It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week there was some help from the SWAT commander. He arranged an escort to the airport for Larry and Andrew. He, too, is perplexed by the fact that Spencer Tagget the ADA, could be involved in any misdeeds. So I think we are 🎶on the road again.🎶 (Thanks, Willy.) We ought to join our boys who are following the patrol car.

“That was nice of the lieutenant to arrange the escort and not hassle us about killing that thug.”

“I still won’t feel right until we land at Logan.”

“What’s bothering you?”

“Having a bunch of people continually throw lead our way is bothering me.”

“Yeah, it is annoying.”

“Annoying? It is downright hazardous to our health.”

“You still have your gun?”

“What do you think? I always have my gun. Why the question?”

“Not sure. This whole trip has been one series of unusual circumstances. The sad part is we don’t know any more than when we left Boston.”

“We know Dixon and Janet Rafferty spent time together here. We also know Cortez thinks Taggert is involved.”

“I guess we also know Taggert wants us dead.”

“We sure it’s Taggert?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Think all the way back to what started this case. Sandusky’s blown up heart.”

“Yeah so?”

“Who is at the center of everything?”

“Cortez.”

“Right. It would make sense for him to tell us Taggert was involved to throw us off the trail. The way I see it, we got to get Mrs. Rafferty and Dixon to come clean, and then if they finger Cortez, we go get him.”

“Or let Taggert go get him.”

“Whatever. Why is the patrol car slowing down? He has his turn signal on, but there’s no exit.”

“Looks like he is pulling off onto the shoulder.”

“Maybe we should just pass him up.”

“I’m going to pull in behind him. Get ready for anything.”

“Maybe I can beat them off with my briefcase.”

“Very funny. Here comes the sergeant. This should be interesting.”

“Hey, detective. We got a call from the lieutenant that we should go back to headquarters. Something has come up.”

“Did he say what it was?”

“He had a chance to talk to his boss, and they think you are in danger and might better put off your plans to leave.”

“Danger? Hell, that’s nothing new.”

“Looks like the State Patrol came upon some guys up ahead. They were on a bridge over the freeway, and they had some weapons. That’s all I know.”

“They capture the guys?”

“In a manner of speaking. Big shoot out. One is still alive. You want to follow me. We are going over the median. I’m not taking any chances.”

“Okay, Sarg. lead the way.”

It is Wednesday Story Day time again and last week, Larry, Andrew, and Bob were confronted by the Reno SWAT team lead by Lieutenant Mayfield. After some discussion, the lieutenant gave his word that no one would be shot and that he was coming into Starbucks. He also said he thought something funny was going on, and he wanted to get to the bottom of whatever it is. He was led to believe there was a hostage situation, and now he has come to see that not to be true. I think we ought to get back as Larry has hung up the phone. The Lieutenant and four serious-looking men are coming through the door.

“Larry Dunfee, I presume.”

“Lieutenant Mayfield, so nice to meet you face to face. You look nothing like your voice.”

“Hahaha. I’ll take that as a compliment. So, what the hell do we have here?”

“As I tried to explain on the phone, Andrew and I were getting coffee, and two guys came through the door. One with a shotgun and that guy over there with a UZI.”

“Lieutenant?”

“Yes, Sarg.”

“This one is gone. Shot through the eye.”

“Thanks. That is some shooting, Larry.”

“I am a trained police officer, after all.”

“Figures, I suppose. So, Bob. You have anything to add.”

“N-no, sir. Larry here saved my life, and I won’t forget that.”

“Thanks, Bob.”

“Larry. Where did the guy with the shotgun go?”

“He ran through the kitchen and out the back door. I saw him booking across the parking lot.”

“I wonder why the dispatcher called this a hostage situation?”

“You want my take?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“We have been investigating the murder of a Boston citizen. Our investigation led us to Cortez.”

“He did it?”

“Not that we can prove, but he did say that Taggert could be involved.”

“As in ADA, Taggert?”

“The very same. Anyway, since we have come to Reno, we have been attacked twice. We have killed the attackers all except for the guy with the shotgun.”

“Taggert didn’t press charges?”

“No, he threatened to, but we got the head of our police department and prosecutor to vouch for us. Cortez thought we ought to get back to Boston and see if we can connect our people of interest with Taggert.”

“I find this hard to believe.”

“I don’t think Cortez will talk to you.”

“No. I can’t imagine that he will. As a law office, I find it very disquieting that the person responsible for upholding the law may, in fact, be breaking it.”

“So, what do we do?”

“When is your flight?”

“Four o’clock.”

“I’ll give you an escort, and I think you can make it.”

“What about this mess?”

“Let me take a picture of your ID’s I think it will be a matter of filing some paperwork and finding out who that guy is on the floor.”

“I don’t want you to get into trouble.”

“I have full authority here, detective. I have your statement, so, as long as we can get in touch, you’re free to go. There is no reason to suspect you of a crime.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.”

“Sergeant?”

“Yes sir.”

“Give these gentlemen an escort to the airport. Take one of those patrol cars and let the officer drive.”

“Yes sir.”

“Have a good trip. Nice meeting you both.”

“What are you going to do about Taggert?”

“Until I have something, I don’t know what to do.”

“If there is anything we can do, please call.”

“I think I will have a discussion with my boss and try to figure out a path forward.”

“Good luck then.”

“Thanks.”