The Last Crusade: A Harry Cassidy Novel Read online

  Harry’s first impression of MacDonald was instant likeability and a genuine feeling of trust. He seemed to be the type of gregarious people-person that could get you to invest a million bucks in a business venture in your first meeting with him. The waiter arrived and Harry ordered a Johnny Walker scotch on the rocks.

  “Will that Johnny Walker be Red, Black, Green, Gold, or Blue, sir?” the waiter asked.

  “The Black will be fine.”

  “Ever try the Blue?” MacDonald asked.

  “Yes, but at thirty bucks a pop, I don’t make it a habit.”

  “It’s my treat, Harry. Go for the Blue.”

  “The Black is fine, Mr. MacDonald.”

  “Okay, let’s get to know each other over our drinks. Then we’ll order dinner and discuss the business at hand afterwards.”

  As the dinner progressed, Harry’s opinion of Phil MacDonald measurably increased. The dinner, as expected in a place as this, was excellent. When they finished their espresso, the maitre d’ magically appeared and escorted them to a cozy, wood-paneled room. MacDonald lit up a cigar and sat back in his leather chair. “I’ve never had a security detail before,” he said, “but as you know I’m planning to become more of a public person soon. I’ll be moving about the city giving speeches to community groups, fraternal organizations and churches, and I’m going to severely criticize the current administration running this city—running this city into the hard, cold ground.”

  “We can handle all your protection needs, I assure you,” Harry said.

  “Give me some details.”

  “Protection of you, and your family, the level of which will increase as you step up your campaign. That would include body guards, body armor and target hardening of your home, businesses and vehicles.”

  “Target hardening?”

  “Making premises difficult for an attack to succeed,” Harry said. “Alarm systems for perimeters and premises, armor plate for your vehicles, mace for your wife, things like that.”

  “When could you get started?”

  “Immediately, but first I have to do some detailed surveys of your residences and business locations, and also those of your family. Then I can price up the costs and the options. I’d like to give you a choice of levels of protections based on your individual needs and concerns.”

  “It’s a deal, then. Sheldrake came highly recommended, and I’m not going to bother with competing bids. How much of a retainer will you need?”

  “Ten thousand will be fine,” Harry said.

  MacDonald reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew his check-book. MacDonald handed the check to Harry, but stopped suddenly, and said to him, “Tell me what you’re thinking right now.”

  “Pardon me, sir?’

  “I see the way your wheels are spinning. You’re thinking I’m foolish for getting into something like this, correct?”

  Harry smiled and said, “At the risk of losing a piece of business for my firm, I not only think you are foolish, I think you are absolutely crazy.”

  MacDonald howled with laughter. “I like an honest man, Harry. You and I will get along just fine. Here’s your retainer.”

  Phil MacDonald explained why he was giving up the good life to enter the street fights of the public arena. “I’m fifty-two years old, and I’ve learned a long time ago the accumulation of money isn’t a goal worth pursuing. I enjoy giving a lot of it away, and I enjoy public service. The current mayor is a disgrace. I want to replace him, and turn this city in the right direction.”

  “You are a Republican, right?” Harry asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Tough battle to get elected in this city, but it’s been done before. I’m behind you one hundred percent, both professionally and personally. I want you to win the election and throw Mayor Justin Anthony to the wolves.”

  “Why thank you, Harry. That’s a great compliment from a cynical ex-cop who probably despises most politicians.”

  “I believe you may be different, sir.”

  During the next few weeks, Harry set up the protection program for Phil MacDonald. He met his wife Mary, and their two children, Beth and Phil, Jr. They all cooperated with the new restraints he imposed on their movements within and outside the city.

  On January 19, which happened to be Harry’s forty-fifth birthday, Phil MacDonald gave his first speech to a community group in Queens. Harry attended as Phil’s only bodyguard. Mary MacDonald sat with Susan, who she had just met that evening. “Too bad your husband had to spend his birthday listening to my husband ramble on,” Mary said.

  “He wouldn’t miss this for anything. He thinks the world of your husband. Talks about him all the time.”

  “What does he say about him?”

  “He says he has the makings of a great mayor. He feels he’s a natural born leader, and a true believer. Says he’ll do great things for the city when he gets elected, and even some asshole Democrats will see the light and vote for him.’”

  She laughed and said, “Phil likes your husband very much. They make a good team.”

  After the presidential election was over, the mayoral race began in earnest, and Mayor Justin Anthony announced he would definitely seek a second term. MacDonald responded by giving gave a short, brilliant speech the next day, the highlight of which was the ringing phrase, “We will deliver the city from the grip of corruption into the arms of the people.”

  Now that the campaign was officially on, Harry re-assessed the security needs for the upcoming months, and increased the protection measurably. At a packed campaign stop in July that increase proved its worth—despite the added cost. Harry spotted the man with the pistol just as two of his men in the crowd did. As his guys tackled the gunman, Harry leaped on top of MacDonald and covered his body with his own, as one shot went off into the ceiling. Phil looked up at Harry and said, “Thanks for the quick action. It’s nice to know you’d take a bullet for me.”

  “I’m no hero, Phil; I have my body armor on. Besides I already took enough bullets for one lifetime.”

  “You did? Tell me about it.”

  “Some other time. I want to do a complete post-shooting security reassessment. We got lucky this time.”

  “No, you didn’t. You and your guys did a superb job.”

  “Maybe we can do it better. Maybe we can keep nuts like that guy from even getting in the place.”

  “That would be difficult. Remember Freedom of Assembly?”

  “Yeah, the damn Constitution always gets in the way of good police work.”

  That incident turned out to be the only violent one in the campaign. The other incidents, of which there were over six hundred as enumerated in Harry’s security log, were the routine threats received via telephone, e-mail and regular mail. Only a handful was considered serious enough to merit forwarding to the NYMPD, except two, which had terrorist overtones. Harry personally delivered them to Walt Kobak at one of their periodic lunch meetings.

  “You think MacDonald has a shot?” Walt asked.

  “We have a month to go, and the polls show an even race. Phil started fourteen points down, but now we’re in a dead heat. He should pull ahead by next week.”

  “Still think he’s a good guy?”

  “Absolutely. He is such a straight arrow, I’d swear he was an FBI agent.”

  “I’m figuring that’s a compliment,” Walt said.

  “Of course it is, partner. But wait a minute, he couldn’t be an FBI agent. He hasn’t stolen any of my cases.”

  “Up yours, copper. Hey, I’d like to meet him. If he’s going to be mayor we need to get a relationship going.”

  “Sure, I can arrange that. I’ll call you with some dates.”

  “I can’t wait to tell him all about my good friend, Officer Harold T. Cassidy.”

  “Walt, don’t screw around. This is my job here…”

  “Would I do that, Harry?” he said with a big smile on his face.

  When Phil returned, Harry congratulated him on th
e latest poll results which showed him in the lead—by two points—for the first time, and told him Walt Kobak wanted to meet him.

  “Walter Kobak, the head of the FBI office?”

  “Yes. A good guy to have on your side. And he is a real good guy.”

  “Is that so? Do you know him personally?”

  “We just had lunch. He’s a close friend.”

  “Set it up. You do know a lot of important people. You should be a politician.”

  “God forbid. By the way, Kobak is a notorious liar when he speaks about me. Don’t believe a word he says. He can make up these crazy cop stories…”

  “But I love cop stories, Harry. Especially those about you.”

  The results of the election were all in just before midnight and the polls, for once, were right on the money. Mayor-elect Philip MacDonald had won with fifty-two percent of the vote. Not a landslide, but a good margin in the Democratic controlled city.

  Two days after the election, Phil called Harry into his office. “Harry, you’ve been a great asset to me, not only for the security aspect, but for your advice and counsel. I’d like you to assist me as a personal aide, as well as my security chief, during the transition period until I get sworn in. How’s that with you?”

  “If my bosses at Sheldrake agree, I’ll be happy to do it.”

  “I’ll call them right away. How does fifty thousand sound for the added duties?”

  “For two months work?”

  “Not enough?”

  “No. Too much.”

  “Then it’s settled. Fifty thousand it is.”

  “And just what do you want me to do for that exorbitant amount of money? Kill off all your current and possible future enemies?”

  “No, help me pick people for my top level appointments—police commissioner, fire commissioner, corporation counsel, deputy mayors. You’re an excellent judge of character. I want you to do all the preliminary interviews of those who are referred to me. If they don’t past muster with you, they don’t get in to see me.”

  “I can do that, and I already have a top candidate for PC—a two-star chief named Dan Snyder. And I know a few more good candidates to interview, if necessary.”

  “Let’s get started first thing in the morning. By the way, I had a great meeting with Mr. Kobak. He told me a lot about you.”

  “Like what? I told you he’s a liar…”

  “He told me how you took a few bullets on the Ides of March in Jackson Heights many years ago. The story you would never tell me yourself.”

  “What else did that lying Fed say?”

  “That’s between him and me,” he said with a slight smile.

  Harry met Dan Snyder for lunch the next week and said. “Schrader will be history, as will his first deputy, and of course the RFF. Dan, you are my first, and maybe my only interview, for the top position.”

  “Commissioner?”

  “Yes, and you already passed. I’ll get you in to see MacDonald as soon as I can.”

  “I’m at a loss for words.”

  “You’re a good man, a good boss and a good friend. You always stood by me through thick and thin. You’ll make a great PC.”

  Snyder spent an hour with Phil MacDonald. When he came out of the office, he stopped in to see Harry to express his thanks for getting him the interview. “Your assessment of the new mayor was right on the money. He’ll be a great guy to work for, whoever gets the job.”

  “I doubt if Phil wants to interview any more candidates. He’ll make his decision soon.”

  It was a few days before Christmas, and the fire commissioner had been chosen as well as two deputy mayors. Harry said, “Things seem to be going well.”

  “Yes, they are. Listen, I want to discuss something with you. In addition to your valuable help with the transition, you’ve done a magnificent job in protecting me and my family. I want you to continue to do so after I get sworn in.”

  “No can do, Phil. The mayor’s security is the responsibility of the NYMPD. I’ll see there’s a smooth transition of those duties for you, though.”

  “But Harry, I want you to do it.”

  “I’d love to, but that’s the police commissioners charge…”

  “Harry, you are not listening to me. I want you to do it, and I know it’s the police commissioner’s responsibility. Do you get me now?”

  Harry was shaking his head trying to figure out just what the hell MacDonald was talking about, when the light turned on brightly in his brain. “You mean you want me…?

  “Yes, Harry. I want you to be my police commissioner. Will you accept?”

  “I…I…”

  “Of course you will. I knew it from the moment we met in the Winchester Club. We’re two of a kind. You’ll gladly take a hundred thousand dollar pay cut to become the police commissioner of the greatest city in the world. You will do so because the Department is the love of your life, and your service to it is far more important than your salary. Am I correct?”

  “Yes, Phil, you are correct.”

  “Then it’s settled Commissioner Cassidy. And by the way your friend, Dan Snyder, will make an excellent first deputy commissioner for you. Do you agree?”

  “Most assuredly. If you don’t mind, I believe I would now like a drink.”

  “Right here, Commish,” he said, reaching into his desk drawer and pulling out a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label scotch. “Will the Blue Label do now?”

  “Yes,” Harry said. “Blue Label will be perfect.”

  He took a sip of the expensive drink and said, “What made you decide on me?”

  “Other than what I learned about you since we’ve been together, it was my chats with Dan Snyder and Walt Kobak. And I assure you neither of them told me any lies. You are too modest Harry. You should have told me yourself about your accomplishments in your career.”

  “I hadn’t known I was interviewing for the position. I already had a job.”

  “Let me tell you something, Harry. In the business world you’re always interviewing for your next position, whether you know it or not.”

  “I understand, Mr. Mayor. It will be a pleasure working for you the next four years.”

  “Or eight years, if the people so choose.”

  Harry raised his glass and said, “To you, Mayor MacDonald, and to eight wonderful years together.”

  “I’ll certainly drink to that. Keep this between you, me, Susan and Dan Snyder for a few more days. And get busy on your interviews. I still need another deputy mayor, and a corporation counsel, and a…”

  “Okay, okay, I’m working.”

  22

  When Harry got back to his office, there was a message from Susan asking him to meet her at Pasquale’s for dinner at six-thirty, and not to call her back unless he couldn’t make it. When he arrived she was already seated at a table. He noticed an expensive bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket. “Champagne? What’s the occasion?”

  “Don’t I get a kiss first?”

  “Of course,” he said, bending over and kissing her firmly on the mouth.

  “That’s better. Sit down, and I’ll tell you why the champagne.”

  She waited for the waiter to pop the cork and fill their glasses. She raised hers to Harry’s and said, “A toast, my dear, to the new partner in the law firm of Vasky, Halloran and Sanders.”

  “That’s terrific!” he said. “When does it happen, and what does it mean?”

  “It’s effective the first of the year, and it means a salary of five hundred thousand, plus a share of the profits. This year the partner’s share was six hundred twelve thousand each.”

  “Wow! I married a million-dollar baby—and a beautiful one to boot. Congratulations, Susan.”

  They drained their glasses and the waiter immediately refilled them. Harry said, “I have some news of my own.”

  “Better than my news?”

  “Yes and no. First, let me say I’m glad someone in the family is getting a salary increase, because I
’m getting a cut in pay of about a hundred thousand a year.”

  “What happened?”

  “I’m going to resign from Sheldrake, and take a lower salaried position with the city.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Raise your glass and toast the next Police Commissioner of the New York Metropolitan Police Department.”

  “You’re kidding! That’s wonderful, but how in God’s name did that happen? But before you tell me, here’s to you Commissioner Cassidy.”

  Harry told her how the appointment came about and then said, “You know Susan I don’t want to jinx us, but now we seem to have it made for the rest of our lives. However, our track record is similar to that of a roller coaster—and I think we had a lot more downs than ups.”

  “Let’s enjoy the view from the top of the mountain as long as we can,” she said.

  “Phil gets sworn in on the first of the year,” he said. He’ll swear me in the morning of the second—you’ll be with me, of course—and then I’m going over to One Police Plaza to pay a visit to a certain four-star chief.”

  “Ah,” she said, “it’s finally payback time for the red-faced fuck.”

  “And totally ironic,” he said. “Had he not been such a mean-spirited, vengeful bastard, I’d still be Inspector Cassidy chasing terrorists with the FBI. But instead, he throws me out, and I hook up with the guy who becomes the mayor and makes me the PC.”

  “Life is indeed full of twists and turns,” she said.

  “And tricky curve balls.”

  “Throw no curve balls to McKenna. Hit him in the middle of his fat, red face with the high, hard fast ball.”

  “I most certainly will,” Harry said with a grin of anticipation on his face.

  On the Monday after Christmas, Harry met Dan Snyder for dinner. They got their drinks and Dan said, “I guess you’re going to give me MacDonald’s decision, but from the look on your face, I didn’t get it.”

  “You always could read me like a book. You’re right, you didn’t get it—I did.”

  “Congratulations, Harry. MacDonald made the right choice.”