Cop on the Edge, Episode 4
A New Partner

M. Stanley Bubien

I dropped my bag and slid into the chair. The Captain puffed his cigar, blowing smoke over the PC on his desk.

He only smoked when it was bad news.

Patting a folder, he said, "Here's your next assignment. But before that..." He blew more smoke. "Orders from the chief. I got a new---how do I put it?---a new partner for you."

"What about Mac?" I asked.

"Mac's a has-been. Department's setting new standards."

I sighed. "You've tried this before."

"This time it's for real."

I was silent.

Leaning toward me, he said, "I'm sorry. I got my orders. What can I do?"

I let my gaze pass around the office. Suddenly, I spotted it---the answer to his question.

"Okay," I said. "I'll give---but on one condition.'

The Captain nodded. "Shoot."

"Gotta pass the phone test."

"Phone test? What's---"

I grabbed his telephone and flung it at the PC. The monitor shattered with a shower of sparks. The impact pushed the PC to the desk's edge. It teetered there briefly, slid off and crashed to the floor.

"What the hell!?!" the Captain yelled.

"The phone test," I smirked, yanking my PowerBook out of the bag. "Mac passed the phone test. Sure, the screen needed some repairs, but it's been runnin' ever since. Tough as nails."

The Captain jammed the cigar into his mouth. Eyeing the rubble at his feet, he shook his head. "And what do you suggest I tell the chief?"

"Just send him that mess. He should get the message."

Copyright ©1996 M. Stanley Bubien. All Rights Reserved.

Please contact the editor for free text versions of this very short story formatted for e-mail, Usenet news, or ftp.

Story Bytes

Subscribe

July, 1996 Issue #4

COTE

Feedback