Free Lethal Rage by Brent Pilkey Page B

decision.
    Finally, she got up and sat beside him on the steps. She wrapped an arm around his waist and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Sorry. Guess I’ve still got a lot to learn about being a policeman’s wife.”
    He laughed. “Not as much as I have to learn about being a cop.” He slipped an arm around her. “Want to hear some more news?”
    She straightened, a comically horrified look on her face. “It doesn’t involve you breaking down a door, does it?”
    â€œNo.” Jack laughed. “Well, maybe. Remember the drug dealer I chased back on day shift?”
    It was her turn to laugh. “You mean the one who got away from you twice?” For some reason, she still found that story amusing.
    â€œYes,” he replied dryly. “And, technically, he only got away from me once. Anyway, he was dealing that new crack, the black stuff, and when the Major Crime boys talked to him, he gave up some information. So, Saturday they’re doing a search warrant, and Sy and I are going with them.”
    â€œIt isn’t dangerous, is it?”
    Jack shrugged. “Guess we won’t know till we get there. But don’t worry. There’ll be plenty of us and these guys know what they’re doing. Sy says they’re bringing us along as a thank-you for the arrest and to have a uniform presence there. That’s all. I bet we won’t even be allowed in the house or whatever it is we’re going to.”
    â€œSo you’re not the one breaking down the door?” she persisted, really concerned.
    â€œI wish, but there’s no way they’ll let that happen.”
    â€œGood. Not that I don’t think you could do it.” She felt up his chest. “The way you’ve been working out with Simon, you could probably push it open with one hand.” The caressing hand started poking his chest. “You’re not going to get all big and bulky like a bodybuilder, are you?”
    â€œAgain, I wish.”
    â€œI’m serious, Jack. I don’t want you getting too big. I like the size you are now. You’re more of a Stallone than a Schwarzenegger.”
    â€œWow, you didn’t sleep through those movies when we were dating after all. I’m shocked. Next you’ll be telling me you enjoyed them.”
    â€œLet’s not go that far.” She stood up, stretching. “Come on, Rocky, let’s call it a night.”
    â€œRight behind you, babe.” Following her across the deck, he added, “You know, I’ve always seen myself as more of a Terminator than a Rocky.”

Saturday, 19 August
1400 hours
    â€œTerminator, huh? Did you tell her ‘Ah’ll be back’ when you left for work today?”
    â€œNah. I don’t think Karen would have gotten the reference.”
    Sy snorted. “Typical woman. No taste in movies.”
    They were sitting in the station’s basement parade room, down the hall from the change rooms. The room held five rows of metal tables and chairs facing the sergeants’ wood lectern, but Jack and Sy were the only ones there. The lights were off, but sharp summer light slanted in from the windows near the ceiling, fighting the air conditioning for control of the room.
    â€œI hope we don’t end up standing outside somewhere while the Major Crime guys search the building. It’s too damn hot out there.”
    â€œI wouldn’t worry about that if I were you,” Sy commented. He had his feet up on a table and was reclining comfortably in one of the few decent chairs in the room.
    â€œOh? What do you know that I don’t?”
    Sy snorted again. “That list would take years to read, grasshopper. But if you’re referring to the warrant —”
    â€œHey, sexy! No one said I was going to get to work with you today.” Jenny strolled into the room and Jack forgot about the warrant. Even in the unflattering uniform shorts, her legs looked