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CHAPTER17
It was late afternoon when Danni awoke. The dog was doing much better. He was able to hobble around on the cast for a jaunt outside to relieve himself, and she even got a tail wag and a couple of kisses. But she soon realized she had nothing to feed her new friend. Or herself, for that matter. The cupboard was bare since she’d been gone for over a week. She showered and took the dog with her to the store.
As she drove through town, she was surprised to see so many businesses damaged. Most notable, the office of the small local online newspaper, the LaRosa Post. The place was nearly a complete loss.
Really more a neighborhood newsletter than a paper, Danni liked the Post. While the Tribune had always been the most widely circulated paper for LaRosa, the Post had a strong fan base. The publisher, Joel Marris, always had his finger on what people thought was important concerning local events. Unfortunately, Marris operated on a shoestring budget and his paper did not have the reach of the Tribune. He was pro-police, but sadly, the Post was never taken as seriously as the Tribune.
Danni saw Joel out front and pulled over to speak to him.
“Joel,” she said as she got out of the car.
He jerked around, startled, before he recognized her. “Danni Grace. How are you doing? You were the first casualty of the new normal.”
They shook hands.
“I’m okay. I visited my mom, just got back. When did this happen?”
He turned back toward the burned-out shell of his office. “Right after Johnston was shot. I’ve been urging the police to stop pampering the rioters. I’ve also postulated that Ira Hoffman is responsible for all the unrest. Guess this was payback.”
“Ira Hoffman? Can it be proven?”
He threw his hands up. “I wish it could. Maybe I shot from the hip. But the man is as slippery as an eel.”
Danni frowned, not sure what to say. Why would Hoffman want to push unrest? She turned the subject back to Joel.
“You were insured, weren’t you?”
Marris gave a grunt. “Won’t do me any good. Looks like Hoffman will get what he wants. He’ll demolish the PD. LaRosa will be ruined.”
His phone rang. Danni said her goodbyes and got back in her car. She knew the Tribune editorial page was all for disbanding the PD. The city council had always been against it. What changed?
Danni liked Marris. He was a kind soul. Was he right about the PD? Well, it’s a good thing I’m quitting, she thought to herself, not sure why acknowledging it didn’t bring her any comfort.
She continued on to the market. Some businesses were undergoing repair. Others were boarded up. She’d spent more than a week away in avoidance mode and now had regrets. All of this wouldn’t have been such a shock if she’d been paying attention.
Sadness, anger, and a tiny bit of fear about why the people in charge would allow such a thing wove through Danni. There was also consternation. Her city had always been safe, free from this kind of strife. Why had it been allowed to go so far? The neighborhood store nearest her home was open, but several windows there were still boarded up. A crew was in the process of repairing at least one of them.
She cracked the window for the dog, grabbed her purse, and headed for the entrance. She noticed three black-clad teens hanging out in front of the store. Years of training had drummed into Danni’s mind to always be aware of her surroundings. It was habit by now. The youngsters were watching her while pretending to not be watching her. All in all she had a feeling they were up to no good. They said nothing to her as she entered the store.
Danni found a cart and made her way through the aisles, making selections quickly. She had a lot to buy but stuck with essentials, along with items for the dog: a bowl, a leash, and plenty of food. She couldn’t avoid noticing how quiet the store was. And how subdued all the employees were. It was a neighborhood store, usually open and very friendly. She paid for her purchases, keying in on the anxiety in the clerk’s face.
“How’s your day going?” Danni asked with a smile.
The clerk simply gave a slight nod of her head. “Okay.” She handed Danni her receipt.
“I hope things get better.”
She pushed her cart out of the store, only to be shocked to see the three young men who had been hanging out in front of the store circling her car and teasing her dog. Champ was barking hysterically.
Furious, Danni hurried toward the car. “Hey! Knock it off.”
The group turned toward her and snickered. “What’re you going to do to stop us?” one of them wearing a black beanie said.
“Call the police.”
They laughed outright. “Cops won’t do a thing, cutie. We rule the day.” Beanie sauntered toward her, looking her up and down, leering suggestively. Danni sized him up quickly. He was taller than she was by a couple of inches but thin. He didn’t move like an athlete, more like a teen who’d had a growth spurt and hadn’t yet mastered his rapidly changing body. He tried hard to be smooth. His face was soft and young-looking—she doubted he even shaved. Yet he was obviously the leader of this group, so Danni knew he deserved her attention.
“Then how about I start by arresting you myself?” Her hands were in her purse, which sat in the front section of the cart. Habit had Danni carrying her PDID, an off-duty weapon, and a pair of handcuffs everywhere with her. This situation didn’t require a handgun, but the other items might come in handy.
