Free Before Another Dies by Alton L. Gansky Page B

spread before I could make the formal announcement. I had Tess Lawrence to thank for that, I’m sure.
    I wasted no time in delivering the news about Jim Fritz. Everyone—with the exception of Jon and Tess—loved Fritzy. It was best to pour out the news quickly and let each person deal with it in his own manner. On the first row sat the council members, the city attorney, city manager, city clerk, and other executives of Santa Rita. The seats of the council chamber were filled with various receptionists from other departments, secretaries, inspectors who were still in the building, and others. They took the news as well as anyone could in that environment, but I saw tears in the eyes of some. Others crossed themselves, some sat rock still as if I had been Medusa and turned them to stone.
    I watched as what had started as a chattering group of employees shuffled back to work with the shocking news still simmering in their brains. As the others left, Titus and Larry tried to comfort me. They were good men. Floyd stood nearby looking every bit the broken reed.
    â€œWhat else can we do?” Titus asked. I looked into his dark face and saw sincerity and concern.
    â€œWe should do something for Fritzy. Flowers and . . . and . . . I don’t know.”
    â€œI’ll take care of that,” Titus said. “If she needs any help with . . . you know . . . costs, just let me know.”
    â€œThat goes for me, too,” Larry added, his Oriental face revealing his sorrow.
    â€œI promised to help her make arrangements,” I said. “The next few days are going to be especially hard.”
    â€œI assume she has leave on the books,” Larry interjected. “If not, I’d be happy to make a motion in tonight’s council meeting that we extend some time with pay for her.”
    â€œIt’s a good thought,” I agreed. “I’ll check with Fred and see if that’s legal. If not, we’ll find another way of getting it done.” Fred Markham was our city attorney.
    A chipper tune filled the air: a tinny Mozart piece. I glanced at Floyd who fumbled for his cell phone. He said a few things, then directed his attention to me. “My dad’s here.”

chapter 10
    M y first inclination was to ask Floyd to find his father and show him to my office, but I changed my mind. The council chambers were empty now and I didn’t want to go back to my office. I kept seeing Fritzy’s empty desk.
    â€œMadam Mayor.” A booming voice echoed in the empty assembly room. I turned to see a deeply tanned man with stark white hair enter through the private corridor reserved for city staff. He had broad shoulders, dancing blue eyes, and a dimple in his chin. He wore a light gray knit turtleneck and a blue blazer. His pants were the same shade of gray as his shirt. His smile dimmed the lights.
    â€œPastor Lenny, thank you for coming on such short notice.”
    â€œNo problem.” He approached and shook my hand. “You know we ministers only work on Sundays. The rest of the time is spent on the golf course.”
    â€œI haven’t been in church life very long, Pastor, but I’m pretty sure that’s not true.” Actually, I knew it wasn’t true. I have a habit of learning as much about the people I spend time with as possible. I had been going to Ocean Hills Community Church for less than a year. It had been Pastor Lenny who baptized me. Pastor Lenny Grecian—what a name.
    â€œLet’s have a seat.” I took the few steps necessary to reach the front row of the gallery.
    â€œI have a confession to make,” he said.
    â€œIsn’t that my line?” It was a lighthearted comment mired in heavyhearted emotion. I was compensating.
    A polite laugh burbled from the man. “I’m not a priest,” he said. “I confess, I’ve never been in this room before. I suppose I should take a greater interest in city life.” Small