The Killer Within Read Free Page B

next to Frank.
    “Nice job, everyone,” he said, through pursed lips. He didn’t even look at Frank.
    “I would’ve expected more men guarding an operation like this,” Frank commented.
    Burke turned to him. “They probably weren’t expecting us to hit them, they got lazy.” Page 13
    “You should have that checked out,” Vera said.
    She motioned and Frank looked at his arm. He was bleeding, and he suddenly remembered the sting he had felt earlier.
    “Well how do you like that?” he said, to no one in particular.
    Vera waved a paramedic over to bind Frank’s arm. She gave a crooked smile. “This will look great for the cameras, Frank.”
    Frank smiled a silly grin.
    She was right. The next day there was a big press conference and Frank was center stage. Lieutenant Burke could barely hide his distaste, but did nothing to stop it. The bust was huge news, millions of dollars worth of narcotics and serious firepower off the streets, and a real blow against the Ecuadorians. Frank acted gracious and humble, and his face was plastered all over the local newspapers. He was a hero.
    Two days later, he got the call he had been expecting. Frank sat in Lieutenant Burke’s office, trying not to fidget. He’d been on pins and needles ever since the bust, wondering, hoping.
    “I just got off the phone with Judge Browers,” Burke said. “He wants to see you in his office.” Frank fought to contain himself. “Why?” he asked. The lieutenant frowned. “Why the hell do you think, Frank? Now don’t go doing something stupid like pissing him off, because I don’t want to have to deal with your sorry ass anymore. You’re his problem now.” Frank couldn’t help but grin. “Yes, sir, thank you, sir.” Frank didn’t notice the sober look on the lieutenant’s face as he left.
    Vera smiled when Frank told her the news. She’d still been edgy the past few days. Frank hoped her funk over the accountant shooting would pass.
    “Congratulations, Frank,” she said in a quiet voice. “Good luck.”
    Frank grabbed his things and drove downtown to the Federal Courthouse building. The whole way over he kept thinking about what being on the task force would mean, better pay, a chance to make a real Page 14
    difference, a nicer apartment his kids could stay at, a better life. He smiled; everything was working out.
    His head was still spinning as he walked up the marble steps of the courthouse. The building was impressive, thick columns, a massive statue of a figure holding the scales of justice. The place had weight. It took half an hour for Frank to make his way through all the layers of security. He surrendered his weapon, saying hello to a few of the courthouse guards he knew.
    He was about to ascend the stairway to the judges’
    private chambers when a security guard Frank didn’t recognize came out of a restroom around the corner.
    The man was in a hurry. He brushed against Frank, bumping him as he passed.
    “Excuse me,” the guard said, nodding as he hurried on his way.
    “Not at all,” Frank replied automatically. He took the steps two at a time, and in short order he was sitting in the office of Judge William Browers. The man had a mane of silver hair and a face that looked like it was cut from a mountain side. He was wearing his judicial robes, which made him even more intimidating. Frank tried not to squirm in his seat.
    “Detective Arnold,” Judge Browers said. His voice was like the soft rumble of distant thunder. “Thank you for coming down here.”
    Frank nodded, not trusting himself to say anything.
    “I was very impressed with your recent arrest, it made quite a splash.”
    “Thank you, your honor,” Frank said.
    “I’d love to hear how you worked it. Would you mind? Call it professional curiosity.” Hell no, Frank didn’t mind. He gave him the whole rundown, the rumors he’d been hearing, the information he got from Richie, the attempt on his life, all of it.“That’s good work, son,” Judge