RUN FASTER: A Hallie James Mystery (The Hallie James Mysteries Book 2) Page 4

  I leaned over him and tapped him on the forehead. "You ever touch Abby again, and I'll really fuck you up, asshole."

  "I won't. I won’t. I'm sorry," he blubbered.

  I caught movement in my peripheral vision. Harry was standing in the kitchen doorway, watching me with a smile on his face.

  Ben came in the open patio door. Before he could say anything, Harry put a finger to his lips. What I'd done was illegal as hell, and a danger to my license. We all went out the back to Ben's truck, where we found Abby hiding in the alley.

  I told her that her mother sent me to help her. And I warned her that she had to leave Trace. He was never going to change and would eventually hurt her badly, maybe even kill her. The old and new bruises on her face and arms, cut right through me.

  "I know, I have to leave him. But I don't have anywhere to go. I don't think Mom wants me back," Abby said with tears in her eyes. "She moved into a smaller house after I moved in with Trace."

  "I'm sure she would love to have you back, honey," I assured her. "She sent me to help you because she loves you. Want a ride over there?" I handed her a tissue.

  Abby nodded and blew her nose.

  "You two go ahead and take her," Harry said. "I'll do a little clean up before I take off."

  I watched Ben help Abby into his truck and looked up at the dark sky. "That was for you, Doc," I whispered into the night.

  After an emotional reunion between Abby and her mother, Ben drove back to the office. We said our goodbyes until Monday morning, and I was about to climb into my car when my cell rang. It was the Herville police wanting me to come to the station, concerning George Murphy.

  "Is George OK?" I asked. Please, no disasters now. The wedding is a week away. Gram would be crushed if anything stopped it now.

  "He's fine, just a bit intoxicated. I need to release him and his friends to someone sober, or they stay here," the cop told me.

  "I'll be right there," I said and hung up.

  "What's up with George?" Ben asked.

  "I'm not sure." I sighed. "I have to go to the police station."

  "Want me to tag along?" Before I could answer, Ben climbed onto my passenger seat.

  "Why not," I said.

  At the police station, I rushed inside. George, Woody, Jack, and Ernie were sitting on a bench along the back wall. A young woman, with a lot of makeup on, was sitting at a desk talking to a familiar looking, red headed cop.

  I rushed over to George. "What are you four doing in the police station?"

  "It's a long story," Woody said, trying to keep his eyes on the floor.

  "Yesh, you'd be sooo bored if you heard it," George slurred, and the rest of the men giggled.

  "Bore me." I narrowed my eyes.

  "It wasn't George's fault," Ernie said.

  His speech wasn't much better than his friends, but fortunately, I'm fluent in drunk.

  “It was her fault." Ernie flapped his hand toward the woman talking to the cop.

  "Her's and the Water Buffalo's," Jack said in a stage whisper.

  The men giggled again.

  "What was their fault?" I was getting exasperated. I know, I drink sometimes too, but being a drunk was much more fun than dealing with them.

  "We went to Liddy Mae's," Jack tried to whisper again.

  "The gentlemen’s club," I said, shaking my head.

  "Being spoken for, I wasn't going to have nothing to do with the girls," George said solemnly. "But then she," George flapped in the woman's direction, "wouldn't leave me alone."

  "Uh huh," I said.

  "It's true. She kept insisting that George tip her," Jack said.

  "You know, put money in her underpants," George explained, causing another round of giggles.

  I could hear Ben starting to snicker, too. "How did that land the four of you in the police station," I said, struggling to keep a straight face.

  "She said, not to be afraid of her, and that she didn't bite," George said. He blinked like an owl, and I bit my cheek to stifle a laugh. "So, to make her leave me alone, I did it."

  "Did it?"

  "He put a dollar in her pants," Ernie said slowly, like I was a dimwit.

  "But something grabbed me, and I couldn't pull my hand away from her. Look at my sleeve." George held up an arm toward me. The sleeve of his sweater had a huge snag. "Here, she had a ring, that hung down from her belly button. It caught on my sweater."

  "It was so funny," Woody piped up. "George and the stripper were both yelling, 'let go of me.'"

  "Until the water buffalo came charging across the room," Ernie added. "The dickhead slipped on a spilled beer and hit the floor, face first. Then, somebody yelled, 'call the cops, there's a gang of tough guys, beating up the bouncer.'"

  "Tough guys," George crowed, and the two senior citizens fist bumped. "We still got it, Ernie!"

  "Who's the water buffalo?' I asked as a heavy set, goateed man came out of the bathroom. He held bloody paper towels over his nose. "Holy crap," I said, it’s Fred Flintstone!

  The man wore a big, brown, fake, fur hat with huge horns that curved backwards. The Water Buffalo glared in our direction with beady eyes. He pawed at the floor with his foot, like he was going to charge us. I gasped when George flipped him the bird.

  "Did you see that?" The Water Buffalo asked the cop in a whiny nasal voice. "That old guy flipped me off. He should be locked up!"

  "I've been told that neither he, or any of these gentlemen struck you. Is that true?" The cop said. I recognized him. Officer Phil Stewart. He'd enjoyed Liv's perogies with us last August while Chitty was being searched.

  "Well, no… nobody hit me," the Water Buffalo admitted. "But, it was the old guy's fault, I got hurt. He wouldn't let go of Destiny. She was screaming, and I'm the bouncer, it was my job to protect her."

  "I didn't know his sweater was caught on my belly button ring," Destiny said. "And it hurt when he tried to pull his hand away, but I'm OK." She pulled her shirt up to her neck and showed the room her belly button, along with a pair of smiley face pasties.

  I sat down on a bench next to Ben. He had his face in his hands, laughing his ass off. Ben's laugh was infectious. It had a chain reaction effect on everyone in the room, except for the Water Buffalo. Even Officer Stewart and Destiny were laughing.

  Finally, Ben got his laughter under control, allowing everyone else to do the same.

  "We're short staffed tonight, you know, with Andy... not here. I got pulled off the graveyard shift," Officer Stewart said. "I don't see any crime, but these men are too drunk to drive. Can you take them home, Miss James?"

  "Sure. Are they free to go?"

  "Yep." The cop glared at the water buffalo when he opened his mouth to protest. "I warned you about charging people and head butting them, Walter."

  "Walter," Ernie giggled.

  "Yeah," Destiny said. "His name's Walter Berkolo. That's why he wears the hat. It's kinda his thing."

  "His thing is to look like the Grand Poobah?" Ben said, starting another fit of giggling in the room.

  "Come on guys, let's go home." I started shooing them out to my car. But it took five minutes. They all wanted to effusively, thank Officer Stewart.

  With Ben's help, I got everybody crammed into my car.

  "If anybody pukes in my new car, they're riding on the roof," I warned sternly but got giggles from the men again. "Go ahead and laugh, but I'm serious. I've got bungee cords in my glove box." This was met with silence for a moment.

  "You're not going to tell your Gram about this?" George asked around a yawn.

  "Nah, Ben and I stopped for a drink, and we found you at Hank's, shooting pool."

  There were sounds of relief throughout my car, and George smiled at me in the rear-view mirror.

  After dropping Ben off, it began to snow. But the snow didn't lay on the road until I pulled onto our lane.

  The porch lights were on, and everyone made it into the house without falling down. I cringed when I saw that Gram and Laura w
ere still up, watching TV with a well-rested looking Poppy.

  I held my breath when they noticed the state the men were in. But instead of being angry, the women fawned over their men and guided them upstairs to bed.

  Four inches of snow fell overnight. After breakfast, I joined Poppy, Woody, and the dogs outside to play in the new snow. The temperature was expected to rise into the forties by noon, so it would be melting into piles of slush before dark.

  Being from California, Poppy and Woody had a blast making snow angels and having a snow ball fight. Being used to snow, I eventually went inside to the sunroom and watched them run and play with my fur buddies. After a while, the foursome gravitated to the fresh snow in another part of the yard, and I picked up the morning paper.

  Outrage slammed through my gut when I saw the headline: Killer Cop Lies About Big Drug Bust, Arraigned for First Degree Murder. And there was a picture of Andy, handcuffed behind his back, Detective Kasey's hand on his elbow. The arrogant smile on Kasey's face made me feel homicidal.

  "I made a pot of cocoa," Liv said behind me.

  Chocolate sounded good, I got up and followed her into the kitchen. But everybody else thought so too. I had to stand in line with my mug.

  The men showed no effects from their adventure of the previous evening. It made me a little jealous. I'd have the hangover from hell.

  I took my cocoa back to the sunroom and sat down next to George. The newspaper still laid on the table, where I'd dropped it. I scowled at it and flipped it over.

  "That's a load of bull about Andy Ross," George said.

  I nodded and sipped my cocoa. I didn't want to talk about it in front of Gram. Seriously bad cuss words, were very close to erupting from my lips.

  "Are you going to look into it?" George asked.

  "I've already started," I said.

  George gave me a grin. "I figured you would. We won't worry about him then."

  Gram reached over and patted my hand. "Be careful, dear."

  George and Gram knew I owed Andy for my life, they'd been there. I hoped I could help him. Andy didn't deserve this, and Jessie was probably out of her mind.

  I picked up a slice of cinnamon toast from a platter, Liv set on the table and chewed thoughtfully. There were so many people I needed to talk to, and I didn't want to wait until tomorrow. Most of the roads should be clear soon. I could get started.

  My cell rang. I pulled it from my pocket and didn't recognize the number on the screen. "Hello," I said hesitantly.

  "Hallie," a male voice said. It seemed familiar, but my mind drew a blank. "It's Haydon Ross."

  Haydon Ross is Andy and Hank's father. I hadn't spoken to him in years. He and his wife, Janice, had always been pleasant to me. "Hi, Mr. Ross. I'm so sorry about Andy's problem. How are you and your wife holding up?"

  "We're trying to stay positive, but..." he paused. "Jessica gave me your number. Jan and I would like to talk to you about it, maybe later today if you have time."

  "Of course, what time?"

  "Whenever it's convenient for you," he said.

  I looked at my watch. It was eleven o'clock. "I can be at your house by noon." They lived ten minutes away, across the river.

  I heard Haydon give a sigh of relief. "That would be fine. We'll see you then."

  We hung up and I excused myself to get ready.

  Except for a little ice on the bridge, crossing the Susquehanna, the roads were in good shape. I arrived at the Ross's home and parked in the driveway.

  The house was a white, four-bedroom ranch on a half-acre lot. I'd spent a lot of time here when I dated Hank. The Ross's kept it beautifully maintained, and it looked the same as it did twenty-two years ago. I went up the shoveled walk and rang the bell.

  I was received warmly by Haydon and Janice. She offered coffee, and Haydon led me into the living room. I noticed a new flat screen TV, mounted on the wall opposite the couch, and the carpeting was now light blue. The same family photos, and a few new ones, adorned the walls. Alone on the mantel, in a place of honor, was a large picture of their daughter, Heather. She’d been murdered in 1997 when she was sixteen.

  Haydon sat on an armchair and attempted to make small talk while Janice got the coffee. It was obvious they were feeling the strain of their second son being arrested for murder. I waited for Janice to sit down on the couch next to me before I spoke.

  "I assume this is about Andy," I said gently.

  They both nodded.

  "We went to his arraignment," Haydon said. "They wouldn't let us get close to him. But he yelled across the room to us. He wants you to help him."

  I cringed a little. I’d bet Detective Kasey loved hearing that.

  "He said that you would find out what really happened." Janice's eyes shone with both hope and tears. "We can give you a check if you need a retainer."

  I put my arm around her. "You don't have to pay me. I was already working on the case. Andy is innocent, and I'll find a way to prove it." I didn't like giving them a guarantee like that, but I think they needed it. They both looked like they were running on nerves and coffee.

  They both looked relieved at my words.

  "I have some cake if you'd like some, Hallie," Janice said.

  "You know me, I never turn down cake."

  Haydon chuckled. "Well, it still doesn't show. I remember you always had a good appetite, but stayed thin."

  "She's even more beautiful than she was as a teenager, and she's so smart. If Hank had any sense, he would never have let you get away," Janice said patting my arm. "I thought for sure, I would have you as my daughter-in-law "

  "I don't think Hank ever really wanted to settle down,” Hayden confided. “If Tammy wouldn't have gotten pregnant, I think he'd have stayed a bachelor.”

  "Come help me get the cake, Hallie," Janice said. "If you're hungry, I have some left-over lasagna too."

  I smiled and followed her into the kitchen. "Some lasagna would be great."

  FOUR

  The next morning, snowflakes fell intermittently, from a steel gray sky. It shouldn't be allowed to snow or rain on Monday mornings. I scowled at the sky and whipped my curtains shut before heading for the shower.

  I did my hair and makeup and dressed in black leggings, under a Tudor green sweater that fell past my hips. I pulled on my new, gray, knee length, slouchy boots and studied my reflection in the full-length mirror. I decided I liked the outfit and gave myself a few spritzes of lilac body spray.

  I grabbed my phone and gun off the nightstand and tucked them into my purse. The lack of caffeine was beginning to make my head hurt, so I went in search of coffee.

  Liv had the coffee pot and my breakfast waiting for me in the kitchen. I gave her a hug as she handed me the hazelnut creamer.

  "You look pretty this morning," Liv said.

  "Thanks." I held out a foot. "Do you like the boots?"

  Liv chuckled. "If I was a few years younger, I'd have to get a pair."

  "You're never too old for a great pair of boots." I sipped my coffee.

  "I made oatmeal this morning." She handed me a full bowl and a spoon. "The brown sugar and cinnamon are on the counter behind you." Liv knew me so well.

  "Thanks, Liv. Think about the boots. I'll get them for you." I sprinkled some brown sugar and cinnamon into my bowl and added a little cream on top.

  "Sure. But I'll need a pair of those tight pants to go with them." She chuckled again.

  "No problem." I assured her and went to the sunroom to find the rest of my family. Laura and Jack had gone home with Poppy and Woody, last night. Gram, George, and Aunt Jeannie were at the table, sharing sections of the morning paper.

  "Good morning," I said cheerily.

  "Good morning," they chorused back.

  I sat between my aunt and grandmother, putting my bowl and mug on the table.

  Hearing growls coming from my grandmother's lap, I knew Rupert came to breakfast. I bent down and picked up the edge of the table cloth. “Good Morning, Rupert,�
�� I said cheerily.

  Rupert replied by snapping at my face. So I backed off. My nose already bore scars from his tiny teeth.

  "Bad dog," Gram said. She rose and put the little devil dog outside.

  "Aunt Jeannie, do you know how busy Karl is today?" I had a plan to get in to see Andy.

  "I'm not sure, but he's on his way over for coffee. You can ask him," Aunt Jeannie said over the top of the newspaper.

  I nodded and dug into my oatmeal. It was good, perfect for a cold winter's morning. Liv never used instant.

  I was almost finished when Karl Beyer arrived. He kissed my aunt and greeted the rest of us before sitting down with a mug of coffee.

  "Hallie wanted to know if you're busy today, darling," Aunt Jeannie told Karl.

  "Somewhat, but do you need something, Hallie?"

  "Mr. and Mrs. Ross hired me to investigate Andy's case. I'd like to talk to him," I said.

  "And Detective Kasey probably won't let you." Karl nodded.

  "The Ross’s told me that you're Andy's lawyer."

  Karl nodded again.

  "If we said that I was consulting on the case, I could get into the jail with you and speak to him."

  "We can try it. I'm not in court today, so I’ll have my secretary rearrange a few things. What time is good for you?"

  I pulled out my cell and checked to see if my schedule was there. Yep. I had a light day. "I have an appointment at nine, then I'm free until one."

  "I'll make the arrangements with the jail and pick you up outside your office at ten," Karl said.

  "Sounds good." I finished my coffee and stood. After wishing everyone a wonderful day, I left for work.

  Jessie was calmer than I would be, under the same circumstances. But the circles under her eyes told me, she hadn't slept much.

  "You know that Andy’s parents asked me to investigate his case?" I put an arm around her shoulders.

  She nodded. "It seems like Detective Kasey has decided that Andy's guilty. He's not trying to find out anything else."

  "He's like that." I know the police have a difficult and dangerous job, but the few cops like Kasey are a hazard to society. If Kasey makes up his closed, little mind that you're guilty, he refuses to believe or investigate anything that goes against that belief. Besides the innocent going to jail, the real criminal stays free to do it again.