Noire: Detective of L.A.

Noire: Detective of L.A. Part 6

Noire: Detective of L.A.

Chapter 3: The Driver's Seat

Noire followed the chief up the stairs. He wore a freshly pressed suit, and a fedora hat. "This is your new desk, kid." explained the commander. "You're in Traffic. The hot sheet is posted next to the map, right there."

As Noire walked towards the map, a short, but well-built man, bumped roughly into Noire, and walked past him without apology. "What's his problem?" asked Noire.

"That's Biggs. He's an institution." explained the commander.

As Noire peered at the map, he remarked "So this is what all the fuss is about. Why can't they put a freeway next to my place?"

"They haven't even approved the money yet, kid. The bond issue won't be until December. It'll be years before any of this happens."

The commander led Noire away from the map and towards a desk. "This is your new partner, Stefan Jackson "

"I've heard about you, Noire." Jackson remarked. "You go easy on me, let me earn the odd citation, and maybe we'll get along fine."

"I'm here to learn, Detective." Noire said dryly.

"He's an intense one, isn't he Mel?"

"Who's intense?" asked a man, swaggering into the room.

"Our newly minted detective, Mark Noire." Jackson chuckled.

"Hi Noire. I'll be keeping an eye on you. I could spend a little time basking in reflected glory. Would make a change from busting hookers and dope fiends." he said, walking away.

"Who was that, Commander?" Noire asked.

"Roy Castellan. Chief Detective in Ad Vice."

"Do they all dress like movie stars?"

"Roy is a movie star." Jackson joked. "And the whole seedy side of LA is his audience."

Noire looked confused. "What does that mean?"

Jackson laughed. "Stick with me, kid. You'll find out."

Noire followed Jackson towards the briefing room. When he stepped in, the chief traffic detective stopped and acknowledged him. "And now, for some housekeeping. A warm Central Division welcome for Detective Mark Noire."

The other detectives gave half-hearted claps, eyeing Noire as he sat down.

"Some of you may know Noire. He's the guy who broke the jewelry store murder. Stand up and take a bow, Noire."

"Actually, if it's okay with you, sir-"

"That's an order, Noire."

Noire stood up from his chair, gave a stiff bow, and quickly sat down. The others snickered quietly.

"Noire is one of the only two serving LAPD officers who received the Silver Star during the war." the captain continued. "You really gave it to those lousy Japanese, eh Noire?"

"I did my best, Captain."

"Why are you war heroes always so modest? Anyways, I've partnered Noire with everyone's favorite Pole, Stefan Jackson." the captain announced.

Everyone started to laugh. One of the detectives turned around. "Hope you like work, kid. Jackson sure as hell, doesn't."

"Well that's why we have partners, right?" Jackson snorted.

"Okay, okay. Can it, guys." the captain said. "Stick with Jackson, Noire. He's a good cop, and he knows Traffic inside and out. I'm going to start you out with one case. You do good, I'll give you a couple more. You screw up, you'll be rousting vagrants and running license plates. Now get down to the PE Freight Depot. Sixth and Almeda. A patrolman called in a suspicious vehicle, with signs of foul play. See what you can find out."

Noire left the room, with Jackson tailing behind. "They really pushed you through quick, didn't they Noire? I was on patrol for six years before I got this desk, you were here in five minutes." asked Jackson, trying to start a conversation.

"What do you want me to say? I didn't ask for any favors." Noire replied. "Do you know where this place is?"

"Sure, it's near the old gas works and signal depot, in the warehouse district. I'll give you directions."

Noire and Jackson stepped into the car. Noire put the car into gear, and started to drive.

"So tell me about yourself, Noire."

"Are we friends now, Jackson?"

"We have to work together. Don't be so touchy."

"I grew up in San Francisco. My father was in shipping." Noire began. "Went to college at Stanford, did two years of ROTC, before doing OCS at Camp Elliot. I was shipped out in early '45 as a First Lieutenant and fought in the Okinawa campaign. I was wounded, shipped back home, did a year on beat, and now I'm here."

"So you won the Silver Star?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

Jackson ignored him. "So let me get his straight. You single-handedly killed 40 Japs on this hill at Okinawa. You were up there all night, draped in the flag, knife between your teeth, gun at the ready-"

"You finished?" Noire interrupted.

"The Emperor Hirohito, himself leading the charge against you!"

"I did my part, Jackson. What did you do?"

"I kept the streets of LA clean for the people."

"Yeah, I get it now. Unfit for service."

Noire pulled up to the crime.