“Either way, I would rather remain with Detective Lobos. She is the only one I trust.”
“Agent Drake, I assure you, our agents are more than qualified to work your case and protect you so you can have your day in court.”
I step forward, jutting my hands out. “Look, just keep me on as an advisor then.”
“Oh, no. Your chief has already informed me how you walk the razor’s edge with the rules. I wager if I were to put you on as an advisor, you and Drake would work the case behind our backs.”
The sister launches up from the chair, her veins protrude through her neck. “Oh, fuck off! You don’t care that she bends the rules; you just want all the glory for yourself.”
He scowls. “Ms. Drake, I have no doubt this has been a tumultuous time for you, but I assure you your brother will be in good hands.”
“Devora has done more to protect him than you bag- a-fucks have.”
“Sir, you’re making a mistake.”
“Agent Munroe, you are to escort Drake downstairs. We are transferring him to a secure facility where we can begin the deprogramming process.”
“Lobos, outside,” the chief orders.
I grab Munroe by the arm and lean in close. “Watch your six. Odds are Drake’s people will try to kill him again.”
“Lobos, outside!” The chief growls.
“Fine. I am sick of this damn case anyway,” I yell on the way out of the room.
The chief nods for me to join her out in the courtyard with three stone picnic tables and a large angel fountain in the center. Her eyes filled with contempt. “Detective, I understand the frustration I do, but the CIA is involved, and it’s the FBI’s turf now. Understand?”
I lower my head and glower at her. “Oh, I get it. I also wouldn’t be in this situation if you and the Mayor hadn’t cut a deal with them. But you two just had to have your thirty pieces of silver.”
Her jaw tightens. “The other reason this case is being passed along to the FBI is the Mayor wants Drake out of Florida hence the reason you’re being pulled off the case. This David Drake situation is bad for his election if it got out to the press, Drake was still at large it would ruin him, and the department would look bad.”
“Well, we can’t have the Mayor ruin his precious chances for reelection. And make the department look bad… bullshit you don’t want your wife to know about the 18-year-old slut you’re fucking.” I push my tongue against the inside of my cheek. “You know, I am sure you were an honest cop at one point, but now you’re what we call a Blue Falcon in the Army. A buddy fucker, and for what? Because you didn’t want everyone to know your lips are on another woman’s snatch.”
She straitens her spine. “Lobos, you’re suspended. I warned you about speaking to me like that; I want your badge and gun and your backup weapon.”
I glower at her as I unload my weapons and hand them to her. “Honorable, Chief Alice Morgan. Fuck you.” I turn away and storm down the hall. I leave the hospital and head to Gill’s. I need to blow off some steam before I implode.
***
The theme of the night must be Día de Los Muertos.
Well, it is October.
I find a stool at the bar and woman with Goth red hair, and sugar skull makeup leans on the bar. “Hey, Devi, what can I getcha, homegirl?”
“A double of Walker.”
She smiles. “Same ole, same ole coming right up.” She places my drink on the bar. “Can I interest you in one of our Pleasure Companions?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
“Well, enjoy your drink then.” I take a sip of the drink and text my niece.
How are you and your mom doing? You guys, okay, you need anything?
No, Dev. We’re good. Ingrid has a badass game selection.
Nice. I will let you get back to it. I was just checking on you and your mom. Is my buddy Isis okay?
Yes, she and Ingrid’s cat have become partners in crime.
Ha, Ha. That’s my girl.
I text Greg, but no reply. He must still have his nose buried in school shit. Then a few minutes later, my phone lets out a ping.
Devi, what’s up with these two cops following me?
It’s just for your protection. This case turned really bad, and I was worried about you. I know it’s annoying to have cops following you around but just bear with it, for me. You’re a good kid, and I don’t want you to end up dead because of me.
Okay.
I shut my phone and light up another smoke and watch the TV over the bar.
I lose interest when the headline changes from the weather report to Are Assault Rifles and video games destroying America.
For fuck sakes, it wasn’t even rifles used in the shooting, it was 45 caliber SMGs and automatic shotguns.
My cell vibrates I glance down and see its Frank. I hit ignore.
My phone lets out a chime. Well, shit, I guess he is not going to stop till I reply.
That was bullshit how you got suspended.
No Argument there, sir.
Look, just ride out the suspension. It’s only a week, and when you come back, I’ll have a case waiting for you.
Why bother the FBI will just swoop in and steal that one too.
Again, you should be a motivational speaker with that positive outlook you have.
Kiss my ass.
Easy, Lobos. Just messing with ya. Take it easy and lay low. Don’t make waves. Just ride out your suspension.
Well, I do have some drinking to catch up on.
I
