Page 40 of Fatal Strike
“Doesn’t change what he’s done.”
Leah fought to keep from punching him in the nose, which already looked like it had been placed out of joint a few times. “Here’s the bottom line. When I get to the point a man’s death doesn’t affect me, then I’m no better than an animal.”
Jon broke into the conversation. “Has Aaron Michaels’s family been notified?”
“Officers are on their way there.” Everson rubbed his jaw, but still no eye contact. “They’ll get a statement.”
“Send us a copy,” Jon said. “A second man died in the firefight. Do you know his identity?”
“Landon Shaw.” Everson stared into Jon’s face. “Prescription drug theft in Dallas. Robbed a string of Walgreens on the same day. Tried to fence the drugs within three months and got caught. Now he’s running with the Venenos. Or was.”
Leah pulled her phone from her pocket. “I’ll see what else we can find out about Shaw.” She sent a request to the FIG for a background.
Without looking up from his notepad, Everson said, “I want Shaw’s background on my desk first thing in the morning.”
Leah bit her tongue. “Sure. How’s the wounded officer?”
“Getting treated.” He glanced up.
In that moment, Leah saw Everson’s vulnerability. The hurt would devour him if he didn’t deal with it soon. She was the poster child on that one.
As she and Jon walked back to the rental car, Jon pointed out what she’d been thinking since Everson mentioned Shaw’s criminal record. “I’d be surprised if Shaw is part of the Venenos.Reconquistawouldn’t have meant anything to him.”
“So if we’re not after this gang, maybe we should explore the drug angle.” Leah sighed. “I wish we could have taken one of those men into custody.”
“We have tomorrow.”
Leah watched Jon walk around the front of the car. A lean man. Not an ounce of fat anywhere. She tried to tell herself she wasn’t interested, only admiring.
Jon slid inside. “Partner, we made it through what was supposed to be our end. Thank God, we’re alive for another day.”
Her attitude hit bottom. “Why is it people thank God when life moves in a better light and curse the name when life stinks?” She stopped before her cynical views about a deity took over.
“I had a friend who thanked Him no matter what happened.”
“What does your friend do for a living?”
A bit of sadness passed over him. “He died.”
“I’m sorry. What was his name?”
“Hanson.” He adjusted the air-conditioning. “Hanson’s last words were for me to find God.”
“You were with him when he died?”
“Yes.”
He obviously didn’t want to talk about it, and she wouldn’t probe. “Have you found what you’re looking for?”
“Yes and no.”
“I don’t believe in fairy tales,” she said.
“What if God is real? And there’s a chance at eternity?”
She believed in what she could see and touch. “I know faith gives many people comfort, and there are a lot of varieties to choose from. Religion’s not for me.” Leah needed to change the subject before she unloaded her nightmares. “Do you still want to stop by Elena James’s home?” It was nearing 11:45 p.m.
“Yes. Let’s be optimistic and believe Dylan is there ready to spill his guts.”
