by K C Gillis
The chief leaned forward onto the table, as close to Emberly as he could. Emberly pulled back in response.
“No fucking way. Our arrangement was for me to protect the site. I don’t agree to any change in terms. If he wants me to do something else, get him to drag his ass up here and tell me to my face. Otherwise, there’s no new deal.”
The chief stood up and stared down at Emberly. “Don’t get in my way. If I need to tell you something, I’ll call you.”
Chief Foster stormed out of Mary’s Bakery, leaving the staff wondering why their police chief was so angry. He went to his Explorer and sat still for a moment, letting his anger dissipate. He looked down at the pair of sandals on the passenger seat. He had an errand to run.
Emberly left the restaurant a few minutes after the chief. This had been their first face-to-face interaction, and despite the strong front he’d put on, it had left him rattled. The political circles in which he operated had a set of unwritten rules on how to conduct business. In that environment, Emberly was comfortable. The chief didn’t follow the same code.
He got into his car and closed the door for the obligatory update call. “I met with Chief Foster,” he said to his boss.
“How did it go?”
“It was mixed.”
“How so?”
“The good news is that he appears to have eliminated the known evidence of the fish kill. The reporter apparently has nothing to prove any fish in Copper Lake died as a result of our activities at the test site.”
“That’s good news. Actually, it’s great news. So what went wrong?”
“The chief won’t accept a change to your arrangement. He won’t do anything related to the marina. He was adamant on that point.”
“Interesting. Any idea why? It shouldn’t be a big deal to him. Especially since he and Mike haven’t been friendly for years. He should want to see him out of the marina.”
“I can’t say. But he didn’t even consider it.”
“There has to be a reason. Poke around for me. See if you can find out anything about the mystery buyer.”
“What about Alice? She’ll recognize me.”
“True. Just tell her you’re there for the Fourth.”
“You know she’ll ask me if you’ll be coming up.”
“She will. You can say I might be there for the Fourth. But don’t promise anything.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t.”
25
Nicky Carlucci was tolerating his current gig. Used to spending most of his time inside smoke-filled and oxygen-infused casinos, being in the great outdoors wasn’t an awful change. Not that Nicky was any sort of outdoorsman. Quite the contrary. He did almost nothing outside, with the noticeable exception of spending a couple of weeks each summer on the crowded Jersey Shore beaches.
He had spent the morning keeping a close eye on Punch Malone. Nicky knew the type all too well. He expected Malone to become a problem. Guys with a background like his just couldn’t stop themselves from doing shit that got them into trouble.
The chief had told him Malone had some run-ins with the law but that, overall, he was dependable. Nicky saw things differently. Malone hadn’t just had an occasional run-in with the law. He had many. And with the chief being the local law that dealt with Malone, Nicky was pretty sure there was more that wasn’t in the official records.
Nicky appreciated the leverage that the chief had on Malone. Nothing like the near-constant threat of going back to jail to make someone do what you want. The chief must have learned this from his own leveraged position. He was smart enough to understand his situation and the consequences if he failed. In Nicky’s mind, Punch Malone wasn’t so smart. Nicky would take it upon himself to do what the chief didn’t. Namely, making sure Malone didn’t do something so stupid he took them all down.
Nicky had easily tracked down what Punch Malone did for work. His uncle owned what seemed like the largest boating service operation outside of the marina. He offered repair-and-service packages, including boat transport. He also had winter storage for about a hundred boats, as well as full dock service. That explained how Malone had known enough to set off the three recent accidents.
Nicky sat in his car in the parking lot of a local convenience store, maybe a tenth of a mile from the marine service shop where Malone worked. Nicky was on the opposite side of the road and could easily see the shop’s entrance. As long as Malone was going to head home or to the marina after work, he’d have to drive right past Nicky.
Nicky knew Malone had started his workday at ten a.m. At just after three p.m., Nicky saw Malone’s car go by, heading south. Nicky happened to be walking back from getting an iced coffee and was maybe one hundred feet from his car. He quickened his pace, reaching his car just as Malone went around a bend and out of sight. Within seconds, Nicky had his car moving in the same direction as Malone. He accelerated and brought Malone’s car within sight in seconds.
Nicky had expected Malone to be heading home. But he went to the marina. That made it easier for Nicky to keep an eye on him. It would also permit Nicky to have a drink at the same time. They waved Malone through the gate and into the parking lot without making him stop. Nicky had to wait while the attendant verified that he was allowed on-site, which took about thirty seconds. Once cleared, he entered the parking lot and parked right beside Malone.
Punch Malone didn’t so much as glance at Nicky’s car. He got out and headed toward the marina bar. Nicky followed about thirty feet behind. Malone ordered a Budweiser and joined another man sitting at a table at the far end of the patio. Nicky went to the opposite side of the bar, ordered a Budweiser, and sat down. Malone was in his line of sight.
Nicky didn’t have to wait more than a few minutes to learn the purpose of Malone’s marina visit. Despite the effort the two men went through to hide what they were doing, Nicky knew a drug deal when he saw one. Malone was the dealer.
Nicky shook his head, disappointed with how stupid Malone was to do this in plain sight of dozens of people. He must have felt some sense of invincibility since the chief couldn’t really do much to him without putting himself at risk. It was a slippery slope. For everyone involved.
The tall man finished his beer and headed to the parking lot. Malone remained at his table, continuing to enjoy his beer for a moment longer. When it became clear Malone wasn’t in a hurry to leave, Nicky walked over. As he approached the table, Nicky observed that Malone had seen his approach, looking at him as if he wasn’t sure if the stranger was going to his table. A momentary flicker of concern passed over his face.
Nicky set his beer down on Malone’s table, pulled out the chair the other man had used, and sat down.
“Are you lost, buddy?” Malone said.
Nicky sat upright, his hands neatly folded on each other, resting on the table. He gave Malone a sarcastic smile. “Do I look like someone who’s lost?”
Malone looked uncomfortable and readjusted his position in his seat. “No, I guess you don’t. But I don’t know you, so you must have me mistaken for someone else.”
“We may not know each other, but that’s going to change. And believe me when I say that I wish I didn’t have to waste my time on you. I have more important things to do. But you obviously don’t think through your actions.”
“What the hell are you talking about? And why should I give a shit what you have to say? Get lost and let me enjoy my beer.”
Nicky had half hoped that Malone would give him some attitude. As nice as it was to hang out at the lake, it was a little too boring.
Nicky leaned in close to Malone and spoke quietly. “Let me tell you about a guy I knew. He worked in New York. Not the brightest guy, but he did what he was told pretty well. One day, I learned he was doing something that could put his employer in a tight spot. He didn’t do it to jam up his employer, he just didn’t think about how his actions could have certain ramifications. So he and I had a little conversation. I explained how he had to stop this thing he was
doing. He seemed to get the gravity of the situation. Do you know what happened?”
“No, how could I?”
“Right, you couldn’t. Well, this guy was good for a while. But then he slipped back into his old habits. I paid him another visit. I told him I knew he was dealing drugs again. He said he was sorry and it wouldn’t happen again. You know, typical begging. Unfortunately, and this is the tragic part, that night, he was run down near his home. It was terrible. They never caught the driver. It was too bad, because he wasn’t really a bad guy overall. Just stupid.”
Nicky stared straight at Malone, watching him realize that the man sitting in front of him had seen the drug deal. And that he seemed to be someone who had a reason to take issue with it.
“You think I’m dealing drugs? Is that what this is about? You’re wrong. That guy was just a friend. Really.”
“Don’t dig your hole any deeper by lying to me. I’ve seen enough drug deals in my day. You and your friend weren’t exactly what I’d call discreet. And if I saw you, then others may have as well.”
Malone’s face betrayed he had given up on his weak attempt at a lie. “All right. Yeah, I supplied that guy with some weed. But so what? It’s practically legal now.”
“That’s the problem. It’s not about the weed. It’s about the attention you draw to yourself.”
“What do you mean?”
Nicky lowered his head, frustrated that Malone was more stupid than he had thought. Nicky would have to be very direct. He raised his head and looked at Malone. “I know what you’re doing for the chief.”
Malone’s face froze, his eyes wide, his mouth open. Nicky waited for a response, but none came.
“Malone, I know you staged those accidents for the chief. How do you think I know?”
Malone had regained control of his face and tried to respond. “I…I don’t know. Did he tell you?”
Nicky pushed through the stupidity. “Let me ask you this. Why do you think the chief has you helping him?”
“I never asked. Everyone knows he doesn’t like Mike. I just figured it was some kind of payback.”
Malone really knew nothing.
“No, the chief isn’t risking his career over some grudge. Let’s just say that there are other individuals involved, and the chief is responsible for certain activities. The activities you’re helping with. These other individuals, they’re pretty particular about their privacy and don’t want to attract any undue attention. The kind of attention a stupid drug dealer could draw if the wrong people saw what he was doing. Is this starting to make some sense?”
Nicky could see Malone processing the information.
“Wait. So the chief is asking me to do this stuff because someone else wants it done?”
“Exactly.”
“Why?”
“That doesn’t concern you. But if others learned what was going on, then my employer would be very unhappy. He was also very unhappy with that other guy I told you about.”
Nicky saw Malone make the connection. “Oh. Now I get it.”
“Let’s hope that you do. I’ll be here through the Fourth to make sure everything stays on track. To make sure you stay on track.”
“You don’t have to worry. I got the message.”
“Good. And remember, you don’t know me. Not at all.”
With that, Nicky got up and returned to his original place at the bar.
26
The chief waited in the drugstore parking lot. Malone was late. Again. It was like the little shit took pleasure in pissing him off. Except that would imply Malone thought ahead and planned his actions. The chief knew Malone wasn’t smart enough for that. He hadn’t come close to finishing high school. And it wasn’t because he was too smart.
The chief was about to give up and leave when he saw Malone emerge from the drugstore and head toward his Explorer. He opened the passenger door and sat down.
“You’re late.”
“Sorry. I was trying to be careful.”
“Careful? Why?”
“That’s why I wanted to meet. There was this guy at the marina today. He was giving me a hard time. Some shit about how my actions affect others. He said I can’t afford to make any more mistakes.”
That got the chief’s attention. “Who was this guy?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t say his name.”
“What did he look like?”
“Short black hair. A mustache. Kind of stocky, but not fat. Not too tall, maybe five nine.”
The chief knew who it was by the time Malone said “mustache.”
“His name is Nicky. What were you doing that made him come up to you?”
“Nothing. Really.”
Malone was a horrible liar. His inability to raise his head and look at the chief was all the evidence needed.
“Don’t fucking lie to me. I know who this guy is, and he wouldn’t take the time to talk to you if you weren’t doing something.”
“It was nothing. I just got a guy some weed. That’s it.”
The chief shook his head. “And he saw you. Are you that stupid?”
“I was careful. This guy got lucky.”
“He didn’t get lucky. He pays attention. If he sees anything like that again, I won’t be able to help you.”
“Who is he, anyway?”
“You don’t want to know. All that matters is that he works for the person who is requesting the little accidents we’re arranging. And that person won’t risk what he’s doing by letting some pothead cause trouble.”
“So, what, is the guy here some kind of enforcer or something?”
“Something like that. Just stay out of his way.”
“No worries there.”
“Are you all set for the next accident?”
“I am. But I’m not so sure I want to do it. I think you got me involved with something that’s dangerous.”
“You can’t back out now. That’s not an option. Just remember that I’m keeping you out of jail. We’ll be done soon.”
“Soon, like this is the last one?”
The chief really didn’t know if this next accident would be the last. It would definitely be one to make Mike rethink the offer. “I think so. Are you ready?”
“Basically, yeah. I just have to get the fireworks I rigged mixed in with the load the marina bought. I can do that tomorrow.”
“Don’t fuck this up. It would be bad for you and me.”
“I won’t.”
“Get out of here. And stay clear of Nicky.”
Jordan got back to the marina just before six p.m. She parked her car in the parking lot that was only one-third full. She climbed out of the car, her legs stiff from several hours of sitting. While the evening had begun to cloud over, the temperature still hovered close to eighty degrees. The high humidity made it feel hotter.
Having left her sandals on the side of the road by Derek’s house, she had to wear an old pair of slides that she kept in her car with her swimming gear. She had to remember to ask Derek if he’d grabbed the sandals. They were old but comfortable. She’d hate to have to get a new pair.
Jordan headed toward the marina bar, expecting Rachel and Travis to be there. She also hoped Derek and Kasey were around so she could share Charlie’s assessment that the dead fish had been exposed to an excessive amount of a growth hormone. She didn’t need to wait for the test results to know she needed to find the source of the growth hormone.
As the bar’s patio came into view, she saw Rachel and Travis sitting at a table. Rachel looked like she was taking a nap, leaning back in her chair with her feet propped up on another one. Travis was looking at something on the screen of his laptop. Jordan wondered if he was doing some kind of work or playing a game. Jordan saw Kasey at the bar. Being the owner’s daughter probably allowed her the flexibility to work as much as she wanted. Derek wasn’t in sight, but he probably wasn’t far away.
No one noticed Jordan’s approach. Without a word, she snuck up on the table a
nd sat in a chair between Travis and Rachel. “Hey there.”
“Jordan,” Travis said. “About time you showed up to meet the friend who came up to see you.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I had a last-minute change in plans.”
“I heard. I should be surprised that you broke into a police chief’s home, but somehow I’m not.”
“I didn’t break in. I snuck in. And I was invited, by the way.”
“Sure, but not by the chief.”
“You focus too much on the details.”
At the sound of voices, Rachel opened her eyes. “Hey, sis. You’re back. How’d it go?”
“Success.”
“Really? What does that mean?”
“Hang on for a minute. Do you know if Derek is around? He should hear this too.”
“I’ve got no idea. I might have been having a nap. Sorry.”
“I saw him head into the main building a while ago,” Travis said.
“OK. Let me text him and see if he’s available.”
Jordan pulled out her phone and texted Derek. He replied right away.
“He’ll come down in a minute. I saw Kasey at the bar. Let me grab a drink and see if she can take a break.”
Jordan walked up to the bar and waited for Kasey to finish with another customer. “Hey, Kasey.”
“Jordan, good to see you. I guess you’re back from your little road trip.”
“Yep. If you have a few minutes to listen in, I can tell you what I learned.”
“Sure. I can come over when Derek’s there. How about a gin and tonic?”
“Oh yeah. That’ll do fine.”
“Got it. See you in a minute.”
Jordan was long overdue for a restroom break and figured she had time before Derek came down. As she headed to the restroom, she noticed a man sitting on the far side of the bar who looked like he was watching her. She held his gaze for a moment, the man matching her look. He didn’t look familiar, but something about him set off a warning. She made a mental note to ask Kasey about him later.
