A Sense of Duty
by Michael P. Tremoglie
"The garage extended from the basement. The first floor had a window,
which opened onto the roof of the garage. To exit the back, the gunman would either come through the garage or the window onto the garage rooftop. He's coming out through the window! He's got a gun! He's got a gun!
Carr unsnapped his holster and took out his revolver. The pistol-range instructor's words echoed in his memory: if you have to shoot, shoot for the torso and empty your weapon. The advice makes sense. The belief that one can easily shoot a gun from a person's hand is a myth. The Lone Ranger Syndrome, Carr called it. Only an expert with opportunity to aim could accomplish such a feat. Otherwise, it's done by accident. Aiming at the roof, Carr placed his finger on the trigger. There was little illumination. Only enough for a silhouette. If he saw a gun, he was going to fire. Someone in the crowd shouted: There he is! He's got a gun! Carr started to depress the trigger.."
As current as today's headline, Sense of Duty is a saga of loyalty and integrity - and one's obligations to others.
Synopsis
Mike Carr wanted something different out of life. He did not want to follow in the footsteps of the others in his family and be a Philadelphia cop. While his wife, family, and friends were happy for him the day he received his badge - he was miserable.
Saladin Christian also wanted to travel a different path from what his family and friends wanted for him. His father wanted him to be the first African-American mayor of Philadelphia. Instead, Saladin, a high school classmate and friend of Carr's, became a very successful mobster.
Their paths cross when the two high school friends reunite in an unusual and controversial way. As a result, Carr is accused - by an exploitative local civil rights leader and the local newspaper - of racism and using excessive force.
A Sense of Duty combines interesting characters and a provocative plot that keeps you guessing with an illuminating insight into the world of police work that can only be provided by one who has been there.