Holding a Hero

by Layne, Lyssa

  “Will do, take care buddy. We’ll get you out of this soon.”

  “I hope.”

  “Yeah, me too.” Joe was hopeful, but at the same time, he was beginning to believe Brad was right. But who in the department could be involved?

  ***

  Vince Roberts was in a quandary.

  Sitting in a van, in the loading zone, Dean Fletcher smirked at his boss then at I.A. And Captain Van Norton. “Okay Vince, how much more proof do you need? You heard for yourself that Maxwell is in contact with Gallagher. Gallagher is obviously covering for his partner. I think they’re both in on it.”

  “What exactly is 'it', Fletcher?” Roberts narrowed his eyes. He noticed the sweat beads on Dean's forehead and his upper lip. Nervous as a cat. Now why is that?

  “Marty’s murder.”

  “Give it up, Fletcher. You just heard them talking about Geiger. He's a more likely suspect than Brad. He and Rodriguez were best friends. You know that as well as I do.”

  “How do you account for their conversation? They suspect we're bugging all their lines. Now, Maxwell has that girl with him. He'll probably use her as a hostage.”

  Vince glowered at Fletcher. “I've about had it with your allegations.” He struggled to stay calm.

  “Fine. Then why don't we get a search warrant for Maxwell, Gallagher, and the girl's homes? I bet we find useful evidence. You know they're in on it together or you wouldn't have confiscated Gallagher's badge and weapon. That's enough probable cause for any judge to okay it.”

  “Sorry, but I’m not doing that to one of my guys.” He was starting to believe Brad’s theory, and while Fletcher was so busy focusing on the fact that Joe was in contact with Brad, he wasn’t stupid enough to miss the other relevant information on that call.

  Van Norton turned to face him. “As Senior Officer over both men, it's your job to take what Fletcher's saying as a possibility. If Maxwell was innocent, he wouldn't have fled this jurisdiction after you told him not to.” He turned to Fletcher and issued another order. “Get the search and arrest warrants and I'll get them signed. We'll hold a press conference tomorrow and let the public know what's going on. That ought to get the media out of our hair for a day or so.

  “You're aware that evidence relative to this case was stolen out of the lab before anyone had a chance to run any tests.” Vince clenched his fists, he wanted to hit someone, anyone, and these two idiots were perfect candidates. He never did like Van Norton and the fact that he so readily believed Fletcher, who was only too willing to drop the noose over Brad's neck, didn’t help. Why was that?

  “So! What's your point?” Van Norton raised a skeptical brow.

  “Come on George, you know Maxwell’s reputation. You’ve seen his file. He’s not capable of anything remotely like that and I think you know it.”

  “That may be, but the Governor’s office is on my ass. If he finds out you didn't follow procedure, he'll expect me to put your ass on the chopping block too.” He shook a stubby finger in Vince's face. “And don't think I won't. When it comes to saving asses, I'm an expert at taking good care of mine.”

  “Do what you have to do, George, and I'll do what I have to. Maxwell is right, I haven't shown enough support for my detectives, and it’s about time I do. If you're intent on signing the warrants, get it done.” Vince squared his shoulders and lifted his chin. “I'm supporting my officers all the way and that's it. I'm out of here.” Vince hopped out of the van and walked away from Van Norton and Fletcher. He didn't care what those idiots thought, didn't care if they fired him, either. He smiled wide. He hadn't felt this good in a long time.

  Vince made his way into the hospital, in the direction of Gallagher and his ward. If he could give him a heads up, maybe they could find a way of keeping this whole thing from exploding out of control. As it was, the situation was worse than any forest fire ever reported.

  Entering the room, Vince looked from the patient to his suspended officer. The room was bugged, but he had to do it anyway. “Psst.”

  Joe looked up. “Hmm?”

  Putting a finger to his lips, the captain motioned for Joe to join him in the hall where they wouldn’t be overheard.

  “I’ve got a situation on my hands, and I need your help. Walk with me” He clasped his hands behind him and headed past the nurse’s station.

  Joe followed. “Sure, what’s up—we both know I’m on your shit list?”

  Roberts turned and paced in front of the Jared's door. “I have an update. Let’s not dick around. Van Norton had Dean scrambling for search warrants as we speak. He’s also trying to get an arrest warrant for you as an accomplice to that murder as well as helping the suspect escape?” The captain tapped a forefinger against Joe's chest. He stared transfixed at Joe concentrating. His brows wrinkled and his jaw set. He’d done what he could to help his men. Vince kept them pacing in front of Jared’s door.

  “Does this mean you finally believe us?”

  “Yes, and one last thing your phone conversation on the hospital line was monitored. Meaning the names information were recorded and I.A. is acting accordingly.” Vince let out a gust of air as soon as Joe nodded that understood him.

  “I’ll watch Mr. Williams, you get to Rosie and warn her to get out of town and don’t speak to anyone.” Vince clapped Joe on the shoulder. “Don’t forget to warn Nick.” Joe’s scowl worried him.

  “How do you know about Nick?”

  “I heard the conversation as well.”

  “Damn! If our conversation was bugged, then whoever is responsible will believe Jared knows as much as I do. And two, find someone you trust to check into Geiger's whereabouts.”

  The captain nodded. “I'm already on it.”

  “In that case, outta here.”

  “I take it you won’t be back any time soon?”

  “No, and I take it you’ll keep an eye on your new best friend?” Joe grinned.

  “That’s right.” The captain grinned back. Conspiracy was so rewarding.

  “Oh and Vince, has my car been bugged yet?”

  “No, but if you don’t get out of here fast I can’t promise anything.”

  “Okay, I’m gone.”

  Joe entered Jared’s room, whispered into his ear that the plans had changed. The two men shook hands then Joe departed.

  The captain was on his cell when Joe saluted and walked past him.

  Joe started toward the elevator, the captain added, “Oh and by the way, avoid the electrical van out front in the loading zone.”

  Joe grunted. “Electrical van. How original. Thanks Vince.” He dug his hands into his pant pocket and whistled a happy tune as he headed for the back stairs.

  In the time it took him to drive to Rosie’s place, he figured they only had about thirty minutes to clear out. Once Fletcher and Van Norton heard Vince's voice instead of his own, they would all definitely be in trouble.

  Joe helped Rosie pack the kids and load the car, then followed her to a friend’s house and helped them get settled.

  Before leaving, he cupped Rosie's upper arms. “I need to ask you something.”

  “Sure Joe.”

  “And I need you to just give me a straight answer and not ask any questions.”

  “Okay.” There was fear in her eyes.

  He felt her begin to tremble. “And one other thing, I need you to keep anything you tell me to yourself. It’s important. It could mean Brad and my life if anything you tell me gets out.”

  “Joe, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?”

  He shrugged off her question. “Where was Brad raised?”

  Rosie pulled away. “Why do you want to know?”

  “No questions, remember? Let’s just say that the less you know, the safer you are. Just tell me and then forget about it.”

  “I’ve known you and Brad for too many years for you to be playing games with me.”

  “I meant it when I said the less you know the safer you’ll be. Just tell me the city and please, I
mean it, don’t tell anyone anything about this conversation. I’m afraid if it gets out then Brad and I might end up like Marty.”

  Rosie dissolved into tears.

  Joe held her close until she regained control. “I’m serious Rosie. Something is going down at the precinct and as of today they are putting a warrant out to arrest Brad for Marty’s death, with me as an accomplice.”

  “You’ve got to be joking!” Her wide eyed stare, told him she finally understood the importance of his words.

  “Nope. I talked to Brad earlier and he said he was heading to where he grew up. I assume it’s something he keeps to himself for whatever reason. But I have to find him and help him clear his name.”

  “I understand.” Her hands shook, her body trembled as she visibly struggled to remember.

  “Relax and make sure you have the right answer.”

  Her tear stained face brightened. “Oh yeah, it’s called Iowa Hill. It’s just outside Auburn in Northern California.”

  “What’s the deal? Why is it such a big secret?”

  “That’s not for me to say. But I’m sure that once you get there, he’ll explain. It’s one of the reasons he and Marty were so close. As far as I know, Marty and I are the only ones who know his history.”

  “Why do I get the feeling I don’t know my partner at all?”

  “Probably because like everyone I know, there’s something in his past he’s not proud of. I’m leaving it to him to enlighten you.”

  Joe nodded. “Alright. I’m heading his way. And one other thing, don’t answer your cell phone. Better yet, pretend you don’t have one. Turn it off…I’ll feel better about leaving you here.”

  Rosie clutched his arm. “I don’t like this. How am I supposed to know whom to trust?”

  “At this point, other than Brad and me, don’t talk to anyone. If anyone from the force tracks you down, anyone at all, I want you to leave town and don’t reveal where you’re going.”

  Rosie’s hand shook. She placed hand over her heart. “Where will you go now?”

  “I’m heading over to Nick’s to see if Brad has called. I take it you know Nick?”

  “Yes, I do. Is he okay?”

  “I know the connection but not the secrecy. You check in with him. We can use his shop as a message center.”

  “Please give Brad my love. I was mean to him after the funeral, but I'll make my own amends to him when I see him. And, please tell him I still believe in him.” She gave him a weak smile. “Take care of yourself, Joe.”

  “You got it. By the way, did Marty ever mention whether or not Dean Fletcher is seeing anyone?”

  “Not that I know of. He’s been hanging around the kids and me, but that’s about it. If he has someone, he’s put her on hold so he can keep an eye on us. Why?”

  “Never mind. It’s nothing.”

  “Am I allowed to talk to him?”

  “No!” Joe said with way to much force. “No, not even him.”

  With a kiss on the cheek and a brief hug, Joe breathed a sigh of relief as he left for Nick’s. Rosie and the kids would be safe for the time being. He only hoped his partner managed to stay hidden until he could get there.

  Danny and Kelly came to stand by their mother. “Bye Captain Marvel,” Danny said, waving good bye.

  Joe waved, chuckling at the nickname Danny bestowed on him when they’d met two years ago, because of their mutual affinity for the superhero.

  He gave a sardonic laugh, yeah, Captain Joe Marvel to the rescue, minus the tights, shield, and cap, minus the gun and badge. He was screwed. Let's hope Super Joe didn't fly into a wall in his attempt to rescue his friends from the dastardly villains.

  Wrestling alligators had to be easier. He snorted, then broke out into a hearty laugh. God, he was getting too old for this shit.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Joe parked behind Nick’s shop. He nodded to the man as he pulled his jacket close around him, raised the collar, and lowered his head as he hurried inside.

  He slipped into the office expecting Nick to join him.

  Nick didn’t disappoint him. “Joe, there’s a message on the machine for you from Brad. Make sure you erase it as soon as you’re done listening to it. I promised him I’d cover his back.”

  Joe smiled at the scowling man. “He’s lucky to have you.”

  Nick waved a dismissive hand. “Nah, I’m the lucky one. I’d have had the shit kicked out of me or be dead if it weren’t for him.”

  “I know what you mean. I guess that’s why he’s such a good cop.”

  “I’ll leave you to your call, then dial the other line and leave your message. I told Brad I’d leave the private line free for you two.” Nick headed for the other room.

  “Thanks,” Joe said to Nick's back as he hit the button and listened to the message.

  He used the private line to leave a message for Brad. “Hey partner, I talked to Rosie and I’m heading your way. Keep your butt inside and I’ll meet you where you suggested sometime in the morning. Make sure you watch your backside. Something’s up and I don’t like the vibes I’m getting from the department. Oh, and one other thing, Captain Van Norton is calling a news conference tomorrow morning. Whatever you do, make sure you try to keep up on the details. I’ll do my best to keep you as informed as the Vince allows me.”

  Nick walked back into the office as Joe hung up the phone.

  “Brad parked a car in the garage afraid it would be spotted. I know it’s not his and I don’t recognize it. I have a feeling that whatever is going on, your car is going to be watched as well. If that’s the case, why don’t you park your car in the back garage next to his and take my loaner car. No one will expect you to be in it.”

  Joe was relieved Nick was privy to so much information. “I’m going to take you up on your offer. I don’t trust anyone. But, I do know that Brad trusts you, so that’s good enough for me.”

  Nick gave a curt nod “You just remember that.”

  “By the way, can I get some directions to the old man’s place? That’s where Brad went.”

  Nick's eyebrows hit the top of his ball cap “No shit! He actually went home?”

  Joe frowned at the unexpected reaction. “Yeah, I guess he felt that was the only safe place left. Oh and by the way, don’t be surprised if your phone lines are tapped, be careful what you say.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned.” Nick opened a desk drawer and pulled out a map of California and spread it out. He showed Joe the fastest way to get there, then wrote the exact address down on a slip of paper, and handed it to him.

  “Once you get there, destroy this. We can’t afford to take any chances with their lives.”

  “Will do.” Joe memorized the highways. Luckily it was an easy path to follow. Take Highway 5 north to Highway 80 east, with only one exit to take him deep into the mountains.

  “It’s getting late, why don’t you bunk in the back room for the night? You can get an early start in the morning. You don’t want to hit those mountains in the dark if you’ve never driven them before. It can be pretty treacherous, especially if you hit fog.”

  Joe nodded and settled in, then called his wife and told her he wouldn’t be home and for her to go visit her parents. She hadn't asked questions. He'd married a real winner. She understood him like no one else ever had. The way this whole situation was playing out, he wasn't about to risk his family. They were his life.

  Nick brought him something to eat then disappeared.

  Joe sighed then made short work of the roast beef sandwich and soda Nick brought him. He lay on the cot, his hands pillowed under his head, and stared at the ceiling. How many more would die before this mess was over?

  ***

  Brad and Christine left the diner shortly before one in the morning, taking advantage of the light traffic and the early hour. They easily cruised north on Interstate 5 on his newly renovated Harley Ironhead Sportster, maintaining the speed limit. Glad to get out of the city and away from the chaos. He nee
ded to think. He did his best thinking on his bike.

  The hours raced by. He checked his watch. Eight-thirty. Brad pulled his bike off the small mountain road, and parked at a small town restaurant called the Starlight Café. Chris scrambled off the bike before he swung a leg over.

  He stretched his tense aching muscles in the bright crisp morning air.

  Christine scanned the area, seemingly amazed by the beauty of this hidden paradise.

  He followed her gaze across the tree lined divide, to the snow-capped mountains of the Tahoe National Forest. The mountains were richly covered in firs, pine, spruce, and cedar trees. He smiled at her amazement on her face as if she couldn't believe such a gorgeous place existed.

  She turned to Brad, “You grew up here? How could you ever leave it? It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”

  Brad frowned. The memories he had were less than perfect. He’d forgotten the devastating peacefulness of his childhood home. He ignored Christine’s question, choosing to leave the past behind.

  Stepping into the quaint little diner, the first person to greet him was the hostess. He remembered her from high school. Her mother must still own the diner if she was working here.

  He cringed as Ashley let out one of her famous squeals, sure to set every dog in the neighborhood howling in protest.

  She jumped into Brad's arms.

  He had no choice but to hold her or let her drop to the floor. Same old Ashley, enthusiasm in its best form.

  “As I live and breathe, Bradley Maxwell’s come home. Have you seen your grandfather yet?”

  He wasn’t sure how wise it was to stop here, but he figured a quick breakfast and they’d finish their trek. “We're on our way there.” Brad bashfully set her down, scooted closer to Christine and rested a possessive arm across her shoulder.

  Ashley nodded understanding and grinned as she pointed to seats at the counter. She was a born talker and she’d want to chat, but he wasn’t up to questions yet. To her credit, she seemed to understand and grabbed the coffee pot. “It's good to see you again. I'm sure your grandfather will be pleased.”