Killing the Blues - Michael Brandman [58]
But at a price.
It was true he had set up John Lombardo. He had been aiming at him from the start. At the outset, he didn’t know who he was, but he always knew what he was. He felt no remorse for what had occurred.
He thought about Rollo Nurse. He couldn’t help but wonder whether he was responsible for all that Rollo had wrought. He recalled that night in L.A. Jesse was out of control, as Rollo had charged on the night that he died. Jesse had been drunk. He had transferred his rage at Jenn onto Rollo. Which carried a heavy emotional price tag. Despite Rollo’s death, Jesse knew he still wasn’t finished paying it off.
He looked around at the crowd. They were content to share food and comfort and mutual respect in a friendly and peaceful environment.
Jesse was happy for Alexis. This was indeed her success. A big step up the ladder of her choosing. He knew that in short order she’d be gone, climbing still higher on that ladder.
His reverie was interrupted by Robert Lopresti, who was calling his name.
When Jesse turned, Lopresti pointed to a pretty young woman who was sitting on a blanket along with two small children. He waved for Jesse to join them.
“This is Angie,” Lopresti said, introducing his wife to Jesse. “These are my children, Bobby Jr. and Lisette.”
“Lisette?”
“I didn’t get to choose her name,” Robert said.
“You have a lovely family,” Jesse said.
“I got the job,” Robert said.
“I hope he’s not making you intern.”
“Nah. He’s paying me. A good wage, too.”
“Be sure to count it carefully,” Jesse said.
“I aim to do you proud, Jesse.”
“You already have.”
They said their good-byes, and Jesse found his way out of the stadium. He got into his cruiser and drove away.
It was still light when he got home.
He cracked a beer and strolled onto the porch. He sat down on the new love seat. He took a long pull on the beer, then nestled deep into the luxuriously comfortable pillows.
Mildred Memory poked her head through the rubber veil at the bottom of the door. She stepped out and padded her way to the love seat. She jumped onto Jesse’s lap.
She turned around a couple of times, then, after repeatedly rubbing her chin against Jesse’s cheek, she settled down and began to purr.
Jesse took another sip of beer.
He gently scratched Mildred Memory’s neck.
She looked up at him, sleepy-eyed.
He smiled at her.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author wishes to thank Joanna Miles, Melanie Mintz, Kim Kimball Holmquist, and Miles Brandman for their invaluable assistance in the development of this book.
Thanks also to Tom Distler for his wise and temperate counsel.
Thanks to David Parker and Daniel T. Parker.
A world of gratitude to Tom Selleck and the entire Jesse Stone movie universe for their inspiration and support.
A special thanks to Christine C. Pepe for her kindness, patience, and incredible editorial expertise.
The spirit, guidance, and generosity of Joan Parker meant the world to me.
And a special nod to Helen Brann, who grabbed my hand and never let go until we crossed the finish line.
ALSO BY ROBERT B. PARKER
Brimstone
Resolution
Appaloosa
Double Play
Gunman’s Rhapsody
All Our Yesterdays
A Year at the Races (with Joan H. Parker)
Perchance to Dream
Poodle Springs (with Raymond Chandler)
Love and Glory
Wilderness
Three Weeks in Spring (with Joan H. Parker)
Training with Weights (with John R. Marsh)