Page 28 of Mann Hunt
Declan’s face lost all of its colour.
“Her daughter said that it was a heart attack. She’s in bad shape but they got her to the hospital and they’re taking good care of her. Her daughter said they don’t know if she’ll make it.”
Declan stood in silence for a moment before he passed Luke’s business card to Charlie. “Could you call Luke and cancel lunch tomorrow?”
“Sure.”
“I’m going to head out for the afternoon. You’re in charge ‘til I get back,” Declan said, patting him on the shoulder.
“Declan? I’m so sorry.”
Declan nodded at him and opened the door to leave. He paused before turning back to Charlie. “I might be needing you for a little longer than three weeks.”
“Sure. You can count on me. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He nodded, then left, closing the door behind him.
Chapter Ten
Declan walked slowly down the stairs. It was hard to believe that he might never see Mrs B again. She had been with him from the beginning. She was a tough old broad—her words, not his, although, inside, he agreed. She’d been his rock when he had opened the business. At one point she had loaned him five hundred dollars when things were tight and he needed repairs on the old van he’d been driving.
He found himself outside on the street, standing in front of Gwen’s window. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been standing there before Gwen stepped out to see what the problem was. He looked at her for a moment in silence.
“Joan Beckerman had a serious heart attack yesterday.”
Gwen put her arms around him and gave him a big hug. “I’m so sorry.”
Declan could feel the shock working its way through his body. He didn’t know what else to say. What came out was, “I’ve asked Charlie to stay on.”
“That’s a good idea.”
Declan gave her a kiss on the top of her head and walked away.
* * * *
It was still early in the day for Bar-None. There were only a few regulars sitting in their seats. Mickey stood behind the bar and chatted to the day’s Kid. This one was a step above the usual, the bartender thought. The Kid seemed to have opinions that were based on fact. He wanted to do things with his life greater than swabbing urinals and mopping up puke. Mickey doubted he would last. The Kids that stayed on longer had an air of destitution about them.
Light spilled into the bar from the outside world as the door opened and another customer entered. Mickey turned to see Declan.It’s a little early for him to be showing up. “I was wondering when I’d see you. You didn’t pick up your van yesterday.”
Declan said nothing, just made his way to his usual table and sat down. He seemed deep in his own thoughts.
Without asking, Mickey dropped off his drink. When he received no reaction, he said, “Tough case?”
Declan looked up at him like he was seeing him for the first time. “Uh…no. Just some personal shit I’ve gotta work through.”
“Sure, Dec,” Mickey answered. “If you need me, you know where to find me.”
Mickey returned to the bar, picked up his cell phone and placed a call. It was picked up on the second ring. “Good afternoon, Declan Hunt Investigations. Charlie Watts speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hey, Charlie, it’s Mickey,” the voice said on the phone.
Charlie picked up a pencil and pad of paper. “Mickey. Declan’s out right now, can I help you with anything?”
“Declan’s why I’m calling. Just a heads-up. He’s here at the bar and something’s wrong. Not sure what, but I thought you might want to keep your eye on him just to make sure he’s okay.”
“Yeah, I think I know what’s going on. Thanks for letting me know.” No sooner had he hung up the phone, than it rang again.
“Good afternoon, Declan Hunt Investigations—”
