New York Chief of Detectives by Gary Hastings Page B

help but feeling that we must be missing something.”
    The lines of motorcycles started out in a double column followed by the hearse, and the family limo.  Dickie and Pat were four or five cars behind the hearse.
    “Wow, just look at the army of flashing red lights behind us with their high beams on. It’s a beautiful sight.”
    “I agree, Chief, and every one of those guys would die for each other.”
    “They would, but let’s hope we don’t have any more of that.”
    As the procession entered the cemetery, the lines of blue NYPD uniforms almost went out of sight. City transit buses had brought in hundreds of officers. There were also the grey uniforms of New York State Troopers and blue, black, brown, and green uniforms representing other officers from around the country.
    “Dickie, this is a fine turnout for Tony’s Inspector’s Funeral.”
    “We do great in tragedies. It’s the day-to-day work where we keep our backstabbing knives sharp.” 
    “You’re right, and it’s a shame that we have to put up with so much crap. I hate to admit it, but most of the trouble starts with the wannabe pencil pushers at One PP, who would sell out their mothers for another star on their shield.”
    The procession stopped, and Pat got out of the Chrysler to proceed to the graveside with the other chiefs. The rifle team was in place. The NYPD Band started playing the strains of “Abide with Me.”
    The pall bearers brought the flag draped coffin to the graveside as the thousands of officers saluted. The priest said the final prayer. The pipers played “Amazing Grace” with its hauntingly beautiful sound. A command was given;
    “All Officers, Atten... Hut!”
    The rifle team leader gave the commands; “Ready, Aim, Fire!”
    There was a sharp report of the seven man rifle team firing simultaneously. The sequence was repeated two more times to complete the full twenty-one gun salute. Then a loud “Present Arms” was given as a bugler on a nearby hillside sounded “Taps.” With each mournful note, Pat O’Connor vowed he would catch Tony’s killer. After a final “Order Arms!” the officers were dismissed.
    Pat walked over to Caroline and hugged her.
    “Your words were beautiful, Pat. Tony would’ve been so honored.”
    “Thank you, but I’m the one who was honored to talk about my friend.”
    “Thank you, Pat.”
    Many people were waiting to get to Caroline. Pat walked away.
    Someone caught his eye and he stopped in his tracks and walked over.
    “Well, if it isn’t Maggie Parker, the prettiest girl in the Secret Service.”
    “And I believe it’s my favorite Chief of D’s.”
    “Maggie, it’s so nice of you and your guys to be here.”
    “We owe you guys, and I know that you and Tony were close. I’m sorry that I haven’t called, but I knew you would be busy and of course we had the Vice President in town last week, so we were busy too. I know it’s short notice, but why don’t you come over for dinner tonight? I’d love to spend some time with the best cop in New York.”
    “Flattery will get you everywhere!”
    “I would love it. Is 7:00 okay?”
    “7:00 will work. I look forward to it, Pat. It’s been too long.”
    Maggie Parker was the closest thing to romance that Pat O’Connor had in his life. Maggie was quite attractive. She was tall with shoulder length brown hair, deep brown eyes, and kept herself in top physical shape. She spoke with a slight Texas drawl. Pat had known Maggie since she was a street agent in New York when he was a detective lieutenant. She had since been transferred to DC for protection and supervisory assignments, but had been back in New York for a couple of years as the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office. Pat and Maggie were very different, but they totally trusted each other. Maggie was the consummate executive, while Pat tended to operate closer to the street.
    When Pat got in the car, Dickie Davis was smiling.
    “Looks like you’re making