Return to Innocence

Part 20

Peter plopped down wearily in the visitor’s chair at Kermit’s desk. The sunglassed-man inspected the new arrival, but said nothing for a long time. He then leaned back in his chair, the springs creaking with age, "’Bout time you checked in. Simms was worried when we didn’t see you yesterday."

Peter shrugged his shoulders innocently, "She was worried? Funny. . .I just came from her office. She didn’t say anything to me about it."

Kermit shifted in his chair, suddenly uncomfortable, "Yeah, well, she must’ve forgotten."

Peter grinned slyly at the older man, "I’ll have to thank her for caring."

Kermit said nothing, but the corners of his mouth turned up in a small smile. "So, how you doing, Kid?"

Peter shrugged his shoulders again, "I’m fine."

"Don’t lie to me. I know you too well for you to get away with that crap," Kermit scolded.

Peter said nothing for a beat. He started to open his mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes, trying desperately to ignore the headache which was building between his eyes, the pain growing in his heart. "It’s hard going up against the system, being thought of as a traitor," Kermit continued, seeing that his young friend could not speak for himself. "I know, I’ve been there." Peter’s expressive eyes flew open, full of questions. Before those questions could be asked, Kermit held up a hand, halting the flow of words, "It’s a conversation for another time. . .another place." Peter slumped back in the chair.

Kermit leaned forwards, arms resting on the desk in front of him, "You know that you have friends here. . .people who care about you. . .who trust you?"

Peter grinned slightly, "Yeah, I know. I’ve been reminded of that a few times already today."

"Good. It seems to take a few times to get through that thick skull of yours." Kermit matched Peter’s smile, "Now, what can I do for you?"

"I need you to. . .well," Peter now shifted positions in the chair. "I was hoping you would. . .uh. . .observe. . . conversations I intend to have with certain members of the Task Force?"

"You’re going to be wired?"

"If I can get Blake to lend me one of his bugs." Peter stood and walked to the far side of the small room. "I’ll be straight with you, Kermit. This is unofficial and could get us both in lot of trouble if anyone found out."

Kermit shrugged his shoulders, "Been there, done that."

"Yeah, I know, but I’m calling into question the veracity of my fellow officers. That’s something that the department tends to frown upon."

"Then there’s something wrong with the department." Kermit picked up a pen and twirled it between his fingers, "Can I ask you something?" Peter nodded silently as Kermit continued, "Do you believe in what you are doing?"

Peter looked down at the floor, took a deep breath and then spoke, his words very quiet, "It hurts like hell, but, yes, I believe that what I’m doing is right."

"Then that’s good enough for me," Kermit smiled warmly. He stood and slapped an arm around Peter’s shoulders. "How do you want to handle this."

"Well, I need a bug from Blake. I’m only hoping he’ll let me have it without any hassles."

Kermit grinned slyly, "That won’t be a problem."

Peter chuckled, "No threat of bodily harm, okay?"

Kermit looked briefly disappointed, "Okay. What else."

"I want to go after the weakest link in the Task Force."

Kermit’s eyes narrowed, "Who?"

"Travis Wilson. He helped me try to revive Michael after he was shot. He took me to Kathy's. I don’t think he’s like Barnes or Pearson." Peter leaned against the desk, "I just want to talk to him. . .try to find out what he heard. . .what he saw. If I’m lucky, I can convince him to tell the truth."

"But you’re going in wired."

"I have no choice. I don’t want to do it. But if I can get him to admit what really happened on tape, then I’m going to turn the tape over to Stacy, no matter whether he comes clean voluntarily or not." Kermit took a deep breath as Peter continued, "That’s why I wasn’t sure you would help me."

"I’m in." Kermit opened his door and scanned the squad room. Detective Blake was leaning over his desk, studying what appeared to be transcript of his latest wiretap. "Blake," Kermit called out, startling the already nervous man. "We need to talk to you for a minute."

Blake scampered out of his chair and hurried for the ex-mercenary’s office. Kermit shut the door behind him. "We need to borrow one of you bugs."

Blake, who protected his monitoring equipment, like a tiger protects its cubs, growled at his two co-workers, "For what?"

Peter shifted subconsciously, but Kermit held his ground, "Peter’s going to try to save the life of Teddy Watson."

Peter realized he was holding his breath. He needed Blake’s cooperation in this. It wasn’t an official investigation and Peter had no authority in Teddy Watson’s case. Blake could be putting his career at risk by helping, and Peter was certain that the older man had figured that out. Blake’s voice shook slightly with his next comment, "What are you going to do?"

Kermit started to speak again, but Peter’s hand on his arm stopped him. Peter spoke instead, "I’m going to ask my fellow task force members for the truth. . .and hope I get it."

"And the truth will prove Teddy Watson is innocent?" Blake’s voice was a little more assured now.

"The truth will prove that Teddy Watson didn’t commit the crime he was charged with," Peter corrected.

Blake pondered the situation. His decision was being made, not on the issues, but on the person asking. He smiled at the young detective and then nodded. "Okay. I’ll get you something. When do you need it?"

A knock on the door interrupted the three. Kermit opened it to find Sgt. Broderick on the other side, "Peter has a call on Line 3."

Peter looked at Kermit, silently asking permission to use his phone. Kermit nodded and Peter picked up the handset, "Peter Caine."

"Peter, it’s Stacy." The counselor’s voice was hurried.

"What can I do for you, Stacy."

"I was hoping you could find your father and meet me at the jail. I’m worried about Teddy. He won’t talk to me. Something’s wrong. I was hoping your father could help," Stacy’s words did not hide her desperation for her client.

"I figured my dad was with you." Peter responded, confused.

"No. He was here earlier, but he left. He wouldn’t tell me where he was going."

"Okay, I’ll see if I can find him. He might be with the Ancient." Peter suggested.

Peter hung up the phone and turned to his co-workers. "Pete, I’ll have the bug ready for you within the hour," Blake promised.

Peter patted the nervous man on the back, "Thanks. I’ll be back to pick it up in a little bit. I have to find my dad."

"What’s up?" Kermit asked, eyes narrowing.

"I’m not sure. Stacy says that Teddy is claming up on her. Doesn’t want to talk. She’s hoping he’ll talk to Pop." Peter opened the door and then stopped, turning back to Kermit. "Thanks for your help. I’ll get in touch with you later."

"Take care of yourself. If you need anything, you know what to do." Kermit assured, watching his friend walk out the office.

End Part 20

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