Page 66 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
Under the desk drawer was a button. It led directly to the police office. He hesitated to push it in case his suspicions were groundless.
“Can I help you, gentlemen?” He didn’t stand. After all, they hadn’t knocked. So, the politeness he’d normally have shown a guest didn’t count.
“We gotta have a talk. In case you’re wondering why the police haven’t found any clue about Matt Lotborn, you need to know we got to him first. Now, it’s your turn to help our boss get the deal Lotborn promised him.”
Jack’s ire rose. He still didn’t push the button. After all, there were just two of them, and he could normally talk his way out of most problems. “Look, I have no concern for Lotborn or his future problems. All I care about is the disgusting mess he left this city in.”
The skinnier of the two approached his desk and leaned over so Jack could see him clearly and smell the disgusting breath of a chain-smoker. His expression boded trouble and the bad vibes rang in his head so they couldn’t be ignored. “You’re going to do exactly as we tell you.” Before Jack could reach below the desk, a punch slammed into his face and sent him flying backwards against the wall, his chair sliding past him.
He gained his feet quick as anyone can after having been shocked by extreme pain and the awareness of danger. Before he could defend himself properly, another punch landed.
While falling, he grabbed at the heavy crystal vase sitting on a small table and using all his strength, he angled his body in order to aim it at the head of the man bending toward him.
Intentions to do harm etched in his mugger’s mean expression; Jack felt no pity when he saw the damage done by the heavy weapon. Stunned senseless, his opponent dropped to his knees. Jack had only a few seconds to get to his feet and finish him off before the other assailant would reach him.
Though stunned, his attacker wasn’t finished. Scrambling away from Jack’s second swing, he kicked out at Jack’s knee, which brought him down. In his peripheral vision, he saw the second fellow fall over, seemingly he stumbled, but that had to be insane. These types didn’t trip.
Thinking fast, he knew he couldn’t hold both off if they teamed up. He struggled against the man coming up behind him by surging to his feet. Using the momentum, he elbowed his ugly mug. Then seizing the guy’s flailing arm, he bent and flipped the schmuck over his back, sending him flying. Right into a table fullof heavy books that couldn’t sustain his weight too. The table shattered, and the contents landed on his head.
Still concerned that he’d be pounced on at any moment, he turned quickly. Prepared for the other’s attack, he watched the slime ball fall on his face yet again. Only this time, his head hit the side of an end table on his way down and his eyes rolled back. The threat had been eliminated.
Laughter rumbled. Clutching his knees, he gave into it. Roaring, he struggled to speak. “Man, Lucas, you’ve probably scarred the jerk for life. Imagine fighting with a ghost.”
Lucas appeared, standing over his opponent, wearing a huge grin. “It’s not our tenet to fight, Jack. But if we should be in the way, and a person stumbles over us, what can I say? It happens.”
Reaction from danger triggered an increase of blood flow, where he still felt the adrenalin surging. Add in the humor of the situation, he sat back on the floor and let it rip. Finally, he could speak. “I’m so happy you’re in my life, Lucas. Don’t ever leave me, my friend.”
“You won’t remember anything when I’m gone, Jack. Trust me. Just always know you’re never alone. By the way, I pushed the button and the police will be here in a few seconds. Be happy, Jack. I love you, man.”
Before Jack could voice his dismay, the door burst open and two officers crowded into the room. One stood exactly where Lucas had stood earlier. He was gone…
And Jack mourned for a few seconds before that too disappeared.
Chapter Forty-seven
Chief Driver visited Jack the next afternoon with an update. “Hi there, Mayor. I’ve got some good news for you. One of your unwelcome visitors last night was facing a jail sentence for a third felony charge, and he blabbered like a granny high on marijuana. Gave up the names of his bosses – the men who wanted to intimidate you to take up where Lotborn left off.”
“That’s good news, Chief.”
“Uh huh! You look like a man who took a few punches last night, but you won’t have to worry about getting broadsided again.”
“Can’t say I’m sorry to hear it.” Jack touched the abrasion on his cheek that Mia had fussed over the night before.
“You must have some crazy skills, man. Taking on those two; both goons who’ve been around the block and back I’d wager.”
“Guess my military training kicked in.” Jack grinned, but he’d secretly wondered how he’d managed to do that very thing. Oneof the punches he took must have rattled his memory because it was all a blur.
“I’m glad we installed the button. Once we knew the crew Lotborn hung around with, it seemed like a sensible decision.”
“Turns out, you were right. You said one of the guys gave up his boss?”
“Yep. Seems we’re looking at a few other crimes for this bigshot. Do you know Larry Notting? He’s one of the bosses facing jail time. He ordered the hit on Lotborn. By the way, we’re still searching for his body.”
“I told you what the skinny attacker said about that.”
“Yep. He’s ratting on his sidekick. He’s lawyered up and making deals. We’ll find the body eventually.”
“Wasn’t there more than one involved with Lotborn? I got the feeling there were at least two players if not more involved.”
