Page 66 of Equalizer
“Someone on the Russo side was backing Humphries,” Calvin put in. “What’s to keep them from throwing money at someone to try again?”
“First and foremost, Maria Bianchi and her coven,” Arabella pointed out. “That is one scary powerful lady—not counting the magic. With the Russos at odds with the Lombardis and their witches defeated, they’re going to be busy defending their turf, let alone trying to raise the dead.”
“And the ambitious up-and-comer from the Russo side that put the alliance together and tried to take on the Contis was found dead in his sleep—presumed heart attack,” Louisa reported in a dry tone. “The boss on the Lombardi side that he was working with has vanished—no one seems to know whether he skipped town or took a deep dive into Lake Michigan.”
“My money is on the lake,” Owen said. “Tied to a cement block.”
“That will shake things up.” Calvin sat back in his chair. “It should reshuffle the balance of power and the pecking order withthe Mob families for a while. Keep them so busy watching their backs they won’t have time to play with dark magic.”
“We can hope,” Owen muttered. “As for the wealthy slaughterhouse owner, the society page said he and his family have gone on an extended European vacation and may consider selling their Chicago plant.”
“Do tell,” Calvin replied with a chuckle. He looked to Louisa. “More of your doing?”
She shook her head. “I thought about it, but he was gone before we got to him. Maybe he just saw what happened to Humphries and decided to get the hell out of town,” Louisa said. “Doesn’t look like he has the balls to try again. But if he does—Arabella and I will find him.”
Once breakfast was over, Arabella and Louisa took their leave, promising to keep them posted about any related developments.
Calvin yawned and stretched. Owen looked at him with concern. “How are you feeling?”
That morning, Calvin had awakened in a panic, glassy-eyed and terrified, fighting for his life against the sheets that had gotten tangled around him. He had nearly punched Owen in the face as Owen tried to restrain him to soothe his fears.
A word from Winston had put Calvin out like a drug, and with Winston’s help, Calvin shook off the nightmare before waking the second time. Calvin had been contrite and embarrassed, but Owen wasn’t surprised at the reaction, given what happened—and how bad it might have been.
“Do we have a new case yet?” Calvin asked. Owen guessed his partner wanted to prove he was fully recovered, although only two days had passed since the big fight.
Owen shook his head. “No. I told them we were due some time off. Winston is arranging to connect us to a train headed upto Elkhart Lake, a resort town where we should be able to catch our breath.”
“Honestly, I’m?—”
“Don’t say fine.” Owen glowered at Calvin. “You’re not fine. No one would befineafter what you went through, and frankly, we’re all worn out. A few days won’t make a difference. There will still be plenty of criminals left to catch.”
Calvin’s cheeks reddened. “I don’t want the brass to think I’m not fit for duty.”
Owen suspected that Calvin was embarrassed about his night terror and reached for his hand. “You damn near rescued yourself, got out of the ropes, and killed the mad doctor. I’ll fight anyone who says that isn’t good enough.”
Calvin’s grateful smile told Owen his partner read the resolution in Owen’s eyes. “Thank you. But it really was a team effort.”
Owen sighed. “Yes, for the big picture. But we came to Chicago to stop Humphries, and you did it. That counts for a lot. The rest of us mopped up the other pieces.”
By noon,the train attached to their Pullman steamed north toward Elkhart Lake. They arrived mid-afternoon, and Winston shooed them from the car so he could provision and set up for their stay.
The quaint, well-kept town seemed sleepy compared to Chicago’s constant bustle. Other than a couple of resort hotels and restaurants, the town catered to summer visitors who came for golf and boating.
Calvin and Owen walked side by side, admiring the cottages and remarking on the change of pace.
“Not bad for a vacation, but I’d go nuts if we were here for long,” Calvin said. “Besides, I’m terrible at golf.”
Owen laughed. “I think the quiet is part of the charm. People come to take the cure of fresh air away from the pressure of the city. Stare at the water. Go fishing. Read a book.”
“It sounds rather romantic when you put it that way.” Calvin bumped shoulders.
“It could be.” Owen had given Calvin space since his rescue for them both to deal with the situation and its aftermath. He hungered for Calvin’s touch, but they needed to keep their distance in public.
They found a bench near the lake and sat to watch the birds and boats. The air held a chill despite the sunny day and blue sky.
“Thank you.” Calvin nudged Owen’s knee with his own. “For suggesting this. For stopping me from rushing into the next case. For taking care of me. You knew what I needed better than I did.”
Owen smiled fondly. “Give Winston credit for finding the location. He was my co-conspirator.”
