They would if Lucky had anything to say in the matter.
***
Two hours later found Lucky back in the Boss’s office, minus Bo. Essence of Old Spice perfumed the air, Walter’s signature scent. Instead of the frou-frou, whipped cream-laden coffee drinks his boss used to prefer, a thirty-ounce tumbler of water sat at Walter’s elbow. Probably his wife’s idea.
“You wanted to see me?”
Walter indicated Lucky’s preferred chair with a wave of a meaty hand. “Sit down, Lucky.”
Oh, crap. Experience said he’d hate what came next. “What’s up?”
“Our request to tour the warehouse was denied, and calls to the courthouse ended with a curt message that the warehouse was abandoned and condemned, and I’d be putting my agents in danger if they entered the building.”
“What the fuck?”
“I was told in no uncertain terms to back off and allow Atlanta PD to handle the situation.” If Lucky was a mouse, and Walter a hawk, he’d freeze under the boss’s intense glare.
“While I’d never put one of my agents in danger, I have friends in the Atlanta police.”
Of course, Walter did. He had friends everywhere. And he wasn’t afraid to call in favors, when necessary. “And?”
“And, they’ve not been contacted about any goings-on at a warehouse in that area.” Walter leaned back in his chair, resting his hands on his smaller-than-last-year belly. “Unfortunately, since my tip off, we’re being watched, and I don’t dare call in the power company. Yet. Do what you do. You must make sure no one sees you, and for God’s sake, take Loretta. Someone at City Hall knows something. That means whatever is happening at the warehouse might have deep roots.”
Do what you do.“Bo’s not here, so I take it you don’t want him to know about this.”
“True. When he assumes my role, you’ll have to move completely out from under his jurisdiction. Until that time, I’ll depend on you to do what’s necessary.” Walter steepled his fingers—a familiar gesture. “Don’t misunderstand. I respect his integrity and fairness to the team; however, your personal relationship might cloud his judgement. In time, he’ll learn greater impartiality, but for now, I’m still in charge. It will be easier for you both this way. I say again, do what you do.”
“I will.”
“But not tonight. You’re dead on your feet. Get some rest. You’ll need it.”
“I don’t need—”
Walter pinned Lucky with a no-nonsense gaze over the top of his bifocals—a gaze known to make hardened criminals spill their darkest secrets. “That’s an order. I won’t have you out on the streets not at your best. Take your time. Prepare your case.”
No point in arguing once the boss spoke. “Yessir.”
“And I don’t want you going alone. I mean it. Take Loretta with you.”
“As if she’d let me go alone,” Lucky muttered under his breath. To Walter, he said, “When I go in, I’m kicking ass and taking names.”
The edges of Walter’s mouth lifted. “I know you will. And Lucky?”
“Yessir?”
“Be careful.”
“Ain’t I always?” Lucky flashed a grin.
Walter didn’t answer with words. His scowl spoke louder than a scream.
CHAPTER NINE
Staying home tonight. Bad idea, with a warehouse on the outskirts of Atlanta calling Lucky to explore. Back and forth he paced through the house. He’d even fixed the leaky faucet in the guest bathroom.
Charlotte ignored him, laptop on her lap while she studied for an upcoming test for her online classes. Bo called, saying he’d be late. Moose lay on the floor by Charlotte’s side. Occasionally she reached down and idly scratched an ear.
“Moose. Wanna go for a walk?” Maybe running might work off some nervous energy.
