Consequences Ch. 05

This story is part of an ongoing series. The chronological order of my stories is listed in WifeWatchman's biography.

Feedback and constructive criticism is very much appreciated, and I encourage feedback for ideas.

This story contains graphic scenes, language and actions that might be extremely offensive to some people. These scenes, words and actions are used only for the literary purposes of this story. The author does not condone murder, racism, racial language, violence, rape or violence against women, and any depictions of any of these in this story should not be construed as acceptance of the above.

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Part 22 - Deuteronomy

"This is Bettina Wurtzburg, KXTC Channel Two News!" said the redheaded MILF reporterette at 7:00am, Wednesday, June 24th, with the remains of the Block House in the distance behind her. "A standoff between Police and black activists ends in a terrifying explosion!"

Bettina began: "Police obtained a warrant to arrest Jacquez Wilson for a host of crimes that included alleged rape and aggravated assault. Wilson, considered by some to be a black civil rights activist, retreated to his headquarters, known as the Block House, and approximately 200 black protesters surrounded the Block House to protest Police brutality against People of Color, preventing the Police from executing the warrant."

Bettina: "Channel Two News's Lester Holder was granted exclusive access to Mr. Wilson, and he was with Mr. Wilson inside the Block House when it exploded. Channel Two News has confirmed that our colleague Lester Holder was killed in the blast, along with Mr. Wilson and six of his associates."

Bettina: "The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which still goes by the initials 'ATF', has taken over the investigation of the incident. We have with us FBI Assistant Special Agent In Charge Karina White." The camera panned out out to show Karina White, and Bettina said 'You were formerly with the ATF, were you not, Agent White?"

"That is true, Bettina." said Karina White. "I was with the ATF for over 20 years before coming over to the FBI."

"What can you tell us about the explosion?" Bettina asked. Lobbing softballs, was she now?

Karina said "It's very early in the investigation, but the initial findings are showing that explosives known as 'plastic explosives' or 'plastique' detonated inside the building. We are investigating the possibility that explosives were stored in the building, or even that the building was wired with explosives, and would have been detonated when Police went into the building to arrest Wilson."

"Could there have been something else that caused the explosion?" asked Bettina.

"It's possible, of course," said Karina, "but it's way too early in the investigation to know for sure."

"Thank you for your time, Ms. White." said Bettina. The camera zoomed in on her as she said "After the explosion, the Police made 202 arrests at the scene. Some of the protesters were treated for minor injuries, but there were no deaths nor serious injuries of anyone outside the Block House building itself, which experts consider to be a minor miracle. And now let's go to KXTC Executive Publisher Burt West, with an editorial comment."

"That you, Bettina." said Burt West as the feed switched to him in the KXTC building. "This latest explosion that claimed the life of our KXTC colleague Lester Holder is just the latest in a long line of incidents involving Police Commander Donald Troy. Commander Troy has long carried a crowbar instead of a defensive billy stick, and has used that crowbar to exercise Police brutality against People of Color."

West: "Commander Troy has interfered in our elections, resulting in the last Mayoral election being stolen by Daniel Allgood from its rightful winner, Eldrick X. Weaver. Allgood is not only an illegitimate Mayor, he's been sued by the Civil Rights Division of the US DOJ for racist actions against People of Color."

West: "Commander Troy has been accused of other crimes as well, and had to be pardoned by White Nationalist Governor Val Jared to avoid prosecution for having sex with a woman in his custody, possibly forced sex. He bullied two women that made credible claims of sexual harassment against Governor Jared into recanting their claims, which I believe to have been truthful and legitimate claims against the corrupt Governor."

West: "When our colleague Lester Holder was severely beaten, the Town & County Police made no effort to solve that crime, leaving us to wonder who actually committed it." (Author's note: 'Iscariot', Ch. 02.) "It is no secret that Donald Troy and Lester Holder clashed on several occasions, when Troy did not like the truth of Mr. Holder's incisive questions and comments."

West: "Donald Troy is the most corrupt cop in the history of the Town & County Police, and really of any Police Department in the history of our State. Furthermore, the current investigation is under the command of this region's FBI Special Agent In Charge... Jack Muscone, who is married to Commander Troy's Officer, Tanya Perlman Muscone. Troy was married to this area's Supervisory Special Agent, Melina Troy Allgood, and she is now the wife of illegitimate and White Nationalist Mayor Daniel Allgood. Troy has worked with Muscone, Karina White, and their Agents on many occasions for years, and they cannot be trusted to conduct a fair and honest investigation of this incident."

West: "And that is why I'm calling for an independent investigation of the Block House explosion that killed our colleague as well as a black civil rights activist. I want to know what... and who... really killed our KXTC colleague, and I want Justice in their names to be done. I'll be asking for a Board of Inquest to investigate Troy's actions in last night's incident, and I'll be communicating with Federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, and asking them to investigate. As long as the name of Donald Troy is connected to this crime, we cannot trust the current investigations to tell us the truth..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Wow." said Captain Tanya P. Muscone as we drank coffee in the Chief's Conference Room. "Bettina has Karina White on for an interview, then Burt West does all he can to discredit her, as well as my husband and the FBI."

"Never mind that." said Lt. Commander Teresa Croyle. "Burt West just asked for a crowbar beatdown, or maybe he needs another visit from the Slender Man." (Author's note: 'Return of the Slender Man', Ch. 01.) "Were you expecting that one, Don?"

"No, not quite like that." I said. "I thought Bettina would be the one to make that speech."

"You know," observed Deputy Chief Cindy Ross, "Bettina didn't look very broken up over the loss of her 'colleague' Holder. And her report wasn't nearly as inaccurate and biased as many we've seen in the past. Maybe, just maybe, she refused to do that, so West had to do it."

I replied: "Good point, though West did not have to do it. He was more than willing, and even seemed to be enjoying it. As to the contents of West's diatribe and call for an independent investigation, it makes some sense in the context of some things I knew already... like the Rovers BAU Team being just across the State Line, in Hammondsville, and Martin Nash and Lindsey Black being close by. We'll be seeing all of them soon."

"They just don't stop, do they?" said Teresa, her voice filled with exasperation. "I mean, these bastards are rioting, destroying property and hurting innocent people, and they abduct and brutalize one of our Officers, not to mention Lester Holder and KXTC outright colluding with the criminals... and all they can think of is to attack you, Don."

'Welcome to the Leftwing Looneyverse." I replied. "That is what the Left and their Media allies do. They don't give a shit about innocents, nor Inga, nor the law, nor the Police. All they care about is their agenda."

"Okayyyyy." drawled Chief Moynahan. "Let's change the subject just a little bit. I heard from Chaplain Romano at the Hospital. Corporal Gunddottar's condition is unchanged; she is still in grave condition. But she has survived these last 24 hours, and that's a good first step." We all nodded. "You may text that to the Force, Commander Ross."

"On it, sir." said Cindy, getting out her Police iPhone and sending that text.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Karina White also appeared on the KFXU broadcast, but I didn't see it. I was in the Press Interview Room with the Chief, on a video call with the Precincts and Officers at Headquarters as they underwent their respective Roll Calls. The Chief complimented everyone on their professionalism and bravery in doing their excellent jobs over the past few days, then I gave my own compliments followed by reminding them that they were entitled to Union Reps if not lawyers during any 'independent investigations' by Federal Agents, especially those of the USDOJ Civil Rights Division.

"I got some scoop from Priya." said Cindy when I got back for the Angels Meeting. "She says the national networks significantly reduced their coverage of the Block House incident, and many of them are going to hang around for 24 more hours then start packing up and going to their next assignment."

"Drive-By Media in action." I said. "It's amazing how prescient Rush Limbaugh has been on so many things." Teresa and Tanya nodded vigorously in agreement.

"I'll tell you something else I've observed." said Tanya. "Chief Moynahan has been as supportive of you, of us, and just about everything, as I've ever seen him. He authorized lethal force almost from the get-go, and didn't get in the way at all during the Inga rescue and last night's Block House incident."

Teresa said "Father Romano said that the Chief stayed at the Hospital with him and Jerome Davis all night, and that the Chief seemed really moved by what happened to Inga. I think the Chief has realized that it's a war, and that we're doing some things we have to do."

Cindy said "I caught a vibe when Don went off on him about going after Holder to find out where Inga was, and then when I followed up and said we had to consider crossing the line. But you're right, Teresa... it was what they did to Inga that really got to him."

"Well," I said, "let's not look gift horses in the mouth. And let's smoothly segue into the next phase of all this... get ready for hostile Federal investigations, and harassment from the US DOJ."

As my Angels were leaving my office, Teresa turned back at the door and asked: "What do you think is going to happen to the 200 you arrested last night? You think Walters will really go along with charging them all with murder in the commission of a felony?"

"Time will tell." I said cryptically. "Time will tell..."

Part 23 - A Twisting of Arms

Town & County District Attorney Miriam Walters and ADA Savannah Fineman were walking down the hallway of City Hall towards Miriam's office.

"I can't believe Troy wants to charge all 202 people they arrested last night with murder in the commission of a felony." said Savannah. "And Watts let them make the charges in his kangaroo Night Court last night."

"I can understand some of it, though." said Miriam. "After what happened to Corporal Gunddottar, Commander Troy is not the only one who wants to open a can of whoop-ass on those slugs. And by charging them with murder, it sends a strong message to those that want to keep up with these protests, that they'll face consequences if they do."

"Yes," said Savannah, "but the time, manpower, and expense of all those trials by all those Juries? And after the McCombs trial, we're starting to see jury nullifications based on identity politics. We might be wasting our time with it all."

"We'll go through the names," said Miriam as she reached her door and unlocked it to go inside, "and decide which are the worst or repeat offenders, then see about reductions and plea deals-------" She stopped when she saw State Senator Katherine Woodburn (D - 1st District) sitting at the head of the conference table in front of her desk.

"How did you get in here?" snarled D.A. Walters.

"It was unlocked when I got here." said Katherine, not mentioning that 'was unlocked' was a verb, not a descriptive adjective, and not mentioning that the County Sheriff had used his master key to let her in. "Let's talk, Ms. Walters. Alone."

"Why don't you go to your office, Ms. Fineman." said Miriam. Savannah left, and Miriam went around to her desk instead of to the conference table. "What do you want, Senator?"

"I'm here to make you the ubiquitous offer you cannot refuse." said Katherine, standing up and looking at Walters across the desk. "Lawyers for Paulina Patterson came to your office. They and your lawyers worked out an agreement whereby ADA Patterson will continue to work in that role, will work with Commander Troy, will not be assigned to menial crap like working as that worthless piece of shit Fineman's intern, and will remain unmolested by you for as long as she chooses to continue to be an ADA here."

"You sound like the Iron Crowbar, what with that mixing of tenses." said Miriam. "That meeting will be this afternoon?"

"You're catching on." said Senator Woodburn.

"It was not a compliment that I said you sounded like the Iron Crowbar." said Miriam. "What's more, you sound like you were coached by him in what to say in this meeting now. Are you colluding with him on this?"

"Why no." said Katherine. "He does not even know that I'm here, nor that I'm doing this."

"Then why are you doing this?" Miriam demanded to know.

"Because it behooves and benefits me to do so." said Katherine, a bit harshly. "Ms. Walters, I'm told you can be a good D.A., a really good D.A., and not a piece of excrement like Krasney was. But you can just as easily and quickly be 'ex-D.A.', and if you think I can't make that happen, you're in for an education on real politics."

"It helps you, too." continued Woodburn as she began pacing in front of the desk. "You're short-staffed. You need help. And if you want to be re-elected... without my interference either way... you need wins in Court. You used that atrocious McCombs case against Paulina, but it will just as easily be used against you in the next election... and against Fineman in her failed bid to win the Solicitor race... oh, did I mix up my tenses again? No, that was a prediction."

"With all due respect, as I know you're a powerful and influential member of the State Legislature," Miriam said, "do you really think you're so influential that you can affect my election in the future, or Savannah's this Autumn?"

"Oh yes..." said Katherine Woodburn...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Flashback...

The day before, while I was busy handling the encirclement of Jacquez Wilson's Block House, State Senator Katherine Woodburn had been in a conference with University President Sidney P. Wellman, Chair of the Board of Regents Myrtle L. James, Regent J.P. Goldman, and selected Heads of Departments.

After a sumptuous luncheon, Dr. Laura Fredricson approached Katherine and asked if the State Senator could spare a few minutes for a private conversation after the conference was over. Katherine agreed, very curious to know what Laura wanted to discuss.

After meeting privately with Dr. Wellman, Katherine made her way to Laura's office, and was shown in by Laura's lovely secretary Laurie. "May I offer you some coffee, or water?" Laura asked as she sat down on one of the two sofas, indicating for Katherine to sit on the other one.

"No thank you." said Katherine. Though a smart, astute, and even cunning woman, Katherine Woodburn was manipulated by Laura into sitting on the sofa that faced the windows and put her into the light, and Laura into relative shadow.

That did not stop her from seeing and admiring Laura's lovely legs. No wonder the Iron Crowbar married her, Katherine thought to herself. My legs are good, but I can't compete. She's out of my league.

"So what can I do for you?" Katherine asked.

"I want to offer you a quid pro quo." said Laura. "Oh, nothing illegal nor underhanded. Just an offer to do you a favor if you do me a favor."

Katherine had to decide if she was being played, or if this were a chance for her to play Laura. She decided that it might be a good idea to play this one straight; after all, Laura Fredricson was once one of the most powerful women in the entire country, and still wielded considerable influence both locally and at the national level.

"What favor do you want of me?" Katherine asked.

"I want you to find a way to resolve the dispute between D.A. Walters and ADA Patterson." said Laura. "I want ADA Patterson to remain where she is... Assistant District Attorney... and for Walters to leave her alone and let her do her job."

"That's some favor." said Katherine. "And in return?"

"Twofold." said Laura. "First, there might be a time in the future when you will be wanting my help. Oh, I won't betray my husband nor our country in any way, of course. But if it's a legitimate thing I can do, I'll do it."

Laura then took a folder with papers in it, and handed it across to Katherine. "And here's the second part." Laura said. "That's everything that Bundy McGinty had on you... well, it would be far more accurate to say that it was everything Pastor Raymond Westboro had on you."

Katherine was wide-eyed with shock. "Mc... McGinty's Materials? They exist? Your husband has them?"

Laura replied "They did exist. And it would amuse me that people think he had the papers just because he solved the McGinty case... except for the fact that people tried to harm him and his family over them. Suffice it to say they had the wrong Troy. But don't get any ideas that you can use that knowledge; the papers have been destroyed."

Laura continued: "As to that information in your hands, it's mostly out-of-date, past the Statute of Limitations. I make a gift of it to you so that you know what Westboro had on you."

Katherine and been thinking fast, and saw her opportunity. "As a matter of fact..." she said, "there is one thing I want from you, and you have the power to make it happen..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

2:00pm, Wednesday, June 24th. District Attorney Miriam Walters came into the Main Conference Room... with ADA Paulina Patterson.

"Miriam and I accepted a deal." Paulina had excitedly told me and Laura at lunch. "I get to be an ADA. I'm practically autonomous, and I will be assigned to any case you request, Don... I can also hire one Deputy District Attorney to help me. In return, Miriam doesn't admit guilt in settling, she does not have to give me any cases other than the ones you request, and the settlement is sealed and I'm under a gag order not to talk about it publicly, especially to the Press."

Now in the Conference Room, Miriam said "Congratulations, Commander Troy. It's not every Police Officer that has his own personal ADA."

"Not every Police Officer is the Iron Crowbar, either." growled Sheriff Griswold in retaliatory response.

"I appreciate you settling your issues," I said to Miriam, "and I have a good feeling that it's going to work out well."

"It may not work out as well as you hoped, though." said Miriam. "If you insist on pressing the murder in the commission of a felony charges, Paulina will have to do every bit of that work, and try every one of those cases."

"And I'm looking forward to that." Paulina said.

"I think we'll be able to provide the evidence to secure convictions." I said.

"There is one other thing." said Miriam. "The number of cases, should you press them all, will mean that Judge Folsom is going to have to give some of them to Judge Nance, who will be inclined to give directed verdicts of acquittal."