Read Online Terminal 9 by Patricia H. Rushford - Free Book Online Page B

I’m no homicide cop from the big city, but I don’t need to be told how to do my job.” Spalding opened his car door. “I told the D.A. that bringing you guys in would be nothing but trouble. I’m going to see the D.A. now and have a word with the city commissioners. We don’t need OSP involvement in an accidental death. These people are big-time employers and taxpayers for the city. They won’t like things being held up much longer, I can tell you that right now.”
    â€œI really don’t care about that. Right now, I’m working for Clay Mullins.” Mac managed to hold his anger in check, but just barely. “I’m pretty sure he and his family would want things done the right way. You go do what you have to do, Chief, while I salvage what’s left of this investigation.”
    Spalding muttered a string of obscenities as he put the car in gear and sped out of the terminal lot. The uniformed officer watching Clay’s house looked up as the car spewed gravel onto the metal tracks.
    â€œThat went well.” Dana slapped Mac on the back in a friendly gesture. “I’d say your political future in this town just went down the drain.”
    â€œLucky for me, I’m not planning to run for mayor.” Mac pursed his lips. “I better call Sarge and give him a heads-up. While I’m doing that, why don’t you make contact with the dispatch clerk and get a handle on where the engine is now.”
    â€œSure thing.” Dana strode across the gravel parking area to the building Mason had pointed out earlier.
    Mac called Sergeant Frank Evans at the Portland office, but not without some degree of anxiety. Detectives have found themselves back in a uniform assignment for less.
    â€œYeah, Mac,” Frank said when he finally answered.
    â€œJust wanted to let you know we’re getting some political flak over here.” Mac told him about the chief releasing the scene and his confrontation with him.
    â€œHe was obviously in the wrong. I wouldn’t worry too much about Spalding. One of our guys is a good buddy with the actual police chief over there. If need be, he can put in a call to Potter and soothe things over.”
    â€œGood. I appreciate your help, Sarge.”
    â€œYou got it. Just follow the investigation through. You got any feelings about it one way or the other?”
    â€œEvidence-wise, it’s too soon to tell; but instinctually, my antenna is up.”
    â€œOkay, Mac. Keep me posted.”
    Mac checked his voice mail while waiting on Dana. then called his neighbor to check on Lucy. She was doing fine, as usual, without him. Carl had her over at his house spoiling her with treats and a brushing. The other call was from Kristen, saying she’d already started the post. “I’ve ordered the medical records. Thanks for faxing over the subpoenas.” After a moment’s hesitation, she added, “You standing me up, Mac? We had a date, remember.”
    Not until noon. Mac smiled as he dialed her office. Kristen was otherwise occupied and couldn’t come to the phone. He left a message with the receptionist that they’d be there shortly.
    Dana was in the dispatch office for about fifteen minutes before coming back to the car. She got in and closed the door. “Did you get hold of Sarge?”
    â€œYep, he’s taking care of the politics. I think my career is safe for the time being. Checked my voice mail—looks like Kristen is getting the medical records from those subpoenas we faxed out. She’s beginning the post and wants to know why we aren’t there.”
    â€œDid you tell her we haven’t gotten around to cloning ourselves yet?”
    â€œNo, I said we’d be there soon. What took you so long?”
    â€œI got a few interesting tidbits from the dispatch clerk. He confirmed the train had been cleaned and was on its way to Spokane for maintenance, although I bet it’s