Chapter 73

CHAPTER 73

D EVINE’S FIRST STOP WAS THE restaurant where the Odoms had eaten. He looked through the window until he saw the waitress who had served the family that day. She was carrying a lunch tray to a table. He ducked back so she wouldn’t see him.

Devine next drove to the government building and asked to meet with Eric King.

The man was in his office, but not behind his desk. He was seated at a table near one of the broad windows going over what looked to be reports. A foldaway desktop had been grafted onto the arms of his wheelchair.

“What brings you back to town?” asked King, not even looking up from his paperwork.

“I wanted to ask you about the man found dead in Seattle who tried to kill me.”

King grimaced. “How we came to employ a person who would do something like that is beyond me.” He shook his head.

“I understand he was fired from his post here that same day. Can I ask why?”

He laid his papers aside and looked up at Devine. “Insubordination. He refused a direct command from a superior officer. And then we did an audit and found items missing from the evidence room. Two of them were found on his person. I fired him myself. And good riddance. I don’t mean I’m glad the man is dead, but only that I’m thrilled he no longer works here as a sworn police officer.”

“I was wondering if you had any idea why he would take a shot at me?”

“I can’t begin to imagine what was going on in that man’s head. You think you know someone? Well, it’s shaken my faith in human nature, I can tell you that.”

“So how is law and order going in Ricketts?”

“We have the same challenges as other small towns. But we’re holding our own.”

“At least you’re better equipped than other towns your size.”

King leaned back in his wheelchair and said, “If I’ve learned anything in my career, it’s that the squeaky wheel gets the most attention. I know that some of my brethren around the state don’t like that I get more budget dollars than they do, or resent the fact that I have a good working relationship with federal agencies, including your folks at DHS. But resources are in limited supply. And if I can, through my efforts, get more of them for the benefit of the law-abiding citizens of my town? Well, I have done so and will continue to do so.”

“You should take that stump speech and run for office,” commented Devine.

“That thought has crossed my mind.”

Or maybe just cut to the chase and help overthrow the government instead, like you’re doing.

“But maybe you don’t want to compete with your wife?”

King gave him a contemptuous look. “Is there anything else?”

“I was wondering if I can get the remains of the Odoms? My last trip here I was told they had been cremated. I want to bring their ashes to their daughter.”

“That’s fine.” King looked down at the papers on the table and then said offhandedly, “Damn shame about Dr. Coburn. Gas line, I heard. Folks up in Seattle need to be more careful.”

“Yes, it was a terrible loss.”

“Do you know where to find Doris Chandler?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Then goodbye, Devine.”

“Have a good day, Chief.”

While you still can.