AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Lyle led us down the hallway to an examination room. He said, “Dr. Pilar will be in shortly.” Lyle looked at me and said, “Today, Dr. Pilar will be performing a sonohysterogram. It’s basically an ultrasound used to evaluate the uterus.” He kept looking at me like he was expecting a response.
I nodded and felt Mary Catherine’s grip on my hand tighten even as she kept a smile on her face. I resisted the urge to ask her if she was sure this was what she wanted to do. Mary Catherine had struggled with the decision for months. She had done her research and I respected her decision. But when I looked over at Mary Catherine, I felt like a coward compared to her. I took a deep breath, turned, and kissed my wife on the lips. It was about the only thing I could think to do.
Chapter65
AFTER THE VISITto the clinic and a coffee with Mary Catherine, I set about the rest of my workday. One of the things I managed to accomplish was to send Sergeant Kathy Figler, my friend in juvenile crimes, a copy of the security video that showed the bullies’ faces.
The sergeant said, “We’re doing what we can, Mike. But with the violent crime rate moving up so quickly, the mayor’s office is panicked. They got us out all over the city trying to figure out how to stem the violence.”
“I completely understand, Kathy. And I appreciate your compassion. Every cop I know is overprotective of their children. I guess it’s just because of what we see every day.”
“Don’t sweat it, Mike. You’re doing everything right. We’ll work it out eventually.”
It was with that vague, optimistic statement in my head that I settled down to a spectacular-looking dinner of enchiladas. Eddie and Mary Catherine had worked together to make an unusual and healthy version of the Mexican dish.
Even Seamus had made it to dinner tonight. We said a prayer, thanking God for all our many blessings. My grandfather added, “And let the youth of this city find love and compassion for one another.”
Jane quietly added, “And stop beating up my brothers.”
That smart remark earned a few snickers from her end of the table. It also garnered a glare from Seamus.
Then everyone dug in. Chrissy blurted out, “These don’t taste like the enchiladas from Taco Heaven.”
I was gratified to see Juliana step in and say, “That’s because they’re much better than anything Taco Heaven ever thought about making.” She looked at the beaming Eddie, then at Mary Catherine, and said, “You guys work so well together, you should open your own restaurant.”
I sat back and listened to the chatter. No one brought up any problems. No politics. Some sports talk among the boys. Brian told us about maintaining the air conditioners at a renovated office building in Midtown. I was pleased to see how enthusiastic he was about his job.
I decided I’d even have a glass of the Pinot Noir my grandfather had opened. Then my phone rang from the kitchen counter, where it sat charging. I glanced up sheepishly as every head at the table turned toward me. Mary Catherine looked sad that I had to answer the phone. My grandfather looked at me like I was breaking every possible social rule.
I was already angry at whoever was calling me now. It was like being awakened from a very pleasant dream. But any investigator will tell you that part of their job is being tied to their phone. At least a good investigator. Unless I am officially on vacation, and even then, probably out of the country, I always try to answer my phone. Or at the very least see who is calling.
I quickly excused myself and hustled over to check the name on the screen. Ronald Higdon. This time I would not add the Esquire.Great.I hesitated as it hit its fifth ring, highlighting the piano solo from “Layla.”
Then guilt overtook me and I snatched up the phone. I said in a clipped, low tone, “What do you need, Ronald?”
“Bennett!” Ronald shouted into the phone.
I could hear loud banging on the line. I said, “What’s that noise? Ronald, what’s going on?”
“I didn’t mean to cash it in so quick, but I need that favor you promised me.”
“Why? What’s happening?” Now I felt likeIwas shouting into the phone. Some of the kids turned and looked into the kitchen from the dining room table. I gave them a wave like everything was okay.
Ronald Higdon, Esquire, came back on the phone. “I need you to come to the shop. Two of the turds from Brooklyn are back. I don’t think they realize I’m inside. They’re trying to figure out how to break in. I have a padlock on the outside rear door. Just something extra. It’s stopped them for now.”
I could hear the panic in his voice. That was unusual for Ronald. He was the kind of guy who took advantage of panic, not one who displayed it.
Then he yelled in the phone, “Are you coming over to help or not?”
Chapter66
AS SOON ASI hung up with Ronald Higdon, Esquire, I left my apartment and drove uptown much faster than I should have. It would’ve made more sense to hand this off to a patrol officer, who could be there in two minutes instead of my ten-minute ride. But Ronald was right: I’d made a promise that if he asked a favor, I’d deliver. In the big scheme of things, this wasn’t that tough of a favor.
Except for the fact that I was leaving my family. By the time I got back, the kitchen would be clean and there wouldn’t be an enchilada left. I don’t care how much food was made at any meal, with four adolescent boys, there was never anything left. Chrissy even had said she was worried she wouldn’t grow to her proper height because the boys never left enough food for her to eat. It wasn’t true, but I appreciated her sense of drama.
My tires squealed as I took the corner in Harlem and came to a stop directly in front of Higdon’s Pawn and Jewelry. The place was dark. I started to worry that I was too late. I had a vision of Ronald sprawled on the floor with his head cracked open.
I called him.
