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Things have been too quiet lately. Not a word from David, no info from Andrew, and the Hales haven’t done shit. I know because I’ve been watching them for the past few days, or at least watching them as best I can while being on the clock.
“I’m gone for the night, kid.” Chief Sloan tips his hat as he exits the station.
About fucking time.
I only came in early to see if he was going to say anything. I know he went to see Charlie the other night. I followed him. But of course, the old geezer is as tight-lipped as ever when it comes to that girl.
When the door closes behind him, I give it a minute and watch him get into his car, then pull away before I walk to his desk. Flipping on the small light, I scan all of the papers scattered across the old wood. Nothing seems to stand out. Traffic write-ups, to-do lists, and even a few mug shots lie sporadically on the top, but nothing I can use.
I try to arrange all of the papers back to the same way I found them before I open the first draw and… bingo.
I’d know Charlie’s handwriting anywhere. The way her e’s curl slightly on the tail, or the way her t’s seem to lean to the side. It’s one of the first things I memorized about her. Sometimes I would pretend her dad’s lunch in the fridge labeled “love you” was mine. That she took the time from her day to make me something I’d love, and did it with care, because she loved me. I know it’s far from the truth, but love can be built just like anything else.
When Andrew finally finds some dirt to convict the twins, they’ll be thrown in jail, and then Sebastian will handle everything else from the inside. I know Charlie will need someone to lean on, someone to be strong for her, and I’ll be that person. Sure, my intention with all of this shit was never to get the girl, but it would be a crime if I didn’t. I want to help David first, but there is nothing wrong with taking a little something for myself—taking Charlie because god knows I’ve always wanted her.
I pick up the piece of paper and study the lines and letters. It almost seems too good to be true. A whole fucking map depicting a place they clearly keep their guns. It’s nothing more than a square drawn on the paper, but each little section is labeled. “Supply is sitting here behind filing cabinets.”
I fish my phone from my pocket with a smile on my face and dial Andrew’s number. When the line connects, I talk fast. “Come to the station. Meet me in the back this time. I have something you can use.” I end the call.
Poor guy is so eager to get his normal job back he’s willing to do anything for a big bust. Even if anything includes a few white lies or threats.
I flip the switch to the light off, stuff the paper into the pocket on my shirt, then walk back to the front of the station and wait by the doors. When he pulls up, I’ll see him slip behind the building.
Within minutes, I see his headlights splash against the pavement before they cut off and his engine is halted. As he steps out of the car, he glances to where I stand inside. His eyes don’t stay locked on me for long before he slinks behind the building. I give it a second, then step out the doors, go down the steps, and follow his path.
“You need to go see the Hales again,” I say, listening to the echo my shoes against the gravel sends out.
“And why is that?” He crosses his arms over his chest and grins.
I know he doesn’t think my plan will work. He was skeptical to even come down here, but he did because like I said—he wants a big bust. And what’s bigger than taking down an entire gun ring?
I pull the paper from my chest pocket and hand it to him. Slowly, with his skeptical eyes still on me, he unfolds it, then looks down. “What am I supposed to do with a drawing of a random room.” He turns the paper sideways. “Is it even a room?”
I snatch it from him. “This just goes to show they’re keeping their shit somewhere. Where? I don’t know. They haven’t led me to anywhere new when I’ve been watching them, and I’m sure they haven’t given you shit either or you wouldn’t be here right now.”
He licks his lips, letting out a deep breath. “So, what do you want me to do?”
“I want you to go talk to them again. I’m sure if you say the right thing to piss them off, Charlie especially, she’ll retort back with info. It may not be a huge break, but it will be something. That girl doesn’t like being made to feel stupid. Just piss her off and I’m sure her mouth will turn into a river.”
“A river?” He huffs.
“Just shut up and trust me. I’ve known her a long time.”
He holds up his hands. I’ll trust you this time, but if nothing comes of it, I’m resulting to doing things my way.” He brushes past me heading back to his car. “Oh, and Snyder?”
I turn over my shoulder. “What?”
“I don’t think the girl is very fond of you. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to give up. Find pussy somewhere else.” He rounds the corner of the building before I can reply.
Instantly my anger flares, but I tell myself to let it go. If Sloan knew I was working with something to bring Charlie and the Hales down, I have no doubt he’d try to retaliate, and as of now, Sloan’s death isn’t something I want on my hands.
When Andrew slips back into his car and turns on his lights, I flip him the bird. I can see the arrogant fuck smile from across the parking lot, but I shake it away. Soon enough, he’ll be answering to me. He’s a fool to think I’d let him leave after he does what I want. Nothing good ever comes from loose ends.
