I nodded vaguely. She was right. Robbie took it too far. “Maybe he can do something behind bars. Try and campaign for the system to change. He had some good ideas about polygraph tests for anyone accused. It might not help him, but it’d help people like Jenny Carpenter.” I tried to roll onto my side but the pain was too much. “DiMarco? What’s going to happen to him?”
“Well,” she smiled. “He got arrested too.”
“For what?”
“Turns out that Robbie’s website held more than just the videos that DiMarco sent through. Robbie stored evidence of DiMarco bribing city officials for favors on behalf of his nephew. It turns out that his nephew only made money because city officials looked the other way during some business deals. When that news comes out, it’s going to be front page.”
“Why would Robbie have kept that?”
“DiMarco asked him to. He thought that the videos were safe with Robbie.”
I smiled. Not because of what happened to Robbie, but because we’d managed to do our jobs, and still came out alive. The machine next to me began to beep loudly. I couldn’t take much more of the beeping. With a push of energy, I reached over and pulled the plug from the wall. The beeping stopped.
Turning back to look at Casey, she was glaring at me, like a mother telling off a little boy with no restraint.
“Have you talked to Daley?” I tried to distract her.
“That’s a done deal too.” She shook her head at me. “And he’s already paid up. I told him there would be extra fees for the danger associated with the case. He had no problem with the invoice and thanked us for following through. He’s going to make sure that Robbie McAdams will stay behind bars for the rest of his life. He’s already talked to the State’s Attorney and he’s willing to do everything he can to make sure Robbie is convicted.”
“You’ve had a busy few days.” I attempted to sit up, but the pain was too much. “Now, when are they letting me out of here?”
“I’d say you’ve got another five days or so of living it up and having meals brought to you. I can even arrange the luxury of a sponge bath if you’d like?”
“Think I’ll pass.”
“So, who’s Mick? You and I almost died for this case. You have to tell me now.”
“That’s what you’re worried about? Gee, Casey, you need to take up some better hobbies.”
She raised her eyebrows and waited.
“Alright, he’s a kid I work with at the local community center, I’ve been helping out with the New Track program, getting young offenders to straighten out, running a basketball skills and teamwork clinic and Mick’s been a regular. He’s just joined his school team and he’s, you know, a bit rougher than your normal jocks. He’s scared he’ll screw it up.”
“That’s kind of cool, Jack. I thought you were a selfish jerk 24/7, but I’m now willing to admit it might be more like 23/7.” Casey smiled.
I smiled with her, and then closed my eyes for a minute.
“You kind of scared me, Jack.” Casey placed her hand back on my wrist. “I think maybe it’s time we laid down some ground rules about this partnership. I, for one, am angling for a ‘nobody gets shot’ rule, but I’m open to some negotiations.” Her voice was soft, and soothing. “Just as long as we don’t end up back here. As cute as these doctors are, I’m not a big fan of hospitals.”
“You’re alright, Casey.” I smiled as I felt the edges of sleep inching closer towards me. The pain in my shoulder eased and it was at that point I realized that I must’ve been on some heavy pain killers. “So, when’s our next case?”
“I got a call this afternoon about some betting irregularities that a gambling company wants us to look into. Looks like it’s mob related.”
I took one last look at Casey’s smiling face, and closed my eyes, allowing sleep to take me again. I needed it, because I was sure that our next dangerous case was just around the corner.
THE END
Author’s Note:
Thank you for reading The Shooter. I hope you enjoyed the twists and turns of this plot because I certainly loved writing it. The growing bond between Jack and Casey was great to write about.
I wrote the bulk of this story during winter, and there’s something wonderfully romantic about sitting down and telling a story while it’s freezing outside. With a log fire in the background, a mug of coffee next to me, and an amazing view in front of me, I spent much of the winter at my computer and became lost in the world of Jack Valentine.
Along with writing crime thrillers, I’m a criminologist, and the two roles have a lot in common. The ideas that have developed from the work, and study, as a criminologist have been exciting. A lot of those ideas will come across in the next books that I write. I’m currently working on the plot for the next Jack Valentine, twisting and turning the story, and trying to develop the surprises. I love writing great twists, and often spend weeks on thinking about how to create a great finish. I find that the best twists come while hiking—there’s something calming and inspiring about being surrounded by nature.
I love hearing from readers, and try to respond to each email personally, so if you feel like dropping me a line, send a message to: [email protected]
Stay safe and well,
Peter O’Mahoney
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Peter O'Mahoney is the author of the best-selling Tex Hunter, Bill Harvey, and Jack Valentine thrillers. As well as
