The Hunt

by J. M. Dabney

  “He don’t look like a cop.”

  “No, he’s a client I’m helping out with a little something.”

  Andy’s sudden tension would’ve gone without notice if I hadn’t paid closer attention. But to be honest, what was I supposed to say? It was one night and I didn’t know what to call Andy. Whatever my personal feelings, I’d prefer if rumors didn’t start circulating, especially about a relationship between me and Andy. I was well-liked but that didn’t mean I didn’t have enemies, and perps loved to hold grunges. I’d make it right later.

  “Any newcomers to the neighborhood?” I wanted to get away from Jules’ focus on who Andy was.

  “Other than then the killer that murdered the guy in the apartment above mine, not that I’ve noticed. Did see a guy hanging around a few times before though. About your boy’s height.” I rolled my eyes at Jules waggling his brows. “Softer though. Didn’t look like no criminal. Jeans and t-shirt, baseball cap. Had some logo on it.”

  The clerk mentioned a baseball cap, but the guy hadn’t mentioned a logo, so I was interested if Jules remembered anything.

  “Recognize it?”

  “Naw, man, some sort of generic thing.”

  “Remember anything else?”

  “He knew where all the cameras on the street were. A few years back, you know they upgraded that shit all big brother. He kept his head down. I wouldn’t have noticed at all…” Jules paused.

  I made note of that and wondered if Benji would help me out with hacking into the cameras. If nothing else, I could get a general description and maybe the guy fucked up. Maybe would give us even a glimpse of his profile. You could also tell a lot about a person by how they moved—held themselves.

  “What caught your attention?” I asked.

  “I got a little paranoid. Between you and me, I pulled a job last month and, well, I thought he might be an undercover, but after watching him for a few days, I don’t know.”

  “Have you seen him again?”

  “Not since Chad got taken out.”

  “Chad, what can you tell me about him?”

  “Kid should’ve had a revolving door on his apartment and he didn’t seem too particular. Although, there was this one, damn, I woulda taken that one for a ride. Seemed to be Chad’s favorite.”

  “What about that one?”

  Jules laid out a perfect description, and I made mental notes to put in my notebook later. “Don’t know, like one of those too good-looking motherfuckers. He definitely wasn’t from around here. Been coming by for a few weeks maybe. He didn’t give us mere mortals much attention when he came to see Chad. Although, walls and shit are thin around here, they did have an argument and the door slammed. About three hours later, that’s when the cops showed.”

  That didn’t work with the time of death and the shitty response time. Donnelly told me Chad was only dead about an hour prior to the discovery of the body.

  “Did you hear anything between the door slamming and the cops coming?”

  “Not really, man. Sounded like the dude might have come back for one helluva rage bang, but it wasn’t unusual. Chad seemed to like it rough. My old lady complained enough about the noise from upstairs. After a while, you know you start ignoring that shit. Around here, we mind our own business.”

  “Anybody I should talk to?”

  “Mrs. Jenkins, she lives across the hall, and you know that woman is nosy as fuck.”

  Mrs. Jenkins was an elderly lady who lived in the same apartment for fifty years. Every person in the neighborhood feared her and she didn’t take any shit.

  “Thanks, man.”

  “That was fucked up shit that went down when you left the force. You were hard-assed, man, but fair.”

  I brushed it aside as quickly as possible and made my way inside, Andy right behind me. I opened the old-fashioned lattice work metal doors of the elevator.

  “That’s the second time I heard about you leaving the force.”

  “I was framed for taking a bribe.”

  “They actually thought you did it?”

  I didn’t know what to say for a minute. Everyone instantly thought I was guilty, even my friends had looked at me with suspicion. He barely knew me and he had more faith in me than I did myself. When I opened my mouth to speak the words wouldn’t come, but I cleared my throat and took a deep breath, then forced them out. “Thanks for believing me without an explanation.”

  “Maybe you can tell me later, when we go home?”

  “Definitely.”

  In the privacy of the elevator, I grabbed Andy around the waist and pulled him flush to me. I gave him a quick kiss, it was supposed to be quick, but as soon as the curves of his lips gave under mine, I gave in to deepening the kiss. Memories of the night before and the shower this morning came back to me. I groaned as I forced myself to release him. Every small smile Andy gave me tempted me to taste him.

  “Just a little longer and we can go back to the house. I know this isn’t fun for you.”

  “I’m having fun and I’m not trapped in the house or apartment. Not to mention you have some interesting friends.”

  “I did say I wasn’t always on the straight and narrow, but I’ll tell you all about it later.

  The conversation with Mrs. Jenkins took longer than I’d planned because she’d insisted on making us tea. She was like a lot of elderly ladies I knew from New West’s rougher areas. Hard as nails, but wanted to make sure you were fed. I let her fuss over Andy and me, she pretty much repeated everything Jules had.

  I thanked her, and we left; half-hour later we were pulling up to a brownstone.

  “Who lives here?”

  “Come on, I want to introduce you to a few people.”

  The door opened, and a big bruiser of a guy stepped out onto the stoop. As always, the guy had a don’t fuck with me expression. I exited the car and walked around to open the door for Andy. I ascended the steps, squaring my shoulders and waiting for a fight.

  “What the fuck you doing here? You ain’t got no badge, so, you ain’t got no business with the boss.”

  Richie Callaghan crossed his thick arms over his broad chest. Andy was peeking around my shoulder as I stopped in front of the bald, mean looking man.

  “Do I gotta kick your ass again?” I asked.

  A big fist connected with his shoulder and Richie snorted. “Man, you ain’t kicked my ass since we were sixteen. Boss, didn’t say you were coming around?”

  “Surprise visit, I’m calling in a favor.”

  “You’re doing that a lot lately.”

  I didn’t like the arrogant smirk on Richie’s face.

  “Didn’t think there was a time limit.”

  “Get your ass in here, boss is out back.”

  I grabbed Andy’s hand and laced our fingers. I gave it a reassuring squeeze as we walked through the brownstone which was decorated with the richest of tastes. Shit, I hesitated walking on the area rugs or leaving a scuff on the dark hardwood floors.

  Thankfully, the door for the back patio was open and I walked through it.

  “Ray, what a pleasant surprise.” The man I came to see stood wearing a broad friendly smile.

  Even casually dressed, Theodore Bradford was an imposing man. He exuded a power that not many could come close to. While Finn was happy running downtown, Bradford aimed to control it all and did. I had a respect for the man. I worked for him in my teens and early twenties when he was just starting out. Bradford had everyone in his pocket from beat cops to the mayor.

  “How you doing, Bradford?”

  “Can’t complain, please, come and have a seat. Can I get you and your…friend something to drink? Maybe something to eat?”

  I gestured Andy into one of the patio chairs and took the seat beside him as I introduced him to Bradford. Everyone knew who he was, and Andy looked shocked. Bradford’s housekeeper poured Andy and I coffee.

  “So, I’m sure this isn’t a friendly visit, what can I do for you?”

  �
�You heard about the killer that’s targeting young men?”

  “Who hasn’t? The cops are being obtuse as usual. Weren’t you working on a similar case before you left the force?”

  “Yeah, Andy’s roommate was one of the victims, and he’s being targeted for witnessing whatever. I can’t keep my eyes on him all the time.”

  “I can take care of myself, Ray.”

  I caught Andy glaring at me with a stubborn tilt to his chin. Of course, I didn’t mean to act as if I didn’t think Andy could take care of himself, but this was what I did.

  “I know, I really do, but this would make me feel better. Can you please do this for me?”

  Andy nodded, but I knew that wasn’t the end of the conversation. Andy was in a fucked-up situation, but he was a strong-willed man. That didn’t change the fact Andy was in danger, and I couldn’t leave him unprotected when I had to go places he couldn’t. The phone call was enough to show me that whoever the killer was he wasn’t going to stop until he found Andy.

  “You know how I feel about you and the loyalty you’ve shown over the years. I’ll send Richie to watch your young man’s back, and my home is always open to you.”

  “I appreciate that, Bradford.”

  “Explain the situation to me.”

  And I did, I told Bradford what I knew, and he asked Andy questions, too. It was getting late and I accepted the invitation to dinner even though I just wanted to take Andy home. Bradford was doing me a solid. Even with the favor, Bradford didn’t have to help me. My association with Bradford afforded me a level of protection, but that didn’t seem to work with the man who targeted the young men of New West. It wouldn’t stop the killings; the only thing that would end those was to find the killer however I could.

  15

  Andy

  The following morning while I was sitting in the kitchen nursing a cup of coffee Ray told me he was going to meet Finn Mac to see if he could talk to Benji about the street cameras.

  “I just need fifteen minutes to get dressed and we can go,” I said as I went to the sink to pour the rest of my coffee out.

  “No.” Ray’s voice was sharp. Turning I saw his eyes go soft. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you. Look.” He stepped into my space. One hand touched my cheek, the other my shoulder. “I’m not sure bringing you all over the city while I ask hardened criminals and shystee strangers questions is exactly keeping you safe. Theodore Bradford has generously given me Richie when I’m in need of him, and I exposed you to people I probably shouldn’t have yesterday.”

  I couldn’t help the laugh that burst from my mouth. “The hulking and terrifying looking guy that practically set me on fire with his eyes? I’m supposed to feel safer with him by myself?”

  “Yes.” Ray spoke in a way that brokered no argument. “If you fear him others fear him, and they should. There’s not a lowlife, executive, or cop who doesn’t know Richie Callaghan and who he works for. Fucking with you while you’re with Richie would be a grave mistake for anyone.”

  Part of trusting Ray was trusting who he allowed around me and where he took me. He didn’t feel comfortable taking me to see Finn Mac or back to the dilapidated part of the city. That was evident in his expression.

  “Okay, Ray.”

  “Thank you.” He gave me a chaste kiss before walking out of the kitchen to finish getting ready.

  Even though I wasn’t joining him, I still took a shower and got ready for the day. I didn’t think going out would be a great idea, and when Richie arrived, I didn’t want to just be in my boxers.

  I was ready to argue with Ray when we got home last night about his need to have a babysitter for me, but when he spooned behind me and thanked me for not fighting him on the protection, I melted into a pile of goo. Of course, the goo also prevented me from asking Ray more about his past.

  When there was a knock on the front door, I yelped. Ray didn’t laugh as I expected him to, he kissed my forehead, told me it was just Richie. I was so jumpy these days, no wonder why but sometimes my own fear of the situation got the better of me.

  When Ray opened the door, I saw Richie, all eight hundred feet of him. I wondered if he had to crouch and shimmy to get through the doorway.

  “Thanks for doing this, Richie.” Ray patted him on his thick arm.

  “I do what the boss tells me to. I’m told I gotta keep your little lamb safe. I’ll do it.” Richie’s voice was so deep I felt the vibration through my feet.

  “I shouldn’t be gone long, but you never know when dealing with Finn.”

  I didn’t miss the scowl Richie gave Ray at the mention of Finn’s name. “I’m assigned to Andy until the boss says otherwise so do your thing.”

  My eyes followed Ray as he opened a drawer by the small table next to the couch. He pulled out one of his trusty pads and slipped it in his back pocket.

  “You’ll be fine, Andy, if you need me, call.” He gave me a kiss and was out the door.

  Richie didn’t take any time at all getting comfortable. He drew all the curtains I opened, sat on the couch, and turned the television on to some sports channel. I guessed it was going to be a boring day.

  When noon struck my stomach rumbled, I went to the kitchen to make lunch. I figured tomato soup and grilled cheese were good.

  Richie came in just as I was placing cheese on the bread. “I was just going to order a pizza, but if you have enough I’d love some of that.” He pointed to the skillet with a hopeful expression.

  “I have plenty, have a seat it won’t take long.”

  “So, you saw your friend get killed?” Richie wasn’t a pillow talker, his brash question made that clear.

  “Yeah. His name was Francis. Good guy.” I wouldn’t say it got easier talking about Francis’ murder, but I was no longer fooling myself that I could hide from talking about it. I slipped two grilled cheese onto a plate and brought them over to Richie, followed by a bowl of soup.

  “Ray figure anything out?” he asked as he shoved almost an entire half of sandwich in his mouth. Did he not realize it was hot?

  “I think right now all we can be certain about is that it’s not a woman. Everyone who saw a glimpse of him confirmed that. When I saw him, I was too terrified to take anything in except that my friend was being butchered.” The hunger I felt a moment ago began to dissipate with the memories of Francis’ death, talking and remembering were drastically different. I sat across from Richie, my own food now getting cold.

  “It may not seem like much, but knowing that eliminates a lot of fucking people.” Richie’s expression was hard. Impenetrable even. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking or feeling just looking at him.

  “I guess.” I scooped up some soup and slowly began eating.

  “I’m surprised Ray didn’t ask my boss to poke into the police reports or dig into the underground. If there’s a killer ripping apart young men, I have no doubt my boss is looking into it. Might want to tell Ray that while I’m a good favor to ask for, there are better ones my boss can give him.”

  I didn’t put it past Ray to have thought about that. One thing you learn living how we do is the more valuable the favor the more soul sucking the return.

  “I’ll tell him.”

  We ate the rest of our lunch in companionable silence. Only when I was loading the dishwasher did Richie leave me with a passing thought.

  “And I’m not a detective or nothing, but maybe start getting curious about Ray’s ex-partner?”

  It seemed Richie’s looks were deceiving. He looked like brainless muscle, but he was far from it. I made a mental note about talking to Ray about these things when he returned home.

  Ray didn’t get home until close to six in the evening. He was disheveled, and he looked frustrated which told me he hit walls.

  “I’m assuming it didn’t go well?” I asked after Ray shut the door behind Richie. Both agreed he’d return in the morning.

  “Finn gave me the okay to talk to Benji again, and he was able to hack into the came
ras.” Ray tossed his keys in the bowl and ran his fingers through his hair. “This guy, I could see him. Everything about him told me he knew what he was doing. His head was down the whole time, generic cap, he gave nothing away.”

  Frustration got the better of Ray and he kicked the laundry basket, spreading the clothes along the floor.

  “Sorry,” he said as he began picking things up.

  “Don’t worry about it. Richie ordered Chinese for dinner, why don’t you go in the kitchen and have some. I have things to ask you.”

  “I ate some pizza. Just ask, Andy, just ask.”

  I made quick work of tossing things back into the basket while Ray took his shoes off and sat on the couch.

  “Richie isn’t an idiot,” I started, pulling a chuckle from Ray.

  “Never said he was.”

  I sat beside him and continued, “Why didn’t you ask Theodore Bradford to help you dig into what the police know, or find out what he already might know about the killer?”

  “Why would I? He’s not my secretary. And he knows I’m working on it if he knew something I’m sure he’d tell me.”

  He had a point but… “Yeah, but men like him like to have men like you owe him.”

  I watched as Ray scratched his day long scruff, squinting in thought. “I can bring it up, but I won’t sell my soul for it.”

  I nodded, accepting that. “I have one more question to ask you tonight, Ray.”

  “Shoot.” He smiled, more relaxed as we decompressed from the day.

  “Tell me what happened to your partner.”

  16

  Ray

  I appreciated Richie taking care of Andy for me. Andy also picked up on Richie as more than some hired muscle. Andy had great instincts. All day, Andy had been close to my thoughts, and I’d worried if he was okay. Andy was quickly taking up more and more of my attention, and I’d looked forward to coming home for the first time in years.