Page 26 of Touched


Font Size:

Leaders of the various departments, involved in the huge mission, take turns going over the plan. It’s a multi-department operation, which always leads to everyone having a proverbial pissing contest… to prove which of us is the best.

The tension is palpable as we listen to the other teams’ before the lieutenant finally stands and his booming voice interrupts everyone. The room quiets as he says, “Gentlemen… and ladies,” he adds as one of our snipers, who happens to be a woman, clears her throat, “this bust came from Detective LeBlanc, frommydepartment. We are taking point. If you can’t handle that, there’s the door.” Opening his arm, he gestures like he’s waving someone out of the packed room.

The room quiets as the other teams exchange glances, though no one leaves. Nodding, he goes over the plan from start to finish once more before adjourning the meeting.

Everyone files out. I try to rush from the room, wanting to use the time between now and tomorrow night to see if I can find some leads on Aeris. Or at least someone who can help with some fairy lore.

“LeBlanc!”

Stopping in my tracks, I don’t turn.

Shit!

I should have known I wasn’t getting off the hook that easily.

“Come here, son.”

Sighing in resignation, I finally turn and walk to the front of the room to meet him.

“Sorry I was late. I was following a lead.”

“Son, I know this is your bust. But the job isn’t done. Far from it.” He grabs my shoulder, cupping it with his palm. “You’re a great detective. Your reputation and the respect from your peers conveys that. But something is up. I need to know your head is in the game. Wecannothave any mishaps tomorrow night. We’ve worked too long and hard on bringing down the Trahan brothers for it to go to shit, because your head is somewhere else.”

I’m fucking aware! This is my bust.

My lead got us here. I’ve busted my ass on this case for three fucking years.

Trying not to roll my eyes, I say, “I’m good, LT. And I won’t be late. In fact, I’ll be the first one here to help assemble. I’ll even bring cigars. We can light them up when the Trahan’s are in custody.”

Lieutenant Antoine smirks. He does love a good cigar. Giving my back a good, resounding smack, he nods. “Good to hear, son. I can always count on you. Now, get out of here. Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir.” Smiling, I rush from the room, then, hustle from the building.

Before I make it to the door, Corporal Boudreaux’s unmistakable voice calls out, “Hey, LeBlanc, le’ me holla at ya real quick.”

Luckily, I grew up in the city, so I’m used to the native tongue. Tourist faces twist in drunken confusion as they sit on the metal benches, outside of booking, with zip-ties around their wrists. I’m sure it’s the usual public indecency after too many drinks on Bourbon or fighting in the Quarter.

“What’s up, Boudreaux?”

“Inna hurry, man?”

Grimacing, knowing this is going to take a while, because Boudreaux never speaks quickly, I rest my hands on my hips. “Yeah, actually. What’s up?”

The tall man, who is mostly thin, but rocks a round beer gut, steps closer. He leans in, as though he’s going to tell me a secret. Then, he draws back, smirking as he says, “Heard ya had some issues on the street da ‘otha day. Maybe an accident? Maybe… talkin’ to ‘yaself?”

Shit!

Looking around quickly to see who’s near, I lean closer. “Who told you that?”

“Fancy lady was in ta git a client out, mentioned ‘one-a our detectives havin’ a lil heat stroke a somethin’. She described ya truck.”

Looking around quickly again, I ask, “Anyone say anything about it?”

“Naw, man.” He shrugs. “But… ya all good? Ya need anythin’?” I can tell he’s both curious and concerned.

Shaking my head, I clap his shoulder as I say, “I’m good. I don’t need anything, man. But thanks. I do need to go, though. I’m in the middle of something important.”

“New lead?” he asks, completely ignoring the tourists he should be booking. One slurs, “I’mmmm not feeeeeelin soooo goooood… I fink… I’mma… huuuurl.”