[Lady Justice 26] - Lady Justice and the Cat

by Robert Thornhill

  Ox returned and we continued down the line.

  A hundred feet farther, Sara stopped again. “That’s Abdel,” she said. “The one to the left of the burly guy.”

  As before, Ox circled around back of the imposter, and in minutes he was being escorted away.

  “So what now?” Ox asked when he returned. “Those are the two guys you know. What about the third one? You’ve never set eyes on him.”

  “And he’s never seen me either,” she replied. “I’ve been after men like him for forty years. I’ll know him when I see him.”

  She pushed through the crowd, no longer needing to be hidden behind Ox.

  We were almost to the end of the line when she stopped. I followed her gaze. She had locked eyes with a swarthy cop, and there was instant recognition by both.

  Before Sara could warn Ox, the terrorist drew his automatic pistol and grabbed a woman from the crowd.

  People screamed in terror and fell back as the man brandished his weapon behind his human shield.

  Sara stepped forward. “You must be Hassan,” she said. “We finally meet.”

  “And you are Nightshade. Don’t come any closer.”

  “It’s over, Hassan,” she replied, holding her ground. “We have Abdel and Rami in custody. Look around. There are twenty guns trained on you. There is no way this ends well for you unless you release that woman and put down your gun.”

  “And then what?” he asked. “Spend the rest of my life in your Guantanamo prison like Nassim Maalouf. I don’t think so.”

  “Come on, Hassan. We can work something out.”

  He momentarily closed his eyes, then shouted, “Allah Akbar!”

  He pushed the hostage away, turned to the closest cop, and opened fire.

  The cop fell to the ground, but before Hassan could get off another round, a dozen guns exploded.

  Hassan’s bullet-riddled body crumpled within feet of the horror-stricken crowd.

  There was no more shouting, yelling or pushing. Silently, the demonstrators filed out of the parking lot and street, numb with the realization that they had just been spared from a horrible death.

  After seeing the tragedy that played out before them, the pettiness and bickering that preceded the confrontation must have seemed small and insignificant.

  Death can have that effect on people.

  EPILOGUE

  The next morning, I drove by the burned-out house on Elmwood.

  Fortunately, the fire department had arrived in time to keep the fire from spreading to the houses on either side.

  Once again, I was conflicted about my role in the series of events that led to the inferno. There was no doubt that I, along with Kevin and Willie, were guilty of arson.

  Somehow the Lady Justice of the dark side had used us to even things out, and help good triumph over evil.

  I had seen a small article on page 12 in the Kansas City Star this morning stating that a fire had destroyed a house on Elmwood, and that the Fire Marshall suspected arson.

  Had it not been for the sequence of events surrounding that fire, a front page headline might have read, Hundreds Dead And Wounded In Union Station Massacre.

  It wasn’t my proudest moment, but I could live with it.

  Indeed, a massacre had been averted.

  Thankfully, the only casualty was Hassan Hajjar, who died in a hail of bullets. Fortunately, the officer he shot was wearing a protective vest, and came away with only bruises and a couple of cracked ribs.

  An ironic aspect of the event was that the immigration policy that was being protested was the very thing which could have kept men like Abdel, Rami and Hassan from entering our country in the first place.

  Mark Davenport was speechless when he learned that Sara Savage, aka, Martha Miller, whom the Department of Homeland Security had all but abandoned and left in the hands of her captors, had almost single-handed, taken down a sleeper cell of Hezbollah terrorists.

  On more than one occasion since I hung up my real estate briefcase seven years ago and began working for the Lady Justice in the white flowing robe, I have marveled at the many ways she has found to bring the bad guys to their knees, but I was totally amazed by her latest recruit --- Clarence the Cat.

  There is no doubt in my mind that Byron Forsythe’s murder would have gone unsolved if Clarence hadn’t entered the picture.

  Even more important, Sara’s capture by the terrorists might have ended in tragedy for the retired operative if Clarence hadn’t bolted from the burning house and leaped into the back of the fleeing truck. The fact that Clarence’s motives were more selfish than altruistic is beside the point.

  As a result of her capture, Homeland Security feared that Sara’s cover had been blown, so once again, she was required to change her identity, workplace, and home.

  Now, Sara Savage, code name Nightshade, formerly Martha Miller, is now Helen Hunter. She is no longer a flower shop employee. She now works in a pet shop in the Waldo neighborhood.

  This was probably a good move, because after things returned to some semblance of normalcy, Sara decided to keep both Clarence and his sweetie, Jezebel.

  There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that as a result of their dalliance in the warehouse, Jezebel would soon be bringing forth a litter of kittens. Then Sara would have the arduous task of finding homes for Clarence’s offspring.

  In order to prevent future pregnancies, Sara made a decision.

  I remember well, the day she said, “I’ll be taking Clarence to the vet tomorrow to get him fixed.”

  I will also remember the look on his face when he heard the news.

  I really can’t blame him.

  My name is Walt Williams, and if someone had said the same thing about me, I’d look that way too!

  Yes, Peg and I have been cat people!

  This was our Missouri cat, Blackie.

  This was our Hawaiian cat, Pookie.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Award-winning author, Robert Thornhill, began writing at the age of sixty-six and in seven short years has penned twenty-six novels in the Lady Justice mystery/comedy series, the seven volume Rainbow Road series of chapter books for children, a cookbook and a mini-autobiography.

  Lady Justice and the Sting, Lady Justice and Dr. Death, Lady Justice and the Vigilante, Lady Justice and the Candidate, Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, Lady Justice and the Cruise Ship Murders and Lady Justice and the Vet won the Pinnacle Award for the best new mystery novels of Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2012, Spring of 2013 and Summer 2014 from the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs.

  Many of Walt’s adventures in the Lady Justice series are anecdotal and based on Robert’s real life.

  Although Robert holds a master’s in psychology, he has never taken a course in writing and has never learned to type. All 37 of his published books were typed with one finger and a thumb!

  His wit and insight come from his varied occupations, including thirty-three years as a real estate broker. He lives with his wife, Peg, in Independence, Missouri.

  Visit him on the Web at: http://BooksByBob.com

  LADY JUSTICE TAKES A C.R.A.P.

  City Retiree Action Patrol

  Third Edition

  This is where it all began.

  See how sixty-five year old Walt Williams became a cop and started the City Retiree Action Patrol.

  Meet Maggie, Willie, Mary and the Professor, Walt’s sidekicks in all of the Lady Justice novels.

  Laugh out loud as Walt and his band of Senior Scrappers capture the Realtor Rapist and take down the Russian Mob.

  http://amzn.to/16lfjnY

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE LOST TAPES

  Second Edition

  When corrupt politicians, the Italian mob and a dirty cop collude to take over a Northeast neighborhood, Walt is recruited for the most bizarre undercover assignments of his new career.

  When conventional police work fails to solve the case, once again his band of scrappy seniors come to th
e rescue.

  In the process, the amazing discovery of a previously unknown session by a deceased rock ‘n’ roll idol stuns the music industry. What should be a joyous occasion soon turns dark as lives are threatened.

  All of your favorite characters, along with two lovable additions are back to help Walt in his quest for justice.

  Their adventures and misadventures are sure to keep you captivated – and splitting your sides!

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  LADY JUSTICE GETS LEI’D

  Second Edition

  In Lady Justice Gets Lei’d, Walt and Maggie plan a romantic honeymoon on the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, but ancient artifacts discovered in a cave in a dormant volcano and a surprising revelation about Maggie’s past, lead our lovers into the hands of Hawaiian zealots.

  http://amzn.to/15P6bLg

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE

  AVENGING ANGELS

  Second Edition

  Lady Justice has unwittingly entered a religious war.

  Who better to fight for her than Walt Williams?

  The Avenging Angels believe that it’s their job to rain fire and brimstone on Kansas City, their Sodom and Gomorrah.

  In this compelling addition to the Lady Justice series, Robert Thornhill brings back all the characters readers have come to love for more hilarity and higher stakes.

  You’ll laugh and be on the edge of your seat until the big finish.

  Don’t miss Lady Justice and the Avenging Angels!

  http://amzn.to/1xXrYdY

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE STING

  BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL ---WINTER 2012

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  In Lady Justice and the Sting, a holistic physician is murdered and Walt becomes entangled in the high-powered world of pharmaceutical giants and corrupt politicians.

  Maggie, Ox Willie, Mary and all your favorite characters are back to help Walt bring the criminals to justice in the most unorthodox ways.

  A dead-serious mystery with hilarious twists

  http://amzn.to/1gS4JMA

  LADY JUSTICE AND DR. DEATH

  BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL --- FALL 2011

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  In Lady Justice and Dr. Death, a series of terminally ill patients are found dead under circumstances that point to a new Dr. Death practicing euthanasia in the Kansas City area.

  Walt and his entourage of scrappy seniors are dragged into the ‘right-to-die-with-dignity’ controversy.

  The mystery provides a light-hearted look at this explosive topic and death in general.

  You may see end-of-life issues in a whole new light after reading Lady Justice and Dr. Death!

  http://amzn.to/H20Erx

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE VIGILANTE

  BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL – SUMMER 2012

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  A vigilante is stalking the streets of Kansas City administering his own brand of justice when the justice system fails.

  Criminals are being executed right under the noses of the police department.

  A new recruit to the City Retiree Action Patrol steps up to help Walt and Ox bring an end to his reign of terror.

  But not everyone wants the vigilante stopped. His bold reprisals against the criminal element have inspired the average citizen to take up arms and defend themselves.

  As the body count mounts, public opinion is split.

  Is it justice or is it murder?

  A moral dilemma that will leave you laughing and weeping!

  http://amzn.to/1d3FLK6

  LADY JUSTICE AND THE WATCHERS

  Suzanne Collins wrote The Hunger Games, Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World and George Orwell wrote 1984.

  All three novels were about dystopian societies of the future.

  In Lady Justice and the Watchers, Walt sees the world we live in today through the eyes of a group who call themselves ‘The Watchers’.

  Oscar Levant said that there’s a fine line between genius and insanity.

  After reading Lady Justice and the Watchers, you may realize as Walt did that there’s also a fine line separating the life of freedom that we enjoy today and the totalitarian society envisioned in these classic novels.

  Quietly and without fanfare, powerful interests have instituted policies that have eroded our privacy, health and individual freedoms.

  Is the dystopian society still a thing of the distant future or is it with us now disguised as a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

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  LADY JUSTICE AND THE CANDIDATE

  BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL – FALL 2012

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  Will American politics always be dominated by the two major political parties or are voters longing for an Independent candidate to challenge the establishment?

  Everyone thought that the slate of candidates for the presidential election had been set until Benjamin Franklin Foster came on the scene capturing the hearts of American voters with his message of change and reform.

  Powerful interests intent on preserving the status quo with their bought-and-paid-for politicians were determined to take Ben Foster out of the race.

  The Secret Service comes up with a quirky plan to protect the Candidate and strike a blow for Lady Justice.

  Join Walt on the campaign trail for an adventure full of surprises, mystery, intrigue and laughs!

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  LADY JUSTICE

  AND THE

  BOOK CLUB MURDERS

  BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL – SPRING 2013

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  Members of the Midtown Book Club are found murdered.

  It is just the beginning of a series of deaths that lead Walt and Ox into the twisted world of a serial killer.

  In the late 1960's, the Zodiac Killer claimed to have killed 37 people and was never caught --- the perfect crime.

  Oscar Roach, dreamed of being the next serial killer to commit the perfect crime.

  He left a calling card with each of his victims --- a mystery novel, resting in their blood-soaked hands.

  The media dubbed him 'The Librarian'.

  Walt and the Kansas City Police are baffled by the cunning of this vicious killer and fear that he has indeed committed the perfect crime. Or did he?

  Walt and his wacky senior cohorts prove, once again, that life goes on in spite of the carnage around them.

  The perfect blend of murder, mayhem and merriment.

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  LADY JUSTICE

  AND THE

  CRUISE SHIP MURDERS

  Best New Mystery Novel – Summer 2013

  National Association of Book Entrepreneurs

  Ox and Judy are off to Alaska on a honeymoon cruise and invite Walt and Maggie to tag along.

  Their peaceful plans are soon shipwrecked by the murder of two fellow passengers.

  The murders appear to be linked to a century-old legend involving a cache of gold stolen from a prospector and buried by two thieves.

  Their seven-day cruise is spent hunting for the gold and eluding the modern day thieves intent on possessing it at any cost.

  Another nail-biting mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and laughing out loud the next.

  http://amzn.to/16VjURw

  LADY JUSTICE

  AND THE

  CLASS REUNION

  For most people, a 50th class reunion is a time to party and renew old acquaintances, but Walt Williams isn't an ordinary guy --- he's a cop, and trouble seems to follow him everywhere he goes.

  The Mexican drug cartel is recruiting young Latino girls as drug mules and the Kansas City Police have hit a brick wall until Walt is given a lead by an old classmate.

  Even then, it takes three unlikely heroes from the Whispering Hills Retirement Village to help Walt and Ox end the cartel's reign of terror.

  Join Walt in a clas
s reunion filled with mystery, intrigue, jealousy and a belly-full of laughs!

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  LADY JUSTICE AND THE ASSASSIN

  Two radical groups have joined together for a common purpose --- to kill the President of the United States, and they're looking for the perfect person to do the job.

  Not a cold-blooded killer or a vicious assassin, but a model citizen, far removed from the watchful eyes of Homeland Security.

  When the president comes to Kansas City, the unlikely trio of Walt, Willie and Louie the Lip find themselves knee-deep in the planned assassination.

  Join our heroes for another suspenseful mystery and lots of laughs!

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  LADY JUSTICE AND THE LOTTERY

  Two septuagenarians win the lottery's biggest prize, dragging Walt and Ox into the most bizarre cases of their career.

  The two 'oldies' are determined to use their new found wealth to re-create the past but instead propel Walt into the future where he must use drones and Star Trek phasers to balance the scales of justice.