“Hit the snooze. It’s just Wednesday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, Larry and Andrew had a bizarre meeting with the Assistant DA Taggert. He apologized for treating our heroes like criminals, gave Larry back his gun, and then more or less left them to fend for themselves. Well, I see that they are in the car so let’s go and maybe we can collect some intel.
“So, you had a question while we were in Taggert’s office?”
“I did, Larry.”
“Let’s have it.”
“Don’t you think that guy was a little too casual with us.”
“What do you mean?”
“He strolls into his office, says an ‘I’m sorry,’ and then shoos us on our way.”
“Well, what’s you expect a cake or something?”
“No, but I thought he would give us some specific help. You know, like, ‘Let me get a couple of officers to help you in your investigation,’ kind of help.”
“You expect too much out of people. He was just glad to have us out of his office.”
“I hope that is all it was.”
“You worry too much. Here we are at the Hyatt.”
“I know I worry too much, but I can’t help it. Okay, what’s the plan here?”
“We go inside and ask to speak to the manager. We lay. The search warrant on him and then ask to see the registration records.”
“Sounds pretty straightforward to me. Let’s go.”
“Let me do the talking.”
“Always do. That’s how we get into trouble.”
“Yeah, very funny. Let’s go to the front desk over there.”
“Lead on my liege.”
“Yes, sir, how can I help you?”
“We would like to speak with the manager of the hotel.”
“Is there a problem, sir?”
“No problem, and I would appreciate your help in having the manager step out here. I’m a detective with the Boston Police department on official business. Here are my credentials.”
“Yes, sir. One moment sir.”
“Way to go on the Bogart, Larry.”
“I don’t need to waste words on a front desk clerk, Andrew. Here comes someone who looks like they are going to be a pain in the ass.”
“Be nice, Larry.”
“Yes, sir. My name is Wentworth, and I’m the senior manager. What seems to be the problem?”
“There is no problem, Wentworth. We just need to see some registration records.”
“Well sir I’m sorry, but registration records are confidential¾”
“I don’t mean to interrupt, Wentworth, but this warrant says otherwise.”
“Hmmm. I see this warrant authorizes a Detective Dunfee to view the registration records any time before eight Pm tonight.”
“Correct. So let’s go to where ever the records are and take a look.”
“Are you Detective Dunfee?”
“Yes, I am. Here are my credentials.”
“Yes, sir. Can you wait a minute? I will need to counsel with our attorney.”
“What do you mean by a minute? I would hate to see you in contempt of that order.”
“I just need to make a phone call. It shouldn’t take more than five minutes. In the meantime, may I offer you some coffee?”
“I would love a coffee.”
“Very well. Let’s go to our executive office. We have coffee there. I will excuse myself and make the call from my office.”
“That’s fine. Lead the way.”
“Yes, sir. Right, this way. It is a short walk down the hall.”
“Larry, a word?”
“Yes, Andrew? Uh, Wentworth. Could you give us a minute?”
“Yes, sir. I go to the executive office door and wait for you.”
“What is it, Andrew?”
“This guy could drag his feet and take it beyond the eight o’clock cut off.”
“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry. We have served the warrant. If he delays too long, I’m sure we can threaten obstruction of justice of something. I may even pull my gun. I’m getting pretty sick of these runarounds. Thanks for the warning, though. Let’s catch up to old Wentworth and have a nice cup of joe.”
“Good idea. And Larry?”
“What, Andrew?”
“Thanks for listening. You’ve been a peach.”
“Might not last, but I appreciate your counsel.”
