“But what if he’s the one who actually poisoned Reilly?” Don Juan said.
“I don’t believe he is the one,” Hawkeye said.
“How can you be so sure?” Rookie asked.
“His reaction when we told him about the rat poison. He looked not only surprised, but very shocked. He might have purchased it, but who’s to say it wasn’t bought for legitimatereasons and later stolen? You’ve been to his apartment building. How would you classify it?”
“A classy place, but no doorman,” Jett said. “His is a studio, very small. Which I believe is the only way he could afford to live in the building.”
Hawkeye chuckled. “Loverboy told me in his initial report that the place was so tiny he almost hyperventilated. Maybe there’s a rodent problem in the basement and he was trying to get rid of them.”
“Then why not just say that instead of giving you the run around?” Don Juan asked.
“Because he has this loyalty fixation with Adams,” Simpson said. “Like Dugan, he believes in having his brother in blue’s back or go down fighting.”
Hawkeye nodded slowly. “Could be,” he said. “Simpson, I still say go to Rogers and make him that offer and see if he’ll bite. If he will turn on Adams, then we’ll play ball.”
“And if he doesn’t?” Simpson asked.
“We’ll table it until after the funeral services tomorrow,” Hawkeye said. “We need to show Harley our support.”
“Did I hear you say the funeral is tomorrow?” Brand asked entering the office with Loverboy.
“That’s right,” Hawkeye said.
Brand handed him the manilla envelope containing the contract. “Where’s it being held?”
Hawkeye grinned. “Christs Church.”
“Doesn’t anyone know of another place in this city to hold a funeral?” Brand asked.
“I don’t think we have to worry about Adams shooting at us,” Hawkeye replied.
“No?” Brand said.
“He did seem awful testy when we saw him today,” Loverboy said. “We may have pushed him to the breaking point.”
“So far that hasn’t been his MO,” Don Juan said.
“We weren’t expecting a shooter at Phil’s funeral either,” Brand said. “Or a bomb, but both happened in the parking lot. We have to make sure that Harley and Dugan are safe no matter what.”
“I’ll have SWAT on standby,” Hawkeye said.
The next morning…
Harley Staredat her reflection in the mirror of the ladies room at Christ’s Church after Fiona pinned the lovely black and blue corsage on her black coat dress she’d selected for the services. She’d tried to pick something that wouldn’t be too hot for indoors but would keep her warm out when they went to the graveside. She closed her eyes at the thought of her brother’s coffin being lowered six feet under. At least she wouldn’t have to watch that.
“All set?” Fiona asked.
“I think so,” Harley said, grabbing a few tissues from the box on the counter before they headed out to the already forming line of those wishing to pay their respects.
“Thank you for coming early with Scottie and me,” she said to Fiona. “I appreciate it.”
“Honey, I’m glad to be here for you and I am so glad to know you are not alone,” Fiona said, with a gentle smile, crinkling at her eyes. “And that you have a nice young man to stand by your side today.”
They walked passed those in line so they could get to the front of the church where the open casket waited. Fiona slipped into the first pew with her husband, while Harley went to the casket and took her place beside Scottie and began shaking hands and talking to the mourners as they came through.
When the receiving line finished and the service was about to begin, Scottie led her to the front pew, and they sat listening to the minister bring his message about Reilly’s life. The minsters words of encouragement for the days of head did not fall on deaf ears. Harley listened intently, silently vowing to take the words to heart and try to live by them during the darkest days.
