It is Wednesday Story Time again, and last week our heroes with a police escort began their trip to the airport. As luck would have it, there was some kind of ambush set up, which was interrupted by the State patrol. By the sounds of it, there was a big shoot-out. The escort thinks it is better to head back to SWAT headquarters until everything is sorted out. I see the group is at the headquarters, so let’s go there and see what the next move is going to be.

“Right in here, gentlemen.”

“Thanks, Sarg. Is the lieutenant here?”

“Let me go check. He’s not answering his comm. I’ll just be a second. Please have a seat.”

“This looks like their war room, Larry.”

“Yeah, I think that is what it is. What do you suppose is going on?”

“I think a bunch of folks want us dead. That’s what is going on.”

“Never in my life have I dodged so many close calls.”

“Well, the keyword is ‘dodged.’ As long as you are doing that, you are okay.”

“Gentlemen.”

“Lieutenant. Nice to see you again.”

“It is especially nice to see you both, detective.”

“What is going on?”

“Good question. We are running the prints and facial rec on the dead guys. The survivor is heading for the lock-up, but so far, he’s not talking. He gave a name, but we think it’s a phony. In any case, we think these guys are pros from out of town.”

“Looks like the same situation as when we arrived.”

“You don’t have many friends in Reno that’s for sure.”

“Any way to trace these guys to Cortez?”

“Not sure right now. I’ll tell you what, though?”

“What?”

“I’m pretty doubtful Cortez would hire outside help. His guys are about the best there is. I can’t believe he would want to risk having the job mishandled if he was behind it. I’m sure if it was Cortez, we would be zipping up the body bags and shipping them to Boston instead of chatting here.”

“So, who do you think is behind all this.”

“I’m going to reserve my judgment until we find out what the prisoner has to say.”

“You think he will talk?”

“If we give him some kind of deal, he will. Hold on, I got to get this. Yeah, Mayfield here. No shit. Uh-huh. Damn. Okay, thanks for letting me know. Mayfield clear.”

“A problem, Lieutenant?”

“The prisoner just took something, and it looks like he’s dead.”

“How can that be?”

“Looks like he had some poison, and he used it.”

“How often does that happen?”

“In spy novels all the time. Here not so much.”

“You would think we could catch a break.”

“Well, detective. The fact that you are still alive is a break. I think these guys are operatives at a different level, and we need to get to the bottom of this. You two are going to need round the clock protection.”

“How about we help with the case? Could kill two birds with one stone.”

“Interesting choice of words, detective, but I think it will work. Let’s coordinate with the State patrol and get a plan together. In the meantime, how about some coffee?”

“Sounds good. Everyone would expect that offer to come up sooner or later.”

“Huh?”

“Private joke, Lieutenant. Let’s get to work.”

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.”