Disclaimer: Wolf Films owns them.
I've always hoped they trusted me just as deeply. I know they have
put their lives in my hands on those occasions I've joined them on
stakeouts. I've felt that bond. They trust me to watch their backs
on the street, with the rat squad, with the D.A.'s office.
Ed has been ready to be a team player since day one. Beneath his Mr.
Cool attitude, it doesn't take too much looking to see the man inside.
What shines out is his enthusiasm for life, and a warmth and empathy
that the job still hasn't burned out of him.
I thought we've been doing well. He's opened up some about his
gambling past. Given me ungrudgingly his side of the story on the
temper outbursts that gave rise to the "excessive" force rumors. Lack
of sleep, a backsliding partner, and perps that were about to slide away
with their greasy lawyers. Would I have put it on his record? I've
made Lennie drag Curtis out of the interrogation room when he was about
a hair away from crossing that line into brutality. I know Ed felt his
conscience was clean.
Are these things enough to earn not just respect, but Ed's trust? How
much trust does he need to share the secret he's carrying? I would
rather not test how high the walls are, walls he must have to keep
around his private life. But something is, and has been, off between
Lennie and Ed. I can't stand by and watch my best team lose the
connection that makes them work.
Maybe I'm totally off base. But if I'm correct? If Lennie has a
problem with Ed's... lifestyle, there's going to have to be an attitude
adjustment.
If I'm correct about reading Jack McCoy's glances and smiles....? But
suddenly Ed's not smiling. Jack McCoy, damn you, you had better not be
jerking one of my people around.
I don't have enough information. I'm not sure if it's time to fight
yet. I need to get a few more facts. But watch out, Mr. A.D.A.... If
you wanna mess with me and mine you'd better be packing more heat than
your persuasive vocabulary.
Ed's gone for the night and Lennie's about to leave.
Deep breath, and I lean my head out.
"Lennie, I need to see you in my office. I think you know why."
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Van Buren
Copyright July, 2003, Lynk13
Trust. That is always the bottom line. I trust my people, my family,
my precinct. Sometimes the line is blurry. Some of these men and women
have become my family, sticking by me not only on the street, but also
through my court battles, both as a defendant and through the fiasco of
my litigation.
On to Part XVI, Lennie's POV, by Cirocco