A Lesson in Love and Murder Read Free

changing—and at such a galloping pace that he’d never catch up.
    Back at the station house, his thoughts still spiraled Merinda-ward. What might it be like if he left Tipton and the police behind and joined the ranks of her private investigation firm?
    â€œForth!” Tipton’s voice echoed through the corridor. The chief crooked his finger in Jasper’s direction.
    Jasper took the hall in two strides and closed Tipton’s office door as requested.
    â€œTake a seat.”
    Jasper did.
    â€œDrink?”
    â€œNot while on duty, sir.” Jasper tugged at his collar, trying to hide his surprise when the chief poured himself a finger of whiskey.
    â€œGood man.” Tipton inclined his glass. “There’s been another one of those trolley mishaps.”
    Jasper’s face whitened, and he instinctively leaped from his chair, almost taking it with him.
    â€œNot so fast, not so fast,” said the chief. “We have men on the scene already. You’ll get there and see that someone’s meddled with the wiring. It doesn’t take a genius to know these ‘accidents’ are premeditated.”
    â€œI guessed as much. I was hoping they would strike again so I could find proof.” Jasper coughed to hide his embarrassment. “What I meant to say is that I would like to catch the culprits. Not for more innocent lives to be lost.”
    Tipton smiled. “I know. But no one outside this office must suspect foul play. That muckraker DeLuca from the Hogtown Herald is sniffing about with that cameraman of his. Those two always seem to be two steps ahead of us. I know you are friendly with him. I am asking you to keep our speculations to yourself.”
    â€œBut, sir, these are not accidents, and the public has a right to know. To be aware of the danger to their safety. Letting people know will also save the Toronto Rail Commission from embarrassment. They don’t deserve to have the guilt of these blasts on their consciences.”
    â€œI am ordering you to say nothing to the press. This is coming directly from Mayor Montague,” said the chief. “He wants to show that the city will not be prey to these anarchists and their vicious antics. Especially with the arrival of Emma Goldman so imminent. He wants us to stand by and help the public not to panic.”
    Jasper sighed. Tipton had been in Montague’s pocket for years. It was one of the reasons Jasper didn’t trust the chief, though he had little choice but to follow his orders. But he had never before been asked to lie. “This is not the first time Montague has steered us in the direction of hiding information, sir. Those Irish girls were swept under thecarpet. Two more girls almost died, and a murderer nearly went free! We both know his methods aren’t… ”
    Tipton slammed his glass down on his desk. “Forth, I know you’re one of the good ones. I know you’re honest and you believe in the badge you wear. But what good does it do to take the moral high ground when it means negative ramifications in the future? Budget cuts? Divisional downsizing? ‡ That just means more crime in the future. No, we need to toe Montague’s line. Keep his silly morality squad and whatnot. We can play the man’s game, can we not?”
    Tipton picked up his glass again and took a long sip. “Montague especially hates that DeLuca fellow and his stupid little paper. The man’s a menace, no matter how pretty his wife is. I know she’s a friend of yours, but you don’t have to be guilted into saying anything when he pesters you like a mosquito.”
    â€œSir, I don’t feel comfortable lying. If Ray DeLuca outright asks me for information… ”
    â€œDon’t get near enough to him and you won’t be put on the spot. Keep your Sunday school manners intact, eh?” Tipton nodded, agreeing with his own point. Then he waved his empty glass in