I turned my key in the lock, unsure whether I hoped the apartment would be empty or not. Before I could see the whole room I smelled perfume and knew Amanda was home.
She was sitting in an armchair reading a book. When she saw me her eyes picked up and the book clapped shut. She slowly rose from her chair, came over to me and wrapped me up in her arms. I laid my head on her shoulder and breathed in.
She looked me in the eyes and said, "If I had to guess, your day could have gone better."
I nodded. Took my jacket off and tossed it on a chair.
Untied my shoes and kicked them off. Went over to Amanda and knelt down, put my head against her stomach. Soon I felt her fingers running through my hair, my scalp tingling as she pressed harder. I stood up, leaned in and kissed her. At first she seemed reluctant, then leaned in harder. Her hand was on the back of my head, pressing my lips against hers. I lost myself in it, felt her body lean toward me. Then I pulled away.
"What is it?" she said.
I looked at her, embarrassed. "Just hard to see these things happen. You know, and not be affected at all."
"That cop who was killed?" she said. "Mauser."
"Yeah. You know he was the one who last year…he almost killed me."
"I know," Amanda said softly. "He came to my house.
Pointed a gun at you."
"Thing is, I never blamed him," I said. "If I'd been in that kind of situation, thought someone had murdered my family,
I would have gone just as far as he did."
"Henry…"
"He was a good cop," I said, anger rising. "He didn't deserve to go down like some animal."
"What do you mean?"
"Whoever shot him, they're some sick bastard."
I took out my cell phone. Dialed Curt Sheffield's number.
"Sheffield," he said.
"Curt, it's Henry Parker."
"Hey, man. Guess this doesn't mean you're hiding under a rock."
"I don't think I'd fit under a rock right now. Listen, we need to meet up. I talked to the medical examiner today, I think we can help each other."
"Name the time and place. But hey, Henry, be careful.
Word's gotten around our friend Paulina Cole's been digging a little bit, asking questions about Mya Loverne, about your relationship. Don't know if she's going after you, but nothing she touches stays clean, know what I'm saying."
I cursed under my breath.
"Screw her," I said.
"I would if my lady wouldn't wear my balls for earrings.
Cole's not a bad-looking older woman. Wonders of Botox, I guess."
"Yeah, right. I need to know if you've heard anything about the ballistics analysis. Two deaths from what looks like sniper attacks, I'm willing to bet my bonus the same ammo and gun was used in both Mauser and Athena
Paradis's murders."
"Don't be stupid, Henry, you know I can't just give out information Mayor Perez hasn't declared open for public consumption."
"Come on, Curt, you know the Dispatch is probably writing checks right now to cops and anyone else who can answer that question. Do you really want Paulina Cole and her BS responsible for the first impression of millions?"
"Watch your damn mouth," Curt said. "Those are my boys you're dissing."
"I'm sorry, man, but you know I wouldn't say it just to make conversation."
"No," he said reluctantly. "Listen, I got foot patrol duty tomorrow in Midtown. Carruthers wants my ass as public as possible. Guess they figure enough stuffy suits see me they might encourage their kids to sign up for the academy.
Anyway, meet me on Fifty-second and Fifth tomorrow at five when my shift ends. Something else you should know."
"What's that?"
"They found another note. Same as before, taped to the roof where the sicko took his shot from at city hall."
"Jesus Christ, what'd it say?"
"Not over the phone, man. I'll see you tomorrow."
"I'll be there. And Curt, I appreciate it. Really. We need to grab a drink soon. No business."
"Sure, Jimmy Breslin, no business my ass."
"I'm serious, none."
"In that case, I hear a bottle of Stoli Raspberry calling my name," he said. "And bring your corporate card, of course.
You know, in case I get the munchies."
Sheffield hung up.
I looked over at Amanda. The book was on her lap. I knew she heard the whole conversation.
"He sounded good," she said.
"Always does."
"Are you worried about Paulina?"
I thought for a moment. Paulina had done her absolute best to ruin my reputation last year. I knew she had it out for me, but still wasn't sure if the vitriol was real or just a ploy to boost her career.
"The same way you worry about gum disease or cancer," I said. "You can brush your teeth and eat broccoli every day, but if it's going to fuck up your life it's going to fuck up your life."
"I don't want anyone to do that," she said.
"Hey," I said, wrapping my arms around her. She returned the gesture. "Whatever anyone does to me, you counteract it.
You're my counterbalance, babe."
I kissed her, but knew her mind was elsewhere.