I had to hurry.
Chapter 36
The warrant and affidavit were on my desk the second I arrived at the office. I signed, had the receptionist notarize it, and then hustled back into the nice spring day.
The smell of flowers followed me from my office to the courthouse, and the sunshine helped my mood, even though fresh bruises were making themselves known. Soon I was going to be one big purple blob. I’d called Bud the second I’d arrived safely at my office, and he’d reported that the Lordes hadn’t driven by again. For now, I dodged up the stairs to the third floor, taking a left for the office area. Then I knocked on Judge Hallenback’s door. Hopefully he was in the office this morning.
“What?” he bellowed.
That was probably an invitation to enter. I nudged the door open and peeked around it to see him behind his desk. “Hey, Judge. I have a warrant for you to sign.”
“Alberto. Come in. Happy Monday to you.” He gestured me inside a spacious office with manila files and papers stacked around. The wall behind him was windows, while the two on the side were bookshelves stuffed full of legal periodicals. Today his gray hair was slicked back, and his eyes were sharp. He wore a ‘Hallenback’ Used Car lot shirt in a very mellow yellow along with what looked like tan-colored jeans. “What do you want?” He reached for a pair of reading glasses.
I set the papers in front of him and on top of several court briefs before taking a seat in a thick leather chair across from him. “A warrant to search a car and follow up on the GPS in order to maybe find a drug lab.” Then I waited.
He read through the application as well as my affidavit. “Did you walk over here?” he mused, looking over the top of the papers.
I blinked. “Yes. It’s a nice day.”
He shook his head. “I saw you in your convertible the other day. Thing doesn’t have airbags. You should get a new car.” He scrambled through the stack of papers and then handed over a business card for his brother. “We own a car lot, you know.”
“I do know that.” I really needed him to concentrate. “I like my car, Judge.”
“You can’t drive that vehicle in the winter.” He slapped the papers down.
I looked for a pen so he could sign. “No, your Honor. I have a SUV for the winter.” As did most people in the town. “Would you please sign the warrant for me?”
“What warrant?” he muttered, looking toward the bookshelf. “I have books. Do you have books?”
An executive style silver pen was on the floor, and I pounced on it, sliding it toward him. “How are you feeling, Judge? Maybe you should have a check-up or something?” I didn’t want to insult him, but the guy needed help. Maybe I could help him.
He lifted one fit shoulder. “Yeah, maybe. Sometimes I forget things.” He took the pen and signed the bottom of the warrant. “Though it has been pretty stressful lately. I miss seeing some of the older guys in the courtroom. The rest of you are just so young.”
“Sometimes I don’t feel young. Especially this week.” My whole body was one big bruise. I took the papers. “I could make an appointment with a doctor for you, if you’d like. My cousin, Wanda, might be a good place to start.”
He shook his head. “That’s okay. I have a doctor, and I have to see her every year for the insurance.”
Even so, I needed to follow up with him. If all the family he had was his brother, and his brother wasn’t helping any, then I would. “Okay. Thanks for this.” I backed toward the door, wanting to help him somehow. I felt like I was taking advantage of him with the warrant, and I really didn’t like that, but we needed to find that drug lab.
“Good luck, Alberto,” he said, kicking back in his chair and planting his bright green tennis shoes on the desk.
“You can call me Anna, Judge,” I said, opening the door and smiling when he nodded. Then I turned and all but ran down the stairs and outside, angling around the park for the police station to find Pierce. It was his job to execute the warrant, but I was going to be involved on this one.
We were close. I could just feel it.
I sat in the passenger side of Detective Pierce’s car, surrounded by his salty ocean-breeze scent as he parked across the street from Charles’ house. My gun was at the back of my waist, while his was strapped to his thigh. His looked way cooler.
Two patrol cars flanked the driveway, which still held Bud’s car.
I cranked my head to see. “Where’s Bud?”
Pierce peered out the front window. “Not at post.” He jumped out of the blue Buick. “Stay here.” The door slammed, and he jogged across the road to meet the two uniformed officers. One of them said something into the radio attached to his shoulder, waited, and then shook his head.
My stomach rolled over. Where was Bud? I looked toward the ladies’ home, but it was dark with the curtains drawn. They probably wouldn’t be home for hours. No movement showed at Melvin’s, either.
Pierce made hand gestures like they did on television and then drew his weapon. He went toward the front door and disappeared inside the house while the other two officers headed for the sides, their guns also out.
The curtains at Melvin’s rustled, and I turned to see better. He peeked out, caught sight of me, and quickly shoved the material back into place. My heart beat even faster and I shifted my weight, careful to grab my gun if I needed it. The curtains settled and then there was no movement.
Just then, Charles’ garage door opened slowly, and Pierce stood over Bud’s prone body. The car was gone.
“Bud,” I breathed, opening the door and jumping from the car to run across the road and driveway. Oh God. Was he dead? Was it my fault? I reached him, dropping to my knees.
“He’s breathing. Just out cold,” Pierce said, standing and scouting the area behind me.
Bud lay face up, his body relaxed, his breathing easy. Red marks marred his big neck. I nudged his arm. “Is he wounded?”
“Nope. Looks like he was choked out,” Pierce said as one of the uniformed officers came around the side of the house, shaking his head. “Call this in, would you?”
Bud groaned and then flailed, swinging out and rolling to the side. His knuckles caught me on the chin, and I flew back into the wall, my head hitting hard enough that lights flashed behind my closed lids. I grabbed my chin, and tears welled. I forced my eyelids open.
Bud blinked several times and caught sight of me. “Ah, nuts,” he muttered.
I wanted to laugh but wasn’t sure if he’d broken my jaw or not.
Pierce moved for me and held out a hand. I took it to stand, wobbling only a little. “You okay?” he asked, his gaze narrowing on me.
I released my chin and worked my jaw. It hurt, but nothing cracked. “Yeah. I’m fine.” Compared with most of my recent injuries, this was no big deal.
Bud shoved to his feet. “Sorry about that.”
Pierce pivoted. “What happened?”
“Dunno.” Bud rubbed the back of his neck beneath the buzz cut. “Guy came out of nowhere, from behind, and put me in a hold.” He shook his head and then winced. “Knew what he was doing. Strong arm, male, bare.”
“No leather jacket?” I asked.
“No,” Bud said. “Could’ve killed me but didn’t.”
Pierce looked around the empty garage. “Killing a cop carries a much harsher sentence than assault and grand theft.” His gaze then pinned me.
I nodded. Yeah. I was fully aware that Aiden had been charged with both at some point. “We did see the Lordes' drive by earlier today.” They couldn’t have known we were getting a warrant for the car. Although, if they knew about Melvin getting a ride from Charles to the hidden lab, then it wouldn’t be too hard to figure out. Especially if the door was suddenly guarded by a uniformed police officer.
Pierce looked around. “All right. With this, we have grounds to search the entire house, closets and all. Everyone put on gloves.”
I rubbed my pounding jaw. “I’m going to go take another crack at Charles. Maybe he’s better medica
ted now, or perhaps he’ll be happy with me for feeding his dog. Hopefully he’ll remember how to get to that lab.” Once the hospital released him, something told me I wouldn’t be able to find him again.
Pierce nodded. “Bud? Drop her at her vehicle before you go to the hospital, would you?”
“I don’t need the hospital,” Bud growled.
“Too bad. It’s procedure, and you know it. You’re off duty until you’re cleared.” Pierce moved for me, tugging my jacket shut. “I don’t have a guy to put on you until next shift. Keep your weapon. Go to the hospital and then home, and I’ll send a car out around nine tonight. Tell me you’ll just go to those places.”
I nodded. Considering the bad guys, most likely the Lordes, had confiscated Charles Monroe’s car, I wasn’t feeling too vulnerable. Well, any more than usual. Jareth Davey had been close at one point to send that card, but he’d been sending me cards for years. “Got it.”
Pierce released me. “We’ll have to take a raincheck on the barbecue tonight. Another time?”
“Of course.” Was I relieved or bummed I wasn’t going on a date with Pierce? I’d have to figure it out later.
He nodded. “Call me if Monroe gives up an address for the hidden lab.” He sighed and studied my jaw. “You need to put ice on that.”
“I will.” For now, I had to get to Charles before visiting hours were over.
Chapter 37
Unfortunately, Charles had experienced some sort of breakdown and wouldn’t see me that afternoon. So I headed back to my car after checking in with Detective Pierce and promising him I was going to try again the next morning, if Charles hadn’t been released. Maybe it was a good thing our date had been canceled. Was it a mistake to go out with Pierce? More than likely. It was almost five, so I didn’t see a reason to go back to the office. At the moment, all I needed was a hot bath and a stiff drink.
Until Tessa called, saying she and Donna were meeting at Vassallo’s for a drink.
I swung a U-Turn in the middle of the street and headed for the ancient bar while reaching for my bag and the concealer in it. After parking, I liberally piled it on along with lip-gloss before walking slowly across the darkened sidewalk and inside the bar in a useless attempt to hide my newest limp.
Vassallo’s was at the older end of town and had been there forever. The floor and bottom half of the walls were red shag carpet, and the tables were dingy and wooden. But the food was fantastic and the patrons local. I moved toward a tall table in the back.
“What happened to you now?” Tess asked, reaching over to check my jaw.
“Rough day.” I hopped up on the red leather stool and reached for the bowl of peanuts. “What’s going on?”
Donna, her dark hair curled around her face, motioned for the waitress and pointed at me. “We’re celebrating. I closed on the McGilley place across the lake.”
I grinned and then winced as pain shot through my skull in response. “That’s awesome.” It’d be a fantastic commission. Her brown eyes sparkled, and in her white business suit, she looked all professional and grown up. If I wore a white suit, it’d be brown and bloody and covered in mud by now.
The waitress set a large wine glass in front of me, and Donna poured immediately from the bottle.
I leaned in to read it. Blue Oak Cabernet. Nice. “You’re obviously paying,” I murmured, taking the glass.
“Obviously,” Tessa agreed, shoving her titian hair away from her face. She wore a white shirt and dark jeans, obviously just off work.
My sisters had both found jobs where nobody shot at them. They were definitely smarter than I was, at least at the moment.
“Cheers,” Tessa said, holding up her glass.
We cheered, clanked, and then I drank down half of my glass. Man, it was good. Spicy and oaky and delicious. I reached for more peanuts. “What’s new?”
Donna tugged the peanuts her way. “Tess has a date with a preacher.”
I coughed out a nut and then took a sip of wine. “What?”
Tessa rolled her eyes. “He’s a nice guy. A preacher at that nondenominational church out on the prairie. Name is Dan Teskey, and he comes into the restaurant a lot.”
Donna snorted. “Tessa and Teskey. Could it get any cuter?”
I tried not to laugh. But a nondenominational church? “We’re Catholic.” Like seriously Catholic on both sides.
“God and I are tight,” Tess returned, stealing the peanut bowl from Donna. “I don’t think He’d mind if I dated somebody who preached His word and knew how to drink. This guy drinks Scotch. I like that in a preacher.”
It would be nice for the family to worry about Tessa instead of me for a while. “Is he cute?”
“Over six-foot, dark brown hair, really green eyes. He’s seriously cute and nice and built like a linebacker.” Tess leaned closer. “He brought me flowers when he asked me out.”
Now that was just sweet.
She lifted an eyebrow. “You?”
There was a lot to say, but I wasn’t ready to share about Aiden. “I did have a date with Detective Pierce to Sheriff Franco’s in Silverville tonight, but he got caught at work and had to reschedule.”
“Silverville?” Donna breathed, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, dude. That would’ve been a mistake.”
“Did you just say dude?” Tessa snorted. “As funny as that is, she’s right. You do not want to go on a date in Silverville. You would have been married by sundown.”
I nodded. “I know.” Enough about me. “Donna?”
She shrugged. “No date. Dry spell.”
“Now that’s just a pity.” Nick Basanelli suddenly appeared at the table, his shirt sleeves rolled up and his collar loosened. He looked long and lean, and the hard angle of his jaw showed his Italian heritage, as did his dark hair and very bourbon colored eyes. Right now, they surveyed us, sparkling. “Hey, Donna.”
“Nick.” She grinned and leaned over for a hug. “Good to see you. It’s been years. Since graduation?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I’ve made it home a few times but spent it with family. Well, you know.” He said hi to Tessa and then to me. “Mind if I borrow your sister for a moment?”
“Keep her as long as you want,” Tessa said, a dimple flashing in her left cheek.
I cut her a look and hopped off the stool, careful to grab my wineglass as I went. I followed him toward a low table near the door, where we sat. “What’s up?”
He looked over the bruise on my jaw. “As your boss, I’m making it very clear you are no longer participating in the execution of either search or arrest warrants. Do you understand me?”
I blinked. His throat looked strong and fit above the unbuttoned shirt, and his gaze was direct. “No.”
“That’s a direct order, Albertini.” He rested his fit hands on the table. “Got it?”
“No.” I leaned toward him. “That’s sexist. You wouldn’t give me that order if I weren’t a woman.”
“Bull.” He leaned just as far toward me, leaving only about six inches between our faces. “Man or woman, anybody who ended up bruised and battered like you are right now would be on desk duty. I’m letting you remain on this case because you’ve worked hard, and well, because I’ve fired everybody else.”
I should just kiss him. Take him off guard for once. “Did my grandmother call you?”
“No. Mine did, but that’s irrelevant.” He sighed, and his minty breath brushed my face. “This case has gotten too dangerous, and your personal connection to Devlin puts you in the crosshairs. Participating in the execution of warrants isn’t normally a part of our job. Finally, you’re new at this. It’s time to step back.”
All of those were good points. Why was I mad? My job was in the courtroom. “You do make sense,” I acknowledged.
“Good.” He sat back before I did. “We both need time off. Let’s forget about this case for a few hours, all right? At least one night without you getting bruised.” He moved from the booth and stood, turning to look at me. For
several seconds, he stood there, obviously debating something. “Night, Anna.” Then he strode out the door, and I’m not ashamed to admit, I watched him go. The guy moved like an athlete.
My phone buzzed just as I was about to stand. “Albertini.”
“Where the hell are you?” Detective Pierce snapped.
I winced, and then my temper took over. “None of your business.” Who did he think he was?
“I have a man at your cabin, and you’re not there. You’re supposed to be there,” he said. “Did I, or did I not, tell you to go right home after you tried to see Charles the crazy bastard?”
“You know, Pierce?” I stood. “I don’t work for you. Frankly, I don’t need a police escort. The bad guys got the car and GPS data.”
“I still want a guy on you,” he said. “Where are you?”
Sighing, I gave him the address and then promised to wait until my escort showed before I left. Then I hung up and grumbled all the way back to my sisters.
“What?” Donna asked.
I reached for the bottle to pour more wine into my glass. “I’m getting really tired of men telling me what to do.”
“Amen, sister.” Tessa held her glass up.
I did the same and drank. We ordered appetizers, ate, and basically enjoyed just being us. Soon a shadow fell across the table, and I looked up to see Bud. He’d changed into a fresh uniform and appeared all pressed and put together again. With his buzz cut, he looked like a tough guy. “Hey. How’s the head?” I asked.
“Fine. All checked out with the doc. I’m on your house tonight.” He smiled at Donna and looked like a whole different guy. “I’m Bud Orlov.” He held out a hand.
I blinked. “Is that Russian?”
Bud kept his gaze on Donna. “Yes. It means Eagle,” he said.
I bit back amusement and then introduced him to Tessa, who was clearly trying not to smile.
Donna blushed all pretty and gave him the flirty smile I’d tried for years to learn how to do. I never came close. They made kind of a cute couple, though I didn’t know much about Bud.
Disorderly Conduct (The Anna Albertini Files Book 1) Page 25
