Free Stormy Weather (Storm Donovan Book 1) by Steve Rollins Page A

pay.”
    “Well, you did. I'll get the drinks.”
    “Thanks.”
    “So what are you having?”
    Albert thought for a moment. “I'll go for some goddamned lemonade.”
    “Lemonade?” Donovan had to suppress a snigger. “You pussy.”
    “Still on duty, technically. And if the missus finds out I had a beer, I'm fucked. Nose like a bloodhound, that one.”
    Donovan grinned. He waved at the waiter and ordered their drinks. He held the girl by the table for a moment, waiting for Albert to be ready to order. He ordered himself a bacon cheeseburger, medium rare, and Albert got a fish burger with fries.
    Their drinks and food arrived at the same time and they tucked in right away. There was not much talk as they ate. They were both hungry and so conversation was put on hold. But when Albert finished his slightly smaller meal he became quite talkative.
    “You know what bugs me about these murders?” he asked.
    Donovan shook his head, still having half of his burger left.
    “Why the blood eagle thing?” He looked into Donovan's eyes. “It makes no sense. It's a big thing to do. It has some significance, but it baffles me. If the killer had done it with you or that married chick you've been hanging out with. But Juan?”
    Donovan had taken another bite and did not reply. He just shrugged, indicating he did not know.
    “Since the only link is you, I’m sort of beginning to think it's all random, but that's not likely either. Who would Viking-blood-eagle a person at random? Just for fun?”
    Donovan swallowed. “Don't know. It's very strange.” He took another bite.
    “See, even if this Eva is still alive, why would she kill her brother like that? And then your janitor?”
    Donovan shrugged again.
    “It's impossible to make anything out of this. Can't pin any of it down.” He paused and pinched his nose while holding his head down. “On anything!”
    Donovan finished the last of his burger and he was finally able to make a reply. “You know, if she is still alive, she might just have gone nuts. Completely lost it and is acting with no sense at all.”
    “Well, yes, but that's assuming she's still around.”
    Donovan shook his head. “I know it's not the sort of proof-based investigating the FBI is expected to do, but I trust Frankie on this. If she says it’s a sibling, then I know she’s right.”
    “Not forgetting Quinn Lang?”
    Donovan considered that for a moment. “Well, where is he? Wasn't he supposed to show up at his parole officer's today?”
    “Yup,” Albert gave a wry smile. “But he didn't show. In fact, he hasn't been seen since he was released.”
    “Huh,” Donovan took another sip of his drink. “Have you been looking for him?”
    “We sent some people down to his apartment earlier. They will probably report in within an hour or so.”
    Donovan nodded. “You need to go home, or have you got time for coffee?”
    Albert looked at his phone and then shrugged. “Duty, so I can have some coffee with you.”
    “I'll make you some coffee back at the office.”
    “You're being a cheapskate now? Great Recession getting to your business too?”
    “Nah, I just have better coffee and a brand new, top of the line espresso machine waiting for us there.”
    Albert grinned. “Right, I'll see you back there after I've taken care of the tab.”
    Donovan had already produced two cups of espresso when Albert came back into the office. Only Donovan's secretary, Rachel, was still in the office.
    The two men sat down with their coffees in a deep alcove with fitted seats just beside the kitchen.
    “You're right, it is good coffee.”
    “Told you.”
    “Still think you're cheap.”
    Rachel popped her head round the side of the alcove. “Will you be needing anything further, Mister Donovan?”
    “No, Rachel. You can go home.” Donovan smiled. “Home to your boyfriend, eh?”
    Rachel looked down for a second. “Actually, sir, he's gone. He moved to LA to work in Hollywood. He wasn't getting any proper