Lowest Rank

Written for https://fivedotoh.com/2023/08/01/fowc-with-fandango-menial/

A menial task, only given to the lowest rank, and she wondered what had led her to be a policewoman in the first place. Yes, in the seventies it was worse. Women assigned to typing jobs, while the men fought in the first line of attack.

She joined the drug’s squad to make a difference; her brother; crossing county lines. They were both in the same care system, but she wanted things to change from the inside. He thought, the money would make a difference. Help him pull out of the world of no control.

Instead, he was in prison, and she was making the choice to get the person at the top. She wasn’t doing it making cups of tea, and not giving the information she wanted to give. On her last visit, in the drab, grey interior of the prison, he told her about St Ives.

Scared, even telling her the name of the town, would make his life worse. He had given this information because he wanted this person stopped. At least with the place the money was sent to, they could set up an undercover operation.

‘Sir, I want to have a word; I know I am new to the team, but I have information that could help. An informant, he has told me that they are taking the drugs to St Ives, using kids out of the care home to do it. Not everyone, only those who want a quick fix out of the system. He also told me about Quick Chicken in town, it’s where they pick up he vulnerable teenagers.’

‘The latter we know, but St Ives is new. Has your informant told you anything else, any names?’

‘He is too scared, and I don’t blame him. Inside the prison, there is a lot more chance of him being attacked. You understand? Don’t you? He won’t give anything else, not since his accident in the kitchens.’

‘I can take it from here, thank you.’

‘No, respectfully sir, I want to be part of this operation. Even if it is taking their phone calls. I want to learn, but I can’t making tea.’