chapter eleven
It was nine-thirty in the morning when Jack and Laura walked into the coffee shop and took a seat. Jack ordered a coffee, black. Laura ordered tea.
“So tell me,” said Jack. “What’s it like, you being a narc while being married to someone in Internal?”
“Elvis is on the Anti-Corruption Unit.”
“Right. ACU ... the serious stuff members are investigated for. IA’s big brother.”
“You got it.”
“Do you walk around the house constantly checking to see if he is watching you? Come on, a narc and ACU ... that’s like trying to mix oil and vinegar.”
Laura chuckled and said, “Actually, that makes a good salad dressing. I think the expression is oil and water.” Laura took a sip of tea and said, “You’re right, our marriage is a little like an oxymoron. I’m not sure about ACU, but I’m sure half of the files IA has come from Drug Section.”
“Pretty wild bunch sometimes. Work hard, play harder.”
“You ought to know. As I recall, you were one of the wildest when you were on the section. I was a little freaked out the first time I met you.”
“Come on, I wasn’t that wild.”
“You were! Tell me, are you still drinking tequila?”
“No,” replied Jack. “Decided it was too hard on my stomach. I’ve switched to olive soup.”
“Olive soup?” Laura paused, then smiled and said, “More commonly known as martinis.”
Jack nodded.
“Sounds like that new wife of yours has brought a little culture into your life.”
Jack smiled but didn’t reply.
“You’re right about Drugs,” said Laura. “It hasn’t changed much. Sometimes I think IA is needed to tone things down a bit. Unfortunately, ACU is also needed on occasion.”
“Hope you know I was just kidding about Elvis. Believe me, I know they’re needed. I gave Elvis a little work just the other day.”
Jack saw Laura look at him sharply and quickly added, “Not me! I mean I gave him a good target. Someone leaking information to a biker lawyer.”
“Leitch?”
“That’s the one. I hope Elvis nails him.” “If someone is dirty, Elvis will get him. He’s good at what he does.”
“Your husband seems like a good guy ... just don’t tell anyone I said that. Ruin my rep.”
Laura snickered and then said, “He’s a great guy.” She stirred her tea and said, “I have to admit that the work has affected our relationship a little. We always used to talk and made a rule not to go to bed with any unresolved issues. Now, with the differences in our work, minor stunts that some of the narcs pull, we try not to discuss our jobs. I like to think I’m a good operator, but I can’t fool Elvis. He’s pretty observant. He picks up on things. Seems to know whether I’m upset with work or with life.”
“With life?”
“I was upset the other night and tried to hide it. Know that old expression ‘a penny for your thoughts’?”
Jack nodded.
“We use it sometimes. When I went to go to bed the other night I found a penny on my pillow. Elvis just looked at me ... then I lost it and cried. I hadn’t wanted to talk about it, but it was good that I did. I was upset that I had started my period. It was late and this time I thought I was pregnant for sure. He just held me and we talked. Think we’ll go the adoption route.”
Laura stared into the bottom of her teacup and added, “I really love the guy.” She was quiet for a moment before asking, “So how’s it been going with you? Your face looks a little gaunt. Actually you look awful. Everything okay at home?”
“Natasha and I are getting along great. I love her so much. Still feel like we’re on our honeymoon ... even better. More relaxing than the honeymoon was.”
“The job, then?”
Jack nodded. “It bothers me that a family was destroyed because some psycho thought it was me. They were a great family. Now Holly’s on her own, barely scraping by and trying to raise a four-year-old. Both of them are suffering from post-traumatic stress. Meanwhile, her other baby is in intensive care and will end up in a wheelchair when he’s big enough to handle one.”
Laura’s face showed her sorrow. “Jack, I don’t know what to say to —”
“Hang on, here he comes,” said Jack.
Laura took a deep breath and assumed her new role. “He does have an attitude, doesn’t he?” she whispered, as Spider swaggered over.
Jack smiled and gestured for Spider to sit down.
“So this is him!” said Laura sarcastically. “Doesn’t look like you described!”
Spider looked a little taken aback, but before he could respond, Laura said, “So you two have known each other for over ten years, is that right?”
Jack quickly interjected, “He’s okay, sweetie. Honest, we go way back!”
“Really? Tell you what, babe, I’ll talk to him alone for a few minutes. Go sit on the other side for a bit.”
Jack hesitated, and then Spider leaned over and whispered in Jack’s ear, “It’s okay, man. It’ll be better this way.”
“You sure?” asked Jack.
“Yeah, I can handle her. I trust my instincts.”
Jack took his coffee and moved to another table. He watched as Spider talked earnestly with Laura. Less than two minutes later, Spider reached into his pocket and handed Laura a gold chain and heart-shaped pendant.
Laura motioned with her finger for Spider to lean forward so she could whisper something to him. When he did, she grabbed him by the hair and smashed his face into the table while sticking the barrel of her 9mm in his ear.
Jack was on his feet, as were Connie and three of her colleagues who had been sitting at a couple of other tables.
They need not have rushed. Spider was too shocked to move. He would never trust his instincts again.
Late that afternoon, back at the office, Connie called Jack to thank him.
“The dumb shit gave Laura the pendant he stole. Told her it was a birthday present for her. Tried to file off the numbers on the back but the lab will pull them up. He’s confessing to everything he’s done, hoping to get concurrent time.”
“That’s
