A Long Road to Redemption

Chapter 54

The next day, Taylor began to round up officers who had cooperated with Pierson over the years. In all, twelve officers were found to be on his payroll. The new District Attorney granted partial immunity to former Detective Sullivan in exchange for his cooperation in rooting out the bad actors in the department and the DA's office.

Frank Simmons joined Taylor in his new office later that day. "Well, I guess you were right after all, Roger." Simmons handed him one of the two cups of coffee he carried with him. "It's been great working with you again, old friend. You know we could always use a good agent at the Bureau."

"Not a chance," came the voice of Chief Butler. "We're going to need him to clean up this mess he made of the department. And someone to help me run it. There's going to be a lot of questions asked in the coming days."

"Sorry, Frank. I think my place is here. Not to mention that Goldman is still at large. Until he's found this isn't over."

"Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me." The two shook hands and then quickly embraced. Simmons left the office and drove the rental car to the airport for his flight home.

After Simmons left, Butler and Taylor were alone in the office. "Do you like the new accommodations?" Butler asked.

"I do, Cheif. I didn't think I'd have my own office until I was almost ready to retire."

"It's the least the department can do to reward you for bringing down Pierson."

There were some things that Taylor wanted to get off his chest. Chief Butler had mentored him, and he regretted going behind his back during his investigation. "Chief, I want-"

"Save it, Taylor," the Chief cut him off. "You know what you did was wrong by the book. You exposed corruption in the department and in the DA's office. Then, you single-handedly cast serious doubt on several cases prosecuted by Jim Cooper. Not to mention the case of that poor girl a few years ago." Butler took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "A woman died during your investigation. There will be a lot of questions to answer for that as well. Officially, this is a giant screw-up." Butler crossed his arms and sat on the corner of Taylor's desk. "But you brought down a major criminal organization. Unofficially, good work, Taylor."

"Thanks, Chief," Taylor said, feeling relieved. "So what happens now?"

"We've got a lot to clean up, and I doubt I'll survive the scandal. Gloria's been wanting me to retire for a while now, anyway. Now seems as good a time as any."

"Chief, I don't know if that's what you need to do."

"Yes, it is, and I intend to make sure your name is the only one on that short list of candidates. You've earned it, Roger."

"Thanks, Chief, but there's still some unfinished business for now." With that, the two men left the office to reorganize their department.