Justice (14 page)

His masked face scans the bullpen, stopping when he sees me. I muster a smile as he approaches.
I will be nice. I will be nice.
“
Good morning, Det. Fallon.
”

“
Justice.
”

“
I see you received my gift. Does it fit well?
”

“
Yes. Thank you. Is it really bulletproof?
”

“
Bullet resistant, yes. It’s made of the same material as my uniform. Wear it in good health, though do please wear it.
”

This rankles me, but I keep my smile on.
“
I will. So what can we help you with today?
”

“
I saw your press conference regarding Stuart Moore. Are you confident regarding your findings?
”

“
Yes. It was a Swiss bank account in his son’s name.
”

Justice opens a packet on his belt and pulls out a small zip drive.
“
Here is all the data I’ve complied on Stuart Moore. Telephone records, known associates, his entire life. I have reviewed it, but found nothing useful. Perhaps you will have more luck.
”

I take the drive with a nod.
“
Thank you. I’ll have a look.
”

“
Have you made any other progress?
”

“
No. Have you?
”

“
No,
”
he says, emotionless,
“
and I am getting worried. I know this man. He will never be content living life without causing others misery.
”

“
So you don’t think he’s on a beach drinking tequila and laughing at us?
”

“
Laughing at us, definitely. Left the city? Not a chance in hell.
”

I do a double take. I’ve never heard him swear, not even in the heat of battle.
“
Do you think he’s sticking around for you?
”

“
It’s entirely possible. I’ve been trying to be more visible, giving him ample chance to confront me, but he has not taken the bait. He’ll strike when I least expect it, I’m sure. I’m almost looking forward to it.
”

“
Yeah, you haven’t had a real nemesis since you put him away. How boring it must be being you, what with all the epic battles with all the other supers.
”

“
Point taken, Det. Fallon. All I meant was I will enjoy the moment when I finally apprehend that monster once again.
”

“
I may beat you to it, you know. I’d enjoy slapping the cuffs on him just as much as you would.
”

He steps toward my desk, almost looming a foot away with his hand on his hip. I know this pose, I used to practice it in the mirror with my Justice shirt on. It’s his,
“
I’m ready to kick your ass in five seconds
”
stance. He is intimidating, no question, but damned if I’ll let him know it’s working on me. I fold my arms across my chest and tilt back in my chair.
“
Det. Fallon I have never doubted your ability or dedication with regards to this job.
”

“
O-kay,
”
I say, not sure where this is going.

“
You are one of the finest officers on this force.
”

“
Thank you.
”
Okay, now I really have no idea what is going on. Is he going to ask me out or something? That’d be rich.

“
James Ryder is a monster. An actual monster, one who has no remorse, compassion, or possibly even a soul. He is more dangerous than you can fathom.
”

“
I know his history. I’ve seen firsthand what he’s capable of. I’ve smelled it, okay?
”

“
And he will do that to you without a second thought. Possibly worse.
”

“
Why are you telling me this?
”

“
Because I know you don’t like me.
”
My cheeks heat up, but he keeps talking.
“
Because he wanted
you
and your partner there the night he escaped. Because I know you’re stubborn and hate asking for help, especially from supers. In this case, you’ll have to. If he is cornered, he will not hesitate. He will harm as many innocent people as he feels is necessary to get what he wants. And better it be me than you. If you or anyone on your force locates him, or think you have, you need to contact me personally.
”

“
Why? So you can get all the glory?
”

“
So I don’t have to have another innocent person’s death on my conscience.
”

“
Maybe you’re not giving me enough credit.
”

“
There is no one more I’d trust with the welfare of this city than you,
”
he says, sounding as if he means it.
“
But this isn’t your battle to fight. If you or any of your fellow officers try, you will lose. Then where will we all be?
”

I have absolutely no idea what to say right now. He’s genuinely concerned and downright scared for me. Me, who passed around a petition to stop supers from being granted law enforcement status, and never said a pleasant word about him in ten years of interactions. I’d be weirded out if I wasn’t so touched. I can’t help it. My old hero is actually living up to my expectations. And he likes me. He really likes me. Thinks I’m great. More than that, he respects me. Damn.

“
Well, um, thank you,
”
I say unevenly.

“
I mean every word. I know that when the time comes, you will do the right thing. You always do. Good hunting, Joanna.
”

He speeds out in a blur, the papers on my desk flying around in a swirl. I grab a few, but the rest fall on the ground. Underneath the second one is a dark blue card with a white
“
J
”
on it. On the other side is a local telephone number. His phone number. First a coat and now his private number. If I didn’t know better I’d swear he was into me, but I didn’t get that vibe at all. I have no idea what’s going on.

But I don’t hate it.

CHAPTER TEN

Shindig

There was nothing of use in the zip drive or at the Moore house. I get to leave the station twice, one time when Ryder was spotted at a
bodega
and the other time he was seen at the library. Neither pans out, but it feels great getting away from my desk and all the chitter chatter. Teenage girls got nothing on cops when it comes to gossip. Justice hadn’t even left the building when the tongues started wagging. Pretty sure we’re engaged or we were making out on my desk by now. Everyone who walked by gave me a sideways glance, Harry included. I cornered him in the locker room and planted one on him for reassurance. Tomorrow they’ll really have something to talk about.

It’s about five and the party begins at seven, so I have to get the hell out of here. I need to shower, shave, eat, straighten my hair, apply make-up, and try to get a cab on a Friday night. Ugh, girly things. Kill me now. I shut off my computer and put on my coat. Tomorrow I get the whole day off and that comes straight from the top. We’ve spent too much money on this investigation already with too few results. Harry’s off too, so we’ll just spend the day in bed or go to the movies. Get some needed rest. Or not, wink wink.

My boyfriend’s on the phone again when I poke my head in. He waves me in, and I shut the door.
“
No sir, we’ll take it on a case by case basis.
”
He listens and tosses files in his satchel.
“
I’ve already taken care of that.
”
He pauses.
“
I’ll do that. You too. Bye.
”
He hangs up then looks at me with tired eyes.
“
You ready to go?
”

“
Yeah. So, do you want to get ready at my place? How do you want to do this?
”

“
I have a few errands to run before,
”
he says.

“
Well, your place is on the way to the hotel. I’ll swing by and pick you up around seven.
”

“
That sounds perfect. I’ll be ready.
”

“
Okay.
”
I blow him a kiss before leaving.

Cam holds the elevator for me.
“
You looking forward to your shindig tonight?
”
he asks.

“
As a matter of fact, I am.
”

“
You going stag, or is Justice picking you up with a corsage?
”

The elevator doors open and we step off.
“
I have someone much better lined up, thank you very much.
”

“
Who?
”

“
It’s a surprise. See you Sunday!
”

The streets are clogged so it takes forever to get home and almost as long to find a parking spot three blocks away. I shower first, and then eat a tuna sandwich over the sink in my towel before starting on my mop of hair. Blow-drying forty-five minutes, straightening thirty. Then I realize I don’t have any pantyhose and have to run out to get some. Of course there is a line almost to the door. I get back at seven and call Harry, telling his machine I’ll be a half hour late. It ends up being closer to forty-five when the cab pulls up to his building.

Bruce, the doorman, whistles as I approach.
“
Looking sharp.
”

I do look quite spiffy. The dress fits perfectly, my hair is sleek and shiny, and make-up flawless. I clean up real good.
“
Thank you.
”

“
But if you’re here to see Mr. O’Hara he left half an hour ago.
”

I stop walking.
“
What? Did he say where he was going?
”

“
No. Sorry.
”

Huh. I check my cell phone, but there are no new messages. Maybe he’s going to meet me there, but he can’t get in without an invitation which I have.
“
Thanks, Bruce,
”
I say as I return to the cab. I call Harry on the way to the hotel, but he doesn’t pick up.
“
Hey, it’s me. I just went by your apartment. Where the hell are you? I’m on my way to the party. I hope you’re not there already. Just call me, okay?
”

The line of cars to the Galilee Grand Intercontinental is ridiculous. Limos for over half a mile. I wait in the cab, literally watching my money tick away for fifteen minutes. I’d get out and walk, but I’m in three inch heels. I’ll be lucky to make it through the night without twisting my ankle. It’s happened more than once before.

The Galilee Grand is the premier hotel in the city and looks it. Twenty stories with three pools, one with a wave machine, two night clubs, the It spa, and the biggest ballroom within a thousand miles complete with two story waterfall. As my meager transport pulls up to its grandness, I’m bombarded with flashing lights that would bother the blind. The security guard, who wears sunglasses even though it’s night, opens the door and helps me out.

I’m not even fully upright when the questions start. I totter down the red carpet with a smile plastered on. Some of the others on the carpet pose and speak to the press, showing off their designer gowns and designer breasts. Every socialite, athlete, politician, and captain of industry is here. I pass Lorcan Betts, running back for the Galilee Angels and his hoochie of the week. We hooked up once four years ago after Justin’s birthday party. He was more interested in my panties than the sex. The reporters shout their questions, but I ignore them and don’t pose. Never have, never will.

The lobby is quieter. Tourists and upper echelon meander around, separated by the red carpet and velvet rope. Security guards line the rope, keeping the gawking have-nots from the haves. A teenage girl even takes my picture. I scan the room for Harry, but no joy. His phone switches straight to voice mail again.
“
Harry, where the hell are you? I’m at the hotel already. I have to go in, but I have the invitation. You can’t get in without it. Please call me when you get here.
”

If he thinks he’s getting any tonight after all this trouble, he’s nuts. Now I have to go in there alone. Except on rare occasions I always come alone, unless Justin escorts me. It should be old hat by now, but tonight I’m almost afraid to walk in there. The looks. The questions. The playing nice. I just don’t want to do it alone.

“
Joanna!
”
Brittney
“
Bitsy
”
Armstrong calls to me as she drags her husband Thayer from the entrance. Both are thin and tan, but so is everyone in this set. She wears a pink floral gown, her signature. Bitsy air kisses me.
“
You look fabulous.
”

“
You, too. Love the necklace.
”

She touches the pink diamond the size of a gumball.
“
Thank you. Thayer got it for our ten year anniversary. He has such good taste.
”

Thayer isn’t paying attention. His fingers dance over his Blackberry. They come up with a new way to be rude every year.

“
Isn’t this wonderful? Justin finally tying the knot? You can hear the sound of a thousand hearts breaking. Though I absolutely adore Rebecca. And that little girl! So cute. We had them over for dinner last month and our Preston just fell madly in love with little Daisy.
”

“
It must be genetic,
”
I say with a smile. Might as well get this thing plastered on right now. It won’t be coming off until I get home tonight and put it back into my medicine chest.

“
Are you going in yet or are you waiting for someone?
”
Bitsy asks.

“
Um…no. I think I may have been stood up.
”

“
Oh, you poor thing. Well, whoever he is, he’s an idiot.
”
She locks her elbow in her husband’s, who doesn’t even notice and starts walking. He’s probably e-mailing Giselle Larkin. Everyone knows they’re having an affair, maybe even Bitsy. The criminals I chase have more morals than most of these people.

Time to face the music. I follow a few feet behind the Armstrong’s toward the ballroom. A security guard checks the invitations of the guests before allowing them to pass. I pull out mine and he nods. Welcome to the lion’s den.

There have to be two hundred people here, all dressed to the nines and swilling champagne as if it was the elixir of life. An orchestra plays big band music near the waterfall while guests shake and shimmy on the dance floor. Silver and black balloons are scattered around along with lit-up crystals that match the chandelier in the middle of the ceiling. Simple, tasteful, and elegant, just like the happy couple. Almost the moment I step in, I grab a passing champagne glass and down it.

After a deep breath, I join the horde. Twenty years of practice has made me damn good at small talk. The key is to ask questions about everyone’s favorite topic: themselves. People can talk about themselves for hours. I have two more glasses of champagne while listening to Emma Gilroy blabber on about her new Italian villa. I smile and nod like a moron. This just encourages more talking, but at least it’s her doing it, not me. Italian villas are a safer topic than acid spewing supers or abandoning boyfriends, which is all I have on my mind right now. I’m just about to grab my third glass of booze when Marnie, Rebecca’s mother, starts toward me, looking very elegant in a long sleeved green velvet gown and hair in a bun.

“
Joanna, there you are,
”
she says, almost relieved.
“
We’ve been looking for you.
”

“
Excuse me, Emma,
”
I say before following Marnie.

“
Thanks for the save,
”
I say when we’re far enough away.

“
Seemed like you needed it. We thought you weren’t going to make it.
”

“
Took longer than I thought to get ready.
”

“
Well, it was worth it. You look smashing.
”

“
Thank you. So do you.
”
We stop at the buffet and I snag a few crab puffs.
“
So, where is the happy couple?
”

“
I lost track of them ages ago. Lucy was introducing me to people, but she’s vanished as well. And let me tell you these people are not my crowd. Who are Dolce & Gabanna, and why does everyone insist I visit them?
”

I chuckle.
“
Yeah, they are an acquired taste. Better get used to them, though. You’ll be seeing them at Christmas, New Year’s, and all summer long. They show up like a rash and are far more annoying.
”

“
Please don’t tell me that. I want this to be a happy night, not one that will give me nightmares.
”

We both chuckle this time and shake our heads. It’s official. I like this woman. But the fun police find us. Justin’s Aunt Lucy, in a matronly black dress with gold jacket, swans over. Her lips purse in disapproval, as they always do when she’s around me. I could graduate valedictorian at charm school and she’d still think I was nothing more than a guttersnipe. But in the spirit of the new me, I choose to remember the good things about her. Like when Mom split my lip Lucy iced it, let me spend the weekend at the mansion, and then went and spoke to Mom. I have no idea what she said, but that was the last time Mom ever laid a hand on me. Or the fact that both she and Justin showed up at my graduation ceremony from the police academy. Or the time when I was fifteen and broke my arm at school. Mom was passed out, Uncle Ray was out of town, so Lucy not only stayed with me at the hospital, but paid the bill too. She’s not so bad. I think deep down we like each other. Way deep down. Not that either of us would ever admit it to the other.

“
I see you’ve found her,
”
Lucy says to Marnie.

“
Fashionably late, you know me,
”
I say.

“
Justin and Rebecca were asking for you,
”
Lucy says in that tone reserved only for me, annoyance mixed with…well, really just annoyance.

“
Where are they?
”
Marnie asks.

We scan the crowd, but I spot them first talking to the mayor and his wife. As always, he’s drool worthy in his tux, golden hair brilliant against tan skin. She compliments him, wavy orange hair cascading down over her blue-gray draped goddess dress. His arm is around her waist. For once, and I credit the power of positive thinking for this, I feel no jealousy or longing. I see it. They fit together perfectly.

“
They’re talking to the mayor,
”
I say.

“
Oh. Him,
”
Lucy says with distaste.
“
Begging for money, no doubt. Insipid man.
”

“
I guess it’s my job as best man to save them,
”
I say with a swig of champagne.
“
Ladies.
”

Justin’s face lights up when he spots me crossing the room. Always nice to be appreciated. Mayor Miracle continues talking.
“
…and that’s why we failed. I mean, with no support from the constituents, how can anything get done?
”

“
Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Mayor,
”
I say.

“
Joanna!
”
Rebecca almost shouts. She breaks away from Justin to give me a huge hug.
“
You’re here!
”
She releases me.
“
You look so beautiful! Doesn’t she look great, Justin?
”

“
Most definitely.
”
He hugs me too.
“
Thanks for coming.
”