The Right Cop

By Isaac Hill Sr.

Undercover detective Denny Pryor works within the toughest inner city criminal organizations imaginable. It is not ever totally clear why he chooses to put his life in harms way as often as he does. He is an excellent cop by all measures. It is not totally clear what motivates him to be excellent. He is as warm as he can be cold-blooded, honest as he can be treacherous, open as he can shut himself down. A person can love and hate him at the same time. They can love him as the human being he appears to be and hate him for the way he operates. He is a chameleon in the inner city environment, blending in with who and what is popular while he plots and accomplishes their demise. He is never less than deep cover, undercover, for as long as it takes to perform his task. He goes by the book, which he constantly revises. He knows no retreat, and he is never haunted by the demons of error that plague those who watch the innocent die on their account to remain undercover. He is totally the right cop to be partnered with in the face of danger. Then suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, one terrible event changes his life as the right cop, and it is not totally clear why.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524590994

Isaac Hill Sr.

Isaac Hill Sr. is a New American author who believes that we live in a 'Rated-R' world filled with extraordinary people who continue to transcend the woes of social dysfunction called progress, ever trying to make the world a better place to live in. In doing so, he believes all of the worlds Lords and Masters employ the best people possible for progressive tasks. Progress however depends on whether the Lords and Masters are noble or evil - for each shall employ the Right Measures and People to worldly assignments according to their own perspectives. Being more than sixty years of age in a land where his grandfather was born, Isaac Hill Sr. is well accustomed to, as well as knowledgeable about the mood of this country. He has also worked in a variety of fields in these United States and has seen the best and worst agencies of people strive for dominance in its free enterprise environment. He has also seen that there is a Right Cop on both sides of the law who practice a justice system of their own.

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dedicated to all whom are striving to become leaders in a bold new world as we advance toward our destiny.

May the sources of their strength help them to achieve many goals for the greater good of a New Kind of Human.

Copyright © 2017 by Isaac Hill Sr.

Library of Congress Control Number:      2017903842

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5245-9100-7

      eBook      978-1-5245-9099-4

      Hardcover      978-1-5245-9101-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to

any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such

images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 03/15/2017

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1    Friends, Family, and Funerals

Chapter 2    No Sitting Ducks

Chapter 3    Undercover Stuff

Chapter 4    Golden Girl

Chapter 5    Tammy’s Lament

Chapter 6    Awards and Punishment

Chapter 7    Blank Shots

Chapter 8    Any Day Now

Chapter 9    Terrible Evidence

Chapter 10    Gangland’s Worst

Chapter 11    Subtle Distractions

Chapter 12    Friends of Distinction

Chapter 13    Tangled in Knots

Chapter 14    Money and Blood

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A Terrible Scene

My Special thanks are to my children, Isaac Hill 3rd, Monique Y. Hill,

and Cherice Hill (deceased), whom are greater inspiration’s

to me than I can express without being mushy.

Their focus and fortitude in this life is extraordinary to me. They are nurturing my grandchildren, Jequel, Monica, Joshua, Shontrice, Caleb, Shayla and Jayquin to resist all things

and people whom would challenge what God and their parents have invested in them and cause them to be insignificant creations unlike whom God said they are. God has declared that Humans are Very Good.

I offer extra special thanks to my son Isaac for his suggestions

and support in writing this book. Color is by Shayla, his daughter, (my granddaughter) whom is an extraordinary child.

God bless her amazing mother Shirley Pem Hill

whom no better daughter-in-law a person could have.

God bless Xlibris publishing and the United States of America

and every nation of this world which desire peace and prosperity – as strange bedfellows as they are.

Thanks to all of my readers.

Chapter 1

Friends, Family, and Funerals

According to Housing Management records, the Hills’ have lived in the Glassboro Middle Income Houses for just over nine years. They more or less keep to themselves. They were an affluent family before they arrived. At present, Amanda Hill is a Registered Nurse and Ward Supervisor at Glassboro Hospital which is not far from Glassboro Houses – two and a half miles to be exact, with quite a stretch of busy city traffic. Darrell Hill, her stepson, is mentally challenged. His body is maturing a little faster than his ability to grasp the teenage concepts which his age requires for him to be considered normal. A good thing is that he is a very sweet mental case and absolutely adores his stepmother. He not only does his chores happily, but he is very protective of Amanda.

Call it what you will, but bad things happen to good people every once in a while. Mr. Bobby Hill thinks he is a bad luck magnet. He lost his first wife Charlotte, in an automobile accident with a drunken driver who went airborne and landed on top of them from the other side of the highway. His wife was instantly killed. His son’s baby seat saved him. Bobby suffered many fractured bones in his arms, legs, chest and lacerations in his head and arms from broken glass. Had the airbags not deployed throughout their new luxury SUV, he and his son probably would have been killed too. They all had to be professionally extracted from it. He did not know, or get any answers as to the condition of his family while the firemen freed him from his death trap. They were all taken to Glassboro Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. His wife’s face was covered. His son did not have a scratch on his body, but he did not seem to recognize his reality. His eyes had a lusterless gaze and his reflexes were very poor, despite his strong vital sign measurements.

Amanda Hill; Amanda Jordan at that time, took an immediate personal interest in Bobby Hill which grew stronger as he grew stronger in her recovery ward. His physical injuries could not compete with the grief he had in his heart at the loss of his beloved Charlotte. Amanda Jordan desired to take the place of that grief. Bobby is a marvelous man to her. Despite his grief, he tried as hard as he could to get back on his feet and care for his son. His mother-in-law, Mother Jones, is way too old to properly do the job. Amanda Jordan was anxious to become a stepmother.

Charlotte Hill; Bobby’s deceased wife, was a lawyer. Bobby is a Civil Engineer for the Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Together they afforded a decent standard of living in a wealthy suburban neighborhood on property Charlotte inherited which had a mortgage. Charlotte’s law firm won quite a settlement for Bobby, considering the drunken driver who walked away with minor injuries was uninsured. But the monies did not pay off the mortgage after medical expenses and legal fees. The drunken driver got five years without probation for vehicular homicide.

Amanda looked beyond Bobby’s handicap and saw a handsome and charming man. After 14 months in rehab. Bobby left Glassboro Hospital on his own two feet. His right leg has a numbness which he will have to live with. It is more of a discomfort than a pain which Amanda promised to endure with him at their wedding. He has grown to love her and was convinced that he needed someone to continue to care for him and his son as she insisted she would. He had to promise that she could decorate the house as she desired, and told him she did not want to live in Charlotte’s shadow. He wondered what gave her the impression that he would put her through a competition with a deceased person. His perplexed expression on his face remained no longer than a moment. He assured Amanda that she has won that spot in his heart which only a woman he loves can possess, and hopes she feels the same way about him. Charlotte was cremated. No one had to see the scars she bore as far as Bobby was concerned and he was unable to attend a funeral anyway. Mother Jones had not argued about his decision. She too preferred to remember her daughter’s beautiful face and not the one that needed excessive reconstruction and makeup. Bobby keeps her urn in their bedroom for no other reason than not to offend all the folks that are leery about cremation. Amanda doesn’t sweat it. No one sees him speaking to Charlotte’s urn about her mother after her mother’s funeral.

A year into their marriage Mother Jones, Bobby’s beloved mother-in-law, passed at the ripe age of 87. She did not close her eyes before blessing Bobby, Amanda and little Darrell, who is a sweet little boy. She told Amanda that she has filled the spot in her heart her daughter had as if she were some sort of Godsend. She died holding Bobby’s hands inside hers and Amanda’s. Each of them thought that this moment cemented them more so than their wedding vows. Their loving gazes at each other revealed it.

Mother Jones was known quite well in her church circles albeit Charlotte was not as trusting in prayer as her mother was. This kept Mother Jones on edge all through Charlotte’s education and she was very happy when Charlotte had married Bobby. Mother Jones thought that most girls go off to college as virgins and have sex with someone before they graduate. She can rest in peace now. She knows that Charlotte was a virgin when she married Bobby. This is what Bobby was thinking when he tripped and fell on the funeral grounds. Mother Jones had got up the courage to ask him this question shortly before she died. His tears melted into laughter as many people rushed to help him to his feet. The gathering after the funeral dissipated quickly. Tomorrow is a church day for most of the people who attended the funeral. They are all near as old or older than Mother Jones and are active members in the church. They will need rest after their long drives home.

The next day following his fall at the funeral, Bobby’s right leg has gone totally numb. He could not stand on it with any certainty. His left side could not really support his weight as he needed it to. His left knee felt as if it would collapse under the hopping movement he made to the bedroom door where he called out for Amanda who is busy preparing breakfast. Amanda! he shouted for her. Please, bring me my crutches from the hallway closet, please. I’m having a bit of trouble walking. He is afraid and upset at the same time.

What’s wrong? she shouted back. Darrell is playing with his toys. She removed the frying pan from the heat and rushed to retrieve Bobby’s crutches and took them to him.

I don’t know. My whole right leg is dead, he cried. Amanda laughed.

You mean it is numb? she explained calmly.

Completely numb. Damn, I don’t think I should have stopped going to physical therapy treatments. What do you think?

Lay on the bed. Let me check you out. Amanda remained calm.

Bobby laid on the bed and Amanda checked his pulse in his toes. You have good circulation in your toes. Your leg is not dead. Your spine is probably sitting on a nerve or two. It could be from temporary inflammation. Are you dizzy any?

No; but this is not fun at all. Bobby cried.

Amanda gave his leg a vigorous message to no avail. She checked his temperature which was 99.2 degrees. You don’t have a high fever. You are not an emergency room case honey. But if you want, I’ll take you.

I have to work in the morning.

An emergency room visit won’t guaranty that you will. Stay in bed today. I’ll bring you breakfast. We’ll be a close family today. Darrell can play in here. We’ll watch television and do whatever you feel up to doing. Now don’t sweat it. You don’t look like you’re about to leave this planet yet. Amanda said cheerfully, kissed his lips and went back to preparing breakfast. She lifted Darrell into her arms, told him how heavy he is getting, kissed him, and spun him around in a warm hug. It’s a wonderful sunny day. A numb leg is not going to spoil it.

That day however was the first of many dark days. Bobby’s health took a down turn and within the year he was no longer able to work his job in full capacity. Everyone was hopeful that the paralysis of his leg would heal, but all that developed was a left side strength which was not sufficient for him to inspect roads, bridges, and tunnels in the manner required of him. In his diminished capacity he accepted a desk job from the city at practically half pay. Partial disability did not take up the slack and with having to care for Darrell, it was impossible for Amanda to work extra hours which would only cover the cost of day care anyhow. Besides, it is evident that sweet little Darrell is a special needs child that Amanda feared would not receive such care in the facility she could afford and keep up the mortgage. Mother Jones church members would help all they could in remembrance of how she got the title of Mother Jones by extending a helping hand to many people with such needs. It gave her the opportunity to strengthen people’s faith in Jesus.

Mother Jones was such a blessing to so many people Amanda. We’re happy to help you. I don’t want you to believe that you’ll owe us anything. This is our pleasure, said Mother Levine.

Mother Jones loved the church too. I feel sort of guilty for not attending or supporting it as I should have – so you see – I don’t want you to feel as if I don’t appreciate your efforts, but Bobby and I are doing fine. Amanda lied and the Mother’s Levine and Collins could well see the disarray of the Hill’s home.

Let us come twice a month and tidy things up a bit for you. We’d be more than happy to, said Mother Levine. Mother Collins nodded her agreement with a broad smile. Amanda agreed.

Okay, but only for an hour and I’ll pay for your gas.

The Mothers looked around and exclaimed simultaneously, Two hours! And they laughed. Amanda laughed with them. The deal was sealed in joy. The Mothers proclaimed that God will get the glory for their lives once again. Amanda preferred to praise the Mothers but said, thank you Jesus," instead before telling the Mothers she loved them.

Bobby thought he was interrupting a prayer meeting when he came home from work and entered into the room. He’d recognized Mother Levine’s car in front of the house. She kept her old sedan in pristine condition. She and Mother Jones would go on about Jesus for hours on end without tiring. As a matter of fact, the more they spoke His name, the more excited they got. They were both widows who married Jesus after their husbands passed away. And their husbands died young, over forty years ago – perhaps longer. Bobby expected that they will pray for his healing any moment. He was right.

Father God, in Jesus name I pray that you restore Bobby Hill’s leg to its full function, Mother Collins prayed as she touched his thigh. Amen! exclaimed Mother Levine. Amen. Amanda said softly.

Lord knows I never seen an instant healing in my life, but I have heard many testimonies that I have no reason to doubt. My faith in Jesus is not predicated on what I see, but who He is. Mother Levine cried. Bobby was not unfamiliar with the doctrine and he knew prayer could not hurt in the least. I thank you all so much for your prayers. I sure need them. Bobby said graciously. His tongue and lips however, had a shot of bourbon on their minds. He was sure glad that his bar was in the study. Excuse me please, I have to freshen up, as ladies would say.

The Mothers laughed. Amanda looked concerned about something. Excuse me. Keep an eye on Darrell for a moment," she asked and trailed behind Bobby into the study and shut the door behind them. The Mothers thought nothing bad of it and diverted their full attention to little Darrell. They must have looked awful to him. He turned away from them and tried to run. They were totally amused as he peered at them from beneath the dining room table. They made funny faces that terrified him. But he would not cry out. He just crawled further into his safety zone beneath the table and laid on his belly with his bright eyes staring from the shadows. The Mothers ceased their torment at once and waited to see if he would come out.

Amanda made Bobby sit at his desk while she prepared his drink for him. What did the bank say? She asked nervously.

Banks don’t talk Amanda, Bobby quipped.

Amanda laughed, Bobby didn’t seem blue. You know what I mean, she said and handed him his drink.

Good news, and not so good news. We’ve got a loan – not as much as we need or would like to have – you know how that goes.

How long will the loan last us?

Not long enough. We will be repaying it far longer than we will spend it at a time when another loan will be necessary. We need a miracle from God.

Well we can’t live depending on a miracle. I put in an application for middle income housing. Darrell needs special education. That is more important than this house. We are a family. We need a home more than a house. Amanda declared.

Damn I feel like I’ve failed you Amanda. You have stepped into my trouble filled world from day one and have not relented. I love you so much for that. I love you so much, I wouldn’t blame you for leaving. You deserve better than middle income housing.

I was born in low income housing. I’ll still be ahead of the game Bobby. You’re the one who will have to make the adjustment rich kid. Amanda laughed and made herself a drink.

This is new. Be careful, that bourbon is not that sweet wine you drink. Bobby warned.

I am going to toast to our brighter future, Amanda said before she choked the drink down. Oh yeah. You’re right. This is strong, she said with a raspy voice. I have company to attend to. She said, kissed Bobby’s forehead and left the study. Tears that he did not want her to see began to fall from his eyes. He did not want to tell her his left leg is going bad too.

The Mothers were busy about the living room straightening things up when Amanda reentered it. Where’s Darrell? she asked. Her eyes were like search lights.

He’s hiding under the dining room table. He doesn’t take to strangers well, does he?

No, he is a bit shy, said Amanda while she knelt down to find him. He has curled up and gone fast asleep. Amanda grasped a hold of him and dragged him up into her arms. She carried him off to his crib bed. The Mothers felt they had not done as well by Darrell as Amanda required. But this was not why Amanda had an aloof expression. She was not looking forward to moving. She knew full well everything they owned will not be taken along. She wondered when it would be best to place the ‘For Sale’ sign on the property and if it would sell within a good frame of time. Paying both rent and mortgage was not a lively prospect at all. She wondered if Bobby would change his mind and die trying to make ends meet as they are. She thought that she will have to dismiss the Mothers without telling them her business or offending them, but on second thought, perhaps their company should be welcomed. They are a pleasant distraction from a harsh reality.

Stop that fussing around in here and help me set the dinner table. You will join Bobby and I this evening. I insist.

The Mothers loved Amanda’s insistence and went straightway with her to prepare things. Their jolly voices above the tingling and clatter of the dinnerware is a joyful noise. Amanda lit candles. The Mothers folded their hands beneath their chins and smiled broadly. Their former feelings about their insufficiency on Darrell’s behalf are assuaged and their hearts celebrate.

The meal is roast beef, baked potatoes, and spinach. Amanda placed a pitcher of water and a tossed salad on the table and retrieved a pitcher of fruit punch.

Sit at the table beside each other Mothers. Bobby will be along very soon.

It will be good to have a man carve the meat Amanda, said Mother Levine.

I am sure he will serve it too, Amanda said to the starry eyed old ladies. Bobby was on approach. The company and the setting is a complete surprise. They were staring at him as if he were the main course.

Well hello ladies, Bobby said and chuckled realizing the church girls were flattered. I suppose you want me to say grace, he said – just smiling this time. All of the ladies nodded yes and he proceeded. Good Lord, good meat, I thank him that I am still able to eat. And to think I will indulge with ladies so sweet, is a God blessed time that can’t be beat. We are aware of those not so blessed. In this, we are all put to the test. So we promise to help those in need. But only after upon this meal we’ll feed. Thank you Jesus. And the ladies clapped and said ‘Amen’.

He’s a poet and he knows it, said Amanda. Will you be so kind as to serve the roast beef dear?

It will be my pleasure if you don’t mind passing me your plates.

Absolutely, exclaimed Mother Collins. She and Mother Levine giggled.

The old girls chattered on about the things which happened before Amanda knew Bobby. They were certain that Amanda would love to know some secret thing which they may stumble upon during their disclosures about Bobby. They took care to spare her any talk about Charlotte and his former marriage to her. Amanda didn’t press them for any details. She just listened with delight in her heart while they all enjoyed their meals. Amanda stopped eating abruptly and excused herself from the table to go and retrieve Darrell whom was sitting quietly in his bed. He extended beckoning arms to Amanda and she lifted him to her bosom and carried him downstairs. She placed him in a child’s high chair, fixed him a plate and placed it upon the chair tray. It is evident that he is on the final settings of the chair which he has really already outgrown. The old girls did not make any insulting remarks but their expressions said a lot. To them he seems abnormal, to Amanda, he is abnormally sweet. The gathering ended on a good note. The Mothers helped Amanda clear the table and load the dishwasher before they said their farewells. Bobby let Darrell come behind him into the den and lifted him upon his lap. They made each other laugh. Amanda waved as the Mothers pulled away. She closed the door softly and turned and looked at what they will be leaving as soon as possible. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, turned, and went upstairs to her bedroom to have some personal time and care taken. Something in her wanted