The captains grin slipped and he scratched his chin for another minute, then his smile returned. I have the solution to that problem as well.
You do? Even before his superior clued him in, Andreis stomach twisted. I get the feeling Im not going to like this.
Sure you will. Swanson rounded the desk and slapped his hand against Andreis shoulder. Seeing as youve been somewhat of a renegade, what with bringing all that Bronx attitude with you to our small townyou and I had a falling-out.
I am? We did? He knew hed been a bear to get along with since his sisters death, but going against his captain? Okay, so maybe he had been in his face once or twice.
That being the case, Officer Lagios Swanson rocked back on his heels, the corners of his mouth tipping upward. Youre fired.
Im what? Andrei staggered backward and stared at his boss as though the older man had lost his mind. Even the thought of being fired made him burn all over.
If youre going to spend time at the inn, it has to be solely on the basis of your relationship with the Baker woman, not as a cop. The captain spread his hands wide. Youre fired. Problem solved.
Andrei could see the idea had merit. Still, hed never been fired from a job. Unfortunately, youre making sense, and Im not sure I like it.
Dont worry. Im not really going to fire you. But we have to make it look real enough the entire town buys it. You cant tell a soul, other than Jocelyne.
Andrei shook his head. What about my family? They wouldnt be happy.
Especially not your family. It has to be convincing. We have to make it look like you and I had a major difference of opinion. We cant have the murderer thinking youre still on the payroll.
I dont know. The thought of lying to his family didnt sit well with Andrei. Theyd already been through so much because of him. Moving from the Bronx to Ravens Cliff had been his idea. Had they stayed in the Bronx, his sister would still be alive, not just another name on the growing list of the Seaside Stranglers victims.
If you can think of another way to keep an eye on that inn and that plant, you let me know. In the meantime, youre fired. Turn in your weapon. The captain held out his hand.
Youre taking my gun? The sinking feeling only got deeper as he handed over the gun to Swanson. His family would be devastated. They were counting on him to bring the Seaside Strangler to justice. Getting fired from the police force would seem like hed failed yet again.
I know you have guns of your own. Now, make it look like youre upset. Yell a little, do something rash. I know youve wanted to throw something at me on more than one occasion. The captain placed a hand on his shoulder. Trust me, Andrei, this is the only way.
Youre assuming a lot if you think Jocelyne Baker is going to just go along with this.
Youre good with the ladies. Im sure youll manage. Now, yell.
Andrei inhaled and let out a long breath. So be it. He drew in a deep breath and summoned all the anger hed bottled inside over the senseless deaths of the young women thus far claimed by the Seaside Strangler and let it loose on a man he had nothing but respect for.
Captain Swanson handed him a wooden chair. Go for it.
His breaths rasping in and out of his lungs, Andrei raised the chair and slammed it against the wall. Let the gamesbegin. You cant fire me! I quit!