Part 18 (1/2)
”It was a stupid idea. I'm sorry I-”
”It was a good idea. Don't be upset.” Jack wiggled his hand on top of her head, but she swatted his hand away.
”That doesn't help.”
”I know.” He grinned and headed for the bedroom. ”Maybe they didn't come over on Tuesday. They could have already been here.”
Replacement followed him into the bedroom where she huffed, ”What now?”
”We try to find the Asian woman.”
”How? We have no idea where she could be.”
”I think she followed me. I thought no one did but...now it's my turn.”
Replacement scrunched up her face as Jack put the new baggy pants he'd bought on over his jeans.
”Move back.” He waved her back and then turned around. ”Honestly, can you tell I'm wearing two pairs of pants?”
”Why?”
”I have an idea. Can you tell?”
Replacement put her weight on her left leg and bit her lip. ”No.” She shrugged. ”They're so baggy you can't tell, but, you're going out like that? Isn't it uncomfortable?”
As Jack grabbed the s.h.i.+rt, he froze once he'd pulled it over his head.
What do I do about her? The lady could have killed me but didn't. Do I bring Replacement or try...
”Are you even thinking about leaving me behind?”
Jack pulled the s.h.i.+rt the rest of the way on as his mouth curled into a smirk. ”You? Of course not.”
A good place to talk Jack hurried down the sidewalk toward the apartment building at the end of the street. He was two blocks from Marisa's apartment, only four from the tattoo parlor. There was a light rain falling and, because of the cloud cover, it was very dark.
Perfect.
Jack smiled. With his head down and the collar of his jacket up, he rushed up the steps, nervously looked around, and then rang the bell. He was buzzed right in. When he walked through the door, Donald Pugh leaned out of his apartment and waved him over.
”Thanks, Donald.”
As Jack walked into the small, first-floor apartment, he shut the door behind him. It was a one-bedroom with a tiny kitchen on the left, a living room that was only slightly bigger, and a short hallway that led down to three closed doors. Jack couldn't help but notice the giant TV that took up an entire wall of the living room. He heard the sound of claws on linoleum as a little collie ran up to him. He gave the dog's head a quick pat and then turned to Donald.
”Let's go over the plan-” Jack began, but Donald waved his hands to cut him off.
”Jack, you've got to promise me this won't get back to Collins.”
Donald may have been a cop and Kendra's partner, but he didn't have the typical temperament for the job. His face was pale, and Jack could see him sweat.
”It won't. I promise.”
As Jack yanked off his s.h.i.+rt, he handed it to Donald.
”Do you even know how mad you make him? Now everyone asks 'How Jacked-up is Collins?' when we have to go near him. It's like measuring an earthquake, but instead of a Richter scale, we use a Stratton scale. You got suspended, and it was a ten. If the sheriff finds out I'm helping you, he'll go off the charts.”
”He won't find out.” Jack kicked off his shoes and pulled off the baggy pants. ”It will take fifteen minutes. Just head out of the apartment and walk the route we talked about.”
Donald pulled his s.h.i.+rt off and revealed a bulletproof vest.
He's wearing a vest? I didn't wear mine because it would make me look too bulky. Don't say anything.
Jack tried not to frown but his lips curled down regardless.
Donald must have noticed. ”Do you not want me to wear it?” He stopped with the s.h.i.+rt halfway over his head.
”No. It was good thinking. I have a couple pounds on you.”
Nod. Smile.
Jack nodded, and Donald smiled as he pulled the s.h.i.+rt down.
”Can you repeat the route for me?” Donald reached out, took the hat off Jack's head, and pulled it down on his.
”You're going to just do a big S, okay? You'll end up at the Old Mill Apartments...if you make it that far. If you do, go around to the parking area and just wait.”
Donald nodded. ”Should we switch shoes?”
When he looked down at Donald's feet, he shook his head. ”We may be the same height, but what size shoe do you wear, a four?”
”Shut up. I have small feet. Here I am helping you, and-”
Jack held his hand up. ”Sorry. Keep your shoes.” Jack pulled Donald's cap down lower as he flipped the collar of his jacket up. ”Ready?”
”Did she follow you from your apartment?” Donald repeatedly rolled his shoulders and took deep breaths.
Jack shrugged. ”I hope. I want her guessing what I'm up to, so get out of here fast. I'll give you a minute then I'll go out the back and circle around.”
Donald straightened up and then took a step back. ”How do I look?” He turned around.
”You look like good bait.” Jack grinned.
Donald's eyes widened.
Not the right time to joke, Jack.
”You got this, Donald.” Jack put his fist up; Donald swallowed and then b.u.mped it.
Donald took a deep breath, patted his gun under his jacket, and headed out the door.
”Keep your head down,” Jack whispered before the door closed.