Thinking it best to allow Mayor Gage to believe he’d been cowed, he said in a meek tone of voice, “Yes, sir, I understand.”
“Good. I’m glad you see things my way. Now, let’s join Chief Ferguson and pretend this is the beginning of a great working relationship.”
Arrogant weasel, Justice thought as they headed back to the press conference room.I hope I’m right about you. I’d love to throw your ass in jail.
Linda handed him a large set of keys. “The watch is all yours, Chief McQuaid. Be careful out there.” Though she smiled, her eyes passed warily between Justice and the mayor.
Was it a warning? A threat? Or a well-meaning sentiment? Justice’s head pounded. Trying to process everything he’d learned tonight was beginning to take its toll on him. He wanted to be cautious, not paranoid.
Returning Linda’s smile, he took the keys and gripped her hand. “Thanks. Take care, Chief Ferguson.” Justice turned toward the mayor. “Mr. Mayor.”
“Chief McQuaid.” He shook the proffered hand.
Justice watched Ferguson and Gage leave together.
Next to him Sally commented, “A match made in hell, if you ask me.”
He glanced down at her. “You and I need to talk, but not tonight.”
“You know where to find me. By the way, I met your father a little while ago, and he took your uniforms out to the car. I gave him a hat and a T-shirt.” She grinned. “What a handsome devil.”
“You’re throwing me over already?” Justice teased.
“Franklin is closer in age.” Sally’s eyes sparkled. “Good night, Chief. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Good night.”
Justice chuckled and shook his head. As he approached his office, without getting lost, he noticed a blond-haired man dressed in plain clothes waiting for him. His badge was attached to his waist along with his gun.
Smiling warmly, the officer held out his hand. “Hi, Chief McQuaid. I’m Sergeant David Hutchinson, your IT guru. Everyone calls me Hutch. I’ve got your laptop and tablet ready to issue to you. I’ll walk you through the system, and we’ll set up a login that is unique to you.”
“Nice to meet you, Hutch. Let’s go into my office.”
They’d been working for half an hour when Sergeant Westfall brought them a platter of grilled shrimp tacos and bottles of water.
“I thought you’d be hungry, Chief.” She grinned at Justice. “Your father is chowing down at my desk. He’s been having a grand time ordering the officers around. If one didn’t know better, one might think he was chief.”
Justice chuckled. “Yeah, that’s my dad. I hope he hasn’t frightened my squad too much.”
“Nope. By the way, Kalani’s food truck on the beach serves the best tacos in the area.”
“Good to know. Thanks, Sergeant.”
“You’re welcome. When you’re finished here, I’ll take you to the armory. You need your guns, Chief.”
“All right. Give us thirty.”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
“Dad, I think you’d better drive back to the hotel.” Justice handed his father the keys. “I don’t feel so well.”
In the overhead light Franklin noted his son’s pale face and the sweat beading on his forehead. Justice’s body trembled as he leaned back in his seat.
“Tonight was overwhelming, but you did it, son. It will be easier tomorrow. Just relax now.”
Justice didn’t reply. He closed his eyes and willed the heaviness in his head to go away.
