Published: 19 Jun 2017

Case 1

“Custos fratris mei sum.”
(I am my brothers keeper.)

I looked up from my seat as the door opened and Captain Mitchell walked in followed by the same Internal Affairs Detective we had met the other day. Captain Miller set my gun and Shield on the table and they both sat down.

Captain Mitchell looked across the table to me. “How you holding up Williams?”

I shrugged. “OK I guess. How’s Tristan?”

The Captain smiled. “He is OK. Officer Williams this is Detective Jeremy Dietrick with internal Affairs.”

I was just about to say we had met when the Detective spoke first. “Good to meet you officer. I have heard a lot about you. I am required to tell you that you are entitled to have a union legal counselor with you during this interview. You also are not required to answer any questions without legal counsel. Do you understand?”

I nodded. “Yes Detective I understand?”

“Do you require legal counsel at this time?”

“Not at this time.”

“OK, you have the right to terminate the interview at any time and request counsel. I am also required to tell you that this interview is being recorded. May I proceed?”

Again I nodded “Yes Detective.”

“Please call me Jeremy.” He paused and started the recording. “This is Detective Jeremy Dietrick and Captain Greg Mitchell interviewing Officer Williams of the Community Protection Squad. Officer Williams for the record could you please state your name and badge number.”

I took a deep breath. “Officer Matthew WIlliams, Community Protection Squad Special Operations Division, Badge 54287, Boston Police Department”

“Thank you Officer Williams. You have been advised of your rights and have waived them at this time is that correct.”

I nodded. “It is”

Officer Williams this is an internal affairs investigation into the fatal shooting of Officer Kevin Watson. What we know is that during your squad’s investigation of the attacks on gay men in the Chestnut Hill area, you and your partner along with Detectives Woods and Rodriguez proposed a sting operation to your commanding officer.” I started to say something but captain Williams shook his head slightly.

“Captain Mitchell authorized the sting and requested the help of off duty FBI agent Alex Mills. This was done because Agent Mills is openly gay and would feel more comfortable with his role. Captain Mitchell ruled you and your partner out because of your recent media attention. Your only lead was a gay dating app profile. Agent Mills contacted the profile and arranged a date. Your squad with the help of Officers Diaz and Perez set up the sting. I have reviewed the plan and see no issues. Now why don’t you tell me what happened when Diaz and Perez lost sight of Agent Mills and the perp.”

I took a deep breath. “Tristan… Officer Cole and I were on the Chestnut Hill trail south of where they lost sight. We moved west trying to see if we could cut across the park and intercept Agent Mills and the Suspect. As we approached one of the trails that cuts across, we spotted three men all dressed in black hurrying down the trail we were approaching. We noticed one was carrying a baseball bat. We quickly deduced that these were the accomplices and followed them.”

“How did you figure out they were the accomplices?”

“There are not that many people in this park at that time of night dressed in black, and there are no baseball fields around. There really is no reason to be carrying a bat in the park and they were in a big hurry.”

“OK please continue.”

“We followed them down the trail and as we approached the group we heard them shouting at Alex”

“Heard or saw?”

“Heard at that point.”

“What kinds of things were they shouting.”

I took a deep breath again. “I don’t remember exactly but I do know I heard them call him a faggot and they told him to get on his knees. I know they said something about ‘cleaning up the city from perverts’, or something like that. Alex begged them to stop and one of them told Alex to shut the fuck up, he then told one of the other accomplices to show him, “Alex”, what happens when he doesn’t shut up. Tristan…Officer Cole and I assumed at that point they were going to start beating on Alex with the bat. We drew our weapons and raced around the corner. We identified ourselves and told them all to freeze. Three out of the four perps froze but the other one reached behind his back and pulled a gun. We shouted at him to stop but he raised the gun and I fired.”

“How many times did you fire?”

“I don’t remember… maybe twice?”

“Did Officer Cole fire as well?”

“I don’t know.”

“Did you two talk after the shooting.”

“No. Officers Diaz and Perez were next on the scene. We covered the perps while Diaz and Perez secured the downed suspects gun, handcuffed him and cuffed the others. Detectives Woods and Rodriguez arrived on scene while that was happening. They assisted then relieved us of our weapons. They then separated us and told us to not speak to anyone. We haven’t spoken to each other or anyone for that matter.”

“Thank you officer Williams, I am going to ask you a personal question now Officer.”

“Are you romantically involved with your Partner Officer Tristan Cole.”

“Yes I am”

“Officer Williams do you think you may have shot the suspect because your lover was in danger?”

I paused and looked at him and then the Captain. “No I fired on the suspect because he had a gun and was aiming it at me. I did exactly as I was trained to do. I would have done it if my worst enemy was standing beside me.”

Detective Dietrick scribbled something on the file in front of him and closed it. “OK I am done here. Captain both officer Cole and Williams can return to duty. This was a justifiable shooting in the line of duty and they are not held responsible. However I would suggest some counseling as this is their first line of duty shooting. Due to the nature of your squad and this partnership, I am going to omit the romantic involvement of the partners from my report. The Boston PD fraternization policy is pretty strong but this is an unusual circumstance. Captain I would recommend you request a policy waiver, I would be happy to sign off on that recommendation as well, before it goes before the Bureau chief” He looked over at me. “Officer Williams nice work. It’s unfortunate the assailants turned out to be Boston PD officers. You can take your gun and shield and go back to work.”

Captain Mitchell slid the gun and badge across the table. “Grab Woods, Rodriguez, Diaz, Perez and Cole and meet me in my office.”

I stood, “Yes sir.”

I quickly left the interrogation room and went to the squad room to see everyone including Perez and Diaz standing by. Tristan almost ran across the room and grabbed me into a hug.

We both could tell we were holding back tears. I think we were more terrified of what could have happened than what actually did.

I pulled back and took a deep breath. “The Captain wants us in his office.”

Sharon walked over to us. “If you two need a minute The Captain will understand.”

I looked at Tristan and shook my head no. “We will have time together later. Let see what the Captain wants and then we can get out of here.”

We all piled into the Captain’s office and waited for him to come back. As soon as he did he closed the door and took a seat and just stared at us. After a minute he got up, closed the blinds and sat back down.

“There is going to be some blowback from this from the rank and file. This is the first time in Boston PD history an officer was shot and killed by fellow officers. The District Attorney has already stated he intends to do his own external investigation. He called me this morning and explained his intention is to show that Watson and his cronies were bad cops and you guys are the heroes.”

I looked down. “I don’t feel much like a hero right now.”

Captain Mitchell paused and stared at me. “Officer Williams, you hold your fucking head up with some pride. You just took out some very bad people. I don’t give a shit if they wore a uniform and badge or not. They didn’t deserve the honor of being called a Boston Police Officer. You do. I know this is not easy and I am not telling you to just ignore it but you have a job to do so you need to get your head in the game.”

I looked up at him. “Yes sir. I will do my job sir, You can count on it.”

“Good because we have a major operation looming here. Everything in place?”

Rodriguez nodded. “Yes, we are hoping the Bailey’s want to make a quick turnaround on this and will contact their buyer right away.”

“Any word on the wire tap warrant.”

“The judge says he will sign it as soon as the Baileys take the call and make arrangements with Dice.”

“Okay, WIlliams you and Cole will be standing by with the Judge while that call is going on. The Minute they agree to meet with Dice get the judge to sign the warrant.”

“Understood sir.” Tristan spoke up for both of us.

The Captain came around the desk. “OK, tomorrow is Tuesday. I want you all to go and take the whole day off. Clear your heads spend time with the spouses and kids or dogs or whoever you spend your time with. Wednesday we do one final run through and then Thursday morning we kick this thing off. Perez and Diaz I want you to work with these guys on this. Woods will brief you two before you leave. Now get out of here and I don’t want to see any of you until Wednesday morning.”

We all smiled got up and filed out of the office, grabbed our stuff and headed home. Tristan drove so I started texting Kev and Marcy to see what their plans were for the evening. Both were free so I called mom to see if we could all do dinner. Of course mom insisted we come to her and Wayne’s for dinner. I made all the arrangements and set my phone down.

“Hey babe what do you think about taking James to the zoo tomorrow.”

Tristan smiled. “Sounds like a blast, however there is something I have been wanting to tell you.”

I got very nervous. “I am not sure I can handle anymore bad news right now.”

He chuckled “It’s not bad news. My brother is visiting Brown this week; he got in yesterday. He wants to come see us tonight.”

My jaw dropped. “Oh my god, turn the car around and let’s go get him right now.”

He laughed. “Settle down Captain America, he has meetings with his professors and project managers all day. He is taking the commuter rail and arrives at south station tonight at 6:00.”

I got excited and literally started to bounce. “Will he come to dinner with us?”

“If that’s OK with your mom.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? She would love it. I will just text her and tell her to expect a surprise visitor.”

“Should you fill her in a little?”

“Nope more fun this way. I just told her we would be there by 6:30 so we have some time to ourselves. Where is your brother staying?”

“I was going to have him stay at my place,”

“Bullshit he can have Kevin’s room tonight. When does he go back to Brown?”

“He told mom and dad he was here for the night. Tomorrow night he goes back.”

“Awesome so he can hang with us tomorrow. How about a nice dinner out with your brother. I will ask Kev and Marcy to watch James for a couple hours at our place.”

He smiled and glanced over at me. “You know you keep saying ‘our place’ right.”

“Well duh. Umm by the way, you never told me your brothers name.”

“Oh shit his name is Bret.”

We chuckled and spent the rest of the ride planning our free day and night. Once we got back to the condo we both realized how freaking exhausted we were and showered together and crawled into bed for a nap.

I awoke to Tristan’s phone ringing and nudged him to wake up.

“Hello?”

“OK cool. What time?” He looked at his watch. “Oh shit. OK I will be right there. No, no, I want to come get you.”

I sat up and started to pull on shorts as I listened to him. I looked at my watch and noticed it was 3:30 we had slept for 5 hours.

“OK it’s 1330 Boylston, I will meet you out front… Yes he is here and is excited to meet you.”

“OK see you in a few minutes.” He ended the call and looked over at me.

I could tell he was kind of nervous and excited. “Get dressed and go meet your brother. I will put on coffee.”

He just smiled and hugged and quickly got dressed. I wandered into the kitchen to make coffee and find something for lunch. Once the coffee was brewing I looked around the house to make sure it looked pretty clean and realized the housekeeper had come in while we were sleeping. Damn we must have been tired we slept through her cleaning the whole place.

I opened the refrigerator and realized I was starving. I pulled out some cold cuts, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. I started slicing tomatoes and pulled out mustard and mayo. I was getting the bread out of the cabinet when I heard the door open.

“In the Kitchen,” I shouted out. I turned and looked just as Tristan and his brother came around the corner.

“Matt this is my brother Brett. Brett this is Matt.”

I reached out my hand to shake his and he grabbed it and pulled me into a huge hug.

“I am so glad to meet you. Tristan has told me all about you.”

“Thanks Brett and I am excited to meet you.” I pulled back. “Beer, wine, coffee or Soda.”

“I would love a beer, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Tristan will you grab Brett a beer while I make us all some sandwiches? Are you hungry Brett?”

“Famished. Damn Tris if this guy keeps feeding me and giving me beer I might try stealing him from you.”

I laughed and glanced over at Tristan. “You two go chill out on the balcony and I will bring sandwiches. Tristan what do you want to drink?”

“Coffee please, still trying to wake up.”

The two of them headed out to the balcony. I finished making the sandwiches and stacked them on a tray. I grabbed a cup of coffee for Tristan and I and another beer for Brett. I walked out to the balcony where the two were sitting and talking.

“Here is lunch guys. So Brett when does school start?”

“Late August. I have to come up one more time in July to meet with the other students I am working on the project with.”

I smiled. ” Awesome we will get to see you in July. Maybe Tristan and I can get sometime to come to Providence. It’s been a few years since I have visited and it’s what, an hour away?”

Brett nodded. “From what I have seen and read its a really great city, and really open minded. Mom and Dad are pissed, but Brown’s Cyber Security Program is the best in the country and the hardest to get in. So When I got accepted I basically told them too bad. I mean it’s not like they are paying for it. Shit I will be in debt for the rest of my life for this.”

Tristan smiled. “So what career options do you have with a Cyber Security Degree.”

Brett cocked his head to the side. “First its a Masters Degree, I already have my Bachelor’s. I have job offers coming in left and right and actually I have to go meet with this private security company that does shipping security. They are out of Virginia and are offering to pay for my Masters if I sign a 4 year contract with them.”

I leaned in. “Ask them for a copy of the contract and I will have my friend Kevin review it for you. He is a lawyer.”

“OK cool. They seem real legit. But it wouldn’t hurt to have someone check it out.”

Tristan smiled and leaned back and sipped his coffee. “Its really good to see you Brett, you have no idea how much I miss you.”

“Me too bro. Mom and Dad are complete douches for the way they are treating you.”

Tristan scowled. “They’re still our mom and dad.”

Brett stood up and started pacing. “No man they are not. Things have gotten a lot worse since you left. That dickhead pastor of theirs has them convinced they have to keep me away from you. Dude they are even talking about arranging a marriage with his daughter… she is 15! Man that is just fucked up.”

Tristan stood up and put his arm around Brett’s shoulder. “Damn Man, I am sorry. You’re over 18 they can’t force you to do anything.”

Brett turned and looked at Tristan. “Tris, I don’t want to go back.”

“Then don’t. You can stay at my place for the summer. Hell I am here most of the time anyway.”

“I have to go back or they will kill me and I mean that. I have to go get my stuff and car anyway.”

Tristan took a deep breath and sat down. “Brett, go back get your stuff packed and drive out here, I will make sure you are taken care of and have everything you need.” Tristan wiped a tear.

I leaned in toward them. “Brett, this is family issues and I don’t want to get involved. But you could just leave, when they are not home sometime. Or you could make up an excuse and tell them your project is starting earlier. You have a safe place here.”

Brett wiped away a tear. “Thanks Matt, this is all just so fucked up.”

I stood up. “OK I will leave you two to figure out the details, while I shower. We have to be at dinner by 6 but since Brett is here earlier we could head over earlier and help my mom.”

Brett leaned back “We are having dinner with Matt’s Parents.”

I laughed. “Knowing my mom it’s a lot more than my parents. But don’t worry they will love you. I will let Tristan fill you in on the details while I shower. ”

By the time we all got ready and headed out it was just before five. I drove so Tristan and Brett could keep talking and catching up.

When we arrived at the house Brett stopped talking in the middle of a sentence. “Fuck this is where your family lives?”

I laughed. “Kind of the same reaction your brother had the first time he came here.”

Brett reached up and punched Tristan in the arm. “Way to marry up bro.”

Tristan tried to reach back and hit him but he quickly pushed past me as I was getting out of the car.

“Matt, grab him.”

“I am not getting involved in your family issues, honey.”

Tristan groaned and got out of the car as we all laughed. Just as we were walking up to the house Kevin and Marcy pulled up. Marcy jumped out and ran up to us and stopped when she noticed Brett. She looked him up and down like a lioness looking at a steak. “Kevin honey would you mind not staying for dinner?”

Kevin who was following her just stopped. ‘Your a bitch and based on the fact that he is damn near identical to Tristan I would guess he is Tristan’s brother which means if you try to get into his pants you would piss off me, Matt and Tristan.”

Brett was beat red and started stammering something, when we all cracked up. Marcy grabbed him in a hug. “Sweetie I am just teasing. Kevin is all I need.”

We introduced Kevin and Marcy to Brett and started up the front steps when the door opened and James and Kelly came flying out.

James launched himself into Tristan’s arms and Kelly grabbed me around the waist so hard I almost fell backward. I reached down and scooped her up and gave her a great big hug, then traded her to Tristan for James.

Mom was standing in the doorway and waited for me to walk up to her. I hugged her really tight and she whispered in my ear “Are you ok?”

“I think so mom.”

“I am here if you need me.”

I kissed her on the cheek and stepped back. “Mom I would like you to meet Tristan’s younger brother Brett.”

Mom actually squealed and grabbed him into a hug. Brett seemed so confused and awkward which made me and Tristan laugh.

She pulled away from him and grabbed his hand and pulled him into the house while yelling over her shoulder. “Get your butts in here so we can eat.”

Dinner was fantastic and we all had lots of fun getting to know Brett. James fell in love with him and started calling him uncle Brett right away. The evening flew by and we watched as Brett become more and more comfortable with our family and friends. After dinner my mom offered to keep James for the night so we could take Brett out and then pick him up in the morning to go to the Zoo.

The five of us headed to my place to get ready for a night on the town. At my place Kevin and Brett got the “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” treatment as Tristan and I with Marcy’s help selected what they should wear. Then we gelled their hair and picked which colognes to spritz on them. In the Gay world spritzing is synonymous with dumping it over your head. After we spritzed, plucked, groomed and dressed our heterosexual charges we called for an Uber and headed out for the night.

I awoke to my alarm going off on my phone. I leaned over and looked at the time. 8:00 am shit we literally got about 4 hours of sleep and had to pick up James in an hour for the Zoo trip. I looked over at Tristan sleeping and leaned over, kissed him and shook him awake. “Babe we have to get up. James is going to be waiting for us.”

He smiled. “Last night was a blast. Thank you. Brett and I have never had that much fun together.”

“Anything for you. Speaking of Brett go wake him up while I jump in the shower.”

I kissed him again and went into the bathroom to get ready, turned the shower on and leaned against the wall. I sighed, copious amounts of coffee were going to be required.”

I got under the hot water and let it cascade down over me. I heard the door to the bathroom open and Tristan slid in behind me and kissed the back of my neck.

“You ready for family day babe?”

“I will be in a few minutes.” I pushed back against him.

I really would welcome any comments you have on this story. Ken dot Barber at CastleRoland dot Net