by Robin Mahle
“Just keep going. Pryce must’ve made the call for backup. Just go, Riley. Get out of here before they spot us. We’re standing out like a sore thumb in this patrol car.”
“Should’ve taken Carl’s.” Jacob winced as Riley made a sharp right. “He’s gonna be pissed at me.”
Riley couldn’t help but smirk. “I’ll take the blame, don’t you worry about that.” She looked at Ethan again. “Call Ward, tell him where we’re going. If Moody has anyone loyal to him, he might be able to get us some protection because I have a feeling we’re going to need it.”
“It’s been taken care of, boss.” Virgil stood outside the police station. “What about Biggs?” He listened and nodded. “Got it. But it might take some time to track down Kelly. I won’t screw this up, boss.” He ended the call and walked into the parking lot as a car approached him. “Bout time. I’ve been freezing my balls off out here.”
“Get in.”
Virgil stepped inside the car. “Still no word on ol’ Georgie boy?”
“No.”
“I bet he’ll show up at the hospital when he finds out what happened to his daughter. Hammond will come out of hiding for this. We know his handlers got eyeballs on us. Word will reach him and this will be over very soon.”
“I’m counting on it,” Roy Bayliss pulled away from the curb and headed out.
“There’s one thing I got from Rhodes before he met his untimely demise. Something we can also use to stoke the embers. Once Hammond finds out his side piece was pregnant, he’ll want revenge.”
“Pregnant, huh?” Bayliss looked to him for a moment. “Serves the prick right for turning tail on us.”
“Must be why Kelly flipped out. Can’t say I blame her,” Virgil said. “I never would’ve stepped out on a woman like Kelly Hammond.”
Bayliss eyed him before returning his attention to the road.
Riley pulled into the emergency area of the hospital and ran inside. “We need some help out here! Gunshot wound to the back.” She returned to her patrol car where Ethan was already tending to Jacob. “There coming out now to help.”
Two nurses and a doctor rolled a gurney outside and to her car.
“He’s in the back seat.” Riley moved so they could get to Jacob.
“Sir, we’re going to get you onto the gurney, okay? I’m going to need you to stay calm.”
Jacob nodded.
The nurses and doctor pulled him out of the backseat as carefully as they could, but he moaned in pain, nonetheless.
“I’m sorry, sir. We’re almost there. Where are you hurt?” the doctor asked.
“Back. I was shot in the back.”
“The good news is that you’re moving. That means it missed your spinal cord, so let’s get you inside and take a look, okay?”
“Yeah.” He winced again in pain as they made the final hoist. Now he was on the gurney and appeared relieved.
Riley reached for his hand. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here.”
“Excuse me, Officer. I see you’re not with Metro, so are you related to this man?” a nurse asked.
“He’s my boyfriend,” Riley replied.
“I’m going to need you to come inside and fill out some paperwork then.”
“Yeah, okay.” She moved next to Ethan and both watched as they rolled Jacob inside.
“He’ll be okay, Riley.” Ethan reached for her hand.
Nearly an hour had passed while Riley and Ethan sat in the waiting room and Jacob had been taken into surgery. She stood up at the arrival of Captain Ward and Lieutenant Moody.
“Riley! Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?”
“It was the right thing to do, Captain.” Ethan joined them. “She probably saved Jacob’s life.”
Riley displayed gratitude to Ethan and turned back to Ward. “He’s still in surgery, but the doctors think he’ll be okay.”
“Thank God for that. But look, we’ve got a situation on our hands,” Ward said.
Moody interrupted, “I got a call from some people on my team. They said a stabbing occurred at the station about an hour or so ago. It was Blake Rhodes. He’s dead.”
“They got to him,” Riley said. “Jacob filled me in on what he overheard from Pryce and Kelly Hammond. Captain, he’s a crooked cop.”
“It sure as hell is starting to look that way.”
“They’re in CYA mode now,” Moody replied.
“Has anyone seen Pryce?” Ethan asked. “I couldn’t find him. I have no idea if he’s alive or dead.”
“We’re looking,” Moody continued. “Same goes for Kelly Hammond. She disappeared too. But right now, my concern is for your friend Jacob. He’s the one in danger, as I see it. Especially if he overheard Pryce. We’re going to have to put a guard at his door once he gets out of surgery.”
“What I want you two to do is get back to our station. Moody can take it from here,” Ward said.
“I’m not leaving him, Captain. I’m sorry, but I won’t leave Jacob.”
“That’s an order, Officer Thompson. Moody’s been pretty forthcoming with what he believes could be a dangerous situation concerning Captain Pryce. His attempt to gun down Jacob proves what he suspected all along. And with Hammond and Pryce still out there, there’s no telling what we’ll be up against. And I need you both to not be here.”
“You should listen to your captain. My team can take it from here. I promise you, we will look after Jacob,” Moody said.
Riley looked at Ward. “Please. I can’t leave him.”
“I’m sorry, Riley. You don’t have a choice. If you don’t return to Owensville, I’ll have to ask for your gun and badge. Is that what you want?”
“Captain…” Ethan said.
“Same goes for you, Pruitt.” Ward shot him a glance. “I know what you’ve both been through tonight, and especially you.” He eyed Riley. “Go back to the station. The sun’s starting to rise. This isn’t over yet and we need to be ready.”
“Yes, sir.” Riley headed out the door.
“Pruitt?” Ward added.
“Yes, sir.” He followed her outside.
Virgil Howard peered through the windshield of the car as they pulled into the parking lot of the hospital. “Hey, lookey there.”
“They’re getting into a patrol car,” Bayliss said. “Owensville’s finest, Officer Riley Thompson and her sidekick, Pruitt. That means Biggs is here too. Imagine that. Same hospital as Hammond’s girl. Looks like we’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone, Virgil.”
“We’ll cross our fingers for the hat-trick. Kelly Hammond just might show up too.”
Bayliss picked up his phone. “I’ll get someone on those two cops. Who’s in the area?”
26
The sun crept over the horizon as Bayliss and Howard stood watch from their car, waiting for IMPD to leave, waiting for the Hammonds to come for word on the daughter who lay in a bed in this very hospital. The same one in which Jacob Biggs had been recovering. It had been the perfect place to tie up all remaining loose ends. But it was almost six in the morning and still no sign of George or Kelly Hammond and no sign the cops intended to leave.
Virgil peered through the windshield. “Do you think we should gather the troops and hash out another plan? I figured Hammond would’ve shown by now, and his wife.”
“The Feds must’ve caught wind is all I can figure. They’ll keep George in the dark just to get what they want, and they might have already gotten to Kelly,” Bayliss replied. “Sons of bitches will do anything to get to the boss.”
“So what are you saying?” Virgil asked.
“I ain’t leaving until we get George and Jacob Biggs. We risk too much exposure otherwise,” Bayliss replied. “Bad enough we got them backwoods cops sniffing around the plant. But we got that covered. Now the time’s come to protect our own right here.” Bayliss opened his car door. “I’m going in.”
“Wait, you can’t do that. We need the okay from the top,” Virgil said. �
��They’ll get someone inside who can help.”
“This needs to end and we need to join the others before shit blows up.” Bayliss stepped out into the early morning light. “Stay here. If I’m not out in twenty minutes—leave without me.”
Virgil watched as Roy Bayliss cautiously made his way to the hospital entrance, except he bolted right and appeared to search for a less conspicuous way inside. “Crazy son of a bitch. He’s going to get us all taken down.”
Riley pushed up from her desk in a huff. “How long are we supposed to sit here?” She eyed her colleagues, all of whom had been ordered to stay on alert.
A handful of Moody’s team were also still in place, waiting for instruction. “Officer Thompson, I understand your frustration. I’ve been there,” one of the officers replied. “But until we hear from Lieutenant Moody or Captain Ward, we have to obey orders.”
Abrams walked over to Riley. “Look, I know we aren’t the closest of friends. I know you think I’m an asshole most of the time. But we’re in this together, and no matter what happens, I’ll have your back. Just like I would every last one of these guys here now.”
“Thank you. And I don’t think you’re an asshole,” Riley said reluctantly.
“Sure you do, and that’s okay because I know I am.”
Riley’s cell phone rang and she felt a surge of anticipation, believing it was news about Jacob. But on retrieving the phone, she noticed it was Carl and figured she was going to have to do some explaining. “Carl, you’re awake.”
“I am. And funny thing, not only am I alone here, but I found a note from Jacob. That kid took my car.”
“I know he did. Carl, things have happened, bad things, and I’ll make this up to you, I promise, but right now, my hands are tied. Ward ordered us to stay here. Jacob’s in the hospital in the city.”
“Oh Lord. What happened to the boy?”
“He was shot. Look, I can’t explain everything right now. Just, please don’t be mad. I’ll come see you when this is all over, okay?”
“Well, now you got me worried. What the hell’s going on, Riley? Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No. I’m afraid we’re on our own right now.”
“Then answer me this. The storm’s here, isn’t it?” Carl’s tone turned sober.
“The storm’s here.”
Carl stood in his small living room and peered through the window of his second-floor room. “That’s what I thought. I’ll be in touch.”
“Carl? Carl, wait.” Riley stared at the phone. “He hung up.”
Ethan approached her. “You didn’t think he’d sit idly by and let you find yourself in hot water, did you? I figured you knew him better than that. I certainly did.”
“I’m going to make sure he stays put.” Riley swiped at her keys.
“Not alone you’re not,” Ethan replied.
“You two want to find yourselves without a job?” Chris Decker quickly approached. “You leave now and Ward will have your heads. You know that.”
“He’s not here. And I won’t allow Carl to put himself in any danger,” Riley replied. “Whether those men are here now or not, I won’t see harm come him—ever.”
Jacob roused from the powerful anesthesia, confused and unsure of where he was, except that he was in a hospital. “Riley?” His hoarse voice barely sounded above a whisper. When he realized he was alone, Jacob spotted the button and called for a nurse. It was only moments before one arrived.
“Hello, Jacob, glad to see you’re awake.” She approached him and began checking his vital signs. “How are you feeling?”
“What happened to me?”
“You don’t remember?”
He shook his head.
“It’s just the anesthesia. I’m afraid you sustained a gunshot wound in your back. But fortunately, it didn’t do major damage. You’re a very lucky man.”
“Where’s Riley? I need to see her.”
“I’m afraid I don’t know who that is. There are, however, some police officers who I think would like to speak to you. Do you think you could answer a few questions? I’ll be sure they keep it brief, but I believe it is important.”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll go into the lobby and let them know you’re awake.” She left his room.
Jacob looked toward the window, and as he began to recall the events of the previous evening, he realized daylight had broken. He hoped someone could tell him where Riley was and if she was okay.
“Jacob.” Ward entered the room with a broad smile. “I’m so glad you’re awake and alert.”
“Where’s Riley?”
“I sent her back home along with Pruitt. I’ve been waiting here with Lieutenant Moody in hopes of talking to you about what happened. Riley filled me in on most of the details, but I wanted to talk to you about something else too.”
“Well, I can tell you it was Pryce who shot me. Have you found him? Riley fired a shot and hit him in the stomach, but he managed to get his gun and fire on me.”
“Moody’s got some trusted folks looking for him and Kelly Hammond. She fled during the melee,” Ward said.
“What about her kid?”
“The girl is fine. Took a knock to the head, mild concussion, but she’ll be fine.” Ward stepped closer. “Jacob, I know you were being framed. We all know that. And I also know that your friend Blake Rhodes was part of the attempt to frame you.”
“I got him to come around. He was trying to help me, but I haven’t been able to get hold of him.”
Ward gripped the bars on the side of the bed. “I’m sorry, Jacob. He was murdered.”
“What? When?”
“He was remanded into custody, but this group has long tentacles. Someone got to him inside. We don’t know who did the deed but we have a pretty good guess who ordered it. Right now, the best thing is to get you back to Owensville. I’ll have to get the okay from the doctors, but we need to move you.” Ward looked over his shoulder toward the door. “In fact, I’m going to get the ball rolling on that now. I have an officer standing watch at your door. You’re safe here until we can get transport arranged.”
“Okay. Thank you.” Jacob watched as Ward started to leave. “Captain, it’s daylight. Do you think they’re in Owensville?”
“I don’t know, son. They might still be here cleaning up their mess. But just know that Riley’s safe. She’s at the station. Moody’s guys are there too. I’ll know the moment anything happens. Now just sit back and relax. We’ll get you out of here soon.”
Bayliss made his way to the emergency stairwell of the hospital building. This was one of the largest hospitals in the city with lots of hiding places. He figured someone would be protecting Biggs, but that should be an easy fix. They had men on the inside. A quick call and he could arrange for the officer on guard to be called away. And then he would slip in and take care of this nuisance once and for all. A nuisance that had well outlived his usefulness when he couldn’t come up with Hammond’s whereabouts, same as Blake Rhodes.
Bayliss sent a text message to Paul Kearns. Through him, a message would reach the officer inside. It would take a few minutes, so he needed to hole up in the stairwell and let the process work. If there was one thing Bayliss was capable of doing, it was waiting. He’d waited this long to rise up in the organization. He could wait this out too.
Riley pulled into the parking lot of Carl’s building. “He’s going to be ticked off about his car.” She opened her door.
“I think that’ll be the least of his concerns right now.” Ethan followed her out. “What’s the plan here?”
“I don’t know yet. I’ll know when I see him.” She headed into the building. It was early and the doors were still locked. She peered inside and spotted one of the staff.
The woman seemed confused but approached to open the door. “Riley? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”
“Hi, Maggie, I need to see Carl. I know you’re not open to visitors yet, but it’s important.
”
“Okay. Come on in, but don’t tell the manager I let you in. It’ll be my hide.”
“I won’t, thank you.” She waved Ethan inside and they both stepped onto the elevator. “If Jacob had just stayed put, he wouldn’t be lying in a hospital bed right now. And Carl wouldn’t be trying to go rogue on me.”
“Seems like Jacob’s just as stubborn as you. I can see why your relationship tanked,” Ethan said.
She eyed him. “That’s not why we broke up.”
“Uh huh.” Ethan stared at the numbers until the doors parted. “I just hope we aren’t wasting our time putting people in their places when the bad guys could already be here.”
“We aren’t, and we won’t stay long in any case. I need to make clear to him he’s to stay put until this is over.”
“Whatever you say.”
Riley knocked on Carl’s door and he immediately opened it. “Hi.”
“As you can see, I’m still here. I shouldn’t have said nothing at all to you. I figure you’d show up. Come in.” Carl stepped aside to let them in. “I can see by the look on your face this hasn’t turned out the way you planned. So since you’re here, why don’t you both have a seat. Where is Jacob? You said he’d been hurt.” Carl returned to his chair.
“He’s still in the hospital. The captain called to let me know that he’d awakened and appeared to be doing well. But they haven’t given Jacob back his cell phone, so I can’t call him. I think that’s Ward’s doing. I think he wants me to stay focused on what’s happening here.”
“And what is happening here, Riley? I see that the day we feared has arrived.”
“It has, Carl. I’m sorry I dragged you into this, but I do need to stress to you that there’s nothing you can do. I know how much you want to help. And I know you’re probably upset about Jacob taking your car. Maybe I’m really here for another reason.”
“I suspected that might be the case. They’re here, right? You can see it?”
