Friday sat in the car with Steve. His name was Steve too, but very few people knew that. He had been called Friday ever since he joined the Department. A reference to the old "Dragnet" series and his television-like ethics no doubt. He didn't mind. Actually, he was proud of it.
He didn't resemble the old Friday. He looked more like Charles Bronson, but with rounded eyes. His coal black hair was tossed and not altogether clean. 18 years with the Department had taken its toll on his decision to stay well groomed. His marriage, like so many officers had failed under the intense requirements of the job. Stress, coupled with the requirement to work holidays -- and his lifestyle, dealing with scum 24/7, had taken his toll and left him somewhat jaded about people in general.
His double-breasted longshoreman's black jacket lay loosely around him as the swirling smoke from his cigarettes blew around the car before exiting the window. He tossed his half-smoked Winston onto the dew dampened pavement next to the car and the 15 or so other butts.
"There!" Steve mentioned.
They watched as the guy walked down the streetlight lit sidewalk and fumbled in his pocket. His white hair set him apart and he stepped inside quickly, closing the door almost too quickly. They watched together as he flipped on the lights and checked his appearance in the window. Also passing was a young, very attractive woman.
Friday grabbed the microphone. "Grab the girl in black...she was with our guy."
"10-4."
All units, 459 pc at 170th and Hawthorne. Code 3 High, came the staccato voice from the radio. Your lady was one Madison, should we hold her?
"No," said Friday. "Not this time. Let the others get it." he said, pulling his new rank as Detective first class yet again. "We need this." As they watched, he seemed to check a message and looked like he was reading the newspaper...with a pencil in hand. Closing the case against Eva scored a huge promotion for him.
"What's he doing?" Steve asked.
"Crossword puzzle."
"How do you know?"
"I've gone through his trash. They're always done. Completely."
"Glad to know I'm a new partner and missed all that fun!"
Friday? She's Conrad Madison. We have her info.
"Let her go," he said. "As long as I can find her later."
As he watched, Friday recalled fondly his ex-wife...also a fanatical crossword fan. ...And his daughter. He tried to tell himself they were better off. If only he could believe it. Cops weren't meant to have families. That much he had learned.
"Friday?"
"Yeah?"
"What is it you hope to see?"
Just watch," he told Steve...as he lit another cigarette.
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Comments: 34
You bring back memories with the Friday and the old Dragnet series.
Marilyn
Are you adding a new character, or does A. J. have multiple personalities? (Gotta ask, with characters like Mordebahn and Omega around.)
Don't feel bad about the 4, my letter started with a 2 and no comments.
Ooooh...he's SO not stereotypical!
Oh, Sandy. Help me here. I just don't know but having seen where people think Mr. Tinker is...knowing only what they know based on the the challenges...I wanted people to see what I could not otherwise show them. You have enough work here...I don't need to add to it. I can, from time to time add this person to illuminate Mr. Tinker. I need not add him "officially"...but if you want me to, I would.
Sue...I'm fighting hard to stay back...I'm WAAAAY ahead on my characters. I know them. I feel them. They tell ME what's up.
And yet, Sandy, you've stimulated more thinking, creativity, writing and activity than I have ever seen on this site.
Anyone that lowballs without a comment bites. You may quote me.
So show us!
"They've all been hit with low ratings."
I was wrong. They haven't all been low rated. I checked as I went through to make sure I've seen each one. Being the super-sleuth that I am, I detect a pattern. If this guy Friday needs a partner, I'm available.
"And yet, Sandy, you've stimulated more thinking, creativity, writing and activity than I have ever seen on this site."
That's why they've been hit with low ratings. Good thing this is social networking grown up. Can you imagine if it was filled with immature people who didn't know the difference between decent writing and crap?
Sorry. I'll shut up and go to bed now.
So show us! "
Bossy, bossy. ;o)
No. I think it's a bad idea. I'll play with him here and there though. It would be a lot of extra work for you (and others) and the precedent might be that everyone starts doubling up (or more)....and then the point is reached where we won't need other people's characters...pulling from our own. The interaction is good.
"Can you imagine if it was filled with immature people who didn't know the difference between decent writing and crap? "
Wow! Sandy does sarcasm! Yeah...I think I can imagine! I'm only waiting for the day where I'll need to imagine it! :o)
You're cute Emme...if only that would work...too bad ratings don't effect me enough to make a difference either way.
Glad to know I'm not the only dreamer around here.
This character is interesting, but I found myself getting a little confused here and there as to who was talking. The writing has a problem here and there--nothing huge, just not as polished as your other piece. I don't know what the etiquette is on editing.
Sandy, so you see a pattern? Do tell for those of us who are curious but not nearly as good a sleuth. :)
Apryl...I think this low rating topic is much more about my friends and politics than my writing. I also consider ratings virtually useless...I leave them on so others can express their pleasure or displeasure or whatever it is they think they are expressing!
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~