Read Online Devil's Playground by D. P. Lyle - Free Book Online Page A

self-importance an ounce.
    Charlie ignored Lanny and looked at Vince. “Go ahead. Ralph’s expecting them over at the hospital.”
    Vince and his son headed toward the jail area.
    “What happened?” Lanny asked.
    “Looks like a murder-suicide,” Charlie said.
    “Wasn’t anybody here last night? Guarding them?”
    “You know we haven’t had anybody here in months,” Charlie said. “We don’t have the manpower.”
    “And if the family sues the city?”
    “They won’t. They’re good people. They’d sue the county anyway.”
    “Even though this building’s leased to the county, it’s on city property,” Lanny said, his brow furrowed with his usual false concern. “I’d better let the council know.”
    “I’m sure you will,” Charlie said.
    “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “That you’re conscientious about your job and of course you must inform the other council members about your concerns.”
    Lanny glared at him. “We need to devise a plan so this won’t happen again. We’ll get back to you with our recommendations. ”
    “I look forward to your help, Lanny.”
    Lanny turned and stormed out of the office.
    “Great,” Sam said. “That’s all we need.”
    “He’ll huff and puff, but there ain’t much he can do,” Charlie said.
    “Have you talked with the Rodriguez family yet?”
    Charlie shook his head. “I called, but Lupe had gone to take the grand kids to school.”
    “Why don’t I drop by and see her. I know her pretty well.”
    “Sure," Charlie said. "Then, I’ll buy breakfast.”
    “I had something at home, but I’ll meet you at Millie’s for some coffee.”
    *
    After Charlie left, Sam walked to the back door and watched as Vince Gorman and his son loaded Carlos Rodriguez’ sheet-covered body into the back of the black hearse where Juan’s body already lay. The lump in her chest expanded, causing her to swallow several times. She sensed moisture welling in her eyes again. The hearse pulled away, leaving a healthy trail of blue smoke in its wake. She sniffed back tears and closed the door.
    Returning to her desk, she called the Rodriguez’ house to see if Lupe had returned. She spoke with Maria, her youngest daughter, Juan and Carlos’ baby sister.
    “Mom took the kids to school,” Maria said. “Except for Little Carlos. He has a cold.”
    “When will she be back?”
    “She had a few errands to run so I’m not sure.”
    “I see.”
    “Sheriff Walker called earlier. Is something wrong? Does this have anything to do with my brothers fighting last night?”
    Sam debated whether to tell Maria about Juan and Carlos, but decided this news must be delivered in person. “Why don’t I come by and we can talk about it then?”
    “There is something wrong, isn’t there? Judge Westbrooke is going to lock them up like he said, isn’t he?”
    “No, he’s not. Look, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
    Sam hung up, grabbed her jacket, and started out her office door, colliding with Thelma.
    “Oh!” Thelma wobbled and reached for the doorjamb to steady herself.
    “I’m sorry,” Sam said, grabbing Thelma’s arm, stabilizing her.
    Regaining her balance, Thelma said, “I should’ve been watching where I was going.” Sam released her arm. “Lupe Rodriguez is here.”
    Sam peeled off her jacket and tossed it in the corner while Thelma escorted Lupe into the office. She was a short round woman, who possessed a perpetual and infectious smile. She wore a loose turquoise cotton dress beneath a worn dark gray sweater. An over-stuffed tan leather bag hung from her arm.
    “Sam,” Lupe began. “I’m sorry my boys acted up again. Sheriff Walker called last night when he locked them up and told me what they’d done. I guess they’ll never grow up. They’re too big to whip. I don’t know what I’m going to do with them.”
    “Please,” Sam said. “Sit here.” She motioned to the chair facing her desk. Lupe plopped down in it with a sigh, obviously pleased to