Page 30 of Hostile Witness
The red-haired lady cop must’ve been driving her personal car, and it didn’t have a dashcam. He’d checked. It was a goodthing, too, because he would’ve had to kill her right then. Killing on the fly was not smart. Too many things could go wrong when acting on impulse. He’d planned Plante’s death for weeks. But that dog? Next time he saw it, it was going down whether he had a plan or not.
He tossed the redhead’s license on the little table. It was hard to believe she was a cop. She sure didn’t act like one. He’d waited for her to pull a service weapon on him during the traffic stop, but she never had. She’d been just as shook up as he’d been. It had never occurred to him before now, but maybe she wasn’t a cop? He flicked a blade of grass off his shirt. It didn’t matter. She had Plante’s dog, so she worked with the cops one way or another.
Once he finished moving, he’d take care of the dog. It’d be easier now that he knew where the animal lived. He’d watch for a while, get a sense of the redhead’s routines. That way, he could take the both of them when they were unaware.
Mike stoodand rubbed his chin after examining Flynn in the lobby of Bayside Animal Hospital. “You probably don’t want to hear this, but I should anesthetize him. I already know he won’t let me trim his claws. Plus, I need to get inside his mouth and see how many teeth were damaged.”
Tia got down on one knee and stroked Flynn’s fur. “Okay. Do whatever you need to so he feels better.”
“Look, you two. Flynn’s injuries are consistent with animal abuse. What happened?”
Ethan widened his stance. “Flynn was working when he sustained these injuries.”
“Working as in rendering assistance as a K9?”
“Exactly. He had a run-in with a suspect.”
Mike nodded. “Okay. I believe you, but just in case, will your boss back you up?”
“Of course. I’ll leave a business card.”
“Please understand, Detective, I’m required to fill out reports. Sometimes I get questioned; other times I don’t.”
Tia handed Flynn’s leash to Mike. “I’d like to stay with him.”
“Honestly, there’s no need for that. Go enjoy the rest of your evening. He’s comfortable with me, and though he is injured, it’s nothing life-threatening. I’ll take him right back and get started. As long as the X-rays don’t show any extensive damage, I’ll put him under and fix him right up. Casey’s on her way back to help out. I’ll call you later. Plan on picking him up tomorrow, say midafternoon.”
Concern creased Tia’s brow. “Okay. We appreciate your help.” She stroked Flynn’s fur a couple of times and turned to leave. “Hey, Mike, one question... there’s a laundry chute in my house, and Flynn hates the thing. He’s afraid of it, doesn’t want me near it. Do you have any idea why?”
Mike thought a moment. “The only explanation I can offer you is that he was shot in a dark sewer tunnel, and Margie took a beatdown in the same tunnel while chasing drug suspects. It’s the bullet that gave him the limp he has today. Other than that, I wouldn’t know.”
Ethan held the door for her. “You know, T, maybe consider staying at your mom’s or Carson’s for the next few days.”
“It breaks my heart to leave him here again.” Tia swiped at her cheek. “Why should I stay with my mother?”
“Because the guy who stopped you has your address, and Flynn’s laid up and can’t protect you, and I need to go back to work.” Damn if Mac hadn’t been lighting up the Sanctuary burner phone in his pocket every minute or two, which couldonly mean one thing. They were going ahead with the mission tonight.
“First off, I’m a grown-ass woman and well equipped to take care of myself. Secondly, and this may be a news flash for you, but my mother and Carson live together. Talk about getting tag teamed. There’s no way I’m spending the night there. I love them both, but I’m capable of handling this on my own, even if it does make me a little nervous.” She strode to the passenger side of his truck and climbed inside.
He stood outside the vehicle a moment checking the texts on his burner. He’d been right. His Sanctuary unit was on the move. He texted Mac.
Got a witness needing protection. I’m not available.
Mac replied.
Yup, I heard the whole convo. Feds will sit on her house all night.
One side of Ethan’s mouth quirked up.
That’s some sensitive equipment you’re sporting.
Mac fired back.
Uncle Sam’s a badass. Get moving.
Ethan hopped in the truck. “You sure you’re okay being alone tonight?”
“I’ll be fine. Got a date with a frozen pizza and a big stack of tests to grade. Flynn’ll be pissed he missed pizza night. Last week he loved the crusty bones.”
