Number One with a Bullet

Nick Barzak is a volatile, obsessive narcotics detective whose irrational bursts clash with the more measured Hazeltine. His relentless pursuit of the drug ring shows a relentless, single-minded drive that can blur lines between right and wrong. The case pushes him to the edge, revealing both his courage and his overbearing intensity.

Frank Hazeltine is cultured, polite, and suave, using charm to navigate social situations while staying focused on the job. He often steadies Barzak, but is distracted by the many attractive women encountered on the case. His sophistication masks a practical, relentless commitment to closing the case.

Captain Ferris is the precinct’s authority, pressuring the detectives to solve the case and threatening suspension if they fail. He embodies institutional power and the politics of policing. His role is to challenge the detectives while enabling or hindering their pursuit depending on the situation.

Boudreau is the fence who provides crucial information but is killed en route, highlighting the danger of informants in a city wracked by drug trafficking. His involvement links the detectives to their broader network and raises the stakes of every lead. His death underscores the cost of chasing the ring.

Teresa Barzak is Nick Barzak's ex-wife, whose indifference toward him drives some of his personal tension. She embodies the strain between professional obsession and personal life. Her presence adds emotional complexity to Nick’s pursuit and his interactions with his mother.

Mrs. Barzak is Nick’s nagging mother, whose reminders of his past and his motivations ground him. Her presence provides a humane counterpoint to the violence of the case. She represents family obligation and the personal stakes behind Nick’s relentless drive.