As she reached the door, she turned. “Oh, Chang and I are heading over to Brooklyn, our perp’s apartment. The search warrant just came through. That's what I was doing... sending Morelli over to the Legal Aid with a copy for Leonard Kamanowicz’s lawyer.”
“I’ll make sure it gets over there, Sergeant. Since we’re crossing the bridge, I’ll contact Brooklyn Homicide and get them to meet you there.”
* * *
Without another word Morgan departed and headed down the staircase to find her partner waiting with the engine running. With a certain amount of trepidation she climbed in, frantically searching for the seatbelt before he took off into traffic at breakneck speed.
This time they were heading all the way over into Brooklyn, a hellava lot more opportunities to run headlong into a parked car or two... a hot dog cart... a large group of tourists. “Henry, do you feel it is absolutely necessary to operate this vehicle like a NASCAR driver? Brooklyn ain't goin' nowhere.”
“Awww, come on, Red. It’s the only chance I get to drive like this. Gimme me a break, huh.”
“Speaking of breaks, I already have one," waving her slinged wing at him, "And I’m not inclined to have any more.”
“C’mon, live a little.”
“Do you drive like this with Suzie and the kids in the car?”
“Of course not, it’s my wife and kids!”
“And you deem it necessary to subject me to your secret death wish?”
“Of course.”
“That’s what I thought…” she muttered. Morgan stared through windshield at the blur of buildings passing by as Henry negotiated the myriad of streets that made up New York City, heading towards the Brooklyn Bridge that would ultimately lead to Lenny’s stomping grounds. “What about Brooklyn Homicide?”
“They’ll meet us there.”
“Well, let’s hope we get there in one piece.”
“Ohhhh, no worries, mate.”
“No worries? Great. He thinks he's a NASCAR driver and Australian.” Morgan couldn't wait to get out of this cast just so she could drive if nothing else. Henry’s bravado behind the wheel was giving her serious cause for concern... and scaring the hell outta her.
With a screech of tires they arrived outside a run down building located in one of the seedier streets of Brooklyn, if that were possible. It didn't surprise Morgan that Lenny lived in such a crap hole. But it did make her own apartment seem like the Trump Tower.
They weaved up the stairs, avoiding broken glass, syringes, and God knows what else, in an effort to reach the front door. Security was non existent, so the mere turn of a knob gave them access to inside. They stood there for a moment surveying the darkened staircase, deciding to wait for the rest of the search team outside in the sunlight and cleaner air.
As they waited Morgan and Henry became a bit of a tourist attraction, with the younger kids coming out to blatantly stare at them as kids will do. The disenchanted teenagers watched them surreptitiously from stoops and around corners and the elderly from their window sills. There was always a certain amount of suspicion and animosity. These people knew they were the police as if they could smell them.
Brooklyn Homicide arrived just moments before her own team. She handed over the warrant to her Brooklyn counterpart for his perusal. “We have the occupant of this lovely abode in custody for the attempted murder of a City ADA. We need to find something... anything... to tie him to two other attempts. Gentlemen, apartment 2E.” Considering the neighborhood Morgan thought it prudent to leave an officer with the vehicles so they didn’t come back to find the tires missing. Morgan searched out the building super, showing him the search warrant, before carefully negotiating the stairs, the ominous creaking making them want to grab onto the banister but the revulsion of actually touching anything in this nasty place overrode their fear.
It took a moment to adjust to the muted light in the hallway of the second floor. All the light bulbs were broken and the only light came from a small window at the end of the building. They made their approach with caution. Lenny was in custody and the apartment should be empty. Or so they hoped.
Henry tried the door handle as a matter of course, not really expecting it to give way. In this neighborhood it was wise to keep everything locked. “Sir, if you please…” The super, still in his robe, or at least that’s what it once was, worked quickly before he was pulled away. Morgan entered the apartment slowly and carefully, her hand resting on her holster. She quickly scanned the darkened rooms, trying to adjust her vision to the hues of grey and black. “Looks clear!”
Night became day as the single naked light globe was turned on, the glare nearly blinding her with its brightness. “Geeze,” she murmured, using her hand to shade her eyes as they quickly adjusted back to light. The room was sparse, barely furnished with the basics of daily living. Lenny didn’t stick around here often. Either that or he sat around and did nothing.
Immediately snapping on latex gloves they made quick work of the apartment. While the crime lab boys dusted for prints and collected anything that looked remotely interesting for forensic evidence, Henry and Morgan poked around the place. Morgan was especially interested in finding anything with numbers on it... a phone number, a bank account, an address, anything that would give her a clue as to who hired Lenny. She found a few useful items, some of which she would pass onto Eddie and let him weave his magic, others she would follow up on her own.
Morgan studied the room with interest. She had always thought that her own apartment was pretty basic, but this… this was basic. A basic pigsty. A very basic and sparse pigsty, but a pigsty nonetheless. All of a sudden she didn’t feel so bad about where she lived. After this, things were pretty cheery at her place.
The search was about complete and, so far, she hadn’t found anything to tie Lenny to the other two attempts on Andrea’s life. She was disappointed, but she still had him for the third attempt, an open and shut case that would put him behind bars for a substantial amount of time.
“Hey, O’Callaghan!” The redhead heard Henry’s muffled voice come from the kitchen.
“What did you find?”
“Oooooo! Lookie! Lookie!” He pointed to behind the refrigerator.
“Oh, no way…” Morgan couldn’t believe it. She reached in and pulled out a wad of plastic sheeting wrapped around what appeared to be a rifle. Carefully she unwrapped it, peeking inside to see a high-powered rifle with a sniper scope. “Gotcha ya bastard…”
“Keep looking guys and see if we can find anything else.” They continued the search and found a plastic bag with a wad of money in it floating inside the toilet tank. Henry secured it, hoping to lift some useful fingerprints off it. Maybe this was the payoff cash. They could only hope. If anything, it was surely a payoff for something. When every inch had finally been searched and dusted, Morgan called off the operation. It looked like Lenny would get away with one attempt but, with some luck, the round taken out of Andrea would match the rifle she locked in the trunk of the car. Maybe she could get Lenny to talk yet…
Feedback is always appreciated. You can contact me at aurelia_fan@yahoo.com.au