[Lady Justice 18] - Lady Justice in the Eye of the Storm

by Robert Thornhill

  “Not to be facetious, but things are rarely black and white, but many shades of grey.”

  “Yes, Ma’am. That’s why it’s not easy being a cop. We have to make decisions like that every day. Sometimes we get it right. Sometimes we don’t, but we always try.”

  “So, Officer Williams, moments after Tweedy and his buddy left the convenience store, you heard the distress call from Officer Malloy and responded, which ultimately led to you shooting Rashan Tweedy after he had slain Officer Malloy. Do you have any regrets about that decision?”

  “Of course I do. I never want to take the life of another person if it isn’t absolutely necessary. I’ve replayed it over and over again, as well, but come up with the same answer each time. I had no choice. If I hadn’t fired, another officer would probably be dead. I hated what I had to do, but I would do it again under the same circumstances.”

  “Thank you for your candor, Officer Williams. Now I’d like to talk to Willie Duncan. Mr. Duncan, I understand you live in the same building as Officer Williams.”

  “Yes’um, dat’s right.”

  “You just heard Officer Williams talk about shooting Rashan Tweedy. How do you feel about that?”

  “Tweedy was a punk. He got what was comin’ to him. Mr. Walt was jus’ doin’ his job.”

  “You’re a black man as was Rashan Tweedy, and Officer Williams is white. That doesn’t mean anything to you?”

  “Let me tell you somethin’, Ms. Clemmons. Mr. Walt found me when I was a punk jus’ like Tweedy, sellin’ stolen ceiling fans out o’ de trunk o’ my car. He took me in an’ gave me a home an’ a job. Dat was ova’ twenty years ago. Yeah, we all live together in de same building, me, Mr. Walt, Ms. Maggie an all de rest, but dere ain’t no color in our building, no black and no white. We all jus’ friends.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Duncan.

  “I saved Mr. Duncan until last, because I wanted to make a point. The theme of our discussion is Ebony and Ivory living together in perfect harmony, as the lyrics of the song suggest. Mr. Duncan and Officer Williams would seem to be the embodiment of that harmony. That’s certainly positive, and gives us hope that more and more of us can see beyond the color of our skin and accept one another for the kind of lives we lead.

  “Unfortunately, all we have to do is look to the thousands of people on the street and realize a lot of fine tuning will be necessary before that harmony is achieved.

  “I am encouraged with what the people in this forum have shared today, and it is my hope we can use this discussion as a platform on which to build greater understanding and acceptance among all races.

  “Thank you, and may God be with us all.”

  After the cameras had been turned off, I breathed a sigh of relief. Andrea Clemmons had done a good job presenting all sides of the issue.

  My fear was she had been preaching to the choir. I had serious doubts that members of Rashan Tweedy’s gang of street thugs had tuned in, and I could just see hard-nosed cops scoffing at the idea of being racially tolerant.

  There was a long way to go, but maybe this would be a start.

  Willie, Ox and I embraced, the captain shook our hands and we headed for home.

  The security around the studio had been tight. With the situation on the street as volatile as it had been, the last thing anyone wanted was an incident at a forum which was supposed to be fostering peace.

  I had just stepped out of the building, when a young black man came barreling through the crowd.

  His words sent chills down my spine.

  “You shot my brother and now you gonna die!”

  He pointed a pistol at my chest, but before he could fire, he fell under a barrage of bullets fired by the security detail.

  As Deandre Tweedy lay dying at my feet, the haunting words of the song Elvis sang forty-five years ago was a prophecy fulfilled.

  The crowd gathers ‘round an angry young man

  Face down in the street with a gun in his hand

  In the ghetto

  And his mother cries

  EPILOGUE

  I wish I could say that after the Ebony and Ivory forum, things improved, but they didn’t.

  Demonstrators still marched, carrying their placards and shouting their slogans. TV reverends still stirred the crowds with their rhetoric, looters still used the turmoil and confusion to steal their cigarettes and beer, and the media, of course, was there to broadcast the chaos into every home in America.

  As I reflected upon the events that had precipitated this crisis, it occurred to me everything which had transpired had been the product of people who represented the extremes in our society.

  It reminded me of the bell curve I had studied in college. In a bell curve, what is normal represents the highest point on the curve, with the extremes being at the far end of the curve. A bell curve of the temperature for our region might have the bulk of the curve representing temperatures between thirty and eighty-five degrees. At the far ends are the relatively few days with temperatures below zero or above one hundred. Unfortunately, nice days aren’t deemed newsworthy, just the ones where we’re freezing or frying.

  People are a lot like that. I know there are police officers at the far end of the curve that bully and terrorize people of color, but I also know the vast majority are like my partner and my captain, doing the best they can to make our society safe and secure.

  Sure, there are people like Rashan and Deandre Tweedy at the far end of the curve, but most of the people of color I know are like Willie and Louie, just regular people trying to make a life in this troubled world in which we live.

  Unfortunately, the media isn’t interested in the good cops or the good people of color. They write about the ones on the far ends of the curve.

  Lady Justice has a difficult time balancing the scales when people from the far ends of the curve do things which impact the rest of us.

  That’s why I became a cop, and for five years I have been proud to serve Lady Justice in her battle to keep us from being dragged into the eye of another storm --- I just don’t know if I can do it anymore.

  Bel Air Resort before Hurricane Odile

  Reception area before Hurricane Odile

  Front entrance after Odile

  Reception area after Odile

  The restaurant where the author and his wife were having lunch when Odile hit.

  The same restaurant 24 hours later

  The tiny bathroom where the author and his wife spent four hours during the worst of the storm

  The author carrying water to flush the toilet

  The mile-long line at the airport where the author and his wife stood for three hours waiting to be evacuated

  Mexican military with automatic rifles maintain order at the devastated airport

  Looters ravaging the stores and resorts in the wake of the hurricane

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Award-winning author, Robert Thornhill, began writing at the age of sixty-six and in five short years has penned eighteen novels in the Lady Justice mystery/comedy series, the seven volume Rainbow Road series of chapter books for children, a cookbook and a mini-autobiography.

  Lady Justice and the Sting, Lady Justice and Dr. Death, Lady Justice and the Vigilante, Lady Justice and the Candidate, Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, Lady Justice and the Cruise Ship Murders and Lady Justice and the Vet won the Pinnacle Award for the best new mystery novels of Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2012, Spring of 2013 and Summer 2014 from the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs.

  Many of Walt’s adventures in the Lady Justice series are anecdotal and based on Robert’s real life.

  Although Robert holds a master’s in psychology, he has never taken a course in writing and has never learned to type. All 28 of his published books were typed with one finger and a thumb!

  His wit and insight come from his varied occupations, including thirty-three years as a real estate broker. He lives with his wife, Peg, in Independence, Missouri.
<
br />   Visit him on the Web at: http://BooksByBob.com

  What people are saying about the

  Lady Justice Series

  WOW, that guy can really write a good book. Mr. Thornhill keeps your interest by writing a good mystery, a good cozy and many things you can laugh at.

  I like a book, now and then, that I can relax with, enjoy and not have to think or talk about it to death. Way to go man! I loved it. Terry – Amazon Review

  I love this series. Walt and his friends are a hoot. Their adventures are sometimes far-fetched, but underneath are some very true-to-life facts about human nature. And although light in nature, the tale is very well researched. Living near Kansas City, Missouri just makes the story more fun. Looking forward to more of Walt's adventures as a senior cop and his over-the-hill gang. Cuentista – Amazon Review

  I love all of Robert Thornhill books. They are quick reads and can make you laugh out loud. I look forward to them. Mary – Amazon Review

  I got this book as a free download and it was another winner in the Lady Justice Series. Walt and Ox and the gang are at it again and they stumble from one adventure into the next. There never is a dull moment in the book and as usual it is laced with humor and action. Once I start one of Robert Thornhill books I have a hard time putting it down. I enjoy all the characters so much and I especially like that they are all older and yet still manage to have fun and get into trouble, so if you have not yet discovered the Series you better get started.

  Conny – Amazon Review

  I nearly tore my stitches out laughing...so I would not recommend it right after back surgery. But, anytime you want an interesting read and a good belly laugh, read a Thornhill mystery.

  Cate Lay – Amazon Review

  Mr. Thornhill spins a quick and entertaining tale which is easy and fun to read. No need for a dictionary because the language is every day and down to earth. His characters are lovable and believable. Like a good box of chocolates I'll bet you can't read just one! Enjoy the series. Rose Point Publishing – Amazon Review

  Robert Thornhill is the rare author of mystery who can keep the reader completely submersed within the caper while laughing hard enough to nearly wet ones pants! I mean who does this? Murder and Laughter...I used to think didn't belong in the same sentence. This author not only can do so, but he does so with a God given talent. Zona – Amazon Review

  Suspense galore and enjoyable book. Was hard to put down. The author did an awesome job.

  Mystery...Suspense... laughter....Love....all combined into one book. Kindle Customer – Amazon Review

  I love all the Lady Justice series. They have humor, older heroes and quirky characters that never fail to entertain. There are lots of references to old TV shows, old jokes, clichés and funny mistakes by stupid criminals. It's a fast read, a fun plot and perfect for a light-hearted summer read. Once you get to know the people, you'll be hooked. I hope this ends up as a TV series. Five stars. Sandy - Amazon Review

  The writing is sophomoric, at best. It seems to have been aimed at a juvenile audience. The 'humor' was only funny if you were in grammar school. It was a slog to complete this book.

  Phoenix Rising – Amazon Review

  (Oops! How did this one get in here? Oh well, like Dirty Harry says, “Opinions are like assholes – everybody has one.” You can’t please everyone.

  I hope you enjoyed Lady Justice in the Eye of the Storm.

  LADY JUSTICE TAKES A C.R.A.P.

  City Retiree Action Patrol

  Third Edition

  This is where it all began.

  See how sixty-five year old Walt Williams became a cop and started the City Retiree Action Patrol.

  Meet Maggie, Willie, Mary and the Professor, Walt’s sidekicks in all of the Lady Justice novels.

  Laugh out loud as Walt and his band of Senior Scrappers capture the Realtor Rapist and take down the Russian Mob.

  http://amzn.to/16lfjnY

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE LOST TAPES

  Second Edition

  When corrupt politicians, the Italian mob and a dirty cop collude to take over a Northeast neighborhood, Walt is recruited for the most bizarre undercover assignments of his new career.

  When conventional police work fails to solve the case, once again his band of scrappy seniors come to the rescue.

  In the process, the amazing discovery of a previously unknown session by a deceased rock ‘n’ roll idol stuns the music industry. What should be a joyous occasion soon turns dark as lives are threatened.

  All of your favorite characters, along with two lovable additions are back to help Walt in his quest for justice.

  Their adventures and misadventures are sure to keep you captivated – and splitting your sides!

  amzn.to/1twzOfq

  LADY JUSTICE GETS LEI’D

  In Lady Justice Gets Lei’d, Walt and Maggie plan a romantic honeymoon on the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, but ancient artifacts discovered in a cave in a dormant volcano and a surprising revelation about Maggie’s past, lead our lovers into the hands of Hawaiian zealots.

  http://amzn.to/15P6bLg

  LADY JUSTICE

  AND THE

  AVENGING ANGELS

  Lady Justice has unwittingly entered a religious war.

  Who better to fight for her than Walt Williams?

  The Avenging Angels believe that it’s their job to rain fire and brimstone on Kansas City, their Sodom and Gomorrah.

  In this compelling addition to the Lady Justice series, Robert Thornhill brings back all the characters readers have come to love for more hilarity and higher stakes.

  You’ll laugh and be on the edge of your seat until the big finish.

  Don’t miss Lady Justice and the Avenging Angels!

  http://amzn.to/1xXrYdY

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE STING

  BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL ---WINTER 2012

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  In Lady Justice and the Sting, a holistic physician is murdered and Walt becomes entangled in the high-powered world of pharmaceutical giants and corrupt politicians.

  Maggie, Ox Willie, Mary and all your favorite characters are back to help Walt bring the criminals to justice in the most unorthodox ways.

  A dead-serious mystery with hilarious twists

  http://amzn.to/1gS4JMA

  LADY JUSTICE AND DR. DEATH

  BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL --- FALL 2011

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  In Lady Justice and Dr. Death, a series of terminally ill patients are found dead under circumstances that point to a new Dr. Death practicing euthanasia in the Kansas City area.

  Walt and his entourage of scrappy seniors are dragged into the ‘right-to-die-with-dignity’ controversy.

  The mystery provides a light-hearted look at this explosive topic and death in general.

  You may see end-of-life issues in a whole new light after reading Lady Justice and Dr. Death!

  http://amzn.to/H20Erx

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE VIGILANTE

  BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL – SUMMER 2012

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  A vigilante is stalking the streets of Kansas City administering his own brand of justice when the justice system fails.

  Criminals are being executed right under the noses of the police department.

  A new recruit to the City Retiree Action Patrol steps up to help Walt and Ox bring an end to his reign of terror.

  But not everyone wants the vigilante stopped. His bold reprisals against the criminal element have inspired the average citizen to take up arms and defend themselves.

  As the body count mounts, public opinion is split.

  Is it justice or is it murder?

  A moral dilemma that will leave you laughing and weeping!

  http://amzn.to/1d3FLK6

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE WATCHERS

  Suzanne Collins wrote The Hunger Games, Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World and George Orwell wrote 1984.


  All three novels were about dystopian societies of the future.

  In Lady Justice and the Watchers, Walt sees the world we live in today through the eyes of a group who call themselves ‘The Watchers’.

  Oscar Levant said that there’s a fine line between genius and insanity.

  After reading Lady Justice and the Watchers, you may realize as Walt did that there’s also a fine line separating the life of freedom that we enjoy today and the totalitarian society envisioned in these classic novels.

  Quietly and without fanfare, powerful interests have instituted policies that have eroded our privacy, health and individual freedoms.

  Is the dystopian society still a thing of the distant future or is it with us now disguised as a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

  http://amzn.to/15P5LEE

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE CANDIDATE