CRYPTO: Infidelity (Book 1)

CHAPTER 10: CAUGHT

We took the criminal to the police station while some others took over the crime scene. Obviously, since someone was killed, they had to do an investigation and took away my gun even though I had already explained to them what happened. It was just standard procedure.

As it would turn out, the standard procedure turned into a homocide investigation of me. Since I had kicked the gun away from the 'victim', it seemed like I had shot him twice without probable cause. Since I was in the probationary period, I could be fired for something as small as that.

Because if that, the guy I had caught got to walk free because I couldn't testify against him and I was the only one that was there when he ran. We had no proof that he had committed a crime. The only thing we had against him was that he was carrying a knife. I hoped he didn't get a good look at my face.

A few days later, I had to go to court to find out if I was found innocent or guilty of the murder of that mafia member. I knew I was the good guy in this scenario so I shouldn't have been worried, but I was. I regretted shooting the guy while he was running away, but I was also glad I did. I felt like I did the right thing but I wasn't sure if the judge would feel the same way. My partner tried to reassure me that the judges almost always side with the police so that made me feel better... until I walked into the courtroom.

My stomach dropped and my head felt like it was filled with air when I saw who the judge was.

The mafia leader, Spiney. The Boss.

My heart pounded as I made my way to my seat. I could only hope he didn't recognize me, but even if he didn't, I had killed one of his members. Surely, he would be biased about that. He could easily send me to prison for life.

"Crypto Federici," Spiney said as he looked down at me.

I tried to avoid eye contact. "Y-yes, judge?" I stammered. My life was in his hands.

"You are here for the alleged murder of Andes Gabriele."

The court case went on as normal and I let the Chief of Police do the talking for me until I was called up to explain my side of the story. My paws were sweaty and I tried to hide my nervousness as I repeated what I had rehearsed. It all seemed pointless though. As soon as I saw The Boss, I knew it was over for me.

At the end of my hearing came the final verdict.

"Disciplinary suspension for 30 days," the judge said.

I was stunned. He could have charged me with murder or fired me from my job, but a suspension? I didn't see that one coming.

"And, Federici, come see me in my office," he said.

I followed the judge to his office. It was organized and clean as you would expect from a judge, except for the unfinished puzzle that covered his desk. Classical music played quietly from an undetermined location, but it didn't help my nerves.

Spiney sat down in his office chair. It creaked under his weight and I wondered how much he weighed, being a literal dinosaur. He was twice, maybe three times my size, but was much denser judging by how loud his footsteps were. They would shake the ground just like the t-rex on Jurassic Park.

There were no chairs for me to sit in so I just stood in front of his desk.

"Surely you knew it was only a matter of time before I figured you out," Spiney said. "I've got eyes all over this city. You knew that, but you probably didn't know just how many, judging by your recklessness. You actually thought you'd be safe in the criminal justice system." He laughed.

"What is it you want from me, judge?" I mustered up the courage to ask.

"I want you to keep your word," he said.

"You want me to quit my job?"

"No. Of course not. Your job as a police officer is the reason I only gave you a suspension."

"I don't understand."

"If I can trust you, I want you to work for me, not against me. Can I trust you?"

I looked down and noticed a piece of the puzzle on the floor.

"Can I trust you, Crypto?" he asked me again.

"You can trust me to do the right thing," I said.

Spiney sighed. "That's not the answer I wanted to hear."

He stood up and I took a step back, closer to the door, but Spiney walked to the window and looked out.

"I own this city, Federici," Spiney said. "I own all the casinos and all the money that goes into it. I own all the workers and customers there. Everyone in this city has been to at least one of the casinos. It's why they live here." He turned to face me. "I worked my way up to become a judge and gained the city's trust. Even the mayor comes to me for advice."

"Then what do you need the mafia for?" I asked.

"The Family is what got me this far and in return, I've given them more power than they have ever had before. So I'll give you one more chance. Can I trust you?"

I thought for a moment and realized I didn't really have a choice not to say yes. I could go along with the mafia or I could lie and then move far away from where they could get me. I chose the latter.

"Yes. You can trust me," I said.

"Good. First off, I want you to come to every meeting you are invited to during your 30-day suspension to make up for your betrayal."

"Fair enough," I said.

"Then, when your suspension ends, you will work for the Family and do everything they ask of you. If you don't agree with it, you will bring the matter to me. Capeesh?"

I nodded.

"And don't think you aren't replaceable. You aren't the only cop on my side. Now, go."

I couldn't help myself. I picked the puzzle piece off the ground, placed it on his desk, and left.