Page 57 of Flash and Bang
Anthony turned to look over at the flag. “Just the true American flag, that’s all. Nothing the ATF should be worrying on.”
“We’re not worried,” Thayne said, smiling. “Are you familiar with a man named Reverend James?”
“Nope,” Anthony said. “Never heard of him.”
“How about the Freedom Brigade?”
“Nope.” Anthony shook his head.
Thayne nodded and turned to look at Beth. “You? Have you heard of Reverend James or the Freedom Brigade, Ms. Quinn?”
Surprisingly, she nodded. “Yeah. I heard of ‘em. They’re true Americans, one and all,” she said, once again sounding defiant.
“Thank you for your help,” Sarah said, glancing at Thayne. “Ready partner?”
“Yes. Thanks for your help,” Thayne added. They walked to the door that Anthony held open for them. They needed to get out of there. The minute they were outside, Sarah punched Thayne in the arm. “What’s that for?”
“Poking the bear,” she said.
They turned and walked toward the stairs. The gangsters no longer lounged on the steps. “What? I am a true American,” Thayne said, using air quotes. “Besides, if I hadn’t poked, we wouldn’t know that those two are more than familiar with Reverend James and the Freedom Brigade. My guess is, they’re card-carrying members.”
“This is true,” she acknowledged.
“Let’s get out of here,” Thayne said, “Looks like the gangsters have flown the coop for the time being.”
Sarah snorted. “Right. Assuming we still have a car, let’s get the hell gone before the gang comes back.”
Thayne followed Sarah out to their car, grateful that it was still there and that all four tires were, indeed, still attached. He was pretty certain they’d just identified two more members of the militia and that they were involved in the explosionin Chinatown. Whether they were responsible for Greg Mason’s murder or not, was the larger question.
Chapter Thirteen
Jarrett was nearly climbing the walls by the time Thayne and Sarah returned. He’d gone in for his repeat MRI and found out that they weren’t going to have results from radiology until later that day. He was chomping at the bit and trying hard to concentrate on a shitty poker hand Tim Darcy had just dealt him when they walked into his room. He glanced up at the door when they came in, relieved to see them both.
“Hey, Jarrett, how you feelin’? We brought you and Darcy some food,” Sarah said, putting a box of In-N-Out down on the table. The burgers and fries were one of Jarrett’s favorites and he could have kissed her.
He grabbed the bed control and put the bed up as he looked her over. “Damn I lurve you,” he drawled, opening the box to reveal two double doubles, animal style. The smell was amazing. “I’m fine.” He picked up his burger and pushed the box over to Tim who grabbed the other. He switched his gaze to Thayne, putting on his best hangdog look. “Please… free me…”
Thayne smiled and walked around to his side as Sarah and Tim laughed. He put his hand on Jarrett’s forearm. “Behave or I’ll ask Vera to catheterize you.”
Jarrett instantly lost all humor. “No fair. No one touches Big Jim and the twins.” He could hear the growl in his own voice but it ended as soon as he bit into his burger. It tasted amazing. He chewed, savoring the delicious burger with grilled onions and extra Thousand Island dressing.
Thayne chuckled. “Did they repeat the MRI?”
Jarrett nodded enthusiastically as he swallowed his food. “Yeah, and the tech said if the doc looks at it this afternoon, they may release me.”
Thayne smiled. “That’s good news.”
“Yeah. Darcy cheats at poker and I’ve had all I can take of this place.” He took another bite of the burger, wolfing it down. He’d been starving.
“Do you want us to hang around and give you both a ride back so you don’t have to rent another car if they do release you today?” Sarah asked.
“That would be awesome, Sarah,” Thayne said, reaching to steal one of Jarrett’s fries.
“You eat?” Jarrett asked, frowning at his partner.
Thayne nodded. “Yeah, we stopped for salads. Brought the bad stuff for you two.”
Jarrett held up the last bite of his burger, toasting Tim with it. “Thank you. This is perfect, tofu-eater.”