Chapter 71
FRED ROSS LOOKEDup at Decker with a malicious grin.
“Figured I might see you again, fat boy.”
An officer had wheeled Ross down the hall and into the lobby of the police station, where Decker, Jamison, and Riley met him.
Decker ignored this and looked at the duty officer. “We also need to pick up JohnBaron. His bail’s been paid.”
The duty officer said, “We can’t release him until Detective Lassiter signs off.”
“Detective Lassiter has gone AWOL.”
“That doesn’t matter—” began the officer.
Decker slammed his fist down on the counter. “I’ll tell you what matters.” He pointed to Riley. “She paid the bail set by the judge. You have the paperwork in hand. Lassiterdoesn’t have to sign off on shit. So unless you want a big-ass lawsuit against this town that’ll drain the little money it has left, you better go get John Baron right now.” He held up his phone. “And if you don’t, a team of FBI agents will be here in about ten minutes and they’re going to arrest you and everybody else in this fucking place.”
The duty officer stiffened like Decker hadjust clocked him.
Someone behind them said, “Hey, Agent Decker.”
Decker turned to see Officer Curry standing there.
“I take it you’ve got a problem?” said Curry.
“My problem is bail has been paid, the paperwork has been filed, and this guy won’t release the prisoner because Detective Lassiter won’t sign off on it. But Detective Lassiter, who was supposedlyshot today, has checked herself out of the hospital andconvenientlydisappeared.”
Curry glanced at the duty officer and then back at Decker.
“I’ll go get Baron for you right now.”
“But Detective Lassiter—” the duty officer began.
“Shut the hell up, Bobby,” said Curry. He turned and walked off.
A minute later he was back with Baron.
Decker said, “I appreciate the assist.”
“No problem. I’m getting sick of all the crap happening in this place,” said Curry. He put his hand on his gun and glared over at the duty officer before returning his gaze to Decker.
“How about I stay here and make sure that no one gets a heads-up about anything you might be planning?”
“I would appreciate that even more,” saidDecker. He looked at the rack of shotguns behind the duty counter. “And while you’re doling out favors, you mind if I borrow one of those shotguns? It might come in handy.”
“No problem.” Curry looked at Bobby, the duty officer. “Give it to him.”
“I can’t—”
Curry drew his pistol. “Now!”
Bobby unlocked the rack, took out a shotgun and a box of shells, andhanded them to Decker.
“Good luck, Decker,” said Curry.
“Thanks.”
Decker handed the gun and shells to Jamison and wheeled Ross out to their SUV. He and Baron lifted the old man into the backseat and Decker stowed the wheelchair in the rear cargo area.