The phone started ringing early and continued all day with requests for statements and interviews. A TV crew appeared in front of the station and, when the chief declined to speak on air, posed two news personalities on the steps to reenact the scuffle.
Unable to reach Ben, Will requested that Derek contact Yolanda to find out if the press had invaded her property, as well. Yes, people had showed up, she replied, and she’d taken advantage of the exposure to describe the merits of the tutoring program. As for Ben, he’d left for class and would probably lie low afterward.
Elsewhere in town, an L.A. station broadcast from outside Vince’s PI office, rehashing old scandals and confronting the former chief on his way to meet a client. Vince declined to comment on his successor’s troubles.
December was a slow period for news, Derek supposed. Without elections to claim the public’s attention and with the state legislature currently in recess, news shows had empty stretches to fill. Today, they were cramming them with annoying dispatches from Villazon.
As a countermeasure, Will accepted Derek’s recommendation to speak with a smattering of the more responsible newspapers and TV stations. That way, he had a chance to explain the situation in depth and apologize to the city for the indiscretion.
Derek monitored each interview, a precautionary measure that forced him to cancel his weekly hospital meeting. He missed dropping into the gift shop and wondered how Marta was feeling now about yesterday’s discovery she was having twins. Although he considered inviting her for dinner tonight, he had to work late and settled for a meatball sandwich from Alessandro’s Deli.
“The worst should be over,” Derek told his boss as they decamped around 8:00 p.m. Even the hardiest reporters had gone home. “Tomorrow, let’s hope they find some other target.”
“You did a terrific job.” The chief sounded drained.
“Glad to help.” Derek wished he had Marta’s talent for lifting burdens from other people’s shoulders. Will could use bucking up, and the widower had no one to go home to.
Neither did Derek. Arriving at his condo, he sank onto the couch but left the TV off. Much as he normally enjoyed channel surfing, he refused to subject his nerves to a glimpse of a news show.
Sleep crept over him. When he awoke, he stumped upstairs. In his dazed state, the hall seemed ridiculously long and the rooms seemed hollow.
Two chunky toddlers raced toward him crying, “Pick me up, Daddy!” Behind them, Marta emerged from the bedroom, hair tousled and face alight. “Hi, honey.”
He must be dreaming on his feet. Derek stripped off his clothes and climbed into bed. Although he’d intended to read, he was asleep in seconds.
*
He’d thought Friday would mark an improvement.
It didn’t.
The morning passed smoothly enough. As he’d predicted, the press had moved on to fresh pickings—overnight, the first heavy rains of the season briefly shut a couple of small airports and caused a mess on the freeways—and the chief spent the morning catching up on paperwork.
In midafternoon, Will slipped into Derek’s office and shut the door. Although the chief occasionally stopped by with a comment or question, he rarely stayed. This time, he moved a stack of folders and dropped into a chair.
“What’s up?” Derek asked.
“I want my meeting with you now to look completely casual,” Will began. “Nothing of what we say gets repeated to anyone. That includes my assistant and Frank or any of the other captains.”
“Okay.” Puzzled, Derek waited for illumination.
“I want you to reserve the meeting space for a press conference Monday afternoon, if it’s available.” The police used the community room at the adjacent library for such events. “Tell the librarian we’re holding a seminar. I’ll inform the mayor and city manager Monday morning.”
That statement rang ominously. “Inform them of what?”
“I’ve decided to resign.”
A chill ran through Derek. In the past year and a half, he’d developed a deep respect for Lyons. The man might lack the easy fellowship that had made Vince popular during his term, but he possessed unshakeable integrity.
“You can’t,” Derek told him.
The chief managed a faint smile. “Is that your professional opinion?”
“It’s my professional advice.”
“The city hired me to solve its problems and instead I’ve created more. It’s best I go before this snowballs,” Will said gravely.
Derek wondered if a higher-up had applied pressure. “Is this solely your decision?”
“Yes. The city’s been damn reasonable about the whole business. No one’s pushing me.”
Good. “You’re a terrific chief and a decent man,” Derek insisted. “Your departure may leave the impression that you did something wrong.”
“Believe me, I’ve considered the effect this will have on my career.” Restlessly, Will shifted on the hard seat. “Forty isn’t old enough to be put out to pasture, but I have to consider my officers and my employers first.”
Once the press got wind of this decision, retraction would only arouse further hubbub. Derek had to persuade him to reconsider.
“This will hurt the department, not help it,” he argued. “I’m convinced somebody’s undermining us from the inside. How else could Tracy have learned about the drugs? It’s probably an officer loyal to Borrego.” He hoped by mentioning Vince to rouse the chief’s fighting spirit. “Your resignation plays right into their hands.”
“No matter who’s behind this, they’re damaging my relationship with my son. That alone is reason enough to quit,” Will replied steadily. “And I’m at fault for allowing my personal problems to spill over into public view. I’ve drafted both a letter of resignation and a public statement, which I’d appreciate your editing.”
Reluctantly, Derek accepted the papers the chief passed him. He wasn’t ready to give up. “Let’s put off the conference until Tuesday.”
“Why?”
He didn’t dare explain that he needed time to devise tactics. “It’s past Tracy’s deadline,” he improvised. “She’s caused enough trouble. I think she deserves a bit of a tweak in return.”
His logic amused the chief. “You have an admirably twisted mind, Sergeant. However, the longer we wait, the greater the chance of the news leaking.”
“If neither you nor I talk to anyone, how can it?” An answer occurred to him. “By the way, have you swept for bugs?”
“Yes. With today’s technology, though, a device can snoop from outside the building,” the chief noted. “That was one of the reasons I chose to have this conversation in your office, although there’s no guarantee of privacy anywhere.”
Derek searched for a second reason to justify holding off. “Plus, the mayor and city manager might not like to feel pressured. Best to allow plenty of time to confer with them.”
Although Will didn’t look pleased, he acquiesced. “I suppose you’re right. Once I decide on a course of action, I’m eager to put it in motion, but you make excellent points. Thanks for the counsel. Wise as always.”
“Adequate, anyway.”
As Derek rose to shake hands, he hoped he got a whole lot wiser, fast. Because by Monday, he had to figure out a way to derail this entire misguided train.
Chapter Fifteen
Watching Derek and Tom bend over a book thrilled Marta. Their first lesson, and already she could tell the boy was responding.
That Saturday morning, Derek had arrived at the homework center frowning, but the tension had evaporated as he immersed himself in the moment. He seemed to find this place as much of a refuge as the children did. He’d changed since their night together. Grown kinder and more open, in her opinion, and more sensitive to others.
Elise, however, chewed one fingernail distractedly while assisting a little girl with the alphabet. As soon as they completed their session, she hurried over to Marta.
“I could use an unbiased opinion,” the patrolwoman admit
ted. “Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” Having completed her own tutoring session, Marta had hoped to catch a few words with Derek, but across the auditorium he remained absorbed in conversation with Tom.
Since Elise requested privacy, they slipped out the back door. Across the alley lay tidy rear yards leading to small houses. Even in what might have been the dead of winter elsewhere, flowers edged the yards. The calla lilies and bird-of-paradise plants were striking.
“It’s Mike.” The policewoman inhaled deeply. “We had a fight.”
“That was bound to happen,” Marta muttered without thinking.
A stunned gaze met hers. “Why?”
“Because everything’s been so darn perfect.” She eased down onto the concrete steps, while her friend remained standing. “No relationship goes that easily.”
“I wish I’d known!” Elise’s kick sent a loose stone skittering across the cracked blacktop. “I cried all night.”
Marta regretted her insensitive remark. “I’m sorry. What did you argue about?”
“Moving in together.” The blonde woman paused as a teenager whizzed by on a bicycle. She waited until they were alone again. “I suggested we rent a place together. He says he’s not ready.”
“You’ve been dating for less than two months,” Marta pointed out.
“Having someone around who listens and understands—it’s heavenly.” Elise leaned against the building with a thump. “I assumed he was happy, too.”
“Maybe he is, but not full-time. It can be draining to serve as someone else’s sounding post.” Marta spoke from experience. She’d had a few coworkers who exhausted her with their endless need for a sympathetic ear. “Plus, Mike fulfills the same function at work.”
“That hadn’t occurred to me,” Elise responded slowly. “Should I stop confiding in him?”
“Not necessarily.” Marta hadn’t meant to imply that. “What does he get out of this arrangement? You should figure out how to meet his needs.”
“I don’t think he has any.” A pucker formed between Elise’s brows. “He’s so together. Or maybe I’m not smart enough to figure him out.”
“You don’t have to be psychic,” Marta assured her. “Just ask him what would make him happy. Then really listen to the answer.”
Her friend groaned. “I’ve been selfish, huh?”
“I wouldn’t say that. Surely you’ve explored his past and his feelings at least a little.” She thought of Derek. Despite his reserved manner, he’d found out quite a bit about her, she realized.
“Mostly we discuss my issues,” Elise conceded. “He makes all the arrangements, too. I’m going to insist on cooking dinner tonight instead of relying on him, and I’ll encourage him to talk for a change.”
“Don’t rush it.” For an adult, her friend lacked experience with men. Not that Marta had such a great track record herself. She supposed she’d benefited from watching Connie and Rachel struggle with their romantic problems. “Give him space. What’s your hurry?”
“I’m afraid I’ll lose him,” Elise confessed. “Instead, I’m probably driving him off. Okay, slow and steady. Speaking of being selfish, I meant to wish you well with the pregnancy instead of rattling on about myself.”
“Thanks.” Marta answered a few questions and then said goodbye. Judging by Elise’s swinging stride as she cut around the building to the parking lot, she was eager to implement her new plan with Mike.
Perched on the rear steps, Marta watched a couple of children play on a slide in one of the yards. She guessed their ages at about three and five. What would her babies look like as preschoolers?
The door opened behind her. From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a tall, muscular figure in jeans and a black jersey.
Derek sat beside her. “You feeling okay?”
“I’m fine.” She rested her cheek on his shoulder. His strong arm slid around her.
“You smell wonderful,” he murmured. “A little different from usual, but nice.”
“That’s our new cucumber-mint shampoo,” Marta replied. “Like it?”
He chuckled. “Didn’t anyone ever teach you how to accept a compliment?”
“I must have missed that lesson. I guess the appropriate reply is thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
They sat for a couple of minutes, enjoying each other’s company and the season-defying blooms across the alley. A poinsettia tree, probably a Christmas gift stuck into the ground years ago, splayed red blossoms beside a door, and a pink rosebush offered its last, brave flowers to the cool air.
“I have an idea I need to discuss and you’re the only person I trust,” Derek said abruptly.
Honored, Marta rested her arms on her knees. “Shoot.”
“You can’t mention this to a soul,” he warned.
“Scout’s honor.”
In a low voice, he said, “The chief plans to resign on Monday and I have to find a way to stop him.”
Marta didn’t ask for background, because she’d seen the latest article in the Voice. She also understood Derek’s loyalty to Will Lyons. “Any ideas how to accomplish that?”
“I plan to smoke out the person who’s tipping off Tracy.” He stretched his legs. “Finding the worm in the apple won’t undo the damage, but I’m hoping it’ll persuade the chief to reconsider.”
“Did he explain his reasons?”
“He blames himself for embarrassing the city, plus he’s trying to protect what’s left of his relationship with Ben.”
Marta felt obligated to raise an awkward point. “Any possibility Ben’s the source?”
Derek dismissed the notion. “The kid was horrified when Tracy showed up on Monday. And I don’t peg him as a sneak. In fact, I have to bring him into the plan for it to work.”
“What plan?” This ought to be interesting.
“I’ve decided to spread different rumors, one per possible leaker,” he said. “If I hit my target, he’ll call Tracy. Since Monday’s her deadline, she’ll phone me immediately to confirm.”
“And you can tell who blabbed depending on which story she repeats.” What an inspired scheme! “Have you selected your suspects?”
“Not entirely. I’d better do this right, because if I omit the culprit, the whole thing will fizzle.” Derek rotated his shoulder as if to relieve a cramp. “The chief plans to inform the press on Tuesday. I won’t get a second chance.”
One candidate seemed obvious. “I’m guessing Vince is on your list.”
“Yep. But to be credible, the story will have to come from Ben, not me.”
“I’m not sure he’ll cooperate.” The young man had been steadfastly loyal to the ex-chief.
“He might if I explain it correctly.” Derek didn’t elaborate.
“Who else made your list?”
“Our traffic lieutenant, Justin Lindeman. He’s an old buddy of Vince’s, and his daughter volunteers here.” He explained his theory that someone had slipped the plastic bag into the chief’s car at Villa Corazon.
Skepticism colored her reaction. “You can’t believe Ginger would do that!”
“I don’t exactly, but she had the opportunity. Now, who did I omit?” Derek probed.
They discussed names and, after rejecting several, reluctantly decided on Joel. Although neither believed him to have intentionally betrayed his fellow officers, Tracy might have succeeded in teasing information out of him.
Derek had decided against involving any more of Vince’s allies in case some of them compared notes and detected the scheme. Also, he explained, “Dreaming up three rumors poses enough of a challenge.”
Marta had a few ideas. Between the two of them, they came up with three credible stories.
One more problem occurred to her. “If you’re wrong, eventually these guys will figure out you fed them lies. What then?”
Derek grimaced. “I’ll take full responsibility, no matter what that entails. This is my plan, not the chief’s. If there’s a screw-
up, it’s mine, too.”
The implication dismayed Marta. “The department won’t punish you, will it?”
“I’m potentially subjecting my fellow officers to further embarrassment in the press,” he replied. “I can’t even count how many rules I’ll be breaking. The bottom line is, I might have to leave.”
Unthinkable for him to lose his job. “What would you do?” Marta asked.
“Since I can’t manage real police work anymore, there’s no question of applying to another city.” His shoulders sagged. “My parents wanted me to go into accounting. Maybe I’m not too old to start over.”
Crunching numbers might suit someone else, but not Derek. “No matter what happens, stick it out unless they fire you outright,” Marta advised.
“If this blows up, it’ll damage morale,” he replied. “And if I tick off enough people, my ability to perform my job will suffer.”
He sound defeated. “The guys ganged up on Elise, remember? She weathered the storm and so will you.”
Derek mulled over her words for a while. Then he said, “Let’s go out tonight.”
“Talk about dodging the issue!” Marta retorted.
“Yes or no?” he teased.
She nearly shouted her agreement. Then she remembered an insurmountable conflict. “I’m sorry. I promised to babysit for Rachel and Russ.”
“Need help?”
He couldn’t be serious! “I promised to help redecorate Lauren’s dollhouse. Does that appeal to you?” Marta inquired.
“Afraid not.” His mouth twisted ruefully. “Tomorrow night?”
“It’s a date.”
After agreeing on a time, they both rose a bit clumsily from the hard steps. They’d fallen into an easy camaraderie, Marta thought, an extension of the friendship formed at the hospital.
Sadly, she sensed that, once the babies were born, the wrenching process of relinquishment would inflict too much pain for them to continue. All the more reason to treasure this relationship while it lasted.
*
As Derek had anticipated, Ben initially resisted. The two of them talked in the Villa Corazon center parking lot, leaning against the youth’s battered compact.
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