Turtledove
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Rodney Ellis
Fictional Character
Supervolcano
POD: Set in the future
Appearance(s): Eruption;
All Fall Down;
Things Fall Apart
Type of Appearance: Direct
Nationality: United States
Date of Birth: 20th century
Occupation: Police Officer
Professional Affiliations: San Atanasio Police Dept.

Rodney Ellis was a police detective with the San Atanasio PD. When Lt. Colin Ferguson married Kelly Birnbaum, Ellis and his wife were invited to the ceremony and reception afterwards. Ellis razzed Ferguson over his lack of rhythm when the latter danced with Birnbaum and then showed how it was done with his own wife. Ferguson called him out over showing him up at his own wedding but Ellis just grinned since there was no anger in it.[1]

Ellis continued to work for the San Atanasio PD. The Yellowstone Supervolcano eruption caused gasoline prices to skyrocket such that most people began bicycling to work rather than driving. This led to a large increase in bicycle thefts throughout the South Bay area which fell to Ellis (among others) to investigate. One unusual crime that Lt. Ferguson brought to his attention was a robbery of a laundromat where the perpetrator stole over a hundred pounds of quarters. Ellis joked they should look out for someone buying everyone games at the video arcade. When Ferguson asked what they were going to do about it, Ellis suggested that they wait until he knocked over another place for quarters and then hope he showed up at the hospital with a double hernia.[2]

When Lt. Ferguson learned that Darren Pitcavage, the son of the city's Police Chief, was dealing marijuana, he approached Ellis to head the investigation since he knew he would be willing to keep it secret from Mike Pitcavage.[3] Ellis set up a sting drug-buy that went through without the Chief's knowledge. Not only was Darren dealing marijuana, he also possessed methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and a .45 automatic that he was smart enough to not reach for when he was arrested.[4]

After Darren's arrest, Mike Pitcavage tried to get the charges reduced but failed and then committed suicide.[5] His widow, Caroline Pitcavage, blamed both Ellis and Ferguson so specifically told the two not to attend the funeral. Instead, on the day of the funeral, they had a leisurely lunch at Heinrich's Hofbrau and Sushi Bar and commiserated together.[6]

References[]

  1. Eruption, pg. 410, HC.
  2. All Fall Down, pgs. 143-147, HC.
  3. Ibid, pgs. 353-357.
  4. Ibid, pg. 373.
  5. Ibid, pgs. 381-386.
  6. Ibid, pgs. 391-394.
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