Page 133 of 5+Us Makes Seven

So that’s what a Lieutenant's wages can afford? I could get used to driving something like that…

“Jack. Great timing, as always! Good to see you.” He walked over, arm extended and with a wide grin on his face. I shook his hand, a strong, thorough handshake that rattled my shoulder.

“You too, Frank. Hope Marlene’s not too pissed.” I raised an eyebrow at him as we turned to enter the bar.

“She’s always pissed, Jack. You get used to it after a while. I figure she’ll calm down when I’m retired. I think she just gets bored when I’m at work, you know. She’s been retired five years now.” He sighed wistfully.

“Yeah, I reckon so. She’ll be glad to have you around.” We walked in the bar, both surveying the few faces dotted around.

“No one I recognize. Still can’t be too careful,” the Lieutenant said, choosing a booth furthest away from everyone else.

I took a seat as he went to grab a couple beers. I accepted one gratefully, nodding my thanks. I took a large, well-deserved gulp of beer, gasping at the cool refreshment.

“Damn, that’s good. What is it?” I said as the Lieutenant gulped down a third of his in one go. I raised my eyebrows, a half smile on my face.

“Locally brewed IPA, strong and hoppy. My favorite.” He set his glass down and leaned forward.

“What you got for me, Jack?” He spoke low, and there was no way anyone else could hear us. I took a quick glance around, taking a small sip of beer. I turned to face the Lieutenant, confident no one was eavesdropping on us.

I recounted the events of the past few days, the trail I’d followed that had turned up at a dead end. Then the information I got from Eden. The visit to Goldie and his arrest. The details he’d given me of the suspected meth lab. Conall’s visits to Eden and his threats. Goldie’s assault of her.

I paused, taking a breath and another glug of beer.

“So, she’s willing to testify. That’s good but not enough. Plus, we know what Conall’s like. Would do anything to keep himself out of jail.” He nodded thoughtfully, staring out the window behind me.

I got my cell phone out, turning the volume off as I showed him the video of Conall I’d recorded earlier. He frowned with anger as he watched Conall’s rage. I put the phone away.

“He repeatedly threatens her. Tries to break in. Got it all on camera. This enough for a restraining order, sir?” I looked at him expectantly.

“It is if I say it is, and I damn well say it is. I’ll make a call when I get home and get one in place today. Got some old contacts downtown that owe me a favor or two. I’ll get a patrol car near her house to keep an eye out for that scumbag.” I nodded at him, thankful.

“There’s one more favor I need, sir. Like I said, she’s willing to testify. Conall’s given her drugs. He’s forced his way into her house. Threatened and intimidated her. I got a sample of meth off of her, and it turns out it’s exactly the same as the other stuff. She can put that on Conall Down to the time, date, and even the clothes he was wearing.”

He was nodding at me, considering everything I’d said so far.

“But she’s scared, Frank. Not to mention, I’m worried about her. I promised her I’d keep her safe. I want to get her somewhere out of town. Keep the location secret, even from me. You know, in case the worst comes to worst.” I was flooded with concern while thinking of Eden and her pretty face, large eyes and warm smile.

“Ok Jack. You got it. How you gonna get her there? You got a plan?” He half lifted his beer glass as he looked at me expectantly.

“Lucas will help. She trusts him. They’ve known each other for years. So Lucas picks her up and takes her somewhere safe to lay low until we got Conall. He can choose to take one of his trusted cops with him if he wants. They’ll make sure she gets there safe and has someone looking after her. He’s close with a few of the good guys on the streets. People that want Conall behind bars as much as we do. Hell, probably even more than we do. They got kids, families. They want this town safe.”

The Lieutenant nodded thoughtfully.

“Lucas will give me a call when she’s there. When I know she’s safe, I take a visit to this meth lab. See if Goldie was telling the truth. If so, I bust the place. I’ll try and get some of them alive to see if they talk. We’ve already got the meth from Conall, and we got Goldie, who’ll probably sing like a bird. We can put it all together, especially with Eden testifying against him as well. Then, we quickly bust Conall and his henchmen.” I finished my beer with a flourish.

The Lieutenant was shaking his head slightly.

“Good plan, Jack. Except the part where you take down what’s probably a heavily guarded meth lab on your own. I know you’re a good shot, but can you dodge bullets?” He smiled at me, concern on his face.

“We’ll do it as you say. Just go case the lab, check it out first. No heroics, Jack! If it's the place we think it is, call it in. We’ll have to show our hand sooner or later anyway.” He shrugged, draining his beer.

“There?

??s one more thing, Frank. I think some of the detectives are helping Conall out. I reckon he’s probably greased their palms already. They’ll try and makes things difficult if they can. I’m fed up with the department reeking of corruption. I want to take them all down, too.” I looked at him seriously. His eyebrows rose as he looked up at me.

“Listen, Jack. Between you and me, the Captain wants you to take over as lieutenant when I retire. So those detectives will be your detectives soon. If you can get something on them to clean the department out, then go for it. I’ve never been able to get anything on them, slimy fucks.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I’ve got a plan…” The Lieutenant stopped me mid-sentence with a loud laugh.