Part 19 (2/2)
He couldn't place what had changed in his old friend's demeanor but something definitely had. Whether it was the somber expression on his face or the troubled tone in his voice, this was no longer a casual or friendly conversation between lifelong buddies.
”The mayor has been after you to get rid of Harris from day one,” Harold held up a hand to stop him when Dan would have argued, ”he's keeping close tabs on what's happening. Every time somebody dies at Spears's hand, Pratt chalks that up as one more loss of life related to Harris being in this department. He's keeping score and he's going to use the final tally to be rid of you and Harris. Whether it's Spears setting you up or someone else, you need to pay attention to what I'm saying to you.”
The reality of his words clicked for Dan then. ”Pratt has called you to his office.”
Betrayal always stung, but Dan wasn't surprised. Mayor Joseph Pratt didn't like it when his wishes were ignored and Dan had been ignoring him since Jess returned to Birmingham.
”I'm not the only one he called, Dan.” Harold heaved a big breath. ”Trust me when I say this is going to get ugly.”
Dan nodded his understanding. ”You have to protect your position. I wouldn't expect you to do otherwise.”
”I'm too close to retirement not to. My wife and I are depending on that retirement.” He heaved a big breath. ”As much as it pains me to say it, I have an obligation to protect our future. Surely you must understand?”
”I do.” What kind of person would he be if he didn't? ”I want you to do your job, Harold. I have nothing to hide. Jess has nothing to hide.”
”We wouldn't be having this conversation if I thought otherwise. You know me better than that.” Worry furrowed Harold's face, deepening the lines that several decades in law enforcement had earned him. ”I believe with all that makes me a cop that you're being framed-more importantly, I believe it with all my heart. We've been friends a very long time. I don't want to see this end the way I fear it's going to unless drastic measures are taken.”
Dan gave his head a shake. ”I told you I don't have anything to hide. What is it you're getting at?”
”Tomorrow morning around ten o'clock I'm going to ask you for permission to conduct an even more thorough search of your home.”
Indignation lashed through Dan again but this time he kept it contained.
”If you refuse, a warrant will be issued.”
”Why the h.e.l.l would I refuse?” Now he was just plain p.i.s.sed off and d.a.m.ned well offended.
”I'm not suggesting you would refuse,” Harold urged. ”I'm only explaining what's going to happen. This is out of my hands now, Dan. The search will take place.” Harold rose from his chair.
”Why wait until tomorrow? Do it now.” Dan shot to his feet. ”I'll make the call myself.” He reached for the phone, exasperation making it difficult to stay rational.
Harold reached across the desk and placed his hand over Dan's. ”Listen to me,” he added emphasis to each word. ”Tomorrow morning. Ten o'clock. Do whatever you need to do tonight. Are we clear?”
His words penetrated the layers of denial that had protected Dan until now. ”Crystal.”
”Good.”
Their gazes held for a moment longer before Harold took the incriminating evidence and walked out.
Dan surveyed the office he had worked so hard to achieve. As if he had nothing else to worry about, the thought of how disappointed his mother would be if this all went to h.e.l.l made him laugh. If? What was he thinking?
He braced his hands on the window ledge, the laughter dying in his throat. It was already going to h.e.l.l. Spears had set the course and every piece was falling into place.
Dan grabbed his cell and walked out of his office, maybe for the last time. He was taking Jess home.
That was one thing Spears would never be able to do.
20.
Parkridge Drive, Homewood, 10:00 p.m.
Lori sat on the floor with reports spread all around her. Chet crossed the room, a cold beer in each hand. He pa.s.sed one to her and sat down beside her. ”Found anything new?”
She shook her head then took a long draw from the beer. ”Not one thing.” She turned to Chet. ”You checked everywhere, right?”
It wasn't bad enough that they were both banging their heads against the wall on this homicide case, now there was the added worry that Spears might be watching every move they made right here in their own home. After what happened at Burnett's, they had a right to be worried. ”Everywhere I know to check.”
He had searched the whole house, top to bottom. No hidden cameras, no listening devices.
She sighed. ”That's a relief.” Yet there was little relief in her expression as she turned back to the reports. ”I wish I could say the same about this case.”
”Let's go over it again,” Chet suggested.
”According to their known a.s.sociates,” Lori rubbed at her neck as if an ache had started there, ”the Vance sisters have fallen off the grid. The feds say they haven't left the country. Their parents haven't heard from them. But then, they rarely do.”
”They're laying low somewhere,” Chet suggested. He reached up and ma.s.saged her shoulders and neck. ”Waiting for further instructions, maybe.”
Lori reached for his hand and held onto it. ”I don't ever want us to be that way. I call my mom and sister every day. I want it to be like that with our kids even when they're grown and sick of hearing from us.”
Chet smiled. Why couldn't he have found this woman first? ”We'll never be like those people. I promise.” He would gladly promise her the world. He loved her that much. He prayed the tests the new doctor would conduct before proceeding with the reversal of his vasectomy turned out the right way. He wanted to have babies with Lori.
Sisters and brothers for Chester.
They just had to get through this thing with Spears. In spite of everything the b.a.s.t.a.r.d was throwing at them, Lori didn't look scared. Worried, for sure, but not afraid. Chet was glad. After what she'd gone through with that Reed guy it was a miracle she could deal with being a part of this investigation. She was brave and strong. He admired her so much.
”Jess still isn't herself.” Lori turned to face him. ”She's too distracted. She's the strongest woman I know. But this is breaking her down.”
As much as he hated to admit it, Chet had noticed the same thing. ”She's definitely not herself.”
”You were right.” Lori took another swallow of her beer. ”She is pus.h.i.+ng us away.”
”Did you talk to her?”
Lori shook her head. ”I will. I didn't want to add to her stress today.”
Chet hated the toll this insanity was taking on his boss and on Lori. He would like nothing more than to be the one to put a bullet right between Eric Spears's eyes. Though he'd understand if the chief insisted on that privilege.
”You think these two chicks are just thrill killers doing whatever Ellis tells them to do?” Lori picked up the photos from her pile of reports. ”Or do you think they're working directly for Spears?”
He mulled over her question for a second or two. ”I think Ellis is the one interacting with Spears. He and Spears seem” Chet shrugged ”I don't know, cut from the same cloth. That whole arrogant att.i.tude combined with enough money not to care what anyone else thinks.”
”Ellis may be one of those guys who gets off just watching.” Lori shuddered. ”Speaking of watching, I'm going to try and reach William Upshaw tomorrow. He's bound to know something.”
”Upshaw? That's the brother of the murdered girl up in Boston?” Lori and Hayes had been working that lead. Chet wasn't as familiar as maybe he should be with that cold case.
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