Page 71 of Lion & Lamb

Before Bernstein had a chance to protest, Cooper was taking a knee and grabbing one of the nuggets (“Paw-Lickin’ Chicken”). The Yipping Dust Mop was suspicious but also intrigued by the scent.

“Don’t you give my dog anyth—”

The protest was cut short because Cooper made two moves in rapid succession. He dropped the treat for the Dust Mop, then he clenched his right fist and sent it rocketing skyward on a collision course with Bernstein’s face.

The homicide detective was caught completely off guard. Usually, a person taking a knee in front of you doesn’t have the advantage in a close-quarters fight. But Cooper didn’t intend this to be a fight. He was betting that his strength, speed, and weight would knock Bernstein for a loop.

Which it did. Blood gushed out of the detective’s nose and mouth, and the blow had the bonus effect of rendering Bernstein unconscious. Cooper had heard people say this was difficult to do in real life. He supposed that was true, but the army had taught him many ways to do exactly that.

“Good dogs deserve treats,” Cooper said.

Cooper pushed Bernstein’s body all the way into the vestibule and dropped a few more treats for the Dust Mop before he pulled the door shut. Cooper wasn’t a total monster.

Chapter74

7:41 a.m.

“WOW, DAD.”

“‘Wow, Dad’ what?”

“You look like you slept rough in the street,” Ariel said.

“You’re not too far off the mark, daughter. And who taught you about sleeping rough?”

Truth was, Cooper hadn’t slept at all since assaulting the city’s most famous homicide detective. He was pretty sure that single uppercut had placed a target firmly on his back. Bernstein hadn’t been goaded into a fevered response, but Cooper knew for sure there would be a response. Maybe Bernstein would slip up, and it would be something he could use to help Francine.

“What’s on the agenda today, old man?”

“Glad you asked,” Cooper said. “Today’s goal is convincing my own client to help me save her life.”

“You’re seeing Francine Hughes again?” Ariel asked.

“Why, yes, I am. Private eye to the stars, that’s your dear old father.”

Cooper Jr. leaned in from the back seat. “Do you think Francine could get us tickets to the game on Sunday?”

“You mean you want me to ask the grieving widow for tickets to a game her late husband should have been playing? That might not be the smartest move, my boy.”

Ariel shook her head. “That would be unethical.”

“Yeah, but this isDadwe’re talking about,” Cooper Jr. said.

“Hey, Dad is sitting right here! And by the way, private eyes have a very strict ethical code.”

Cooper Jr. frowned. “But you told me you became a private detective because you didn’t want anyone telling you what to do.”

“Plus you can set your own hours,” Ariel added.

“Don’t you two have schoolwork to finish or something?”

Transcript of conversation between Cooper Lamb and Francine Hughes

COOPER LAMB: Thanks for taking the time to see me, Francine. I wanted to ask you about Maya.

FRANCINE HUGHES: You’re too old for her.

LAMB: Um, that’s not what I’m asking.