The other cop spoke for the first time. “A lot of people in this town are angry about what happened and they blame him,” he said, pointing at Jack.
That explanation didn’t make a lot of sense to Ron. Cops coming to give a message to somebody to get out of town because the town folk were angry. It sounded like a scene from an old Western.
“Where’s Sam Jeffries? Why didn’t he tell you to deliver the message?” Ron asked.
“Nobody’s seen him since he got the news. I was the one who told him. He didn’t take it well,” the officer who had spoken first told Ron.
“What do you mean nobody’s seen him? Is he home?”
“No sir,” the first cop continued. “His son is looking for him, too. Assistant Chief Martin is very concerned.”
“Maybe he’s in Miami making funeral arrangements.”
“No, sir. The son took care of that. They’re shipping the body here for the funeral and the burial.”
So that was it. They weren’t worried about Jack. They were worried that Sam Jeffries might kill Jack. At least that made sense.
“Would you give Chief Jeffries my apologies?” Jack muttered. “Tell him I’m going to kill that son-of-a-bitch client of mine myself.”
“I wouldn’t be making statements like that if I were you, Mr. Tobin,” the second cop said.
To Ron’s relief, Jack didn’t answer. Jack didn’t need to be making any more statements to the police in his current condition. Ron needed to end this conversation.
“Thank you, officers,” he said. “And thank Assistant Chief Martin for his concern. I can assure you Jack will be relocating based on his advice.”
Ron politely but firmly closed the door.
“What was that about? I’m not relocating,” Jack said.
“I think you should. That was about Assistant Chief Martin telling you in a very subtle way that Sam Jeffries is temporarily out of his mind and that he may come looking for you.”
“He should.”
“Come on, Jack, stop that nonsense. Look, I’ve got another condo about two miles from here on the east side of town. It’s fully furnished. You just need to take your clothes. Why don’t we do that right now.”
“Okay,” Jack said to Ron’s complete surprise. He’d expected an argument. “I need a change of scenery anyway,” Jack continued, still slurring his words.
“I’ll drive you over,” Ron said. “And I’ll pick you up in the morning and drive you to get your car.”
It was an excuse to check on him the next morning.
Chapter Forty-Two
Two days after she returned from Boulder and a day before the funeral of Kathleen Jeffries, Danni received a surprise guest at her home. She opened the door and there stood Sam Jeffries, rumpled and disheveled with at least a three days’ growth on his face, maybe more.
“Sam, come on in.” She gave him a long hug after he entered the house. “I’m so sorry for your troubles, Sam.”
“Thanks, Danni. You know the funeral is tomorrow.”
“Yeah, they called me from the station and told me. That’s pretty quick.”
“I want it over with. I’ve got things to do.”
“Why don’t you come in and sit down, Sam. I’ll get you some coffee.”
“Thanks.”
Danni had an intimate little table for two in her kitchen. They sat there to drink their coffee.
“How are you doing?” she asked, knowing at least part of the answer. Sam’s hands were shaking, which told her he’d been doing what cops did in times of trouble—drowning his sorrows in alcohol.
“Well, you don’t need to take my guns if that’s what you’re asking. I’ve had my moments but now I’m focused.”
Danni was pretty sure she knew what he was focused on, but she felt obligated to ask the question.
“On what?”
“On finding Tom Felton and killing him. I’d like to cut his fuckin’ balls off and stick them in his mouth and while he was choking slowly slit his throat, but I want to keep my job, so I’ll have to settle for a bullet to the head or the heart, whichever is most convenient.”
“Sounds good.”
“I’d like to do the same for your boy Tobin.”
“He’s not my boy.”
“He was at one time, Danni. You were head over heels for him. Don’t deny it.”
“What’s your point, Sam?”
“My point is that he’s a piece of shit and I’d like to spare the world his presence as well if I could get away with it.”
“Is that what you came here to tell me?”
“No. I’ve been thinking about this constantly, even when I was so drunk I could