Killing the Blues - Michael Brandman [53]
“I try to know it, Lisa.”
“And sometimes you don’t?”
“Nobody’s perfect,” Jesse said.
They walked in silence for a while.
Rollo Nurse stepped cautiously from his sanctuary in the woods. It was late afternoon, and he was restless. He was anxious to finish the job.
He could see it all in his mind. He could visualize everything the voices had instructed. He hadn’t experienced such clear-headedness in ages. He felt strong. Like the old Rollo. Things were going his way.
But it was too early, he determined. Darkness was still some time away. The last thing he wanted was to be seen in daylight. His picture was everywhere. People would recognize him.
He slipped back into the glade. He would wait. He had come this far.
On his way back to the station, Jesse stopped off at Hathaway’s Previously Owned Quality Vehicles. He knocked on Hasty’s door, which was open.
“It’s open,” he said.
Jesse went inside.
“You’re too late, Officer,” Hasty said. “I’m already lawyered up.”
“Are you feeling civic-minded, Hasty,” Jesse said, as he sat down.
“I’m always feeling civic-minded,” Hasty said.
“Are you a forgiving person,” Jesse said.
“Cut the crap, Jesse. What do you want?”
“I want you to give someone a job.”
“Who? What kind of job?”
“A former mobster.”
“You want me to give a job to a former mobster? What are you, crazy?”
“You’re a former mobster,” Jesse said.
“I am not. At least not technically. Assisting a mobster and actually being one are two different things,” Hasty said.
“Nitpicking,” Jesse said.
“Who is this former mobster?”
“One of John Lombardo’s chop-shop mechanics.”
“A mechanic?”
“A very good mechanic.”
“Why do you want me to hire this mechanic?”
“Because I believe he’s seeking legitimacy,” Jesse said.
“Why?”
“So he can feel good about his life.”
At first Hasty didn’t say anything.
“That’s why you want me to hire him,” he said.
“Also because, as an ex-convict, you can be a role model for him.”
“I’m not a good role model for anyone,” Hasty said.
“Don’t be so sure, Hasty. You’ve done a very impressive job of resurrecting your life and your career.”
“My wife still won’t talk to me.”
“Ex-wife, Hasty. You need to get past that. Redemption, remember?”
“I know. I know,” Hasty said. “Maybe I could use a good mechanic.”
“Will you talk to him?”
“What’s his name?”
“Robert Lopresti. Can I have him call you?”
“Okay. All right.”
“Thank you, Hasty.” Jesse stood up. “And thank you for what you did on the board.”
“No thanks necessary.”
“But tendered just the same.”
57
Jesse rode around town for a while. He wrote a few parking tickets. He took a moment to catch his breath.
He was certain that the Rollo Nurse scenario was heading toward the finish line. Although he had managed to elude capture so far, Rollo had been flushed from his hideout and was essentially on the run. People were looking for him. He wouldn’t go unnoticed much longer.
Jesse was certain that he was the final target. Even though there was now twenty-four-hour surveillance on his house, he wasn’t taking Rollo for granted. He knew he was vulnerable.
He was satisfied that the car theft adventure was finished and had cost a dangerous criminal his life. He still remembered the look in Nancy Lytell’s eyes. He took some small measure of satisfaction at having avenged her husband’s killing.
Assistant DA Marty Reagan was about to indict Mr. Tauber, who would be facing some serious jail time. Jesse was certain that further investigation would reveal other incidents of abuse. He fully expected more youngsters to come forward. Men like Tauber were toxic.
He’d relished the look in Alexis Richardson’s eyes when he had suggested a way out of her dilemma. He liked her. He admired her resolute manner. He wished her success.
He wrote a few more tickets, then went to the station.
Molly was there to greet him.
“Can I get you some coffee,” she said.
“What’s wrong,” Jesse said.
“Wrong?”
“Why would you offer to get me coffee?”
“I don’t know. What difference does it make?”
“A big one. You have frequently used coffee