Bad Company

by Jen Schoenbein

  “Hey, Jen,” I shot out. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going out of town.”

  Jen just smiled and touched my arm, “You’re crazy if you think I wouldn’t come straight back once I heard you were missing.”

  I looked at the group surrounding me and noticed that somewhere near the end of the exchange, Rhodes had slipped out the door. I wish he had stuck around a few more minutes.

  I was surprised he came; it made me hope that over time we may actually be friends. I wasn’t stupid enough to hope for more. Hell, a week ago I wasn’t even sure I wanted more. I had seen the look on his face and the wall he put up was pretty thick. I shook my head to clear it and focused back on my friends around me, and Rodriguez.

  “Does that make me more or less safe now?” Suzy turned toward Wyatt.

  “Hard to say,” Wyatt shrugged. “Depends on if it goes to trial. If Jeremy turns against Dessi, then you’ll be a key witness. At that point, you’ll need to get off the grid entirely. May be a good idea to get you in a safe house now.”

  “I doubt he’ll do that,” Rodriguez said. “Dessi’s got his hooks in pretty deep. I’m not so sure what he threatened Jeremy with, but he didn’t waver.”

  “But there’s always a chance,” Jen said.

  “True.”

  Suzy and Sam looked at each other.

  “I’d really rather wait and see what happens,” Suzy said, leaning into Sam, who put his arm around her protectively.

  “The house is secure,” Sam nodded confidently. It wasn’t the first time his eccentric nature ended up being a good thing. Besides, he loved the fact that he practically lived in a literal Bat-Cave, minus the alter-ego.

  “Actually, I don’t disagree,” Wyatt said, thoughtfully. “I would typically argue, but your house is a freaking fortress. Although being out and about like this will have to stop. You’ll need much more protection when you leave the house. I’ll want several men on you.”

  Suzy just sighed.

  “We should know something before too long,” Sam consoled her.

  “Hopefully,” Rodriguez nodded. “But sometimes court cases can drag on forever.”

  Sam gave him a look that said he wasn’t helping. He rubbed Suzy’s back.

  “Well, we’ll at least know if Jeremy’s going to give before long,” he conceded.

  “Alright everyone,” I announced. “I appreciate everyone’s concern, and you stopping by, Alex, but visiting hours are over.” I rubbed my good eye, “I’m exhausted and I’m sure you all are too. I have a police guard. I’ll be fine.”

  “Mal,” Rodriguez said, looking hurt. “I’m concerned, too.”

  I eyeballed him, recalling his betrayal and his actions toward Rhodes. Then sighing admitted, “You didn’t have to come all this way just to give me an update on Jeremy. But I’m sure you’re tired to.” It had been a long night and I didn’t think any of us had gotten any real sleep.

  “Thanks, Alex,” I conceded.

  Still not friends, though, I thought. It took another 20 minutes to hug everyone and get them out of there. I smiled again at my luck. They were nice people. I didn’t really deserve them in my life, but I’d take it.

  I wouldn’t screw it up, either. Not like with Rhodes.

  Chapter 26

  It wasn’t until Sunday morning that they let me check out of the hospital. They wanted to keep me a full 24 hours to make sure I wasn’t hemorrhaging. Jen stopped sometime Saturday evening to check on me. I got several update texts from Suzy. She said Wyatt and Sam ‘strongly suggested’ she didn’t leave the house for a little while. She said she was going to come unglued. I just shook my head.

  Wyatt offered to send a guy if I wanted someone to drive my home and look through the apartment, but I politely refused. I had an assigned guard that would do that. Rodriguez had set him up to watch my place for a few days.

  By the time I finally got home, it was already late morning. I was glad it was a guard I didn’t know. I would have hated for one of the guys or one of my friends to see me wincing and limping so bad. I loosened up a bit after I got moving, though.

  I got an odd look from my neighbor, Noelle, when she saw me in the hallway. I didn’t know if it was my appearance or the armed guard. Either way, she made a quick hi and an even quicker exit. I shook my head.

  The guard made a cursory look through the apartment and left me to myself. It felt good to be home. I relished the quiet of the place after all the noises in the hospital. I mean, it was still Chicago and street noises were a constant reminder, but they were normal and felt good.

  I slowly lowered myself to the couch and ended up taking another nap curled up in the corner. Rest at home was better than in a hospital.

  When I got up, it was past noon and I was dying for a cup of coffee. The coffee Jen and Rodriguez brought was great but didn’t last long. Hospital coffee was terrible.

  I made a pot of coffee, showered and dressed in clean leggings and a large sweater. I decided that I would stay in for the day. No sense in trying to accomplish anything today. I’d make it into the office tomorrow. Start Monday morning fresh.

  And I surprised myself by doing exactly that. I did answer a few emails, set up some meetings for the coming week. Looked like I had some new cases to look into. It felt good to get moving again. However, I was interested to hear how things went with Jeremy and Dessi.

  I made a light dinner and relaxed on the back patio with a blanket and a glass of scotch. I was a little disappointed that I hadn’t heard from Rhodes again. After my scotch was empty, I thought about refilling it, but didn’t want to chance it with the pain meds still coming out of my system. Besides, I was already tired. I crawled into bed and slept like the dead.

  Meanwhile, at a fire station in Bricktown,

  “Rhodes,” said Sully, walking into the station.

  “Hey, Chief,” replied Rhodes, turning around. He had been heading in to write up a report. He put his hands in his pockets and raised his eyebrows waiting to see what Sully needed.

  “I don’t know if you’ve heard the latest, but the Mayor was arrested,” Sully explained, concerned.

  “I had heard, thanks,” Rhodes said, nodding.

  “Well, it looks really bad,” Sully said, shaking his head. “It looks like he may be guilty. There’s talk downtown. All associated with the community projects.”

  Rhodes just nodded again, not sure what to say.

  “I can’t believe it, really,” Sully continued. “I had no idea.”

  “You couldn’t have known,” Rhodes replied, finally.

  “I just hope this doesn’t stop the projects. They’re helping so many people.”

  Rhodes walked over to put a hand on Sully’s shoulder, “I’m sure it will work out. Let’s go get a cup of coffee.”

  “We still are working to clean up the ALE facility,” Sully said walking into the kitchen. “I heard we may have to re-submit the licenses to the board for inspection.”

  “That’s not so bad,” Rhodes replied, getting mugs out of the cabinet and filling them with dark black coffee from the station pot. “At least you can ensure it’s all above board.”

  “Yeah,” Sully replied, nodding and leaned against the counter. “So, I heard you’ve been seeing that red-headed detective. Malone?”

  Rhodes shrugged, mug in hand, but remained silent.

  “Well, she came in poking around about the projects a while ago. I was worried she was a reporter trying to run a story putting it all in a bad light. But actually, I just found out from the ALE crew that she’s slated to help out with the clean up next week,” Sully shook his head and grimaced. “I guess I really misjudged her.”

  “Oh, don’t feel bad about it, Chief,” Rhodes slapped him on the back. “We all do it now and then.”

  Rhodes took a sip of his black coffee and wrinkled his nose. “Teddy!” he hollered. “Did you make the coffee again? I thought I told you not to touch the machine!” He put his mug down and shook his head
. “Damn Probie. Non-coffee drinkers should not be allowed to make coffee.”

  “Sorry, Cap!” came a voice stuttering from the living room. “I know, but but but the guys told me it was my job and that you’d get mad if the coffee pot went empty!”

  The sound of giggling adult males could be heard from other parts of the station.

  Sully took a testing sip from his mug and shook his head, too. Rhodes sighed and poured the black sludge down the sink.

  “Don’t worry about it, kid. I’ll make more,” he shook his head and moved to get a tub of coffee grounds from his locker. He didn’t like the cheap grounds they bought with cookshack, the money they all chipped in for food basics. “Just let me make the coffee when I’m on shift.”

  Sully clapped Rhodes on the back, laughing. “The other guys must have set him up.”

  Rhodes just rolled his eyes.

  The next morning, after sleeping in well past nine, I dressed and made my way to the office. I was moving a little better finally and my lip was looking a little better. Unfortunately, my eye was still a putrid shade of puce. I patted at it lightly, it didn’t hurt too much, but there was nothing I could really do with it. I wasn’t much of a makeup wearer and didn’t have any concealer. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to do with it if I did have any. The officer parked behind me outside my office and I waved at him as I walked inside.

  I spent a couple of hours doing a little housekeeping. I paid a few bills, thought about balancing my ledgers and looked through my emails. That counted, right? I made some notes in my files to wrap up my cases on the fire and Suzy and filed them in the drawer. Suzy’s case was in the court’s hands. At least for now.

  I stretched a bit and decided I needed a cup of coffee. I glanced at my coffee maker and thought I could use something stronger. I hated for Mo to see me like this, but the thought of a cappuccino prevailed. Heading outside, I stopped by the Officer’s door and pointed across the street.

  “I’m just running in there for a cup of coffee,” I told him. “You want one?”

  “Sure, sounds good,” he replied, fighting off a yawn and made to get out of the police car.

  I shook my head to stop him, “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it. You can see the door from here. I’ll be right back.”

  He considered a moment, then nodded in agreement, “Alright. If you take longer than ten minutes, though, I’ll head in.”

  I agreed and headed across the street, a little slower than normal, but not too bad.

  Maurice was busy with lunch hour customers and gave me a frown when he saw my black eye. I moved to another barista’s line since he was busy and gave my order. If I was being honest, I’d admit I was intentionally avoiding him. I was glad to see so many people in the shop. It made it easier to avoid the impending conversation, but also was good for business.

  I thought back to the day, only a few weeks ago, that I had headed back outside Grounds, trying to find a lead on Suzy’s case. That was the day I first met Rhodes, too. I had a small pang of sadness at that thought but smiled just the same.

  The barista waved me aside after she took my order, “Your order has been paid for.”

  I looked at Mo, who was busy with a customer, but still giving me an eye. But the barista shook her head and pointed to a seat at the back. I followed her finger to find Dessi sitting as cool as could be, sipping from a cappuccino. He had a newspaper out, his legs crossed, decked in an expensive suit. He lifted his drink and winked at me.

  A wave of fury rose within me and I made my way over to his table.

  “Careful, Detective,” he chided me. “Wouldn’t do to make a scene.”

  “You had me kidnapped,” I ground out. “Suzy too.”

  “What me?” he placed a hand to the vest of his three-piece suit. “I’m an innocent man. Jeremy was the mastermind behind all of that.”

  “You want me to believe that Jeremy came up with the whole thing?” I asked. “Have you met him?”

  He gave a low chuckle, “I see what you mean. Honestly, I was surprised myself. Please sit.” He indicated the seat opposite to him. “You have a few minutes before your order is ready and the officer across the street will start to miss you.”

  I glowered at him but didn't have any recourse. I was curious to find out what he had to say, so begrudgingly, I sat. I tried to slip my hand in my pocket to start the audio recording.

  Dessi gave me a look and shook his head.

  “I have found that I have enjoyed this game we’re playing,” Dessi smiled at me.

  “This game?” I started, then looked around us. Mo was watching me closely. “This may be a game to you, but it’s my life. And Suzy’s.”

  Dessi waved away my words, “Suzy doesn’t interest me. This has been quite fun. But it seems I won this round.”

  “You won?” I asked. “You lost your gopher, Jeremy.”

  He signed, “That idiot? He wasn’t good for anything anyway. That was always, uh temporary.”

  I didn’t bring up Millwood, because I wasn’t sure if they had gotten an warrant for his arrest yet.

  “You may have gotten me out of the horse races for a while, but Millwood will take the fall.”

  I just looked at him, I wasn’t giving him anything.

  “That’s okay,” he admitted. “I needed a new past time. The betting shops are still in operation. They’ll just be managed by another idiot.” He picked up a biscotti that was sitting on his plate and took a small bite.

  “What about Suzy,” I asked, folding my arms.

  “You’re worried about Suzy, how sweet. She no longer matters,” he said waving it away. “Consider it a gift.”

  “I’m not taking any gifts from you,” I replied, leaning across the table. People were starting to look. Mo was making his way to the table. He was bringing my order personally.

  “Looks like my time is up,” Dessi said, getting up from the table elegantly. He brushed the crumbs from his slacks.

  He leaned in, almost affectionately. “This has been fun. I’ll be seeing you.” Then he winked and sauntered out the door, leaving the rest of his coffee and biscotti at the table.

  I sat there, mouth open, unknowing what to do.

  “Mal, who was that?” Mo asked, approaching the table to set my coffee down.

  His hands went to his hips and he was frowning.

  “Fabian Dessi,” I replied, standing up to follow Dessi.

  “Dessi? Mal, what’s going on?”

  “Nothing,” I said, looking back at Mo. “I’ll come back later and fill you in, when it isn’t as busy.”

  He moved as though to argue.

  “Promise, Mo.”

  He paused, then nodded as I hurried out to follow Dessi. I knew he was just worried about me.

  I stepped out on the street, outside Grounds and watched Dessi get into a black car parked a couple of buildings down. The officer watched me exit and followed my line of sight to Dessi. His eyes went wide as he straightened up and jumped out of the car.

  I motioned him to be still. There was nothing he could do.

  Dessi gave me a little finger wave as he passed by.

  When I got back into the office, I called Rodriguez to fill him in. He said that Jeremy had signed an affidavit to his statement. His story checked out, there was no way they could argue. They didn’t have enough against Dessi. Jeremy Jones was going down for Dessi’s crimes.

  They had Dr. Millwood and were questioning him later today. But already, the evidence they had dug up was pointing overwhelmingly against his favor. He was being charged for the admittance of controlled substances, drug trafficking and almost assuredly would lose his license. Arlington had already broken their contract with him citing breach of contract.

  They also had evidence he was selling leads on ‘winning horses.’ I was relieved find out that Ty’s reputation was intact. By his own admittance on the audio file, McSleazy was doing it all himself and Dessi had no intention of interfering. He would be going to pris
on for a long time.

  Mathews called to confirm that Mayor Koch had been officially arrested and a public statement would be made later in the day. I was relieved to hear that Chief Sullivan had been cleared of any connections.

  They were still finding evidence against the mayor, documents signed without all the required inspections and illegal agreements promising subsidies to companies that didn’t meet the requirements, but who were funding his campaign.

  I called the Mennons to fill them in as well. They were silent while I recounted my story with Dessi.

  “Does that mean I’m safe?” Suzy asked slowly.

  “I’m not sure,” I admitted, “but it sounded like he wasn’t going to pursue you any longer. He said you posed no threat.”

  “Hmmph,” came from Wyatt, listing in.

  “What do you think,” Sam asked Wyatt.

  “I wouldn’t trust it,” Wyatt said, “but maybe we can lighten security a bit.”

  Suzy squealed in happiness.

  I was still worried about her, but it seemed the looming threat was at bay. They decided to keep a security detail for a while, but to lift their self-inflicted house arrest. Suzy was ecstatic.

  Wyatt came on the line,” Hey, Mal. Let me know if you need any help in the future. We’re always available for backup.”

  I thanked him, grateful.

  I called Jen, apologizing that I had forgotten about our Monday lunch. She just laughed it away, saying she didn’t expect me to be up and about yet anyway. I told her I thought she knew me. After filling her in as well, we rescheduled for a Friday lunch. By then, I figured I’d be ready for some ropa vieja.

  After all the phone calls updating everyone, I looked around the office and decided I had done enough work for the day. So, I grabbed my things and locked up to head home. When had I gotten such a large group of friends? I smiled a bit at that. It was unlike me, but I guess everyone had to grow. An early dinner and evening on the couch sounded perfect. But first, I had to fill a promise.