The Murderers (Badge of Honor 6)
Page 96
“What’s so important?”
Commissioner Czernich laid a single sheet of paper on the Mayor’s desk, carefully placing it so that the Mayor could read it without turning it around.
“Sergeant McElroy brought that to my house while I was having my breakfast,” Commissioner Czernich said, a touch of indignation in his voice.
The Mayor took the document and read it.
* * *
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
MEMORANDUMTO: POLICE COMMISSIONER
FROM: COMMANDING OFFICER, DETECTIVE BUREAU
SUBJECT: COMPENSATORY TIME/RETIREMENT
1. The undersigned has this date placed himself on leave (compensatory time) for a period of fourteen days.2. The undersigned has this date applied for retirement effective immediately.
3. Inasmuch as the undersigned does not anticipate returning to duty before entering retirement status, the undersigned’s identification card and police shield are turned in herewith.
Matthew L. Lowenstein
Chief Inspector
82-S-1AE (Rev. 3/59) RESPONSE TO THIS MEMORANDUM MAY
BE MADE HEREON IN LONGHAND
* * *
“Damn!” the Mayor said.Czernich took a step forward and laid a chief inspector’s badge and a leather photo identification folder on the Mayor’s desk.
“You did not see fit to let me know Chief Lowenstein was involved in your investigation,” Czernich said.
“Damn!” the Mayor repeated, this time with utter contempt in his voice, and then raised it. “Jack!”
Lieutenant Fellows pushed the door to the Mayor’s office open.
“Yes, Mr. Mayor?”
“Get Chief Lowenstein on the phone,” the Mayor ordered. “He’s probably at home.”
“Yes, sir,” Fellows said, and started to withdraw.
“Use this phone,” the Mayor said.
Fellows walked to the Mayor’s desk and picked up the handset of one of the three telephones on it.
“This makes the situation worse, I take it?” Commissioner Czernich asked.
“Tad, just close your mouth, all right?”
“Mrs. Lowenstein,” Fellows said into the telephone. “This is Lieutenant Jack Fellows. I’m calling for the Mayor. He’d like to speak to Chief Lowenstein.”
There was a reply, and then Fellows covered the microphone with his hand.
“She says he’s not available,” he reported.