Page 54 of Justice for JoElla

Mick looked a little concerned. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. He got there and managed to insert himself before anybody could take over. So we’ve got anything that was there, which may not be much, but at this point, anything is better than nothing.”

Chapter 9

By the timeshe got home, Brandon was almost off watch. She texted him to tell him she was going to bed for a bit, stripped off, and passed out face first on the bed.

Two hours was about all the sleep she could manage, so she showered, dressed, grabbed some coffee and a muffin at a fast food place, and headed to the office. And she could hear Roy all the way at the front door of the building when she stepped inside.

“I don’t give a damn what you think. That took place in SpencerCounty, and we’re handling it. Why? Why should you be involved? Look, it’s like this. You want to help, fine. I’ll take all the help I can get. But if you think for one minute I’m going to answer to you and call you with every little detail of this case, you’re dead wrong.” Who the hell was he talking to? “No, I do not have to worry about that. Nelson will back me to the hilt on this.” That was a reference to DavidNelson, the county judge executive. Now she was really confused. “Yeah, actually, you do answer to him. Problem is, along with him, you answer to the mayor too, and I just may call Jimmy and tell him exactly what I think. You’ve railroaded enough people in this county, Lance, and I won’t be the next.” The next thing she heard was the slamming of the receiver on the desk phone. Holy shit. He’d been talking to Lance.

JoElla wandered down the hallway toward Roy’s office, treading quietly. When she reached the door, she tapped lightly. “Yeah?”

“Everything okay?”

“Come in, close the door, and sit down.” As soon as she had, he looked straight into her face. “Have you had a run-in with anybody from city?”

“No. I’ve given them a wide berth.”

“Good. Honestly, I think since Lance found out you’re over here, he’s determined to fuck us over, and I’m not going to stand by and let that happen.”

JoElla sighed deeply. Ever since she’d started there, she’d wondered how long it would take before Lance started in, and apparently it took that particular day long. “Look, if it’ll make things easier, you can let me go and?”

“Absolutely not! That son of a bitch had better watch his step. He’s not wearing a non-stick uniform, and I can sling shit just like he can.”

“Wait a minute.” JoElla leaned toward his desk. “Did he say something about me specifically?”

“No. Nothing like that. Hinted around, yeah, but nothing specific. Talked about how I had second-rate detectives working the case and the Wiseman woman would be better off if his bunch was handling it. Boy, one thing you can say for that asshole, he sure thinks highly of himself.”

“Oh, you have no idea,” JoElla muttered.

“From your perspective? Nope. But I’m here to tell you, donotlet this son of a bitch get the drop on us. I want Warmuth, and I want him before they have a chance to insert themselves into this case. Your Texas friend have anything constructive?”

“I’m not sure. He’ll be here soon, and I’d really like for you to talk to him. I have no doubt he’s more than capable, but knowing you know he’s here and you’re watching will ensure that we get everything we can out of him. I don’t think that’s going to be a problem?he seems like the real deal?but if he knows about this, you can bet the other states where they’re looking for Warmuth will find out. It’s just a matter of time.”

“All the more reason to give it a solid push before they do. Sure, I’ll talk to him, feel him out.”

“Anything else?”

Roy shook his head. “Nah. You and Mick can handle this. If I assign a couple more guys, they’re going to answer to the two of you. But it’s a process. You’re detectives, not miracle workers.”

JoElla stood. “I’m glad you understand that!”

“I absolutely do. So hit it, detective.” Roy grinned widely. “I have faith in you.”

She let out a little chuckle. “Thanks! Since I have none in myself, I hope you have enough for both of us!”

As soon as she made it back to her desk, there was a voice at the front and she turned. “Hey! He’s mine!”

“Oh? Well, I’m not sure that’s true! I saw him first!” Velda, the desk sergeant, said with a laugh.

Quint was laughing. “I feel so wanted!”

“I bet! Come on in. I want you to meet the sheriff. He knew you were coming. Grab a cup of coffee on the way by.”

“Don’t mind if I do!” JoElla waited while Quint pulled a coffee cup from the cabinet and filled it, then led him down the hallway to Roy’s office.

Thirty minutes later, JoElla heard Roy and Quint talking and laughing as they made their way back up the hallway and into the main office. “She’ll take care of you, I’m sure. And if you don’t measure up, JoElla will kick your ass.”

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