Read Online The Big Mitt (A Detective Harm Queen Novel Book 1) by Erik Rivenes - Free Book Online Page A

of sips and then set the glass down. It went down like liquid silk, but far too high for his nut, and he wasn’t about to let them watch him enjoy it, either.
    “Thank you, sir. Again to my question –”
    “Of course, Queen, goddammit, why wouldn’t you?” the doctor exclaimed, slamming his fist on the desk. “Why the hell wouldn’t you? You delivered allies and votes for me. Not to mention personal favors. You’re a crack fly-bob to boot! What would make you question that?”
    “I saw Mike Ryan come out of your office. There isn’t a more popular man on a beat, sir, than him. If you can axe him, I don’t know who is safe.”
    “Well you, for one.”
    “Yes, sir. So you said.”
    “And I mean it. Listen. Sit down.” Queen found a chair and obeyed. Doc took a drink from his glass, and leaned forward. His pause was drawn out and dramatic. “I mean to make this police force more fully representative of the population. We need people from all walks of life. All backgrounds.”
    “So it’s because he’s Irish?”
    Ames spread his hands affably. “I don’t have a prejudiced bone in my body, Harm. I’ve got bigger things to think about than Mike Ryan. I’m going to set an example for the city of Minneapolis, and the entire country!”
    “My brother is beloved by everyone, Detective Queen,” Colonel Ames added. “From civic leaders and businessmen to the tramps and down-and-outers. We want officers who encompass the entire scope of humanity.”
    “I see,” Queen replied. He was starting to understand the full implication of the Ames brothers’ plan. Doc had never thought highly of the Irish, and was sore that a couple of their political leaders had fought against him during the election. Slashing their influence in the Police Department was the first step, although he hardly thought Mike Ryan was a political threat.
    Doc Ames gave Queen a grandfatherly smile. “You look pensive, Harm. We’ve all worked hard through this campaign. I need people who will continue to hustle for me. This is politics. To the victors go the spoils. It was the same for Mayor Gray, wasn’t it? Don’t tell me you haven’t benefited from your time as a policeman? You were with me in my third term. I know full well that you’ve been well compensated for your labor. I want officers on the force who will answer to me, and who won’t be afraid to bend the rules a little to deal with certain Minneapolis industries that need a firm hand. You do understand, don’t you?”
    “Yes sir, I do. It’s just that some of those men holding up the walls out there are bona fide criminals that I’ve had a part in putting away. Working with them every day –”
    “Will be challenging, yes, I know. You’re up for the challenge, though. You’re loyal to me as well; that I know with every fiber of my being. That brings up another thing.” He looked a little warily at his brother.
    Colonel Ames put up his hand. “If you don’t mind, Alonzo, let me give the news to Detective Queen. There has been speculation about the Chief of Detectives position. Newspapers have thrown names around, including yours. You are aware of this, right?”
    “Of course, sir.” He felt the pulse in his neck start to pound.
    “Anyway, to be blunt and straight to the point, Detective Queen, we’ve decided not to make that position available to anyone now. I’ll assume the responsibilities in addition to my job as police superintendent.”
    Queen clenched his fists. He felt his face flush. He’d considered the possibility that he might not get the promotion, and he had put his feelings on ice about it when he considered the far worse possibility of being demoted or even fired. But he still felt an enormous sting of disappointment hearing it straight from Colonel Ames. I should be grateful I still have a job, he thought to himself. So why am I so hot under the collar?
    “Damn it, Harm. You look crestfallen! Look, we’re not ruling it out in the future, and I