Page 135 of Nightshade

The last thing Stilwell wanted was to broadcast over the radio that he needed backup at City Hall. He folded his paperwork, slid it into his back pocket, and went out to the John Deere.

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CITY HALL WASlocated on Avalon Canyon Road. Parking was not allowed along the brick-lined circle in front, but Stilwell parked there anyway, pulling to a stop directly opposite the green-framed glass doors of the main entrance. While he waited for Lampley and Ramirez to show up, he called Captain Corum. As usual, Corum did not answer with a hello.

“Are you in position?”

“Yes. Just waiting on backup.”

“Backup? You think there will be trouble?”

“Not really. But I want numbers for this so nobody gets a bad idea.”

“Good. The chopper in position?”

“And waiting. We’ll be sending two.”

“And we’ll meet them.”

“You have media relations working on press releases?”

“In process. Big day for Catalina.”

“Bad day.”

Ilsa Ramirez pulled her cart to a stop next to Stilwell’s.

“Backup’s here,” he said to Corum. “I should go.”

“Call me when they’re in the air,” Corum instructed.

“Will do.”

“And by the way, I just got word that the DA has signed off on the shooting. We got the psych eval in too, and you are returned to duty.”

Stilwell thought about that for a moment.

“You hear that?” Corum prompted.

“Good to know, Cap,” Stilwell said. “But I’m going to need a couple days off after this. A personal matter to attend to.”

“Not a problem. But it would be good for you to be back by the weekend.”

“That’s the plan.”

After ending the call, Stilwell saw Lampley pull up behind Ramirez. He got out and walked between their carts.

“What’s up, boss man?” Lampley said. “You back on duty?”

“As of right now, yes,” Stilwell said.

“Welcome back,” Ramirez said. “What are we doing here?”

“We’re arresting the mayor,” Stilwell said. “For conspiracy to commit murder.”

Both deputies were speechless. Stilwell continued.

“I’m not expecting anything other than verbal pushback,” he said. “But be prepared. He’s got a lot of cronies in this building. Keep alert.”

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