Spy Bio

Susan Arnold

Summary

You are Susan Arnold, a Dallas cop. After ten years on the force with no promotions, you've got a massive chip on your shoulder. Couple that with the personal problems you've been having lately, as well as getting assigned under a younger guy (you're just sure that it's because you're a woman) .. your life has been in the crapper lately. You were contacted by some woman who asked you to do a few jobs on the side .. nothing too illegal, really.

Goals

History

You've been on the Dallas PD for over 10 years now .. and the only sign of any gratitude for your service was assigning you to the SCU unit (see below). Sure, it's a plum assignment, but you really wanted a promotion (and a raise).

Over the past six months, you've been contacted occassionally by somone who has asked you to do some jobs for them. Nothing really bad, just "misplacing" some evidence, that kind of stuff. Naturally, you were well compensated. Your conscience has been bothering you, but you've found that suitable applications of Scotch and Vodka solve that.

After a series of bizarre, high-profile crimes in 1996, the city created the Special Crimes Unit. It drew its membership from the most experienced and decorated officers from divisions such as robbery and homicide. According to its charter, the SCU exists "to focus overwhelming talent on situations requiring rapid results and/or specialized handling." In reality, of course, it was a propaganda tool designed to satisfy hysterical media and political critics. However, by gathering together the best members of the department, it rapidly became a force to be reckoned with. The SCU gets sent to handle crimes with either delicate political overtones or excessive public visibility.

Role-Playing Tips

Arnold is a burned-out cop. She used to be good, and she's still very talented. Her bitterness at being passed over for everything, though, has rendered her incapable of gratitude for what she has. That, combined with the facts that she's gone dirty and started drinking too much, have pushed her over the edge. She realizes she's cruising full speed at a wall, but really doesn't know what to do about it.

<

People You Know

Lorenzo Romano, the Dallas Godfather
The aged but still sharp Patriarch of the Dallas mob. He may wear a tux and eat dinner with the Mayor, but he's still a criminal just the same. Nailing him would certainly get your career back on track!

Lorenzo Romano, Jr., a local mobster
Junior is the crown prince of the Romano Family and the biggest slimeball of all time. He's obviously a hood, but he always comes up smelling like a rose. He loves to taunt the cops with his arrogant assumption of invulnerability.

Danny Romano, a local mobster
The youngest of the Romano clan, he's the only one who ever slipped and got caught. Acting on an anonymous tip four years ago, Savage caught him in a warehouse full of stolen goods. He did four years and got paroled last fall. He seems to be back in the bosom of the Family, though, and you know he can't keep his nose clean forever.

Vittoria Romano, Romano princess
Old Lorenzo's middle child, Vickie has always been quiet - and cold. No one seems to be sure what she does for the Family, and she's never even been brought in for questioning. Deep down, you wonder if she's your new employer.

Carlos Estanza, crime lord wannabe
Estanza's already been to jail twice, but despite the paroles, he somehow doesn't seem fully rehabilitated. Go figure. He's founded a small crime "syndicate". For the most part, they seem to be doing heavy-handed mercenary work for whoever will hire them, but the word on the street is that Estanza has big plans... like maybe replacing the Romanos.

Frank Savage, your boss
You used to think Frank was a good guy. He seems to be a good ol' boy. You used to think it was just an image he puts up, but lately you've been convinced he looks down on you like the rest of them.

Kathy Nelson, another cop
Kathy is a good cop. You're pretty sure she's also on the take, but you never catch her. The one time you mentioned suspicions to Savage, he blew you off. Typical. At least you know you'll be able to get away will stuff, since Savage obviously doesn't care.

Anna Griegson, your partner
Griegson has no business in the SCU. She's a wet-behind-the-ears rookie fresh out of the Academy. She ought to be sitting in a radio car getting some seasoning, but apparently things like that don't happen to the Commissioner's niece. She's got the potential to be a good cop, but she needs to take her knocks just like everybody else. Time will tell if she's willing or if she'll running screaming to Uncle the first time someone crosses her. In the meantime, she's too new at this to catch on when you have to deviate from the rules a bit.

Omar Zevon, Dallas Police Captain
Rule #1 is NEVER tease him about his name. Other than that, he's a solid guy. He plays politics more than you'd like, but maybe that's what it takes to be at his level.

John Bowen, Police Commissioner
The civilian interface to the police force, you suppose it's necessary that he exist. Does he have to be such an ass-kisser, though? He loves seeing his name in print, and you're pretty sure he has a habit of leaking stuff to the press. Frankly, you don't want to be in the same room as the guy.

Back to Spy page

Last modified: Thu Apr 23 12:38:08 CDT 1998