by P C Hatter
They marched me over to the elevator and the otter gave me a pitying glance. I stepped in next him and slipped the .25 from my pocket to his. Neither ox noticed. They were too busy cramming their bulk into the elevator.
Nobody was taking any chances on me legging it before we reached the D.A.’s office. I had an officer on each arm in the squad car all the way to his office door.
The D.A. was as pretty as ever and looking smug.
I asked, “Am I under arrest?”
“Yes.”
“Mind if I make a phone call?”
“I’ll be happy to speak to you through your lawyer. And just so you know, we’ve already spoken to your building supervisor and neighbors.”
I picked up the phone and asked for an outside line, then called the bar Duke was at. When the beaver who owned the place came on the line, I said, “There’s a guy who can vouch for my whereabouts last night in the bar. Tell him to stop in at the D.A.’s office pronto.”
I didn’t bother waiting for an answer and hung up.
“You going to fill me in on what this is all about?”
The peacock couldn’t contain himself and poofed out his chest along with a partially grown tail.
“You were seen at the Glenwood Arena last night arguing with a cobra named Dagger. Two weasels described you and identified your picture. They were also in the office when you barged in and started firing a gun. One of the weasels was hit in the leg. Dagger was hit in the tail and head, killing him.”
“And the gun?”
“You disposed of it, of course.”
“And your witnesses? I suppose they’re both squeaky clean characters?”
“They’ll do. I can’t wait to see your alibi.”
Duke had perfect timing. He opened the door, took one look at the D.A., and said, “If you’d have gone through the proper channels, I could have saved you the embarrassment of arresting an innocent person. We were up playing cards most of the night. About half passed nine to three maybe four in the morning.”
“What?” The D.A. was livid. “How did you get in?”
“There is a back stair in his building, same as a lot of others. Something to do with safety codes. Why?”
“Why were you there?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but Kaiser’s a friend. Other than playing cards we mostly complained about you wasting police time and being a general nuisance.”
I couldn’t help but put in the final jab. “Guess your witnesses need glasses.”
“Get out. Both of you.”
“Is this a good time to ask for my license back?”
“Out.”
Duke and I exited not only the D.A.’s office but the building. We got into his car and drove to a bar where we could talk and not be disturbed.
“How do you do it, Kaiser? Trouble goes out of its way just to find you.”
“Give me a second, I need to make a call.”
While Duke took a seat, I used the bar’s phone to call Lenny Travis at the newspaper. Lenny didn’t say hello. “I thought you were going to keep me updated, Kaiser.”
“Didn’t know he was going to get bumped off.”
“You didn’t do it?”
“No. And things aren’t what they seem. Something big is going on and someone wants my hide. You, my friend, have a choice of chatting to the D.A. about our discussion or staying mum and get the bigger story. Which is it?”
Lenny let out one of his evil laughs. “The bird can wait, you’re always the better story. Did you know who Dagger’s buddies were?”
“The mongooses?”
“Yeah, two males with a record from Detroit. Nasty customers.”
“Meh.”
Lenny let out another laugh. “Oh, I would have loved to have seen it.”
I said goodbye, hung up, and joined Duke. He was looking pretty glum. “Cheer up.”
“I hate lying. Even though I know someone is going out of their way to frame you, and that pea brained cock is swallowing the bait hook, line, and sinker.” Duke downed his drink. “Home in bed alibis are the worst on a witness stand.”
“Yep.” Something in my voice must have clued Duke in because he stuck his nose right into mine, complete with ears back and eyes narrowed.
“Spill.”
“Dagger was alive when I left him. Someone else put the hole in his head. I just put the one in his tail.”
“I’m doomed.” Duke laid his head on the bar and whined. “We’re doomed. I have to take you in.”
“No, you won’t. Both of us know this is a frame up, and you don’t need to lose your badge for no good reason. Do you want that bird to get his publicity at the expense of the public? Would you like to have a killer go free?”
“I hate you.”
“Enrico Price didn’t know Aloysius Wells other than to say hello. Dagger got Price to lie about Wells being suicidal. Price is paying blackmail money to Dagger. At least I think it was Dagger. Not so sure now. But Price emptied his account to buy whatever his blackmailer had on him and skipped town. Here.”
I handed Duke the envelope I had and grabbed my drink.
“There wasn’t much left in the ashes, but it’s the best I could do. Press must have called Dagger because Dagger took the pot shot at me on Thirty-third. Still not sure about the other one.”
“And how did Dagger end up with a hole in his head?”
“Dagger wasn’t working alone. There weren’t enough brains under that hood. Someone much smarter than him is in this game, and when Dagger tried going off on his own, that smart cookie put him down. They were probably hoping I’d take care of Dagger, but it still worked out in their favor for the frame.”
“Do you have a name for this smart guy?”
“Bruce Bixler also known as Lenard Pinky. I haven’t tied Dagger to him yet, but I will. Dagger’s not living in the Bowery for kicks. He’s one of the gang, the same as a dozen other wise guys.”
Duke lifted his head off the bar. “Maybe. Both of the bullets they took out of Dagger were from the same weapon.”
“I used his friend’s gun on the mongoose.”
“That one went through his leg, and we didn’t find it.”
“Daggers killer must have found it and nabbed the slug. Like I said, smart cookie.”
The bartender filled our glasses and dropped off a bowl of peanuts. Duke grabbed a few. “After you left, the one guy pulled his partner outside and called for help. When none came, he dragged his buddy to the car and drove to the hospital and reported you.”
“The real killer either paid them off or threatened them. Those two won’t stick around. They’re probably back in Detroit by now.”
Duke popped another peanut in his mouth. “The D.A. has their affidavits.”
“What good is the affidavit of a couple of hoods against a homicide detective?”
“Under oath?”
I gave Duke a scowl. “It’s not going to get that far. Do you have anything from the bullets in the store windows yet?”
The question changed Duke from gloomy German shepherd to happy hound. “Both were .38 specials but fired from different guns. Two people want you dead.”
“I think I mentioned that already. Daggers already dead, so that leaves the mysterious Mr. Smart Cookie. The guy must have tailed me all day. That’s determination.”
“And Dagger.”
“Dagger tailed me, he tailed Dagger? It’s possible.”
“Kaiser, are you sure the second gunman was Bruce?”
“Didn’t get a good look at his face, but I know a male when I see one. Stop worrying Duke. He’ll try to shoot me again, and then I’ll nab him.”
Duke’s eyes narrowed and his ears went cockeyed after I made that statement.
I asked, “You want lunch?”
“Sure.”
We ate in silence and ordered another drink. When we were finished, I asked Duke, “Who’s putting pressure on the D.A.?”
“From interesting quar
ters. Several from Glenwood after everyone was questioned out at the arena. A state senator, someone from the Board of Transportation, the head of a political club, and a few others. All of them were complaining about a mad gunman on the loose.”
“Bruce has acquired some fancy friends.”
“Since he changed his name from Lenard Pinky, he’s no longer small time.” Duke shook his head. “He’s got friends in both high and low places.”
“Looks like I need to talk to Bruce. Maybe I can get him to shake hands with the devil.”
CHAPTER 9
By the time I got back to the office, Velvet was gone. A note was on the desk to call Ellen.
When I called, Ellen sounded worried.
“Kaiser? Are you all right?”
“Yeah. Why shouldn’t I be?”
“Last night at the lodge, I overheard some males talking about you and a snake named Dagger. They’d come into the lodge after some fight out on the Island.”
“When was this?”
“Late. I was so upset I had my escort take me home.”
“Why don’t I stop by. Then you can fill me in on all the details.”
“All right.”
I hung up the phone and hightailed it over to her place. Ellen just about threw her arms around me as soon as I walked into her apartment.
“I’m so glad you’re safe, Kaiser.”
“With that welcome, so am I.”
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m in one piece, aren’t I?”
Ellen’s kiss was soft and sweet. The perfume she was wearing reminded me of lilacs in the spring.
“I don’t know why I was so worried. Aren’t cats supposed to have nine lives?”
“Give or take.”
Ellen pulled me into the living area, and we sat down on the couch. “Last night was horrible, even before I heard about you.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“Dancing, drinking, and gambling. Mostly gambling. My escort parked his behind at the roulette wheel and lost all the money he’d won. If he’d have quit, and we’d have gone with Allen, he could have kept his winnings.”
“Was Allen alone?”
“Until he had one too many. That’s when he unleashed a libido I didn’t know he had. Linda wasn’t helping matters. And the things he said.” Ellen’s eyes grew wide, and she hugged her tail. “Lucky for him, few females spoke French or that marmot would have gotten more than just a slap in the face.”
“Then what happened?”
“Nothing much. Allen invited a bunch of people to his place, and I sat at the bar talking to the bartender. That’s when I overheard the conversation about you being in a fight. Where have you been all this time?”
“Talking to the cops.”
“So, you were out there?”
“And now I’m here.” I gave her tail a playful tug. “You got to the lodge early, right? Was Bruce there?”
Ellen scowled in thought. “Come to think of it, I didn’t see him until after midnight.”
“How did he seem?”
“I can’t say.”
“What about the conversation you overheard? Was he interested in it? Did you recognize the males?”
“They were just a couple of wolves, and I don’t think Bruce knew what was said.”
“Was anybody important there last night?”
Ellen rolled her eyes. “A person doesn’t get into the Black Lodge Inn unless you’re somebody, or with somebody.” She emphasized her point by putting her hands behind her head and giving a good stretch.
I pulled her close and gave her a kiss. “I got to get going.”
“But you can’t. You just got here.”
“I got to work.”
“Can you at least stay long enough for me to show you something?”
“Sure.”
“Good.” Ellen bounced off the couch. “We’re working on a new series and the first one arrived today.”
She headed straight for the bedroom and after a whole lot of fussing, she called my name.
In the photo shoot the lights would be in front of her. In her bedroom, the lights were behind her, and turned the full-length gown transparent. The fabric flowed around her as she turned and drew near.
“Like it?”
“Yes.”
Ellen shrugged her shoulders, and the gown dropped to the floor. “Oops.” Her husky voice and seductive eyes said otherwise. “I could easily fall in love with you.”
“Don’t.”
“Why not?”
“I… don’t have time.”
Those eyes of hers burned, and I pulled her to me. Her kiss was with a passion a male could get lost in. I managed to pull away, but when I tried to speak, the words just weren’t there.
I walked out. Behind me, Ellen laughed, and her voice held a sense of pride. “You’ll get your male, Kaiser. Nothing is going to stand in your way.”
As I closed the apartment door, I swore I heard her say. “I love you.”
Her words followed me all the way down the stairs and out into the chill air. The snow had started again. After climbing back into my car, I started it and let the engine warm up with the wipers pushing the snowflakes off the windshield.
For me, running around the city without a rod didn’t feel right. With my license gone, I’d risk a Sullivan charge, but that was better than winding up dead. I had a .30-caliber Luger tucked away in a dresser drawer that would fit my holster, and I decided to stop by and grab the thing.
The snow continued to fall as I drove back to my apartment and parked on the street. I figured I had time before the next plow rumbled by. Determined that no one was going to shoot me again, I bounded up the stairs. When I entered my apartment and hit the light switch, nothing happened.
Whoever was in my apartment must have been using some sort of deodorizer. Just not enough of it. I caught the slight sent of male and dived into the room barely missing the bullet meant for my head. The assailant managed to get a second round off before I threw a chair at him in the darkness. My aim must have been good because I heard something metal hit the floor.
Then the real fight began. Whoever the guy was, he was big. Big enough to go against me. Tooth and claw didn’t seem to matter. Neither of us could get a decent grip on the other. The furniture sure took a beating though. Especially when my head hit something harder than it.
As I struggled against unconsciousness, I knew the guy was trying to decide between killing me and getting away. The sound of doors slamming and people shouting as my neighbors came out of their apartments came to my ears before I passed out.
My head hurt as I came too, but it took time for my ears to hear right or my eyes to focus. The leaf-nosed bat who stared down at me kept asking me questions, and it took me a full minute to realize what he wanted. I said my name, and he helped me up from the floor.
“A slight concussion along with scrapes and bruises. Your suit took most of the damage.”
The doc was right. My suit was a mess. The bat packed up his bag and trotted out the door along with most of the looky-loos.
Duke sat in the corner on the only chair in my apartment that was still in one piece. But for some reason the D.A. was in my living room with two of his blue coated stooges. He shoved his feathered hand, palm out, right under my nose.
“Would you care to explain this?”
“What do you think it is?”
“I’m warning you—”
“Where’s your warrant? If you had more in that tiny head of yours than feathers you wouldn’t be here. You’d be doing your job instead of flashing your tail at photographers. Now get out of my home and take those cop want-to-bes with you.”
The D.A. looked like he was going to hit me, so I roared in his face. The peacock was too much of a narcissist to stand down, but his goons had more sense. The two about picked him up and rushed him out of my apartment before I could bite his head off.
Duke chuckled but didn’t get up from
his seat. “Will you ever learn?”
“Why should I?”
I searched for a cigarette and lit the thing. The smoke entered my lungs and didn’t want to leave. The upholstered box was one of the few pieces of furniture with little or no damage, and I climbed in and rested my head on the edge.
“The guy was waiting for me. He got two shots off before the claws came out, and we trashed my place. I got knocked out, and he bolted. Who called in the bird brain?”
“The neighbors called the police. The pair of you made quite a racket. When the call came in, your name came up, and the desk sergeant called the D.A. He rushed right over here. If you would have been dead, he could’ve had his picture in the paper again.” Sarcasm dripped from Duke’s last sentence.
“So, that’s why he got so mad. Sorry to disappoint him. Did you see the slugs he showed me?”
“Yeah. He wanted to grab them as soon as I dug them out of the wall. They’re from the same gun that shattered the second store window. I’m sure of it. If this guy tries again, he may not miss. Even the worst shots get lucky after a while.”
“With Dagger dead, it has to be Bruce.”
“There’s no proof. And we both know that if you go off half cocked and accuse him, he’ll have a dozen alibis from which to choose from to throw back in your face. Keep in mind Bruce knows people now.” Duke lit his own cigarette and shifted in the chair. “The shooter wore gloves and my nose couldn’t get a bead on anything other than male.”
“Not even a species?”
“Nope. The guy must have bathed in some heavy duty deodorizer and recently.”
“But he left a piece of his suit.” I hadn’t noticed before, but after looking at my claws, I found a shred of fabric caught on one of them. Duke took the evidence and stuck it in an envelope he had tucked in his jacket.
“Whoever it was, they were strong.” I ran a claw over the thick fabric on my box. “Not sure if they were wiry strong or muscle strong, but we seemed well matched.”
“Bruce is a big wolf. Do you think he could hold his own with you? It could be one of his goons.”
“Not sure.” As much as I wanted it to be Bruce, the rips in my jacket looked more like claw marks. It got me thinking about Wells. “What if the guy came into the hotel expecting Wells to be sleeping? Instead, he catches him coming out of the bathroom or something. Wells is still drunk, so it’s not much of a fight, but a slug still winds up in the mattress before he kills Wells. The killer takes the casing and digs out the slug and leaves.”
