Live No Lies (Lawson & Abernathy 2)

Ah, life is good.

Chapter One

The chief of police sat behind an executive desk, receiver to his ear, and signaled with his fingers for Mack to wait. Mack, his short-sleeved, blue-and-white-striped shirt tucked into black slacks, stood obediently by the desk.

“You know what?” the chief said. “I’ll call you in a few minutes time.”

The man placed the receiver on the cradle of the landline and flashed Mack a smile.

“Detective,” he said. “I’m so glad you were able to make it here on such short notice.”

“It’s no problem, sir.”

The chief chuckled and straightened his tie.

“Please have a seat,” he offered, gesturing toward the small chair across the desk.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Normally, I’d let things follow its due course. This is the police force. As you well know, issues of hierarchy are not taken lightly here. However, Walter spoke so highly of you, and considering your success in your last mission, I decided to give you a shot.”

“Thank you, sir,”

he nodded.

The chief looked around his halfway organized desk for a moment. His eyes lit up as he found the folder was looking for and dropped it in front of Mack.

“This is for you,” he said.

Mack opened the folder. It began with a picture of a man with thinning blonde hair, light brown eyes, and thin lips. Attached to the photo were biographical details.

“Palm Island?” Mack asked, looking up.

“Yes,” the chief replied firmly. “I’m afraid we’ve got a serious situation there.”

“With all due respect, sir, Palm Island has its own officers.”

“Don’t you think I know that? I’m not just some figurehead. Do you think I’d be calling you in if there wasn’t something really fishy going on in Palm Island, police and all?”

“I’m sorry, sir,” Mack replied.

“I get it. What you’re being asked to do is a bit out of the ordinary. But there’s a reason I’m sending you. You’re like an additional support to the police team over there.”

The chief double-checked that his office door was closed.

“This is outside our jurisdiction, Mack, but I have a good friend who’s been begging me to send help. I need things to be wrapped up quickly. And quietly. I’ve passed your information down the line. You’re off the book for now. Take the rest of the day off. Now, I’ve got other things that need my urgent attention. All the details you’ll need are in that.”

Mack rose from his seat. His mind was already beginning to gear up for the work at hand.

“I heard you loud and clear, sir. I’ll do my best.”

“Son, I don’t want you to do your best. I want you to solve this case. You can go now.”

The chief stretched his hand out to Mack.

“Good luck.”

“Thank you, sir,” Mack replied, shaking his hand.