Page 22 of Dead O’Clock

The rest of the ride across town passed in silence with Ronan appearing deep in thought. When they reached the public defender’s offices, Ten watched as Ronan parked the SUV and stared out at the Friendship, which was moored across the street. He could see carefree people touring the ship, enjoying the sunshine and their vacation. “Are you okay?” Ten asked.

Ronan snapped out of his head. “I’m fine.” He opened the door and got out.

“Hey, hold on,” Jude said, catching up with Ronan. “We’re partners, remember?”

“I know, Jude. I just want to get this over with so I can start to figure out how to protect myself and my family from what’s coming next.”

“I understand that.” Jude set his hands on Ronan’s arms, as if to hold him in place. “If you walk in there with this attitude, all you’re going to do is piss this guy off. We need Miller’s help to save his life and possibly yours.”

“Mine?” Fear filled Ronan’s eyes.

“Yeah, this guy could give us the piece of evidence that leads to the killer. The name of the game is getting to him before he can get to you. I need you to take your head out of your ass and be the driven partner you’ve been for the last nine years. I promise I’m not going to let anything happen to you or the kids, but that’s not our top concern at the moment.”

Ronan sighed. “You’re right. Lead the way. Miller’s yours. I’ll back you up. Same goes for Ten.” He turned to his husband, who was two steps behind. “If you get anything from your gift, don’t hold it back. This is literally a case of life or death.”

Ten nodded. He knew exactly what was at stake.

Walking into the building, Ronan used the directory to locate the public defender’s office. A receptionist smiled as they approached.

“Good morning. Can I help you?” The woman’s nameplate read Sarah.

“We’re here to see Michael Miller.” Ronan’s voice shook as he spoke.

“Mr. Miller has no appointments on his schedule this morning.”

Ronan held up his badge. Jude had his out as well. “Detectives O’Mara, Byrne, and Grimm.”

“The gambling finally caught up with him, huh?” Sarah shook her head. “We’ve all tried to help him, but, you know how it goes.”

“I do indeed. Where can we find him?”

Thankfully, Ronan had seen no need to tell Sarah their visit wasn’t about Miller’s gambling problem. The last thing Ten needed was for this woman to call or text Miller to tell him cops were on their way to see him.

Sarah pointed down the hall. “Fifth door on the left. He won’t be happy to see you.”

“We get that a lot,” Jude winked at the receptionist. “Has the mail come in yet?”

“About half an hour ago. I’m sorting it now. Why?”

“I know this is a big ask, but can you look for an envelope addressed to Michael Miller. It would look like a birthday card, with the address written in a fancy script. Try to only touch the edges.” Jude grinned at the woman, who was obviously taken with him.

“Sure.” Sarah started flipping through the letters on her desk. “Is this it?”

“Bingo.” Jude reached into his back pocket and pulled out gloves. “Do you mind if I take that to Mr. Miller?”

“All yours.”

Jude leaned over the desk and took the envelope. “Thank you.”

“Maybe that will help convince Miller what we tell him is real.” Ten held back and watched Jude lead the way. His partner had been right when he said Ronan needed to get with the program. His husband was bogged down with his own problems, when the man they were about to visit was going to die at midnight unless they could do something to stop the killer.

Jude rapped on the open office door. “Michael Miller?”

“Yeah, who’s asking?” Miller asked, his Boston accent in full effect.

Jude ushered Ronan and Ten into the office and shut the door behind him. “Salem Police. We need to speak to you about an ongoing case.”

Everly had been right on the money when she’d described Miller’s office. Identical looking lawbooks lined the shelf behind the desk, which was piled with dozens of legal files. From where Ten stood, he could see the Friendship out the window. It was as if his daughter had been standing in this exact spot.