Tap, tap.
Bob tapped the desk, then set a signed and stamped printout on it and slid it over.
"The East End is officially establishing a Major Crimes Unit, with you in charge. Here's the paperwork."
Li Jie took it, the corners of his mouth drooping. "Couldn't you throw in an award ceremony or something?"
"Sure." Bob spread his hands indifferently. "If you want one, organize it. We'll all play along."
"...Forget it. What am I supposed to do, sing happy birthday to myself?" Li Jie tucked the paper into his pocket. "Why establish a Major Crimes Unit so soon?"
"You still need to keep an eye on the new recruits." Bob reached for his cigarettes. "You need the proper authority."
Sure enough, as soon as he left the office, he ran into Wilson, who greeted him with a smug look.
"Sheriff, I'm Sheriff Darnell Wilson, your colleague."
"Good morning, Sheriff." Li Jie pulled out the paper and shoved it into his hands. "Read this, assuming you recognize all the words."
"East End Police Department... Special Major Crimes Investigation Unit... Notice of establishment and appointment of commanding officer..."
Wilson's voice grew quieter as he read. Under the lights, the words "This investigation unit shall report directly to the chief and operate under the full authority of Sheriff Li Jie" stood out with particular clarity.
"Okay, fine, sir." Wilson curled his lip. "What difference does it make? Like I said, nothing's changed between us. We're all brothers here. Now that the Major Crimes Unit's been established, shouldn't we get a major crime..."
"Oh, shit!"
Li Jie lunged at him, pinned him to a desk, and reached to cover the Black officer's mouth. But the dispatch broadcast had already begun.
"All units, all units,"
The loud-voiced female dispatcher came through the speakers.