“And at what exact moment he was being moved,” Cal said.
“Including the fact we didn’t use the rear door we typically use for prisoner transfers,” Wyatt added. “They were able to shoot through the front lobby windows from a location across the street or on a rooftop. We haven’t pinned down the shooter’s location yet, but his accuracy leads us to believe he could have been a professional marksman or at least had accurate weaponry.”
The muscles in Ted’s jaw flexed. After a beat, he asked, “What about Officer Rutledge? Do you have an update on his condition?”
“Holding his own for now, but still serious.”
Ted’s mouth was pinched and his jaw rigid, a testament to the usually affable mayor’s consternation. He said nothing for several seconds, but then grumbled, “Anything else?”
Wyatt and Cal exchanged a glance.
“Ted,” Cal said, his tone low and grave. “A child was injured as well. A cut from flying debris. He went to the hospital as well, in shock, and was kept overnight.”
Ted’s expression darkened. “Why in the world was a child at the police station at that hour?”
“He was being moved to a foster home,” Cal said, then took a beat before adding, “Matti was with him.”
Ted’s expression shifted, awash with distress. He slumped back in his chair and swallowed hard, then asked hoarsely, “Was Matti hurt?”
Cal shook his head. “But she was deeply shaken, quite upset when she saw the boy’s injury.”
Ted gave a jerky nod. “Of course. She would be. She’s—” He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed before glancing up again. “What else can you tell me?”
“Not much,” Wyatt said. “The investigation is only a few hours old, after all, but I will, of course, keep you apprised of developments.”
Pulling a face of pure disgust with the situation, Ted pushed to his feet and adjusted his waistband.
Taking the unspoken cue that their meeting was over, Cal and Wyatt rose as well.
“Ted—” Wyatt began.
“I have another appointment to get to now,” Ted said, walking to his office door.
The brothers followed, but before Cal could leave, Ted growled, “First a man is murdered at a prime tourist location, nowthis. Voters remember mistakes and incompetence. It’s inallof our best interests that you get your departments cleaned up and fast. I need results, not excuses.”
With that, Ted opened the office door and stepped back.
Cal marched out, his teeth clenched, and didn’t say anything until they reached the front sidewalk. “Well, that was fun.”
Wyatt’s hands were fisted, and he shook his head. “A man is dead, two more people injured, another murder unsolved and his complaint is that it looks bad for his reelection?”
“He’s a politician. Of course he’s thinking about that,” Cal said, trying to be the voice of reason. “But it’s not his only concern. He asked about the injured cop. He was visibly shaken when we told him about Sam and Matti.”
Wyatt grunted. “I guess.”
Cal drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Look, we’re all tense. We’re all tired. We’re all frustrated. Let’s cut him some slack and get back to work. The best thing we can do now for everyone concerned is find the shooter, solve John Harper’s murder and plug the leak in the drug task force.”
Wyatt arched an eyebrow and scoffed. “Oh, is that all? No problem.”
Cal flashed his brother a wry grin. “That’s all. Easy peasy.”Right. If only.
Chapter 31
Cal found Jules at Cup of Joe, an iced coffee in one hand and her phone to her ear with the other. She was smiling, and he took a moment just to study the glow on her face and the new sparkle in her eyes. And the fact that when she glanced up and spotted him, the smile didn’t morph into a scowl like it had so often when they’d first met.
He took a seat next to her and waited while she finished her phone call. “Okay. Well, Cal’s here now, so I’m gonna run, and we’ll see you in a little while. Love you, too.”
He tipped his head and gave her a playful frown. “Love you, too? You got another man on the side, Bailey?”
