Chapter 5: Off the Case

Isaiah was already pulling on his shirt.

"Stay inside," he said.

"It's my shop."

"Then stay inside and don't open the door until I knock."

He took his glasses off the shelf, slid them on, and went out through the front with his jacket over his arm.

I stood behind the blinds in my thermal and bare feet.

The two base police were young.

They stood with their thumbs in their belts, and neither looked comfortable.

"Mr. Doran," the taller one said. "The colonel wants you at oh-eight-hundred."

"I'll be there."

"Your vehicle was seen outside this address last night."

"It was."

"Sir, I'm told to say that you're relieved of the Tolliver file pending a review for conflict of interest."

"Who told you?"

"The colonel's office."

"At six in the morning."

The young man looked at his boots.

"I only carry the message, sir."

"I know you do." Isaiah's voice was gentle. "Go on. I'll be there."

They walked back to the sedan.

Isaiah stood on the step and watched them drive off.

Then he knocked twice on the glass.

I unlocked the door.

"They knew by six," I said.

"Someone sat on your street all night."

"Someone sat on my street and watched your truck."

"And reported it to a colonel." He came in and shut the door. "I'd say that tells us something."

"It tells us the colonel keeps a man on you."

"On me. Not on you."

"You think the difference matters?"

"I think it matters a great deal."

He went to the sink in the back of the shop and ran water over his face.

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