by N. C. Lewis
◆◆◆
It felt like five minutes, but the bedside clock told him he'd been asleep for two hours. It was early, dark, and he awoke with a deep sense of dismay, confusion, and then a rising flood of anger. How dare Lieutenant Kostopoulos assign him to the lollipop liaison unit?
When Nick was in uniform, he would have been happy to take any job. "Experience makes an excellent officer," his mentor Alfred Thomas, had told him. Nick had taken the words to heart, seeking any, and all training the police department offered. Slowly, over the years, he developed a reputation as a reliable and conscientious officer. Then came the opportunity to become a detective. The competition was stiff; few make the grade. Detective Thomas encouraged him to apply, supported his application, and cheered when he got the promotion. What would Alfred say about the new assignment?
Nick climbed out of bed, walked to the window, pulled back the curtain and peered out into the yard below. Everything was so still at this time in the morning. There wasn't even the usual rumble of cars along Gaston Avenue. Even the regular hum of summer insects was absent at this hour. "The middle of the night where all seems dead," Nick mumbled glumly. "Even my career."
To get off that negative train of thought he went over the upcoming itinerary in his mind for his new work assignment. There would be a lot of handshaking, meetings, paperwork, and time-consuming bureaucracy. Nick disliked paperwork, took longer than average to complete it, and knew even with Chambers, he'd be tied to the desk. "Take it easy," was what the doc had said, and now he had little choice. If he was to stay a detective, he'd have to lead the lollipop liaison unit.
It was as he heard the first chirp of an early morning bird sitting high in a live oak tree at the edge of his yard, that sleep overtook him. He slipped back into bed, turned on his side, and closed his eyes. As he drifted off into a dreamless sleep, he decided to stop work on the Barry Battles case. He needed to take it easy from now on.
Chapter 20
The following morning when Nick came down for breakfast, Amy and Ruby were sitting at the kitchen table, their faces grim. Nick poured a mug of coffee, gave his daughter a hug, and sat at the table. Amy finished her eggs and remained to sip her coffee while Ruby ate breakfast in a somber silence.
"Daddy, what am I going to do?" asked Ruby at last, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Noel's walked out, and I don't know what to think or do."
Amy glanced at Nick. When she was a child and got into a desperate state, inconsolable, only Nick could bring her back to a place of reason.
"There is no need for tears," Nick said at last. "Noel's been under a lot of pressure at work, I can see that. The death of the head of the company hasn't helped things either. The entire staff must be in shell shock." He glanced over at his daughter. "Let's give Noel a little time."
Amy stood up and walked to the kitchen sink. "The early months of our marriage were rocky too, especially when your dad got promoted to detective." She turned to smile at Nick. "Some days he was gone so long, I thought he had another woman!"
Ruby let out a little chuckle. Then she became somber and shook her head. "I wish he'd never taken that job.. It's changed him into a... zombie. I don't recognize him anymore. All he talks about is his work, and the money he'll make if he can be promoted."
Nick took a long sip from his cup. It was only seven thirty; he'd have time. "Listen, I'll stop by Battles Equity Partners on my way to work and have a quiet word with Noel. I'm sure there is a resolution—"
"Not sure if I want him back," wailed Ruby. "It's the job or me; he can't have both."
Nick took his time driving to the Battles Equity Partners head office in downtown Austin. At this time in the morning the streets and roadways were still relatively clear, but he was in no hurry. As he drove, he considered his options and what he would say.
He pulled his car into a space on Congress Avenue and walked to the offices of Battles Equity Partners, still not knowing what he would say. But he had time—thirty minutes.
As the elevator rose to the seventh floor, he remained undecided. I'll find out what's going on and arrange a meeting between Ruby and Noel.
The elevator door opened, and he stepped into the executive area. A short, plump woman pushed a cart with two tall stainless-steel coffee jugs, cartons of milk, and a little china bowl holding packets of sugar and other sweeteners.
Nick flashed his badge. "I'm Detective King, and I'm looking for Mr. Abay Gómez. Do you know where I can find him?"
The woman's eyes grew wide, and the color drained from her face. "No," she said in a lilting Hispanic accent. "I not know where he is." She gave the trolley cart a heavy shove and scurried away, glancing over her shoulder as she turned a corner.
It was at that moment Doris strode into the executive area, her head tilted upward, arms loose swinging at her sides. She had a self-assured aura that was not there on his earlier visit.
"Ah... Detective King," said Doris, her eyes flashing with confidence. "How can I help you?"
"I'd like a word with Mr. Gómez."
Doris wrinkled her nose. "The police department investigative team has spoken with all members of staff. I believe Detective Wilson said there'd be no more questions for the time being." Her eyes narrowed. "Can I ask what you want to see Mr. Gómez about?"
"It's a confidential matter of importance," Nick replied in a deadpan voice.
Her brow furrowed, and she turned. "I'll see what I can do," she said, walking into the narrow corridor that led to the executive suites. A fresh tantalizing trace of her perfume lingered in the air.
Nick took a seat, glanced at his watch, and waited. Five minutes later when Doris hadn't returned, he stood up. He only had fifteen minutes, twenty at most. He needed to speak with Mr. Gómez and Noel, now.
"This is an utter and total disgrace." The raised female voice came from somewhere along the executive hallway. It wasn't Doris. The voice had a British accent.
Nick stood up and walked to the curved reception desk. A red-faced woman wearing an expensive business suit strode out from the executive area. "After all the years I have put into this organization, this is unacceptable."
Abay hurried behind the woman, a frown on his face. Behind him, Doris was looking nervous.
"Amelia, you remain a valuable member of this organization. That I promoted Noel Laird to be my deputy is not a poor reflection on you," said Abay.
Nick realized with a start the woman was Amelia Dubois, Noel's boss—the wicked witch of London Bridge. She was younger than he imagined, but he could see by the set of her jaw she was determined, possibly even ruthless.
Then it sunk in: they had promoted Noel to the deputy of the entire company. He could scarcely believe it as he watched Amelia stomp across the executive reception area.
Amelia paused at the elevator and turned. "I was next in line for a promotion. That job position belongs to me. I will not let this stand. You will regret this, Mr. Gómez—I assure you of that."
She thumped the elevator call button, stomping inside, almost knocking over the two women who stepped out. "Excuse me," she yelled.
Abay's eyes flashed with dismay. Then he noticed Nick. He recognized him instantly and was about to ask what he could do for the detective when his eyes went back to the elevator. He let out an audible gasp as the two women marched toward him.
"Mrs. Battles," he stammered, looking with wide eyes at the taller woman. "How can I—"
"The name's Lillian Muessig," said the shorter woman, thrusting out her hand. "I'm Mrs. Battles' lawyer. We are here to go over the company assets."
Abay's eyes narrowed, and his posture stiffened. "The office is this way," he said, walking toward the reception desk. "These matters are best discussed in a confidential setting."
Nick watched with rising frustration as he disappeared out of sight. Now he was out of time and out of luck.
"If you need to leave a message for Noel, I'll pass it on," Doris said, settling into her chair behind the recepti
on desk.
"Can you give him my number?" Nick said, handing her his business card. "Tell him to call me today."
Just then, the woman he'd seen earlier pushing the coffee cart reappeared.
"Maybelline, please pour Detective King a coffee, in a to-go cup," said Doris, before she turned away to type into the computer.
"Yes ma'am," replied Maybelline. Her hands trembled as she poured the coffee.
Nick took the cup, sipped, pressed the elevator call button then took out his cell phone.
Then Abay reappeared. "Maybelline," he boomed.
"Sí señor."
"You're fired. Get out of here!"
The elevator doors shut too quickly for Nick to see the look of desperation in Maybelline's eyes. He barely heard the conversation, his mind now on Amy and Ruby.
"Amy," Nick said into his cell phone, stepping into the lobby on the first floor. "I've got news about Noel."
"Yes darling, go on."
"He's been promoted."
"Promoted?"
"To the deputy—of the entire company."
"Oh," Amy said after a long pause." That's not good for Ruby. That's not good at all."
Chapter 21
Nick, who had become increasingly resigned to his "temporary duties" as the head of the police department's lollipop liaison unit, was surprised to find Officer Chambers already at his desk when he walked into the scruffy, open-plan office at the department.
Chambers had a reputation for being lazy—a warm uniform when one was needed. He caught the look of surprise in Nick's eyes. "Early to bed and early to rise..."
Nick grunted. "How's it going, Chambers?" He didn't want to work with Bob Chambers, didn't want to be in a lollipop unit, but he told himself, again—the position was only temporary. "Caught us any criminals?"
"No, sir. Just been doing my job, researching numbers for the chief's presentation and updating our schedule."
"Chief's presentation?"
"Lieutenant Kostopoulos was here earlier. He wanted to speak with you, but you weren't in." He half turned to Nick, his lips twisted into a grin.
Nick folded his arms and waited. Chambers was in no hurry to spill the beans.
"Okay," said Nick after several moments, "what did he say?"
Chambers rolled his eyes. "If you were here you wouldn't need to ask me."
Nick drew in a breath and counted to ten. "Thank goodness you were here. What did the lieutenant say?"
Chambers placed a hand on his chin. "The chief's making a presentation on traffic incidents outside of schools in Southwest Austin."
Nick picked up a plastic knife and tapped it idly on the desk. "When?"
"Town hall, next week. I guess the chief wants to be proactive, share the numbers with our political masters, and tell them we have a lollipop liaison unit." Chambers picked up a sheet of paper and handed it to Nick. "Here's the updated schedule. I've added a visit to Austin High next Monday; maybe we can grab lunch at Magnolia's Café?"
Nick glanced at the schedule. "We'd better mix in a few private schools as well. I'm sure town hall will ask about that."
Nick spent the day at his desk. He worked until the sun hung low in the west. By the time he stopped for a late afternoon coffee, Chambers was preparing to leave. "I'm calling it a day, Detective King; I don't get paid overtime at a desk job."
Nick was about to say something about a police officer always being on duty and working the hours whatever they were when the cell phone rang.
"Hello, darling," said Amy in a cheery voice. "How are things going?"
"Paperwork."
Amy understood. Paperwork and bureaucracy were two of Nick's least favorite tasks. "How is Ruby getting along?" he asked, remembering events from earlier in the day.
"Still moping around, but I guess that's to be expected. Are you home early tonight, darling?"
"Yes." Then he corrected himself, remembering his meeting with Alfred. "No, I'm going for a drink with Alfred Thomas at the old place."
"The Hidden Cave Tavern?"
"Yes. I haven't been there in a while."
"Well, give my regards to Alfred." Her voice became serious. "Someone stopped by to pick up Noel's things."
"Who?"
"Someone from the office. They said he is moving into a hotel for the time being."
"I'm surprised he found a place within ten miles of downtown. The city is full of all the music festival folks. Where is he staying?"
"The Five Star Motel."
Nick sat up straight and glanced over to where Officer Chambers sat. But Chambers had left for the day. "Are you sure? That's a flea pit."
"I guess it's the best he could get at such short notice."
Nick laughed. "I doubt he'll stay long. Tell Ruby not to worry. Noel will be home within a day or so."
"Very funny. By the way, Nick, what's happening with the investigation into the death of Barry Battles?"
Nick shrugged. "I don't know darling, I'm not involved."
"But you will work it, on the side, right?"
Nick gave a dry laugh. "No, not this time. The doctor told me to take it easy, and the lieutenant's told me to keep away."
"Nick!" Amy's voice was sharp, and he knew what was coming next. "Who else are they going to put on it? Nick, you have to get involved. You have to help solve this murder."
"Leave it," said Nick firmly.
"I can't," responded Amy. "Barry Battles was a client of my staging company, and our daughter's husband works for the firm. Now Noel is the deputy. Suppose the killer strikes again?"
Nick's voice fell to a whisper. "Amy, I can't."
"Fine, then I'll investigate it myself."
Chapter 22
It was a Thursday evening with the sky filled with bright reds and oranges when Nick and Alfred met for the first time in several years at the dimly lit Hidden Cave Tavern. The tavern was on the third level of a multi-story carpark attached to a nondescript, seven-story municipal building. Alcoholic beverages were not allowed inside municipal buildings, so the municipality built it in a corner of the parking lot, hidden behind a row of potted shrubs and a bamboo trellis.
It was open to city employees with ten years of service and city retirees. The beer was cheap, atmosphere congenial, and you were likely to run into the city manager and retired or long-serving town hall politicians.
Alfred had his arm around the waist of a woman at the bar when Nick arrived. Nick stood for a few moments watching his old mentor whispering into her ear. She tilted her head back and let out a huge laugh. Nick recognized her—Ethel Babish, owner of the Five Star Motel.
Ethel wriggled out of Alfred's grip and nodded at Nick. "Evening, Detective King. What brings you over to the dark side?"
"Old-timers reunion," he replied, tilting his head at Alfred.
"I'll leave you boys to it." Ethel gave a little wave as she left the tavern.
"New girlfriend?" Nick asked, turning to Alfred.
"Suppose so."
"How about a couple of beers? On me, in exchange for news of Alfred's life." Nick said, slapping Alfred on the back.
He grinned. "Why not?"
The two men talked little until they settled in a booth that overlooked a pool table where two potbellied men played the game in near silence.
"It's good to see you, Nick. This place hasn't changed much since I last visited." Alfred glanced around, waved at one of the pool players. "That's Jimmy Cork," he indicated with his glass. "He was the city manager fifteen years ago."
Nick gazed at the man leaning over the pool table. He was in his late seventies with a paunch.
Alfred took a long drink from his glass. "So, how are things with you, Nick?"
Nick frowned, his expression not matching his words. "Better than I deserve."
Alfred glanced at the bar. "You back at work?"
Nick's frown deepened. "Couple of days."
Sensing something, Alfred twisted his head sideways to look Nick in the eyes. "It takes
time."
Nick took a sip of beer. "Suppose so."
"You still in the executive protection unit?"
Nick let out a bark of mirthless laughter. "Not since I got back."
"So, what's the skinny?"
Nick swirled an inch of beer around in the glass, wondering how much he should say. "Lollipop liaison unit."
"That's new!"
"Yup. Fancy another beer?"
"Yes."
After they were halfway through the second, Nick opened up. "The doc says I should take it easy, and the lieutenant says the lollipop unit is a temporary position. It's a no-stress, nine-to-five job, and I hate it. You know Bob Chambers, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Well, he's the only other person in the unit."
Alfred let out a low whistle. "They got you babysitting Chambers? I'm surprised he's still in the police department; the man is like a barnacle when it comes to easy work. What about side projects? You've got to have some side projects else you'll go mad. You working the Barry Battles case?"
Nick felt a pang of guilt. "Not anymore. Lieutenant Kostopoulos ordered me off."
Alfred said nothing more until he had taken a long gulp of beer. Then he made a face. "What's your point? Since when did you listen to what the lieutenant has to say?"
Nick gave a dry laugh. "What do you suggest I do?"
"You're the one who knew Mr. Battles personally, worked the old case. It deserves closure. Maybe you owe that to yourself."
"I'm not sure. The Feds are working the case…"
"I'm not trying to pressure you."
Nick brought the glass up to his face, taking a shallow drink. "Where would I start?"
"You're the goddamn detective. You'll figure it out." Alfred took another long drink of beer. "When I first got on the job, I noticed a difference between a competent cop and a cop that really sparkled. The day the sparkle left I retired, I didn't want to be a competent cop. Do you remember what I told you when you first joined the department?"
