Continued from Part One

Chief of Police Howard Jenkins stood on the roof of police headquarters next to a borrowed a spotlight with the outline of a thunderbolt.

Captain Tina Phillips shook her head. “This won’t work. I think we should put a warrant out for his arrest like the mayor wanted. He’s a menace to society.”

“The menace is the people who wrote these dumb laws. Regardless, he means well. We just need to redirect his energy.”

Powerhouse landed beside them. “You called, Chief?”

Jenkins sent Captain Phillips a smug look. Could he profile them or what?

He turned to Powerhouse. “I’d like to talk to you.”

Jenkins placed his arm around Powerhouse and walked across the roof. “I really appreciate what you’ve done in catching those drug dealers, burglars, and robbers.”

Powerhouse beamed. “All in a day’s work.”

“But about you enforcing misdemeanor statutes on the populace. I think I understand what you’re trying to do.”

Powerhouse scratched the top of his helmet. “You do?”

“You’re protesting the complex and stupid regulations on the books. You’re letting us know we need to reform our laws. The mayor, the city attorney, and I will head up a commission to reform our city code.”

“That’s excellent, but in addition to that great reason, I also admit it was because it’s kind of boring during the day.”

Terrific, a bored nut job who thought he was Bruce Wayne. Just what Bremerton needed. “Powerhouse, let me be honest. We can’t support a full-time superhero. There are only so many crimes. Why not go to Seattle? You’ll have more active days.” And be another jurisdiction’s problem.

Powerhouse perked up. “Excellent idea, Chief. I’ll do that.”

Jenkins sighed in relief. “Glad to help.”

“I’m off to save the City. Powerhouse away!” Powerhouse zoomed up into the sky.

Captain Phillips walked over. “Well, I have to admit, you were real smooth with that guy.”

Jenkins sent her a grin. “That’s why I’m the chief.”

On Dave’s drive home from work, blue lights began flashing in his rear view mirror. Just his luck! He pulled over to the side of the road. A police car pulled in behind him.

The officer walked to Dave’s window.

Dave sent the officer the smile that won him Mary Jane’s-er Naomi’s-heart. “What seems to be the problem, officer?”

“Going a little fast there, aren’t you?”

That wiped the smile off. “Um, no.”

“Um, yes. By my radar gun, you were going 37 miles an hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Around here, we call that speeding.”

What was with this guy? “Oh come on, that’s just two miles. You’re not supposed to issue a ticket unless it’s five miles over. ”

“The law’s the law. I need your license, registration, and proof of insurance.”

Dave handed over the documents. Did this joker have a quota to meet or what?

The officer went back to his car and had  time enough for lunch before he sauntered back. He gave Dave his documents, along with a speeding ticket. “Now, think about how long you were stopped here? Obeying the law always saves you time. Have a good evening, Mr. Johnson.”

Once the officer was out of earshot, Dave growled. “What a jerk!”

Continued next Tuesday

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