Callahan's Fate

by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

“Oh, God,” he said when he could speak. “That was fine.”

  “Awesome,” Raine replied. “Fantastic. Terrific. Marvelous.”

  “Yeah, all that.” He narrowed his eyes to glance at the clock. “Shit! What time is it?”

  “Almost one,” she said.

  The quiet after-moment vanished. “I gotta get around. Shit, I have to be there at three, so I’ll need to leave by two-fifteen at the latest.”

  Propped up on one elbow, Raine smiled. “You’ll make it. We need to eat, too.”

  He chuckled. “For some reason, I’m starved.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I need a shower first.”

  “Go ahead, and I’ll set the table.”

  Callahan luxuriated in a warm shower, sluicing away the day’s perspiration and any lingering musk. He emerged, ate a late lunch in his underwear, devouring the sandwich and fortifying himself for his shift with coffee.

  “I wish I didn’t have to go,” he said as he drained his cup. He’d told her the same thing earlier but he meant it.

  “Me, too, but I’ve got plenty to keep me occupied,” Raine replied.

  He glanced at the mess. “Yeah, that’s good. Just promise me you won’t go anywhere. It’s not a good night to be out, you hear?”

  Raine pursed her lips into a faux pout. “Yes, but what if I need something from the store?”

  “You call me, and I’ll get it for you on the way home. Is there something you want?”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m just giving you a hard time. I’ll be busy, but why can’t I go out?”

  Exasperation sent air through his lips. “You know why. It’s Halloween and all the freaks will be out in force along with the kiddies and the ones just having fun. And Snake, Bull, and Shoe will be out there somewhere. I wouldn’t want them to cross paths with you, doll.”

  Her smile faded. “I know. I’ll stay home, Cal. And I’ll call or text if I need anything.””

  God, he ached to make love to her again but there wasn’t time. He donned his uniform, gathered his gear, kissed her, and headed out. Callahan’s nerves were on high alert and had been all day. As much as he wanted to believe the threat from the Marsh bunch had ended, he couldn’t and didn’t.

  But, please God, he thought, not tonight.

  Chapter Twelve

  Alone in the apartment, Raine put some mellow music on the stereo and brewed another pot of coffee. She opened the window to see if it’d turned cold as a sharp wind buffeted the building. A shiver began at the base of her neck and ran down the rest of her body. Although she’d loved Halloween as a kid, tales from her grandmother had given her a healthy respect for the things that go bump in the night and all things supernatural. Grandma would have said it was a fey, blustery night, and that the dead walk. I don’t believe it, but I’d rather not imagine it either.

  She unpacked one box, one tote at a time, and by nine-thirty, she had emptied them all. Her possessions now mingled with Callahan’s. If she just remembered where she put everything, they would be in good shape. Although they’d eaten late, she wanted a snack, so she popped a bag of microwave popcorn. Raine considered putting on a jacket and heading up to the roof but she decided against it. Callahan will get off work in about an hour. I can tough it out till then, and if he’s not too tired, we can go up together.

  Instead, she turned on the television and flipped channels until she found a movie to watch while waiting. Raine kept her cell phone close in case Callahan called, but he didn’t. When she’d been busy, she hadn’t been so aware of time, but now Raine would swear the clocks had stopped and time suspended. She tried not to be aware but she sneaked a glance at the clock every five minutes.

  Her mind failed to focus on the movie so she turned off the television. A restless uneasiness settled over her, and she blamed it on All Hallows Eve. Tomorrow, Raine realized, would be All Saints as well as Sunday. Maybe they could go to church together. They had talked about the possibility, and she decided she would like to go if Callahan did. We could go to the church nearby, the Church of the Holy Innocents.

  At eleven, Callahan should be getting off duty. She steeled herself to remember he had to get home, and it would take some time. He’ll be here at eleven-thirty at the earliest, more likely midnight. Maybe even later.

  Resigned to waiting, Raine took a slow shower, then dressed in a pair of comfortable flannel pajamas. She put clean sheets on the bed and decided to read until Callahan got home. For a little while, she lost herself in the pages of a novel, but reading made her sleepy and she wanted to wait up for him. She put her e-reader aside.

  Her muscles ached from unpacking, and heavy fatigue hung over her. Unable to relax, Raine paced the apartment in her bare feet, stalking from one end to the other like a caged animal. She paused to peer through the kitchen window toward the street below, but she couldn’t see much. Less traffic moved at the late hour, and beneath her fingertips, the glass was cool to the touch.

  Midnight arrived, but Callahan didn’t. Another hour passed, long and nerve-wracking. Almost frantic with worry, certain he would’ve called if possible to tell her he would be so late, Raine fought panic and an overwhelming urge to cry. She resisted both, but worry gnawed at her insides like a hungry rat.

  Raine considered calling his cell phone, but if he didn’t answer she would freak out, so she waited. Same thing about sending a text. If he doesn’t show up by two, I will. She sat up in bed and turned off all the lights but a single lamp.

  Just after one-thirty, she heard footsteps in the hall and the jangle of keys inserted into the lock. Her heart stumbled a few beats and her lungs refused to draw air. Callahan walked into the apartment, head down, his shoulders tight, and tossed his keys onto the kitchen table. He stood there for a moment and turned away from her.

  “Callahan?” she said. “I was worried.”

  He wheeled around. “I know I’m late, and I shoulda called or texted you,” he said. His gruff voice warned her. “Baby, something bad happened tonight.”

  A sharp icicle of fear pierced Raine’s consciousness. “What’s the matter? Are you all right?”

  He sighed and walked across the room, removing his hat. “I’ve been better, but I’m okay. It could’ve been worse.”

  With the room in shadows, the sole illumination coming from the bedside lamp, she couldn’t see his face. Callahan came to a stop a few feet from the bed and lifted his head. Raine gasped. His left eye had swollen half-shut, with dark bruises both above and beneath it. A cut on his cheek seeped a little blood. “Oh, Callahan,” she cried. “You’ve got a black eye! What happened?”

  Without humor, he said, “I got hit.” Then he sat down on the edge of the bed facing her. “Raine, doll, what happened is bad, real bad.”

  “Are you hurt anywhere else?”

  Callahan winced. “I’ll probably have a few bruises elsewhere, but naw, I’m all right. That’s not what I’m talking about. Bull’s dead, Raine, and another officer shot him. Snake’s out for blood, mine most of all.”

  She struggled to understand. “That’s nothing new, though, is it?”

  “Yeah, in a way it is. He wanted my ass before, but now he blames me for Bull’s death.”

  “But you’re not the one who shot him?”

  “No, doll, but I was there.”

  Raine tried to digest the information. “How did you get hurt?”

  “Bull did it before the other cop took him down. He meant to do more damage and would have. He had a knife and threatened to slice me.”

  Her imagination came up with terrible images, and she reached for his hand. He grasped hers tight and held it. “Thank God he didn’t.”

  “Yeah, well, he would’ve until Scott shot him, two rounds through the head. He was dead before he hit the pavement, and Snake screamed. Then he yelled and said he’d get me for it. Scott, too. Scott took the shot, but Snake blames me. He cussed and made threats.”

  “Maybe that’s all they are,” she said. Raine did
n’t believe it, though.

  “I wish.”

  They held hands for a few moments. After a pause, Callahan said, “He got away, Snake. He took down Scott on the way and ran down an alley. Although we pursued him, he escaped, so he’s out there. And he’s what-do-they-call-it, a clear and present danger for us.”

  She had to touch him, to hold him tight for reassurance, so she moved forward and hugged Callahan. He put his arms around her, and she tucked her head into the curve of his shoulder. The tears knotted in her throat broke free and escaped through her eyes. Although she steeled herself not to sob, she thought he knew because he patted her back. “It’s all right for now, doll,” he whispered. “All I could think about was getting home, making sure you were here and safe. I worried Snake might come here to find you.”

  “He doesn’t know where you live, does he?”

  “I don’t think so, not yet.”

  “Then he couldn’t, right?”

  “I hope not.”

  Raine lifted her face to study his black eye at close range. “That must be painful.”

  “It hurts like hell.”

  “You need some ice on it, Callahan.”

  He shrugged. “Probably.”

  “I’ll get it if you want to lie down.”

  “Naw, I’d rather sit in the kitchen for a while. I’m beat, but I can’t sleep yet,” he told her. “The place looks nice, by the way. I see you found somewhere for everything.”

  “Yes, I did. I’m not sure if I’ll remember where things are, but it’s all put away. Do you have an ice bag?”

  Callahan shook his head. “No, just use a plastic bag or something.”

  As she bagged up some ice cubes and then wrapped the bag in a towel, the impact of what could have happened hit Raine hard. Her hands trembled as she put together the makeshift ice bag, but she schooled her voice to be ordinary. “Are you hungry? I can fix you something.”

  “Yeah, I am, a little. Did you eat?”

  “I had some popcorn earlier,” she said. “Here, hold this on your poor eye.”

  He pressed it in place and made a face. “Can you make me a sandwich or something?”

  “Sure, how does toasted cheese sound? I know we have bread and cheese and butter.”

  “Sounds great, baby,” he replied. “Can I have two?”

  Raine cupped her hand around his uninjured cheek. “You can have whatever you want. I’m glad you’re home, Cal.”

  His sigh came from deep within his chest. “Yeah, doll, me, too.”

  She dosed him with over-the-counter pain medication, then grilled the sandwiches in a skillet. Raine found some kosher dill pickles in the fridge and put a spear on each plate. He ate both sandwiches and half of the one she made herself. By then, the ice had melted, but his eye looked slightly less swollen. “How do you feel?” she asked.

  “Tired,” Callahan said. “I’m sore, not just the eye, but all over.”

  After clearing the table and putting the things they’d used in a sink of dishwater to soak, Raine maneuvered behind him and massaged his shoulders. “Your muscles are hard as granite. Relax, sweetheart.”

  “Ah, that’s good,” he told her. “Don’t quit.”

  Her thumbs worked in circles to relax his tight muscles. Raine turned the conversation away from danger and pain. “Since you’re off tomorrow, I thought maybe we could go to church, at Holy Innocents, if you want,” she told him. “It’s All Saints.”

  “Yeah, sure, I’d like that all right,” he told her. “Then maybe we’ll go out to grab some dinner or something.”

  “Maybe we could go to a movie or a show, if we could get tickets.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Something about his flat tone made her think they probably wouldn’t.

  ****

  In the morning, with chill temperatures but bright sunshine, they made it to Mass. Raine had never gone to church with a lover before, and a few pangs of guilt plagued her until she decided it was no one else’s business, not even God’s. She loved Callahan with a fierce, deep emotion, and there couldn’t be anything sinful about such love. The old church, one of the oldest buildings in midtown Manhattan, dated back to just after the Civil War. That sense of history and the familiar comforting words of the Mass soothed some of her tensions, and they walked out together, hand in hand.

  Callahan’s eye remained swollen, although he claimed he could see through it fine. The bruises around it had gone darker, black against the paleness of his skin. Around the edges, there were hints of purple and a little green. Raine knew it had to be very painful, but he didn’t complain. He wore a haggard look, though, and when she suggested they stop by the market to buy supplies so she could make Sunday dinner, he agreed.

  “That’d be great, doll,” he told her. “I haven’t had an old-fashioned Sunday dinner in years, and I’m still tired. We can pick up today’s papers, too, and read them while the food cooks.”

  “Then that’s what we’ll do. What would you like?”

  His lips curved into a wide smile. “Jeez, I don’t know. I’m not used to much besides picking up a pizza or a sandwich or nuking something in the microwave. I eat a lot of salami and pastrami, frozen crap, and stuff. Do you know how to bake a chicken?”

  Raine smiled back. “I do. Would you like stuffing, potatoes, or dumplings with it?”

  “I haven’t had dumplings since my grandmother passed away,” he said. “That sounds awesome, Raine, if it’s not too much trouble.”

  “It’s not,” she said as they strolled down the sidewalk, almost as busy on Sunday as any other day of the week. “Besides, you’re worth the effort.”

  He whisked her into a doorway and kissed her, slow and sweet. “Glad you think so,” he said. “I got you fooled but good, huh?”

  “I suppose so. Next you’ll try to sell me a bridge or something.”

  “You want the Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Williamsburg? I’ll give you your choice.”

  “Give me all three.”

  “You bet,” he said. “And how about I throw my heart in for free?”

  “I like that idea,” she said. “Let’s go buy groceries so I can show off my skills as a cook.”

  The roast chicken turned out succulent with a crisp, brown skin, and tender meat. Her dumplings were the perfect comfort food. She served frozen peas, and they bought a peanut butter cream pie for dessert.

  “Doll, that’s one of the best meals I ever had,” he said when he finished. “I think it finished me off.”

  “How?”

  “Wiped me out,” he replied. “About all I’m good for now is a nap.”

  “You could use one,” she said. “You had a late night, last night.”

  Callahan reached over and grasped her hand. “We both did, doll. You look a little tired.”

  “I am.”

  “Then let’s turn on the football game and maybe we’ll fall asleep.”

  She wanted nothing more. “Let me clean up, then I’ll join you.”

  After a long pause, he grinned. “You wash, I’ll dry, then we’ll do it together. Whaddya say?”

  There were just three words to say, and she said them. “I love you.”

  Together they drowsed to the sound of the Giants game on television, fully dressed, and propped against the pillows. Raine woke around dusk, sleepy and curled against Callahan. He watched her, wide awake. “Did you sleep?”

  “Yeah, for a while. Doll, we gotta talk.”

  His serious tone brought her awake. “What’s wrong?”

  He made a face. “Same old shit, different day,” he said. “You gotta work tomorrow, or can you take off?”

  “I’m supposed to work. I don’t know, maybe. Why?”

  “I’m concerned about Snake.”

  “Well, so am I,” she said. “But so far, he’s not been anywhere around here.”

  “But you travel all around the city, and that makes you a potential target. If he wasn’t looking before, he will be now.”


  Raine rejected the idea. “I don’t think so. He’ll be hiding out, mourning his brother.”

  Callahan snorted. “Not that guy—he’ll be out for blood. That’s how he rolls, baby. You weren’t there and you didn’t hear the stuff he shouted, both while Bull was trying to kill me and after. He ain’t gonna quit and he’s not going away.”

  “What good will it do for me to miss one day of work then?”

  He frowned. “Well, that’s the other thing I wanted to discuss. How would you feel about taking a leave of absence for a while?”

  “No! I don’t want to do that, Callahan.”

  “Let me finish, doll. Take some personal leave, get outta here until things are resolved. Or do you think you could you find a position where you stay at one school every day?”

  It might be possible, but Raine didn’t like the idea. “I relocated to New York to do what I’m doing,” she said. “I like working with at-risk kids.”

  “There must be some in the regular school system,” he said. “I’ve heard they always have some job openings. Or maybe it’d be a good time to go visit your folks.”

  Anger exploded within Raine, and she pulled away from him. She sat straight up and glared. “Don’t try to take over my life, Callahan,” she told him. “What is with this? I didn’t move with you so you could tell me what to do.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Yes, you are!”

  His eyes narrowed. “No, I’m trying to talk to you about some options to keep you safe. That’s what’s important to me.”

  She snorted and climbed off the bed. Raine folded her arms and gave him the sharpest look she could manage. “I am safe. That’s why I moved in here with you, Callahan. So far, we haven’t spotted any of the Marsh brothers around here, and as far as we know, they don’t know where you live. It would be a fluke for Snake or Shoe to find me, because I do travel to a different place every day of the week.”

  “Raine,” he said. His voice broke on her name. “Think for a minute. Yeah, you do, and you’ve seen them a few times. If they remember—and I bet my ass Snake does—they’ll hang out where you’ve been spotted. They knew where you lived before, remember?”