The Cold Road (Book 1)

Chapter One

'You've done remarkably well on your Inspector exams, James. Top of your class in every subject this year, and you have surpassed even the highest recommendations. We've never had an inspector this young before, or this talented. And that is saying something. And I don't want this to go to your head, you hear?'

Two men sat in the head office of the Police Plaza in Manhattan, New York. The weather was autumn in the middle of November. Halloween was almost upon them and the dark clouds outside predicated an early snow. Outside the window of the square, cream brick building, a dismal cold breeze whipped through almost leafless trees as traffic drifted by on the road outside. Inside the office, the bright lights lit up the room in a warm glow that matched the warmth coming from the heaters.

The young officer on the other side of the Commissioner's desk nodded. His eyes ever watchful and his mind focusing on following the Commissioner's words.

'Now, the real reason I've brought you up here is I've just received word of a town down south, and I'd like to assign you there.' Opening his desk drawer, the Commissioner pulled out a file that he laid on the desk. 'I've been in contact with the Captain, it's a small town, only half a dozen cops. but they've got some big problems.' The man paused, letting what he had said sink in. He continued. 'For the past little while people have been disappearing, just homeless and the like, but they don't have the resources, or the manpower to spare. So I want you to head down there and help out.

'I know it's not quite what you expected, or may have hoped for, but the town needs the full MCU and you'd complete that. It's solo experience in the field that you really need, James. Your scores on the tests are off the charts, but that's all theoretical. Your work with partnership has been outstanding, but it's time to see how you fare solo. You work up to cases, and you'll get one soon.'

'Thank you, sir,' gushed James, wonderment spreading over his face. 'Thanks very much. What's the name of the town?'

'It's called Damascus. It borders Tennessee.'

'Damascus, sir?' asked James, shifting in his seat. After a moment's pause he reached for the file.

'Yes. You know the place?'

'I do,' said James, flicking through the file. 'I was born there.' Looking up, he caught the Commissioner's eye. 'Permission to be reassigned to another town, sir?'

'What?' The Commissioner chuckled, lacing his fingers together. 'Denied. You were just given it. What's the matter?'

'Well, sir.' James found his index finger tapping the armrest on his chair. He clenched his fist. 'Um,' he paused, rubbing his lips with his hand as he thought. 'Three years ago there was a murder, of a close friend. I was the one who discovered the body.'

'I see no outstanding reason why that should affect your work,' the Commissioner said, frowning. 'They currently already have a good detective manning any homicides -Eric Franks- they just can't stretch the man power they have to other duties. You'd be helping out in all areas. And besides, you've been away from town for a few years; a fresh perspective might be good. I've already told Captain Plant to expect you.'