Arrest of the Heart

Chapter 1

That driver is one crazy son-of-a-bitch! Jessie declared, watching the headlights on the car speeding down the dark, winding road. The idiot had to see the flashing red lights at the railroad junction or the lantern-bright beam on the engine of the freight train that would reach the crossing in a few minutes. Playing chicken with 200 tons of iron was not the act of a sane or sober human being. Street lights didn’t exist in this rural mountainous area, but the full moon shone like a beacon among millions of glittering stars.

She pressed the button on the mike attached to the clip on her shoulder. Dispatch, Sergeant Taylor. When there wasn’t an immediate response, Jessie called again. Wake up, Sleeping Beauty. Budget cuts only allowed one dispatcher manning the radio and phones.

Sorry, Sergeant, Mrs. Schmidt had my ear.

Don’t tell me. Schatzie was barking and Ursula decided a prowler was skulking around her house.

You got it, another lonely widow with an over-active imagination.

I’m on Jaeger Hollow Road. A vehicle is shooting down Cool Spring Mountain like a bat out of hell and the two-forty freight out of Williamsport is also heading for the intersection.

You need backup?

Not yet. I’m too far away to do anything. If the driver doesn’t wake up and smell the roses, all I can do is pick up the pieces. I’ll keep you posted.

Her heart pounded in anticipation of the tragedy about to happen. What a waste. People took life for granted. The driver must have a death wish. One moment you’re here and then you’re gone. Her fingers automatically pressed against the raised scar low on her right shoulder. Don’t go there, she told herself. Sighing deeply, Sergeant Jessie Taylor prepared to meet the foolish driver, hopefully alive.

The speedometer read eighty MPH. It had been years since he’d pulled a crazy stunt like this. He wasn’t the same rebellious eighteen-year-old who told his rich grandfather to go to hell and rode out of town on the motorcycle he’d rebuilt from second hand parts. The dense, forested area was deserted, law enforcement non-existent. If memory served him right, the cops were catching forty winks at Laurel Quarry. The night called for the Beach Boys, "Fun, Fun, Fun." He pumped up the sound, trying to block out memories of his past, painful memories meant to stay buried. He’d vowed never to return to Laurel Heights, but a friend from another lifetime had cashed in a favor. Once he fulfilled his obligation, he’d go back to his real life and the friends he called brothers. They’d be there to support him, no matter what.

He ignored the flashing red warning lights up ahead and pressed the accelerator a little more.

Jessie gripped the steering wheel and her palms began to sweat, hoping the driver would change his mind. The train engineer must have seen the headlights on the vehicle heading for the tracks and sounded a long warning whistle.

The imbecile driver kept right on coming.

The moment of truth arrived a few minutes later when the night-race blue Corvette Stingray shot through the RR crossing like a speeding bullet, with seconds to spare. Jess briefly closed her eyes, grateful she didn’t have to scoop up a dead body.

Dispatch, our hot-shot chicken driver made it through in one piece, but his luck just ran out. He took the left fork onto Laurel Heights Road and there’s no place to go but into town. Now, he’s mine.

Received. Good luck, Sergeant.

Jessie hit the lights and siren and took off after the speeding vehicle. When her speedometer read sixty, she punched it a little more. He’s either drunk, high, or out of his mind.

The driver gave the dash of the powerful car an affectionate pat. Hot damn! He laughed and eased back on the accelerator, remembering the sharp curve up ahead on the two-lane road. "And with the radio blasting, goes cruising just as fast as she can now, and she'll have fun, fun, fun, till her daddy takes the T-bird away."

His singing was interrupted by the flashing red and white lights reflected in his rear-view mirror. Where did you come from? He never figured one of Laurel Heights finest would be awake. The loud, pounding music had totally blocked out the siren. Only one person knew the real reason he was returning, and he was under strict orders not to reveal his background. Unfortunately, his irresponsible joy ride had just shot his cover story to hell, and he had to come up with a contingency plan, fast. The unopened bottle of Johnny Walker Blue sitting on the passenger seat drew his attention. He gripped it between his legs and quickly unscrewed the cap with his free hand and sprinkled some on his black T-shirt. Such a waste, he said and thought, what the hell, and took a good swig of his favorite drink.

Dispatch, run this vanity plate; Lima, Ocean, Lima, Alpha. Vehicle looks to be a late model Corvette Stingray.

Listing comes back to Long and Barrows. Car reported stolen yesterday from their corporate headquarters in Union, PA.

Print out the paperwork on the look up. It rattled her that their patrol cars didn’t have automatic license plate scanners and computers. The old standby, not enough money in the budget, excuse was a phrase she’d heard over and over again. Despite the lack of up-to-date crime fighting equipment, she’d never give up her eight-year-old Ford Explorer or go back to being a cop in a big city.

He may have been successful outrunning a speeding train, but he was no match for the three full-grown deer on the shoulder of the road that were mesmerized by his headlights. They darted out directly in front of the Stingray.

Oh, shit! He slammed on the brakes and the back end fishtailed, sending the sports car into a drainage ditch. The punch of the car coming to a standstill jolted him forward, and he wacked his forehead on the steering wheel. Then, it was lights out.

Jessie saw the same roving deer and slowed down. "Dispatch, Speedy Gonzalez just went into a ditch at Miller’s bend. I need back up, a wrecker, and the first aid squad.

Headquarters received.

She parked on the soft shoulder of the road and made her way down the slight incline sideways, so she wouldn’t slip on the loose chunks of shale and rocks underfoot. The overhead lights came on when she opened the driver’s side door and she was greeted by the Beach Boys chanting "Fun, Fun, Fun." The male driver, who looked to be in his mid-thirties, was slumped over the steering wheel. His ink-black hair, caught in a queue at the base of his neck, brushed the edge of his black T-shirt. He appeared to be breathing steadily, and there wasn’t any sign of blood. She touched the underside of his jaw and felt a strong pulse.

Sir, are you hurt? Jess asked when he moaned and started to lift away from the steering wheel. She put a hand to each of his broad, athletic shoulders to help him sit up. Try not to move around too much. You’ve probably got a concussion. The ambulance is on its way.

No sooner had he settled against the stone gray leather seat, than Jess immediately backed away, startled by the driver’s appearance. One eye was closed, but the other was covered by a black eye patch. This was the first time she’d come face to face with a real live pirate.

His long, slightly flared nose didn’t appear to have suffered any injuries. A reddish abrasion was already forming above his crescent-shaped black brows. Well-worn jeans hugged his taut thighs. His large hands were ring-less, the nails neat and well tended. If he wanted to look dark and forbidding, he was successful. The driver moaned again and Jess put a hand to his upper arm. Sir, wait till the ambulance gets here before you move around too much.

Linc wondered if he’d died and gone to heaven at the sound of a soft, feminine voice filled with concern. He blinked, then stared into a pair of beautiful eyes, the color of gleaming copper pennies. A female cop! The Laurel Heights Police Department had certainly changed. He had the greatest respect for women in law enforcement, but they tended to have a very curious nature. Golden freckles kissed her pale pink cheeks and adorable nose that she had better keep out of places it didn’t belong.

From his prolonged silence, she determined he was slightly dazed. She tapped his cheek with her fingers. Sir, stay with me. What’s your name?

A slow smile spread on his handsome face. Blackbeard.

Wiseass. The eye that opened was a stormy platinum gray. She only knew of one other person who had that unusual eye color, but he was dead.

Linc released his seatbelt and punched the button on the CD player. I love the Beach Boys, but the beat is contrary to the pounding in my head.

Do you need assistance getting out of the vehicle?

If you will move your lovely body, I’ll give it a try.

Jessie ignored the reference to her being female rather than a ranked police officer. It wasn’t anything she hadn’t heard before. She went to back out, but hesitated at the sight of the bottle of booze on the passenger seat. His breath was lethal and his clothes reeked of alcohol. How much have you had to drink?

Apparently, not enough, or I wouldn’t be in this mess. Linc swung his feet out of the car and braced his hands on either side of the door opening to attempt a standing position. He didn’t anticipate the dizziness or the unstable shale underfoot. Whoa, he cried when his booted feet started to slip, and he threw himself against the attractive female body in front of him.

Jessie wasn’t prepared for the forceful slam of a powerful male body. The slanted ground added to their precarious footing. The momentum knocked the wind out of her and she landed on a pile of leaves and gravel with the drunk flat out on top of her.

It had been a while since he’d felt something so delicate, so feminine. She smelled fantastic. Then, for the second time that night, Blackbeard acted reckless and irresponsible. He dipped his head and captured the delectable mouth of the bewitching female in a slow, easy kiss. She tasted delicious, and he brushed his tongue lightly over her slightly open lips. He relaxed a little more to savor the firm breasts pressed against his chest. He was enjoying himself much too much, until he became aware of a leather gun belt that supported her sidearm.

He was up shit creek now. He’d just assaulted a cop!

Jess had barely gotten the air back in her lungs when his lips sealed hers in a breath-stealing kiss. His strong body pressed her deeper into the ground and she felt herself succumbing to his hot, persuasive mouth. There wouldn’t be any need to give Blackbeard a Breathalyzer test. The rich taste of Scotch lingered on his tongue and the surface of his firm lips.

The blaring siren from the approaching ambulance brought her back to reality. Adding to Jessie’s compromising entrapment, was the arrival of the backup unit she’d requested. Their combined headlights zeroed in on the car in the ditch and the couple in a hot embrace.

Dailey and Donatiello, known as the double D’s, had been partners for the past three years. They exited their vehicle and were shocked to find their sergeant locking lips with some guy. Hey, Sarge, is that a new way to subdue a suspect? Donatiello, the older of the two, teased, sliding down the rocky slope.

The hot kiss was overwhelming and she momentarily forgot where she was and who she was with. You big oaf, she cried, coming to her senses and shoved at the pirate’s strong shoulders with her hands. He hardly moved. Donatiello, use your gym muscles and get this jerk off me!

The officer grabbed Linc’s upper arms and drew him off of the delicious female body he was enjoying.

Jess managed to stand up and brushed dried leaves off her navy uniform pants.

You are under arrest for assaulting a police officer, driving a stolen vehicle, drunk driving, speeding, and anything else I can come up with! she angrily spat.

That’s the first time I’ve ever been arrested for kissing a beautiful woman, Linc teased, just before the officer cuffed his wrists and escorted him up the hill.

Any serious injuries? Dave, the first aid responder asked, opening the rear doors of the ambulance.

Jessie wanted to sneer a colorful remark, but remained professional. He slammed his head on the steering wheel.

Dailey guided their prisoner to the back of the first aid unit. What about a sobriety test? He smells like he’s been taking a bath in booze.

Procedure stated that anyone suspected of driving under the influence should be given a Breathalyzer test. She had first hand knowledge that he’d been drinking. Not necessary.

The double D’s frowned at one another, wondering why the change in procedure?

The first-aid responder determined the driver had sustained a mild concussion when he struck his head, but there didn’t appear to be any other injuries. When Dave suggested Linc go to the hospital, he adamantly begged off further medical care.

Since he refuses additional treatment, take him into headquarters and fill out the paperwork. Make sure you read him his rights.

Ah, the end of a beautiful love affair, Linc said, just before they assisted him into the back seat of the black and white. Will I ever see you again?

Jess braced her hand on the top of the squad car. Unfortunately, at your arraignment Monday morning.

What about a phone call? he asked with a devilish wink and inwardly winced from the bandage he sported across his forehead.

Jess ignored the flirty gesture and turned to Officer Donatiello. He’ll get his phone call in the morning. I’ll wait for the wrecker. She needed some time alone. This guy really pissed her off. A cool breeze kicked up, carrying the sweet scent of wild Honeysuckle. Normally she found the aroma soothing, but tonight it had no effect on her smoldering temper. She planned to secure the bottle of scotch as evidence and see what else she could find. Everything would be bagged, tagged, and properly recorded. There was an undercurrent of something here. He was too arrogant and sure of himself. She just didn’t trust him.

The ride into town was uneventful. Linc leaned his pounding head back and closed his eye, having second thoughts about his Oscar worthy performance. He’d backed himself into a corner and would have to maintain the rich, playboy persona while he was in Laurel Heights. But the lovely sergeant, she’d just been there. He had no control over the invisible force that had him lowering his head to taste her very kissable lips. The beams from the headlights had highlighted reddish gold hair that had been drawn through the opening of the navy, police-issue baseball cap. What kind of body was that starched uniform hiding? It really didn’t matter. He wouldn’t be in town long enough to find out.

He’d have no problem getting out of the charges he was facing, other than driving a stolen vehicle. Who the hell had reported the car stolen! Scott had loaned him the Stingray for this clandestine assignment. He would be expected to enlist the services of a lawyer, plus it wouldn’t hurt to have a couple of character references. Smiling, he had two very special witnesses in mind. Russell and Scott would be pissed, but that’s what friends were for.

When the patrol car reached the small town of Laurel Heights, a community in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, he closed his mind to the bitter memories that kept forcing their way into his conscious thought. Get in, do the job, get out.

The police department was housed in the stately town hall, the hub of the township established in the early1800’s. The city council was determined to keep the municipality quaint and unspoiled. There wasn’t a fast food restaurant in sight. Thick forested state parks fringed the community that numbered a little more than seven thousand residents. Laurel Lake, a five mile reservoir, fed by the Ohiopyle River, outlined the northern part of town.

"Watch your head, Officer Dailey cautioned, when they assisted Linc out of the patrol car and guided him toward the familiar rear entrance of the three-story stone structure. If it wasn’t for a cop and a judge, he might have become an expert at making license plates. After being fingerprinted and having his picture taken, Officer Dailey took him to a small windowless holding room. The dark, commercial-grade carpeting was threadbare in spots. A lone computer and a three-tier tray occupied an aged, green-metal desk. Linc tried not to cringe at the old electronics.

Having been on the job for nine years, Bill Dailey prided himself on reading a suspect, but something was off with this character. He was unable to produce any personal identification, so they could add driving without a license to the charges. The suspect’s clothes reeked from alcohol, but he hadn’t carried on like a drunk and disorderly person. Bill ran his fingers through his light brown hair before taking his reading glasses out of his pocket. It was time to find out who this character really was.

Name?

Linc sat in a hard-backed chair and kept a straight face. Blackbeard.

The officer sighed deeply and took his hands off of the computer keyboard. Patience, he told himself. Pretend you are talking to one of your kids. You seem like a nice guy. You posed real nice for your mug shots and you didn’t give me a hard time when I took your prints. Cooperate.

I want a lawyer. He was only going through the motions and following orders. Monday morning, he’d walk out a free man. He had an ace in the hole.

The door opened and Officer Emilio Donatiello walked in. He’d just turned forty and spent a good part of his leisure time at the gym. He thought himself a suave ladies’ man, but the women he attempted to pick up would totally disagree. His ego made promises his body couldn’t cash.

Sergeant needs back up. There’s a disturbance at Delancy’s Tavern. Three of their regulars are bashing each other with pool cues. They’re fighting over who is going to win the annual bed race.

Where are Lorenzo and Bowll?

Handling an accident. Car ran into a telephone pole by Trinity Church. Guy claimed he saw Buford Adams’ ghost running around the cemetery.

Linc tightened his fisted hands, but showed no reaction at the mention of his late grandfather’s name.

Saturday night, Bill sighed. Blame it on the full moon. Let’s get Blackbeard locked up. It will be the day shift supervisor’s problem to find out the identity of our guest.

Linc tried to make himself comfortable on the thin mattress, missing the king-sized bed in his condo. He’d already spotted the surveillance cameras that monitored the six cells and determined there was a problem with the system. The ready lights kept blinking on and off. They’d added a bit of privacy to each cell by hanging a shower curtain around the small sink and commode. He closed his eye and tried to talk himself out of the headache centered in the front of his head. So far nothing about this payback had gone as planned. Adding to his woes was the condition of his best friend’s expensive sports car. Hopefully, Scott wouldn’t be too ticked. Linc’s mind finally shut down, and it was close to nine in the morning when the sound of the cell door opening woke him from a very restful sleep.

Rise and shine. Jess had managed two hours down-time before coming in to give the prisoner his phone call. Sergeant Carrington, the senior sergeant on the force, had requested a vacation day.

Linc flipped off the olive-green, army-surplus blanket and swung his feet to the floor before rubbing his hands over his scruffy beard. His headache had subsided and he’d removed the annoying bandage, revealing a small Cyclops lump on his forehead. Since he was supposed to be a cocky bastard, he continued the playboy façade. Good morning, sweet cakes. Tell me you have coffee and I’ll be your love slave.

I’m not your sweet anything. Jess was tired of the insults. It doesn’t matter to me if you make your phone call or not. When you’re done, I’ll see about breakfast.

Touchy. He stepped outside the cell and held his arms out with his wrists together. A hint of shower gel swept his senses. Lavender? Vanilla? Aren’t you going to cuff me? The other officers must have thought I was Ted Bundy.

Jess put a hand on her hip and looked him dead in the face. I’ve had very little sleep, but you wouldn’t get far. Blackbeard, I’m always armed and a firm believer in the phrase, ‘shoot first and ask questions later.’ So, what’s it going to be?

I’ll behave, he laughed. He liked this lady sergeant more and more.

They walked down a series of hallways that opened into an operations room. A lone police dispatcher sat behind a long console on the far side of the room. In the rear of the communications area was a map, showing the entire county. He was surprised to see a large GPS compatible board that allowed the tracking of cars on patrol.

Fingers of sunlight, created by the beige vertical blinds on the tall windows, streaked across nutmeg colored carpeting. Dark beige, soft-sided cubicles were well laid out for efficiency, as well as privacy. Four offices opened into the room, one designated for chief of police, a lieutenant, and two road sergeants.

Linc decided to throttle back on the macho charm. Did you find my cell phone when you searched my vehicle?

Jess had and was surprised at what else she’d found, along with the opened bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Scotch and his cell phone. A Kids R Us bag in the trunk held two pairs of little girl slippers and matching nightgowns with pictures of Sophia the First. In a fully stocked diaper bag, she discovered a picture of a lovely, dark haired woman surrounded by five beautiful children, two being less than a year old. From his irresponsible actions, she never took him for the father of five children. Typical cheat, take off the wedding ring and pander to the ego between his legs. And he had the nerve to kiss her! Sick pervert!

Here’s your phone, she said, taking it out of her uniform pocket.

Thanks. Can I have some privacy?

Sit in this vacant cubicle. I will be on the other side.

That’s not private.

Take it or leave it, she almost sneered, but caught herself at the last minute. What was it about him that irked her so much? Let’s see? He’d kissed and embarrassed her in front of her men, and he didn’t respect her. If he thought to fast talk his way out of the charges he was facing, he was in for a rude awakening. Come Monday morning, she had an ace in the hole.

I’ll take it, he replied, sitting on the soft office chair. He rested his arms on the top of the clutter-free desk and speed dialed Scott’s number.

Good morning, Daddy’s cell phone, Susan speaking.

Where is your father?

Who is this? You are supposed to identify yourself.

It’s the pirate.

Oh, Uncle Lincoln. Daddy is with Uncle Michael in the bathroom. Aunt Danni is throwing up and he brought her some ice water.

Is she sick?

No. Did you forget she is getting a baby?

He didn’t remember. It was a good thing he got away from his best friends for a while. The pregnancy bug was becoming an epidemic. Scott’s wife had given birth to twins and Russell and Alexis had triplets. Russell’s sister-in-law was due to have a baby in a few weeks.

You guys have a regular baby factory, Linc mocked, realizing too late what he said.

Oh, no, we don’t have a factory. Mommy told us the babies are a gift from God. Vicky and me want to know how the babies got in Mommy’s belly. Can you tell me and then I’ll tell Vicky?

No, I’m not going to tell you how the babies got in your mommy’s belly, Linc impatiently declared. Where is your mother?

Oh, she’s pumping her boobies.

Pumping her boobies? What does that mean?

You know, like a cow gives milk. Mommy has to get the milk from her boobies for the babies. They eat real food now, but Mommy said they get extra nursement from her booby milk.

Jessie clamped a hand over her mouth, holding in the laugh that threatened to escape. This Susan person was an expert at pushing Blackbeard’s buttons. He seemed almost human.

Linc’s patience had come to an end. Susan, the word is nourishment. Is there anyone else I can speak to who isn’t pumping boobies or throwing up in the bathroom?

Uncle Russell and Aunt Alexis came over with the babies to see the new playroom.

Why didn’t you say so?

You didn’t ask to speak to him.

Just put him on!

I can’t. Baby Garrett had a poopy blowout and Uncle Russell is getting more wipes for Aunt Alexis.

A poopy blow out? What’s that?

You know, the poop exploded out the side of the diaper and ran down his leg. Do you still want me to call Uncle Russell?

Lincoln shook his head in frustration. Just call him, I mean please call him, he quickly corrected himself.

A few minutes, he heard a sane voice. Hey, old man, everything okay?

This is the pirate and I’m at the Laurel Heights Police Department. I’ve been arrested for a variety of charges, but I need Scott to verify that I didn’t steal his Corvette Stingray. I will be passing my cell phone to the shift sergeant.

Russell wondered what Linc had gotten himself into. He put his hand over the phone before passing it to Scott. He’s in big trouble. Don’t mention his real name.

Jess walked around to his side of the cubicle. Any traces of the laugh she’d been holding in, disappeared. Who am I speaking with? Jessie asked, accepting the phone.

Scott Landis. I’m the owner of the Corvette and I loaned the car to the pirate. It’s part of Long and Barrows’ corporate fleet.

Jess wasn’t surprised that Scott Landis avoided the prisoner’s real name. If anything, he had loyal friends. I will need you to FAX over the registration, proof of insurance, and a copy of your corporate ID to verify ownership by ten tomorrow morning. Your friend is facing numerous motor vehicle charges and assaulting a police officer.

You’ll have it, he replied.

Linc reached out a hand. I need to ask him one more favor.

Jessie was feeling generous and passed him the phone. Make it quick.

Scott, I’ll need legal representation and a couple good character witnesses. You’ve got access to my condo. Bring me something decent to wear and toiletries.

No problems about the lawyer and clothes, but am I to understand you need Julie and Alexis as character references?

If you were in my shoes, who would you have in your corner?

Personally, I’d want Trouble and Double Trouble, Scott chuckled, but I’m sure the ladies will be delighted to come to your aid.

Lincoln felt himself sinking further and further in his mire of shit and understood the true meaning of the word, cluster-fuck.

Chapter 2

Linc felt a great deal better and not so much alone after having spoken to his friends. Guess you’ll want this back?

She put the phone into an evidence bag marked with his name—Blackbeard. Pray we get proof of ownership before your arraignment.

I’m not worried, he replied with his signature grin. He leaned back in the narrow office chair and crossed his arms over his chest. I’ll be out of here by lunch time.

Jessie perched a slender hip on the edge of the metal desk and hugged her waist. She told herself to ignore the way his tightened shirt emphasized his broad chest. What makes you think tomorrow morning is going to be a walk in the park? Assaulting a police officer is a serious charge.

Linc loved a challenge. He abruptly sprang forward, bringing their bodies much too close. Her body stiffened, but she didn’t budge an inch. His grin was laced with confidence. Let’s just say I’ve got an ace in the hole.

Not as good as mine, she silently declared, hoping he couldn’t hear her pounding heart. You’ve got quite an ego, Blackbeard. Now, it’s time to go back to your weekend accommodations. Jessie put a hand on his upper arm and felt his hard, muscled strength.

Did you forget to feed me? he asked, just before she closed the cell door.

Breakfast is on the way.

I hate to eat alone, he said with a puppy dog pout.

Jess took a stance and flipped a hip. I’ll make you a deal. Tell me your name and I’ll join you for coffee.

That sounds fair enough.

What do I call you? she asked, thinking they were finally getting someplace.

Mr. President, he grinned.

Smartass! Jess abruptly turned around before she became a victim of his great smile. Blackbeard was a threat to all of the womanly feelings she’d buried. Her dirt bag ex-husband had seen to that. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

A hundred and fifty miles away, Vicky and Susan Landis sat on the floor of the newly constructed playroom, surrounded by five babies. The seven-year-olds loved to babysit Anna and Joshua, their-nine-month old brother and sister, and their almost cousins Cole, Garrett, and Mary Jane Long, six-month-old triplets. The twins were currently testing out their new walking legs, while the other three discovered if they jumped up and down in their bouncy seats, they could travel around the room, which was decorated in a rainbow of colors and Disney characters.

Uncle Lincoln didn’t sound very happy, Vicky said, tossing a sponge football at her brother Josh. He laughed when he caught it, showing his four front teeth.

Susan glanced at the video baby monitor on the wall. I know we’re not supposed to listen to adult conversations, because every time we do we get in trouble, she whispered. Maybe if we find out what’s wrong, we can make a card to cheer him up. She didn’t even wait for a response from her sister as she pushed the monitor button.

Scott joined the others in the dining area off the big, sunny kitchen. It still boggled him that Julie loved the layout of their old home so much, the new one was similar, but a great deal larger to accommodate their growing family. As often as possible, Russell and Alexis and their babies, along with Michael and his very pregnant wife Danni, got together for brunch on Sunday mornings.

He’s really gotten mixed up in something this time. Scott sat next to Julie and took a drink of much needed coffee. We warned him not to go, but he said there was unfinished business from his past he had to clear up.

Spill it, Julie impatiently demanded.

Linc called from the Laurel Heights Police Department. He’s been arrested for numerous motor vehicle violations, but most important of all, assaulting a police officer.

That is pure unadulterated bull crap! Julie furiously exclaimed. Linc would never do something like that! He is the most level headed one of the three of you. She glowered at Russell and then her husband. What are you going to do about it?

Scott kissed her pouting lips. Calm down, Lola Baby. Let’s all talk this thing through.

I can make a phone call, Danni offered. I attended a criminal profiling course with an officer from Laurel Heights. The cop had been working in New York City at the time. We still keep in touch via email. Danni took a few sips of ice water. Morning sickness was supposed to last the first three months, not the entire pregnancy.

I would hold off contacting your friend. Linc only requested we bring him a decent set of clothes, legal representation, and a couple of character witnesses. He is being arraigned tomorrow morning at ten o’clock.

Why would he ask you to come up with a lawyer? Michael asked. When I re-designed his website, he requested a hot button for his legal staff.

Before leaving, he said he’d only contact us if he ran into trouble. He hasn’t given them his name, so he probably wants to keep Adams Security and Investigations off the table. Russell sighed deeply and passed Scott a knowing look. He’s always been a private person and avoided all reference to his growing-up years in Laurel Heights. One night, we got drunk and it all came out. In his mind, it was a closed door, never to be opened, and we’ve kept Linc’s secrets.

I’ll be a character witness, Julie quickly offered. The kids will be in school and my parents and Mrs. Clooney can handle the twins for a few hours.

Oh, you are a character all right, Scott winked, loving his adorable wife more and more every day.

I’m going too. Alexis turned to her husband. I’ll call your mother, and Marie will help out. We can go to his condo this afternoon to pack his clothes.

We’ll take the company chopper, Julie suggested. You just have to get him a lawyer.

Scott and Russell looked at their respective wives and laughed. What does Linc need us for? Since you two have everything organized, I’ll contact our pilot to be at Long and Barrows tomorrow morning at seven o’clock. Scott turned to Russell and wiggled his eyebrows. You can call Melissa, the head of our legal department, since you once dated her.

Russell scowled at his best friend and determined it was Scott’s mission in life to bust his chops. No other woman could hold a candle to his gorgeous wife Alexis.

Don’t worry, Mr. Clean, if she tries to make a move on you for old time’s sake, I’ll hit her with my broom, Alexis laughed.

Having solved the problems of their friend, parenthood interrupted their conversation.

Mom, Susan yelled into the baby monitor. Anna smells.

Uncle Russell, Vicky hollered, Cole has a poopy diaper. You have to change him because he’s a boy.

Late Sunday afternoon, Jessie walked into headquarters. She’d managed a few hours of sleep. After twelve years on the job, she’d learned to shut down, but her subconscious kept thinking about their prisoner. What did he have up his sleeve that he was so sure he was going to walk away a free man?

Hi, Pat. How’s everything? Jess walked in back of the shoulder-high counter that separated the communications area from the rest of the room to check the locations of the cars on patrol.

There was a minor fender bender at Jefferson and Main, another dispute at Delancy’s. Lorenzo and Bowll responded to a silent alarm at the Mayor’s house. That’s the second time this week.

How’s our guest?

I haven’t heard a peep out of him, she said, indicating the screen to the left side of her console that monitored the six cells. Blackbeard’s dinner is on the way. Sallie Mae came in special to fix his meal. I put the Fax you were expecting on your desk.

Thanks. Let me know when the food arrives. I’ll take it back. Jess glanced at the monitor and just stared, wondering if she was seeing things. Their prisoner had removed his shirt and was doing pushups on the concrete floor. He’s exercising.

Patty grinned at the eye candy. Oh, yeah. He switches from push ups, to sit ups, and does shadow boxing. The monitor blinked off and Patty tapped the side. It popped back on. This thing has been acting up the past couple of days. I left a note for the lieutenant to have it repaired.

Jess checked out the half-naked man one more time. Eye candy is right. Show’s over, he put his shirt back on.

Her office was sunny bright from the two tall windows covered by wide open Venetian blinds. Some of the furniture that had been passed off to the police department looked like WWII rejects. Her desktop computer was as old as time, but it served her purpose. She reviewed the three-page fax and tightened her lips in annoyance. The driving a stolen vehicle charge would be dismissed. Scott Landis had included a notarized letter stating that he loaned the Stingray to the pirate.

Long and Barrows. She pondered the name, Long. A well-to-do couple owned a beautiful, rustic, year-round log home on the south side of the lake. They rarely came up, but their son utilized it occasionally during the summer months. The phone interrupted her pondering. Blackbeard’s food had arrived.

Linc caught a pleasant fragrance and swung his feet to the floor. Exercising had helped combat the boredom and eliminate