Page 107 of Callahan

He came through the bakery door and made a beeline for Lainey; immediately wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug and kissing the top of her head.

“We’re going to catch the bastard who did this.”

“I know you will.”

He looked at me and Hugh. “Did either of you see anything?”

I told him, “We’d just gone upstairs when it happened. I’d picked up takeout from Clay’s and met Teresa and Hugh as they got out of their car.”

“Did you notice anything while you were outside? Was anyone around? Any cars you remember?”

Hugh shook his head. “No, the diaper bag had fallen over in the backseat and spilled some of its contents, so I was gathering that up while Teresa struggled to unbuckle Conor’s car seat.”

“And I was talking to them, so I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

Brian replied, “With your training, you would have noticed if something was out of place. It becomes like second nature, so you don’t even notice when you do it.”

“I like to think you’re right.”

A black suburban pulled into a parking spot next to Brian’s truck. It was amazing how much street noise the window had buffered. Now that it was gone, I could hear everything.

Angus got out of the SUV, also in jeans, loafers, and an untucked short-sleeved button-down. Unlike his son, he didn’t have a vest on, but he wore a badge clipped to his belt, and I’d have been willing to bet there was a gun in the waistband of his jeans.

I was anxious to get my department-issued weapon, as well as my personal gun currently in Massachusetts.

The chief mirrored his son’s movements after he entered the bakery—heading straight to Lainey and hugging her before shaking Hugh’s hand, then mine.

“Did anybody see anything?”

Brian spoke up and motioned to the group of us.

“These guys didn’t, but patrol is going door to door in the area to talk to people and to see if anyone has camera footage.”

“Good. I called in a favor to get additional resources on this. Major Brunsforth from DPS is sending their special investigative squad out. They should be here within the hour.”

I suggested, “In the meantime, let’s get this window measured so we can get some plywood to board it up.”

All four of them scowled at the same time, and I cocked my head. “What?”

Brian spoke up. “The hardware store is closed on Sunday.”

“What? Why? Isn’t that when people would go to the hardware store? On the weekend, when they’re off work?”

Hugh chuckled. “Believe me, I’ve been making that same argument to Gary for years—since before I retired. He doesn’t care. Says he’s open on Saturdays, and people should get their project supplies then.”

Just as I was about to grumble about small towns, Angus, who was scrolling through his phone, said. “I’ve got Gary’s cell number; I’ll call him. I’m sure he’d be willing to help us out with something like this.”

He clicked a button, put the phone to his ear, and stepped away to talk.

Lainey’s focus was on the lined yellow paper wrapped around the rock.

“I wonder if there’s anything written on that.”

I had no doubt there was, and I’m sure it was as nasty, if not nastier, as the first note.

Brian replied, “We’ll see when DPS gets here. In the meantime, do you want to take Conor to my place tonight?”

I think the seriousness of the situation had finally sunk in because she didn’t argue.

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