Seeing the Elephant — Les Roberts

#5 in the Saxon mystery series. Saxon returns to his hometown, Chicago, where one of his oldest pals, cop Gavin Cassidy, has died of a lethal combination of drugs and alcohol in a cheap hotel. Saxon arrives for the funeral to find his old crowd—and the old town—much changed. He also encounters rumors that Gavin’s death might not have been accidental. Had Gavin Cassidy, a career cop, finally “seen the elephant” (police parlance for becoming involved in a life-threatening situation), and been unable to extricate himself before it was too late? Saxon’s unofficial investigation into his friend’s death is hindered by the still strong Chicago police machine bosses—and by his long estranged, ex-con father.