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This is a piece of fanfiction for the television series Murder 101.? I do not own the Jonathan Maxwell, Mike Bryant, Lt. Dietrich and Samantha the cat; they belong to Robert Halmi Productions, Dean Hargrove Productions, the Hallmark Channel USA and their creators and producers. I did create John, Anthony, Bryce, Jane and Ellie Vincent, Dr. April Jackson and other assorted minor characters. We have not been given a first name for Lt. Dietrich; I have taken the liberty of giving him one.? For the purposes of this and any other story I might write, his first name is Joe.? I certainly do not intend to usurp the creators prerogatives in this area. Naturally, I write for fun and not profit.? Jo, a friend of mine with some knowledge of cars, told me that she thought Jonathans car in the first movie was a Karmann Ghia.? So shall it be here.

Chapter 1

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It was 5:00 p.m. on a Thursday and Dr. Jonathan Maxwell’s two-hour class on the criminal and the detective had just ended.? As usual, Mike Bryant, Jonathan’s protégé, was present.? It was a good chance for Maxwell’s third-year students to talk with a real detective and learn how things are in the field.? And talk they did!? They questioned Mike, challenged him, and generally coaxed every bit of information they could from him.? Not that they really had to try very hard for Mike was always available to Jonathan, his mentor and friend.? Mike had come home from Vietnam all those years before and enrolled in college.? He met Jonathan when taking one of his classes and came under his influence.? That, in a nutshell, was how Mike ended up on the Los Angeles Police Force, brought down a number of highly-placed dirty cops and, in the fallout from the trials, left the Force to form his own detective agency.? As he figured it, he could work and play on his terms; or rather play and work, for Mike surfed, and the sound of the waves called him to the seashore as surely and as strongly as any siren song ever called a mariner to the sea.? As always after one of these late-afternoon classes, Jonathan and Mike left the building heading for a nearby coffee shop and a bit of dinner.? The conversation turned to the class and Jonathan remarked:

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“Well, they certainly put you through the wringer, didn’t they?”

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“No more than usual.? By the way, who was that kid who kept asking about why I left the Force.? How many times did I have to tell him, three was it?”

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“It was four, Mike, but who’s counting? ?That was Anthony Vincent.? He’s a very good student and I’d rather hoped that he would take the Ph. D. and teach. ?I had him tutor a couple of freshmen and they gave him high marks for teaching.? But he really seems to be leaning toward a career in police work.”

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“Well, just tell him to avoid assignments that bring down highly-placed bad guys.? Then he will have a long and distinguished career.? Too bad he doesn’t want to be a private detective.? Then I could show him the ropes.”

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“You mean how to keep body and soul together while surfing instead of working?”

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“Cute, Jonathan, cute.? I manage.”

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“Yes, I know you do.? Always wondered how,” replied Jonathan with a wink and a chuckle.

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“How about our usual place for dinner, Jonathan?? The Off-Shore Greasy Spoon?

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“It’s not a greasy spoon and you know it.? The owners just like the fun and banter that come with the name.”

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“I know.? Your Karmann Ghia or my Carrera? “

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“Let’s take yours today, Mike.? Oh, and remind me to pick up some cat food on the way home.? Samantha is testy this week because I forgot her favorite.”

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“Jonathan, you spoil that cat.”

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“No, I don’t.? I just wanted her to have the best and now she expects it.”

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“Like I said, you spoil that cat.”

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“Do not!”

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“Do too!”

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“Do not!”

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Throwing up his hands in defeat, Mike acquiesced:? “OK, OK, you win.? You don’t spoil the cat.? Happy now?”

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“Naturally!”

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Mike and Jonathan got into the Carrera and Mike entered traffic, unaware that they were followed by a nondescript black truck.? They pulled into the restaurant parking lot, alighted and started across the cement toward the entrance.? Just at that moment, the truck sped toward Jonathan.? Mike noticed just in time and shoved him out of the way.? Mike suffered a glancing blow that knocked him off his feet.

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“Jonathan, are you OK?”

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“Yes. What about you?”

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“Shaken up a bit and my wrist hurts.? That truck was after you.? We need to start looking into your cases.? This will take some time.? I’m calling Dietrich to see about putting a guard on you.”

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“Mike, don’t go overboard now.? We don’t know it was aimed at me?”

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“We don’t?? Jonathan, I really doubt that we can be mistaken for each other.? It’s not like we’re related.”

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“True.? But, still… Anyway, we have to get you fixed up first.? I’ll call the medics and Dietrich.”

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Jonathan took his phone and placed the appropriate calls.? As he was speaking to Lt. Dietrich he said:? “Well, Lieutenant, he’s shaken up and has a possible broken wrist but I expect he’ll live.? Mike says the truck was coming at me.? We’ll have to discuss it later because the medics are here.? We’re going to the university medical center so we’ll see you there.? Bye.”

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As the EMTs loaded Mike into the ambulance, he tossed his car keys to Jonathan.? “Just be careful with that car, Jonathan.”

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“Don’t worry, and don’t fight the EMTs.? I’ll meet you at the med center.”

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The ambulance drove away; Jonathan got into Mike’s car and followed behind.?

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About one-half mile down the road, the black truck pulled over and stopped.? The passenger turned to the driver and began:

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“Damn it, big brother.? You could have ended this now and killed him.? Why do you have to wait?? Just get it done.”

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“Little brother, I told you why it has to be done this way.? Will you just calm down?? That scum will be gone within two weeks and nobody will know who or why.”

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“OK, but sis and Mom are getting upset.? They want this over and justice done.”

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“It will be, soon!”

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And the truck drove away.

??

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? Chapter 2

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Mike looked up as the EMTs pulled his gurney from the ambulance and wheeled him into the medical center.? He noticed his favorite resident coming toward him.? She was a striking beauty; she had long, black hair clipped at the nape of her neck to keep it out of her way while working, and lovely brown eyes.? She and Mike were friends; her friendship meant everything to him and his to her.? He noticed her shaking her head and waving her finger as if scolding a naughty child. He waved back and said:

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“Well, if it isn’t my favorite resident physician, Dr. April Jackson, ready once again to heal the sick and injured.”?

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“I’d love to heal the sick and injured, Mr. Bryant, but I seem to keep finding you on the gurney.? You know, if you continue to grace our treatment rooms we’re going to charge rent!”

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“You mean you don’t?? My insurance company is getting a trifle miffed at the med center’s prices!”

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“Well, you could go elsewhere for treatment, or rejoin the Force and get paid medical.? I know my uncle, Lt. Dietrich, would like it, but if you tell him I said so I’ll deny it.”

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“Rejoin the Force, huh?? Just for the insurance?? Nah!? I’m having too much fun.? Say, when do you get off?? I’ll take you for a cup of coffee.”

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“Sorry, sir.? Not allowed to fraternize with the patients.”

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“Darn!”

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“Now, Mike, what is it this time?”

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“Just a glancing blow from a truck aiming at Dr. Maxwell.? Scrapes and maybe a broken wrist.? Nothing serious.”

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“Dr. Maxwell!? Is he all right?”? Seeing Mike nod his head yes, she continued: “Let me decide if this is serious.? Get into this gown and I’ll be back in a minute.? I think I hear the cavalry.”? With that Dr. Jackson left the room and found Jonathan and her uncle at the ER entrance.

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“Hi, Dr. Maxwell, unc!? Here to check on the center’s number one recidivist?”

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Jonathan responded:? “Hello April.? I see he’s in good hands.? Any news yet?”

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“No, Dr. Maxwell, he’s just getting into a gown now.? I’m going to check his bruises, but, first, an X-ray of his wrist.”

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“Good, don’t let him talk you out of an exam.”

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“Count on me to annoy him well.? By the way, are you all right?”

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“Yes, why?”

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“Mike said that the truck was aiming at you, but that you were OK, just checking.? I’ll be back when I’ve bandaged and wrapped all injuries.”

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Lt. Dietrich said:? “See you later, hon.? Make sure he’s OK.”

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As Dr. Jackson went back to check Mike, Jonathan and the lieutenant sat down to discuss the evening.

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“Dr. Maxwell, what were you and Mike doing this afternoon?”

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“Jonathan, call me Jonathan.”

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“Call me Joe.”

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“All right, thanks.? As for this afternoon, I was teaching my class on the criminal and the detective.? He was there answering questions like always.”

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“All right.? Anything out of the ordinary happen?”

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“Not really … but …”

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“But what?? Tell me, Jonathan.? It might be important.”

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“Well, I don’t see how since I was evidently the target of that truck, but one of my students kept harping on why he quit the Force.”

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“Do you have this kid’s name?”

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“Yes, Anthony Vincent. He’s one of my best third-year students.? He seems to be heading for a career in police work, although I’d like to see him go to graduate school and teach.? But he won’t have it.? Says he just wants to make a difference.”

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“But you said that he kept harping on Mike. ?Maybe it has a bearing on this case.”?????

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“I suppose it might.? I can’t put my finger on anything yet, but I will.”

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“All right, but let me know if you get any kind of idea.”

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“I will.? Anyway, maybe Vincent just thinks Mike shouldn’t have quit and was hoping for an answer he liked better.? ”

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“Sure.? Meanwhile, I’ll put a guard on you.”

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“No, let everything go at least for now.? Maybe we can draw this guy out.”???????

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“OK, but you tell Mike.”

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“Deal.”

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While Jonathan and Joe continued talking, Dr. Jackson started her exam.? She looked at Mike and shook her head again:

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“Mike, is there some reason you can’t stay away from trouble?”

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“I try, April, I try.? But this truck was aiming at Jonathan and I will not let him be hurt.? You know that.”

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“I know, and I wasn’t suggesting that you should.? Just get yourself out of the way as well.”

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“I tried.? The truck just got me.? So what have you found?”

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“Well, cuts and bruises on your legs and arms.? I’m waiting for the X-ray now.? Ah, here it comes.”

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After checking the picture on the exam-room light board, April turned to Mike:

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“Well, no break but a bad sprain.? I’ll wrap it.? You know the drill.? This is what, about your fifth since I’ve been here?”

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“Don’t rub it in.? Yeah, I know.? No heavy lifting, ice it, take a pain pill when needed.? So what prescription do I get this time—ibuprofen or acetaminophen with codeine?”

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“How bad is the pain?”

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“This time the pain is really bad.”

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“Figures.? Sprains generally hurt worse than other injuries.? I’ll give a few acetaminophen/codeine tablets and a prescription that you can fill tomorrow.? Remember, no …”

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“I know.? No alcohol and no driving.? Don’t worry.”

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“All right, I won’t worry.? Now, let’s get you out to Jonathan.”

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“OK.”

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They both left the exam room heading for the waiting area.? Jonathan saw them coming and arose to meet them:

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“Mike, are you all right?”

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“Yes, Jonathan.? I’ll be fine.? Just cuts and bruises and a sprained wrist.? Can you drop me at home and then take the car back to your place?”

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“No.”

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Mike looked up with a start:? “No?? Why not?”

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“Because you’re staying with me.? Don’t argue.”

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“Jonathan, I don’t need a babysitter.? I can manage perf …”

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“Mike, I said don’t argue.? Besides I want to brainstorm with you and this is a perfect opportunity.”

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“All right.? Let’s go, the wrist is starting to hurt.”

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Mike walked toward the door followed by Jonathan and Lt. Dietrich who remarked:

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“Jonathan.? Let me know what you come up with.? And see that you both be careful!” ???????

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“I will, Joe.? Meanwhile, e-mail me if you find out anything.”

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“Will do.”

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Jonathan and Mike drove out of the parking lot toward Jonathan’s home while April and Lt. Dietrich headed for a lounge, coffee and some catching up on family news.

???????????

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Chapter 3

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On a tree-lined street in Van Nuys two occupants of a relatively modern three-bedroom rambler stared out the large living-room picture window.? They turned to each other and the older women questioned:

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“When are those two going to get home?? I told them I want this over and done.”

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“I know, Mama, but you know that he won’t do it any other way.”

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“That son of mine gives me more grief.”

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“But you know that he has to pay.”

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“Pay, yes, but we don’t have to carry on like this.? Kill him and be done with it!? Now where are those two?”

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The younger woman heard a noise and looked out the window.? “Here they come now, Mama.”

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The truck pulled into the driveway and its occupants got out and entered the house.

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“Well, son, it’s about time.? Is it done like I asked?”

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“No, Mama, I told you it will take some time.”

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“And I said I want it over.”

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“Mama, if you want to get away with this, we have to do it my way.”

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“Oh, all right, son, but when can we expect this to be done?”

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“I don’t think it will take too long.? Just long enough to keep them checking both their backgrounds for clues.? Then we swoop in, take him and, before the cops have figured it out, it’s over.? Then we can get on with our lives and I can graduate next year and join the Force.

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“Good.? Now, let’s call it a night.”

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And they did.

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Mike and Jonathan had just entered the house when Samantha ran up to Jonathan and meowed.?

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“Here, Samantha, I have your favorite.? Just let me open the can.”? As Jonathan opened the can and spooned some food into Sam’s bowl, she attacked it.

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“Well, you’re certainly hungry.? I know, I know, it was my fault.? See, I have a whole bunch of cans.? We won’t run out.”

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“Jonathan, I still think you spoil that cat.”

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“Mike, go sit down and I’ll get some sandwiches and coffee.? We have to start going over our backgrounds and cases.”

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“Yes, let’s get at it.? Yours first because the truck was aiming at you.”

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“All right.”

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Mike sat down and turned on the news while Jonathan made the sandwiches.? The station meteorologist had just finished the forecast and the anchor was turning to a new story.? Mike heard her say:

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“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just had a report of a hit and run this evening in the parking lot of The Offshore Greasy Spoon, a café near the USC campus.? All we know at this time is that the possible intended victim was Dr. Jonathan Maxwell, criminology professor at USC and occasional private consultant.? He was shoved out of the truck’s path by his former student, private detective Mike Bryant.? As we have more information, we will, of course, bring it to you immediately.? Now, on to our good news …”

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Mike shut off the TV just as Jonathan entered the room with dinner.?

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“Anything good, Mike?”

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“Well, we just made the news.? So far all that’s out is that there was an attempt on your life at the restaurant.? They’re waiting like sharks for something more.? No doubt the forces of the fourth estate are all over Dietrich.”? With a twinkle in his eye, Mike continued:? “But that’s what you get when you’re a famous criminology professor and consultant.”

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“Terrific.”

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“Jonathan, how far back to we go with your life?? Anything before we met?”

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“Not really.? I’d been at USC for about five years when we met.? I was just trying to build a career and a name in academe.? My first book had just been published.? I never really started consulting until later, after I was tenured.? I developed some oddball theories that proved out so I was the latest brain.”

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Laughing, Mike responded:? “Well, they were right.? You do have some oddball theories, but I’d stack them up against anyone else’s theories and so would you.? Did you ever consult for a defense attorney and discover that the client was guilty?”

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“Sure, several times.? I suppose that the families could be out for revenge, but those trials were years ago.? Most of what I’ve done lately has been for suspects that were truly innocent, like that reporter you were dating.? Cheryl, was it?? There were about ten consults for the police; a few suspects were really guilty and the rest innocent.? They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and the investigations got bogged down.? We caught the guilty and that was it except for what I help you with.? Mike, I can see that your wrist is really bothering you.? Let’s call it a night.”

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“Yeah, I am tired.? See you tomorrow morning.? Good-night Jonathan.”

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“Good night, Mike.”

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As Mike headed for the guest room, Jonathan sat down at his computer and was soon deep in thought, but nothing came to him.? There was something nagging at his brain, but he couldn’t pin it down.? He decided to sleep on it, so he shut down his computer system, turned out the lights and went to bed.? Tomorrow would be another day and maybe something would spark the answer.?

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Chapter 4

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Mike awoke around 6:00 on Friday morning, and arose for his usual morning run.? Then he remembered where he was, and decided just to shower and dress.? Just as he finished, Jonathan awoke and did the same.? As they fixed breakfast in the kitchen, their conversation centered on the weather and Mike’s wrist.?

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“Mike, how badly does your wrist hurt and don’t tell me it doesn’t.? I can see it in your face.”

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“It hurts.? Just after we eat I’m going to take another pill.? Then I’ll go have the prescription filled.”

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“No, we’ll go have the prescription filled.? You think I’m going to let you drive?”

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“Aren’t you supposed to be in class this morning? I think you’re milking this so you can keep driving the Carrera.”

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Jonathan grinned and in his best old-person’s voice replied:? “Settle down, Sonny, and have a little respect for your elders.? My classes are at 11:00 and 2:00 today.? I’ll have plenty of time to get you back here and head over to campus.? I’ll bring my car back.? Now, let’s go.? I want to go back to the café before class.”

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“OK.? I want to check it out myself.? Oh, and one of these days I’m going to get the keys to that Karmann Ghia of yours.? Then we’ll see how you like another person driving your car.? By the way, feed Samantha, she’s headed this way.”

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“Thanks. I’d better or she’ll never forgive me.”? He opened a can of cat food and gave it to her.? “Here, Samantha, your favorite treat.”? She ate with relish and went out her own special door for her morning stroll.

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“Jonathan, I couldn’t sleep very well last night; I guess I was listening for prowlers, but it gave me time to think.? Nothing you told me last night pops out as motive for murder.? We’re going to have to start digging harder into your shady past.”

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“Shady?!? Why, you young whippersnapper!”? Then, seeing Mike’s grin, Jonathan chuckled and said:

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“Let’s go.”? As they drove away from Jonathan’s house, another nondescript truck followed them, but this time the truck was dark green.

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Once again Jonathan pulled into the parking lot of The Offshore Greasy Spoon.? He and Mike had just started to look around for anything that might be a clue when they heard a screech on the pavement.? They looked behind them and saw the green truck coming at them.? It was heading for Jonathan when, suddenly, the driver veered to the right and headed for Mike.? The truck swerved just in time to miss him, headed away and then turned around and went for Jonathan.? Once again, it swerved just in time and left the parking lot.? This time, however, there was a witness—a patron just leaving the café.? Jonathan and Mike stared at one another, shaking and breathing hard:

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“Jonathan, are you all right?? He was going right at you!”

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“Mike, I’m all right but what about you.? He swerved and headed straight for you and don’t even try to tell me that wasn’t deliberate!? What the heck is going on?? I’d better call Lt. Dietrich.”

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“I’m already doing it, Jonathan, although I do seem to be having trouble holding my phone.”

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“Steady, Mike, steady.? That’s it.”

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Just as Jonathan put his hand on Mike’s shoulder, he heard Mike say:

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“Dietrich, Mike Bryant.? It happened again.? Parking lot of the same café.? Jonathan and I had come by to see if we could pick up any kind of clue.? This time the truck was green, but it headed for both of us.? OK, we’ll be here when you get here.”

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As Jonathan and Mike started to calm down, the patron from the café walked up to them:

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“I saw everything.? I’m Al Vitcovich.”

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“I’m Mike Bryant and this is my friend, Dr. Jonathan Maxwell.? What did you see?”

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“He was aiming at both of you and then he turned toward you.? Then he spun around and aimed at Dr. Maxwell.? Did you call the police?? I was so shocked I just stood there.”

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“Yes, Lt. Dietrich is on the way and will need your statement.? Would you please stay until he arrives?”

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“Sure, just let me call my office.”? Vitcovich took out his cell and placed his call; then he returned to where Jonathan and Mike stood and heard the first of several sirens.

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Mike said:? “Good, they’re finally coming,” just as a black and white pulled into the parking lot.? A crowd had gathered, naturally, and, a young man from the crowd approached Jonathan and Mike.?

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“Dr. Maxwell, Mr. Bryant, what’s going on?? I saw the crowd and came to take a look.”

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Jonathan explained: “Anthony, don’t worry.? Someone just decided to make pancakes out of Mike and me.? Apparently he changed his mind.? We’ll be fine.”

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“Mr. Bryant, is Dr. Maxwell right?? Did someone try to run you down or was it an accident?”

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“No accident.? Ah, here comes Lt. Dietrich of Homicide now.? We have some work to do.? But thanks for asking.”

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“Dr. Maxwell, do you want me to wait for you and help?”

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“No, Anthony.? Just get back to campus.? I’ll be along for our 11:00 class.? Sorry to disappoint you.”

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Grinning, Jonathan continued: “Remember, now, I’m a full professor and you know the unspoken rule.”

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“Yeah, yeah, I remember.? Bye.”

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In the quiet of an alley, about a block away from the café, someone entered a dark green truck, and said to young man in the passenger seat:??????

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“Bryce, it won’t be long now.? I’m going to do it next week.”

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“Then let’s get on with it.? We could have had it done by now and made Mama happy.”

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“No, I told you.? We do it my way and then we move on with our lives.? Justice will be done.”

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“All right, all right, but Mom’s gonna be mad.”

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The green truck left the alley and headed away from the scene.? It stopped and, as the driver got out, he cautioned:

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“Remember, Bryce, take the truck home now.? Don’t go cruising around town and no speeding.”

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“I know, bro, I’m not stupid.”

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“Bry…”

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“I know, don’t go back to the same place to get the paint.”

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“You got it.? See you tonight.”

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Chapter 5

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In the café parking lot, Jonathan and Mike were talking with Lt. Dietrich when the reporters descended on the scene.? There were representatives from three local television stations and three of the papers, one of them the Los Angeles Times.? They crowded around Jonathan and shouted all at once:

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“Dr. Maxwell, what happened?”

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“Dr. Maxwell, were you injured???

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“Dr. Maxwell, we understand this happened last night.? Was it the same truck?”

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Mike waded into the crowd:

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“People, people, give Dr. Maxwell some room, please.? He’ll talk to you later.”

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One of the reporters answered:? “You’re that detective who works with Dr. Maxwell. Mike Bryant, right?”

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“Yes.? Just be patient, please.”

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Jonathan turned to Dietrich and said:? “Let me answer these reporters and then we can get back to work.?

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“Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you what we know.? Yes, there was an attempt on us last night in this lot.? This morning, Mr. Bryant and I had just entered the parking lot to try to find some kind of clue when a dark green truck came toward me at a high rate of speed.? At the very last moment, it swerved and headed for Mr. Bryant.? Then it swerved again, turned around and headed back toward me.? At the last minute it swerved and left the parking lot.? I don’t know if it was the same truck.? Last night, the truck was black; Mr. Bryant saw it clearly in the lights.?

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“Maggie Franz, Channel 6.? Dr. Maxwell, do you know who the intended victim was?? You, or Mr. Bryant?”

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Mike answered:? “As of this moment, we don’t know, Ms. Franz.? Last night, it appeared clear that Dr. Maxwell was the target.? After this morning’s attack, we can’t be sure.”

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“Ted Smith, Channel 7.? Mr. Bryant, will you and Dr. Maxwell be guarded now that there was a second attack?”

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“I don’t think that will be necessary, Mr. Smith.? Dr. Maxwell and I will be careful.”

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“Steve Ebersole, LA Times.? Dr. Maxwell, what will you do for the rest of the day?? Will you be at home?”

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“Mr. Ebersole, I have classes to teach.? My students paid good money to sit in my classes and I intend to be there.? Now, ladies and gentlemen, please.? Mr. Bryant and I have statements to finish and then I have to get to class.? Good day.”

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Jonathan and Mike turned toward Dietrich and followed him into the café.? The reporters took their pictures and got their introductory shots for the noon news and left the scene.

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In the café Jonathan and Mike finished giving Dietrich their statements:

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“Well, Joe, that’s about it.? I’m going to take Mike to get his prescription filled, drop him at home and then head over to campus.? After class it appears that we’ll have to start checking both our backgrounds.? Maybe we won’t have to go back too far, and the attacks will be connected to a case we’ve recently solved.? I wouldn’t mind that.”

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“I know Jonathan.? Are you taking Mike back to your house?”

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“Yes, he’ll be staying with me so we can work together.”

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“Jonathan, I don’t need a babysitter.? I keep telling you that.”

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“Yes, Mike, I know.? Humor an old man.”

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“Old man, my foot!? It’s time I started doing some legwork on this.”

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“Mike, start tomorrow.? This afternoon I’d like you to do some research for me.? My old files are in my study and I’d like you to start going through them.”

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“OK, Jonathan, you win again.”

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Dietrich interjected:? “Jonathan, I’m going by your house to set up a surveillance team.”? Seeing Jonathan’s look, he continued:? “Don’t argue.? I’ll wait for you and drop you at the university.? Then I’ll start pulling Mike’s files for the time he was on the Force.? You’ll both have to check into the deep, dark files of his current employment—if you can call it employment.”

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“Funny, Dietrich,” opined Mike.? I’ll have you know all my files are complete and hardly deep and dark.? In fact they’re right in my living room.? Easy to find, you know.”

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“OK, boys, settle down,” said Jonathan as he got into the Carrera.? It’s time for Mike and me to go.? I’ll see you later, Lieutenant.”

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They drove out of the parking lot and toward the pharmacy to fill Mike’s prescription.?

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Chapter 6

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As Dietrich pulled up to the curb in front of Jonathan’s house, he noticed a light blue car parked across the street.? Sgt. Morgan got out, ran across the street and slid into the passenger seat of Dietrich’s car.?

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“Anything, Morgan?”

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“Nah. Pretty quiet street!”

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“Good, but stay alert.? Also, see if you can park on a side street and still see well.? I don’t want you spotted if the perps do come by Maxwell’s house.”

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“Will do, Lieutenant.? Are they OK?”

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“Yes and Dr. Maxwell intends to keep his class schedule.? I figured he would but I had to try to keep him home.”

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“Well, you know both Dr. Maxwell and Bryant.? I’d say that by this afternoon Bryant will be out on the streets.”

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“You know it.? Stubborn son-of-a-gun.? Then again, maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll just go surfing.”

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“Yeah, right.? With Dr. Maxwell in danger?”

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“True, he does have a sense of duty.”

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“Yeah, sometimes too much of a sense of duty.”

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“Morgan, you know those cops were guilty as sin.”

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“Yeah, but they were cops.”

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“No, they weren’t.? They were crooks and you know Mike was right to bring them down.”

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“Yeah, I know.? Oh, here they come now.”

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Jonathan parked in his driveway and he and Mike entered the house.? Dietrich followed them in and Morgan left to find a less-conspicuous parking place.

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“Jonathan, are you ready to go?”

?

“Yes, Lieutenant, I’m just getting my brief case.? Let’s see—case, glasses, pen, grade book.? Let’s go.”

?

As they reached Dietrich’s car, Jonathan stopped suddenly.? “Oh, darn it.? I forgot my keys. I’ll be right back.”

?

As he turned to return to the house, he saw Mike come out and jog toward him, grinning like a Cheshire cat.?

?

“Jonathan, did we forget these?”?

?

“Yes, we forgot those,” taking the keys.? I know, I’m your favorite absent-minded professor.”

?

“Yep, you are.? Your car’s been sitting in that parking lot overnight so you’d better have Dietrich take a look at it.”

?

“Why?”

?

“Why?? Jonathan, in case you’ve forgotten, you’ve just been the victim of attempted hit and run—twice.? The attackers might have sabotaged the car.”

?

“Maybe …”

?

“No maybe.”? Mike approached Dietrich and continued:? “Dietrich, you might take a look at Jonathan’s car.? It’s been in that parking lot all night.? A little precaution might not be a bad idea.”

?

“Good idea, Mike.? I’ll call for a crew to check it out.”

?

“Good.? Now, it’s 10:30.? Get our absent-minded friend here to class on time.”

?

Dietrich drove away and Mike caught sight of Morgan.? He nodded his head in greeting, went into the house and headed for the study.

?

Mike found Jonathan’s files and started with the latest.? He found about twelve cases that he thought deserved further investigation.

?

Jonathan had solved a murder case two years previously which the police had first thought to be open and shut; he had proved that the prime suspect was innocent and that the guilty party was a journalist for one of the local papers.? After the verdict was read, the journalist swore revenge on Jonathan.? The second case Mike studied concerned ten-year old murder investigation that Jonathan had conducted for the defense counsel.? Unfortunately, he found that the client was indeed guilty.? There were no threats against Jonathan, but one never knew.? Ten years in prison can change a person.? The third file contained records of a fairly recent case that Jonathan and Mike had worked on together.? Mike was hired by the defense counsel to dig through the quagmire of evidence and, as often happened, Jonathan was intrigued enough to get involved.? The attorney’s client was innocent, but, again, the guilty party? vowed revenge.? Mike sat down at Jonathan’s computer thinking:

?

“Well, these three are a good start.? Let’s see what I can find.”

?

He started working and soon lost himself in Internet research.

?

?

Chapter 7

?

?

Dietrich entered the lot that where Jonathan’s car was parked.? Jonathan glanced his way and began:

?

“Joe, I really don’t think …”

?

“Jonathan!? Silence!? Mike is right; we should check your car.”

?

“Well, if I can’t talk you out of this, try not to bruise it.? It’s a classic.”

?

“Yes, Jonathan, I know.? The team will be here shortly and the chief investigator, John Philpot, is a classic car buff.? He’ll treat it gently.? Now, let’s get you to class; it’s 10:55.”

?

“I can make it by myself.”

?

“I know you can, but if Mike were to find out that I didn’t deposit you in your classroom, he’d make my life miserable.”

?

“I guess I don’t have a choice, do I?”

?

At 11:00 Dietrich and Jonathan parted company and he entered the classroom; everyone was there and his students spoke at once:

?

“Dr. Maxwell, are you OK?”

?

“Dr. Maxwell, did you see who it was?”

?

“Dr. Maxwell, are you under police protection?”

?

Jonathan raised his hands for quiet and his students settled down.

?

“Good morning.? Sorry to disappoint those who were hoping that I wouldn’t make it, but that’s the breaks.? To answer your questions:? yes, no, no.”?

?

He was not about to divulge that the police were watching his house and checking his car.? Such information would most likely get out on the grapevine and cause the would-be assassin to go underground.? That was the last thing Jonathan wanted; he intended to draw out this maniac and end the game.? He hoped that Mike would be successful in searching the files.

?

“All right, my budding criminologists, let’s get started.? We’re going to begin the discussion of the psychology of a murderer.”

?

“Dr. Maxwell?”

?

“Yes, Anthony.”

?

“How can we discuss the mind of a murderer?? They’re all different.”

?

“That’s true to a point, Anthony, but most murderers have some characteristics in common …”

?

The bell rang signaling the end of class; Jonathan was pleased with the discussion and called the students back for a moment.

?

“Class, remember your term papers; they’re twenty-five percent of your grade.? Now, away with you and all of you put this weekend to good use.? Remember there’s a mid-quarter exam on Monday.”

?

All his students left the room except Anthony.?

?

“Dr. Maxwell, do you have a minute?”

?

“Certainly, what do you want?”

?

“Well, what about someone who simply wants justice?”

?

“You mean someone who kills another in some kind of mistaken passion for revenge?”

?

“No, not revenge, justice.”

?

“Murder is murder, Anthony.? Nothing justifies it.”

?

“What about self defense?”

?

“Anthony, you’re a junior and you’ve been in any number of my classes.? You know the difference.? You’re asking me now if killing someone is justified because of a misguided sense of justice.? The answer is no.? I would advise anyone thinking of it to drop the idea and let the police handle it.”

?

“I guess.? Anyway, thanks, Dr. Maxwell.”

?

“Good-bye Anthony.? Have a good weekend.”

?

“You, too professor.”

?

Jonathan left the building and returned to the parking lot.? He hoped that the investigation team had not hurt his beloved Karmann Ghia, or worse, drawn a crowd.? He saw the team still there, walking around the car as if they were just checking it out.? As he approached them, he queried:

?

“Hello, there.? Isn’t it a beauty?”

?

“Yeah, you know who owns this gem?”

?

“Yes, I do.? I’m Jonathan Maxwell.? And you are?”

?

“John Philpot.? I love old cars, and when my friends and I saw her, we couldn’t resist checking her out.? We had to look at everything; we just couldn’t resist.? I hope you don’t mind.”

?

“No.? Did you find anything interesting?”

?

“No, she’s a real cherry.? You must really enjoy her.”

?

“I do.? In fact, I think I’ll take her for a ride, now.”

?

“Ok, Mr. Maxwell.? Enjoy.”

?

“Thank you, I will.”

?

Jonathan got into the car and drove off thinking to himself.

?

“I have about two hours until my next class.? That’s just enough time to get home and have a talk with Mike.”

?

On his drive home, Jonathan started to consider the problem at hand.? Who was trying to kill him, Mike or both of them?? For reasons he couldn’t fathom, his conversation with Anthony Vincent crossed his mind.?

?

“How could he ask me that?? He knows the answer.? I wonder what he’s thinking.? Well, maybe it’s something for his term paper.? I expect another masterpiece from him.”

?

Jonathan consigned the dilemma of Vincent’s odd behavior to his subconscious as he parked in front of his house.? He looked up and saw Mike coming out to meet him.?

?

“Hi, Jonathan.? What are you doing here?? Don’t you have another class at 2:00?”

?

“Hi, Mike.? Yes, but I figured I’d have enough time to come back here and check in with you.? Did you find anything?”

?

“Let’s go inside.? I found twelve files that warranted further investigation and just finished the last one.? I drew a blank.? Some of the perps are still in prison and the ones that are out are keeping their noses clean.? Oh, Dietrich called and so far there’s nothing that points to those cops I put away.”

?

“OK.? Well, let’s have some lunch and I’ll get back to class.”

?

“Good.? I was just making a sandwich.? I’ll make one for you.”

?

“Thanks.”

?

As they entered the dining room, Jonathan queried:

?

“Mike, have you given any thought to your files?”

?

“I was just going to start, but off the top of my head I can’t think of any that would make you a target.”

?

“That has been bothering me, too.? You know, something really strange happened in class today.? You remember Anthony Vincent, the kid who wants to be a cop.? He spent a few minutes after class today trying to justify murder for the sake of “justice.”? Which I assume really means revenge.? He knows better than that, and I can’t understand why he would even try it.”

?

“Well, maybe he’s trying to be thorough.? He seems like an excellent scholar.”

?

“He is which is why I wish he’d go to graduate school.? I was thinking that he was asking because of the term paper he’s writing.? They’re always excellent.”

?

“Better than mine were?”

?

“Now, Mike.? Your term papers were very good, you know that.? You didn’t get your grades because I liked you.? But Anthony’s have that indefinable “something.”? No, you are meant for the streets.? And I prefer you there—and here.? If you had gone on to graduate school, you would probably be teaching far away from LA now.? Universities rarely hire their own graduates.”

?

“I suppose.? Oh, Jonathan, it’s time you headed back to school.? I’ll take you.”

?

“What about the acetaminophen you took?”

?

“It has worn off.? I’ll take another before bed.”

?

“OK.? Let’s go.”??

?

?

Chapter 8

?

?

Mike pulled into the visitor’s parking lot nearest Jonathan’s classroom.? He got out of the car with Jonathan and started to walk with him.

?

“Mike, you don’t need to come with me.”

?

“I know, but I want to.? Besides, I’ve been sitting with your files all morning and I could use a little exercise.? What time does your class finish?”

”It ends at three, why?”

?

“I’ll be back to get you.? I’m going home to get my files.? I thought we could work on them together.? Maybe one of us will catch what the other misses.”

?

“Good idea.? See you then.? Bye.”

?

“Bye, Jonathan.? Be careful, huh?”

?

“Always.? You too.”

?

Mike jogged back to his car, enjoying the exercise.? He felt better when he was active.

?

“Maybe I have time to catch a few waves.”? Looking at his watch he decided: “No, I only have an hour; and besides, I can’t surf with this wrist, darn it.? Oh, well.”

?

He reached his car and left the parking area, heading for home and his files.? In due course he pulled into his driveway and stopped.? As he entered he noticed that his place had been ransacked but found that nothing was taken; he consigned that piece of information to his subconscious.? Looking at his watch he realized that he had to get back to Jonathan so he packed up his files and left.? While on his way, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number:

?

“Come on, Jonathan, you’re out of class.? Answer the ph…”

?

“Hello?”

?

“Jonathan, it’s Mike.? I was delayed but wait for me at the parking area.? I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

?

“I wondered where you were; I was just about to call Dietrich.”

?

“I’ll explain when I see you.”

?

“OK.? See you soon, Mike.”

?

“Right.”

?

Jonathan had been waiting in the parking lot for about fifteen minutes when Mike finally pulled in.?

?

“Mike, what happened?? What took you so long?”

?

“Get in the car, Jonathan.? I’ll fill you in.”

?

“All right.”

?

I got home and noticed that my place had been ransacked.? Nothing was taken, though.? Let’s go back to your place and start going over these files.”

?

“Are you going to call Dietrich?”

?

“No point; he won’t be able to do anything.”

”How do you know?”

?

“I used to be a cop, remember?? It’s almost impossible to get a line on a break-in like this.”

?

“Yes, I remember you used to be a cop, but I think it has become quite clear that you are the target.”

?

“Not necessarily.? It’s true that there are lots of people who might want to steal a file or come after me, but we can’t assume that I’m the target in this case until we’ve been through the files.”

?

“Mike, you said you didn’t find anything in my files, remember?? And you call me absent-minded!”

?

“I remember quite well, but I’d only picked out about a dozen cases to look at.? Maybe I missed something.? Our best bet is to go through all the files.”

?

“I do agree with that, Mike.”

?

“Well, will wonders never cease?? He agrees with me!”

?

They continued on their way in silence.? Upon arriving at Jonathan’s, they entered the house and Mike sat and started to go through his files, one by one.? Jonathan’s first act was to feed Samantha so she wouldn’t get testy as the evening continued on.? He opened her favorite cat food, and she was content to eat and then settle in for a nap.? She knew a long, busy night for Jonathan when she saw one.?

?

Next, Jonathan fixed some sandwiches and brought them into the living room.? Those with some iced tea and cookies would provide the nourishment he and Mike needed to get through those files.?

?

“Have you found anything so far, Mike?”

?

“Jonathan, I just started.? The fates aren’t going to smile upon me and allow the first file I pick up to be the one we need.? Besides, the file that we need could be one of yours, you know.”

?

“Yes, yes.”

?

“But you doubt it.? Let’s see, there have been two attempts on both our lives and now my place was ransacked and, from this, you’ve leaped to the conclusion that I’m the target in this case.”

?

“Yep!”? Smirking, Jonathan continued: “Well, I am one of the best criminologists in the country, you know.”

?

“Yeah, yeah!? I know.”? Finally Mike gave up and started to laugh as well.? “All right, Jonathan.? You win for now, but we still check all of the files—yours and mine.? Deal?”

?

“Deal, but let’s get to yours first?”

?

All Mike could do was to lift his arms in surrender and hand some of his files over to Jonathan.

?

?

Chapter 9

?

In another house that Friday evening sat a family watching television.? They were watching their favorite cop show and talking about the older son’s approaching career on the police force.? Things were calm that evening, for they had finally hashed out the final plans for their revenge.?

?

“Tony, have we finally agreed that we’ll finish this next week?? Your finals and papers are coming up and I don’t want you to fail your classes.”

?

“Mom, I’m not failing, far from it.? I’ll be a credit to the university and a credit to the Force in about a year and a half.? Bryce, what color are you going to paint the truck this time?”

?

“White.? Don’t get upset, it was the best I could do.? Besides, do you know how many white trucks there are in LA?”

?

“Plenty, I’m sure.? Remember, we take a run at both of them and then stop.? You and Janey pull him into the truck and hold him down.? We’ll take him out to the Angeles Forest and do it there.? That scum will know what it means to hurt.? Big time!”

?

“All right, son, don’t get carried away.? He dies like your father died, painfully but not dragged out.? Your father died painfully but fairly quickly.? He could have lived if that scum had cared enough to help, but he didn’t.? So he dies.”

?

“Yes, Mom, it will be just as you say.? By the time anyone finds him we’ll be long gone.”

?

“Good.? Now let’s call it a night.? I have a picnic planned tomorrow to celebrate Janey’s birthday.”

?

And the family retired for the night.

?

?

At Jonathan house, he and Mike were still checking files and searching for the one clue that would crack the mystery.? Things were not going well; every file they touched led nowhere; they had to find that file.? Jonathan was convinced that the ransacking of Mike’s place was a clue; Mike allowed the possibility that it was a clue, but really thought it would lead elsewhere.? Mike was leaning toward Jonathan as the target of the hit and run, and couldn’t wait to get back to Jonathan’s files.? Suddenly, Mike’s stomach growled and he looked up:

?

“Sorry.? Guess I’m still a little hungry.”

?

“You’re always a little hungry.? Why don’t we call for a pizza?? I’m tired of twice-cooked pork and fried rice.”

?

“OK.”?

?

Mike pulled out his phone and speed-dialed a local pizzeria.

?

“You have a pizzeria on your speed-dial?”

?

“Of course.? I never know when I’ll need it.? Sometimes my dates can’t cook.? And, well …”

?

“Yes, I know.? Although your cooking is getting much better.”

?

“Thanks—I think.? I’m going to get a cola, want one?”

?

“Yes, and bring the peanuts with you.”

?

“Will do.”

?

About half and hour later there came a knock on Jonathan’s door.? Mike got up to answer and found both the “pizza guy” and Lt. Dietrich on the porch.? He waved Dietrich in and settled up with the delivery man.? He set the pizza on Jonathan’s coffee table and went to get a cola for Dietrich, plates and napkins.?? Meanwhile, Jonathan played host:

?

“Sit, Lieutenant, and take a piece of pizza.”

?

“Thanks, Jonathan.”? Smiling, he continued:? “I see I haven’t lost my timing and Mike hasn’t lost his taste for pizza.”

?

“Actually, the pizza was my idea this time, but you are right.? Mike still hasn’t lost his taste for pizza.? What brings you by?”

?

“Just checking in.? Anything in the files?”

?

“Well, not yet, but I really think Mike is the target.”

?

“Why?”

?

“Well … um … just a criminologist’s hunch.”

?

“Come on, Jonathan out with it.? I caught that reluctance to answer.”

?

“Mike will tell you when he gets back.”

?

“Did someone take a run at him?? Is that what you’re trying not to tell me?”

?

“No, look, Joe, let Mike tell you.”

?

“All right.? Sometimes you two drive me crazy.”

?

Jonathan grinned as he replied:? “Of course we do.? That’s what we’re for.? Didn’t you know that?”?

?

“Gee, and I thought you were here to help!” grinned Joe.

?

Mike entered with the cola, plates and napkins.

?

“What did I miss, Jonathan.”

?

“Oh, nothing.”

?

“Jonathan, I can see your face.? What went on?

?

“Well, Mike …”

?

“Mike, Jonathan has a very strong opinion that you’re the target.? Why?”

?

“It was nothing, Dietrich, and probably doesn’t mean anything.”

?

“What was nothing?? Spill it, Mike.”

?

“All right, all right.? I went home today to get my files.? When I got there, I noticed that the place had been ransacked but nothing taken.? I don’t know whether it has anything to do with this case or not, but I’m leaning toward not.”

?

“Are you sure nothing was taken?”

?

“Yes, I’m sure.? All my files are here and we still haven’t found anything.? Now, can we eat?”

?

Jonathan interrupted:? “Yes, let’s eat before the pizza gets cold.”

?

After about fifteen minutes they were sated and Dietrich got up to go:

?

“Well, I hate to eat and run, but I’ve got to get home.? I have a Saturday off for a change and my wife wants to take a drive up the coast.”

?

“Sounds like fun.? Have a good time.? Good-bye, Joe.”

?

“Good-bye, Jonathan, Mike.? Let me know if you come up with anything.”

?

“See, Jonathan, he comes over, eats and then leaves the grunt work to us.”

?

“Mike, Joe can’t help much with the files and you know it.”

?

“Yeah, yeah, I know.? See you Dietrich.”

?

“Bye, Mike.”

?

After closing and locking his door, Jonathan looked at the clock.?

?

“Mike, it’s about 10:00.? Why don’t we call it a night?? How does your wrist feel?”

?

“Yeah, I’ve seen so many files tonight that I’m really not seeing anything.? The wrist is sore, but I’ll take something when I get home.? How about I leave the files here?”

?

“How about you leave yourself here, too?? We can go out for a nice breakfast and then come back and get into the files again.? I just know there’s something in yours that will break this open.”

?

“Jonathan …”

?

“Mike …”

?

“Are we going to do this again?”

?

“Not as long as you decide that staying here is the best idea.”

?

“Fine.? See you tomorrow morning.”

?

“Good night, Mike.”

?

“Good night, Jonathan.

?

?

Chapter 10

?

?

?

Saturday dawned with a high sky and the promise of warm temperatures.? The residents of the house in Van Nuys were up and ready for breakfast.? It was a close-knit family, and everyone looked forward to celebrating Janey’s birthday.? This would also be something of a celebration of justice—justice for the father of the family.? Ellie, Mom to everybody, called everyone to the meal:

?

“Breakfast is ready.? Janey’s favorite: eggs, sausage and hash browns.? Get it before it’s gone.”

?

She heard a multitude of replies:? “Coming, Mom.”

?

They ate and, as was the family’s custom, allowed the birthday girl to open one of her presents.? Janey was extremely pleased when she opened a lovely amethyst necklace:

?

“Mom, guys, thanks.? I love amethysts.? I’ll wear it now.”

?

“You’re; welcome, honey.? Now, let’s clean up and get the car packed, and then we’ll be off.”

?

The family was on the road in record time, headed for their favorite picnic spot—Zuma Beach.

?

?

In a house near the university, Dr. Jonathan Maxwell was cooking his favorite breakfast of pancakes and bacon. As the wonderful smell wafted into the guest bedroom, it awakened Mike Bryant, who arose and padded out to the kitchen.? Washing up could come later, right now he was hungry again and he had always loved Jonathan’s pancakes.

?

“Good morning, Jonathan.? Breakfast ready?”

?

“Yes, Mike. Take some coffee and sit down.? Here you go.? I’ll join you shortly.”

?

In a couple of minutes, Jonathan had his breakfast and had joined Mike at the table.? They enjoyed the meal, put the dishes in the dishwasher and dressed.? Now they felt they were ready to tackle the files again.? Mike opened the conversation:

?

“Jonathan, we’re about halfway through the files.? Anything?”

?

“No.? Mike, we just started.? I haven’t even been through one complete file yet.”? He grinned:? “Besides, aren’t you the one who keeps telling me we aren’t going to find it in your files?”

?

“Point taken, grrrr!? Why can’t you be absentminded now instead of when you’re leaving the house or in the grocery store?”

?

“Because I’m working now.? You know how my mind works.”

?

“Yeah, yeah.”? Mike turned and knocked a box of files off the couch.? “Oh, hell!”? Reaching down, he picked up all of the files except for one that had fallen about two feel from the couch.

?

“You all right, Mike?”

?

“Yes.? Just mad at myself for dropping the files.”

?

“I see.? How is your wrist?”

?

“Hurts a little, but I’ll live.? That codeine-laced acetaminophen April gave me makes me drowsy.? I want to get through these files today and then go back to my place tonight.”

?

Jonathan looked askance and Mike groaned.

?

“Jonathan, don’t give me a hard time about this.”

?

“I’m not going to, Mike, although I do think we should stay together.? I’d hate to have you be the target and have no backup.”

?

“You, backup?”

?

“Hey, Mike, I swing a mean briefcase, you know.”

?

“True, true.? By the way, what do you carry in that thing?”

?

“Besides papers and my grade book, a law book.”

?

“A law book!? No wonder it’s a lethal weapon!”

?

“Why thank you, Mike.? That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me in a long time.”

?

“You’re welcome, Jonathan.”

?

They continued to work into the early afternoon, when Mike’s stomach once again rumbled.

?

“Mike, are you hungry again?”

?

“Well, I’m just a growing boy.”

?

“Uh huh.? What do you want?”

?

“Why don’t we go grab some sandwiches at the deli and go down to the beach?? We need a break.”

?

“Good idea.? Let’s go.”

?

They dropped a couple of beach chairs into Mike’s Carrera and headed for the local deli.? Sandwiches in hand, they headed for a beach near Malibu.? They thought of Zuma Beach but decided on a beach just a little south of Zuma—Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach.? As Mike pulled into the parking lot, they found the beach fairly empty and the surf high.? Mike whined:

?

“Darn, I should have brought my board!”

?

“Mike, your wrist.”

?

“Jonathan, why must you always think of things like that?”

?

“Mike, you don’t have the board anyway.? You might as well remember that you can’t surf yet.? It’s much more soothing to blame the inability to “catch those waves” on the fact that your wrist won’t permit it.”

?

“Well, you’re right again.”

?

“Of course.”

?

“Wipe that smirk off your face.? By the way, since when did you start saying “catch those waves?”? And it’s catch a wave or catch some waves.”

?

“Well, even a full professor has to keep up with the language.? Otherwise he’ll never know what his students are talking about.? And, smart aleck, in this case, since I was referring to the particular waves on this beach, “catch those waves” is correct.”

?

“Please don’t tell me that you now allow slang in term papers!”

?

“Oh! No!? But if class discussion is going well, I’ll let it go there.? So, I have to know what they’re saying.”

?

“Good to know that you haven’t changed since I sat through your classes.”

?

Jonathan picked up a sandwich and stuffed it in Mike’s mouth:? “Eat!”

?

Mike mumbled a sarcastic “Thanks.”

?

As Jonathan and Mike enjoyed the view and the lunch, a family was walking down the beach.? The older son suddenly stopped:

?

“Mom, stop!? That’s Maxwell and Bryant over there in those beach chairs.? We can’t let them see us.”? His younger brother replied:

?

“Look at that scum, enjoying the sunshine.? Come on, let’s do him now.”

?

“Out here in public?? Are you nuts?”

?

“Come on, we do them both.”

?

Now I know you’re nuts.? Mom, we can’t.”

?

“I know, son.”

?

“I’ll make a deal with you.? We’ll move it up to Monday and be done with it.”

?

“It’s a deal, son.? Now let’s go.”

?

They went back to Zuma Beach and their picnic, unnoticed by Jonathan and Mike.

?

?

After consuming their delicious meal, Jonathan said:

?

“Mike, are you relaxed now, and, more important, full?”

?

“Yes, Jonathan. I was just going to suggest that we head back.? I’m ready to tackle more files.”

?

“Good, so am I.”

?

They returned to Jonathan’s house and began to work.? At about 5:00 p.m. they found there was nothing more to search.?

?

“Jonathan, I told you there was nothing in my files.? Now, let’s get to yours.”

?

Spying a file folder on the floor, Jonathan replied:

?

“Mike, what’s that over there?”

?

“What?? Oh, I guess I missed it when the box fell.? Here, you can do the honors.”

?

“OK.? Let me see …”

?

“Mike, this is a file from just after you quit the Force.? It’s a John Vincent.? Remember it?”

?

“Oh, yeah.? I knew him in Nam and he looked me up about 20 years ago.? He thought someone was stalking his family.? He was wrong, but then someone tried to run me down.? He shoved me out of the way and was hit.? I did everything I could which wasn’t much.? He was in horrible pain but I couldn’t help.? The most I could do was get the driver’s plate.? John died on the way to the hospital and his family never forgave me.? You don’t think …”

?

“What do you know about them?”

?

“He told me his wife’s name was Ellie and he had three kids, Anthony, Bryce and Jane.”? Mike suddenly looked up to find Jonathan looking at him:

?

“Jonathan, what was that Vincent kid’s name?”

?

“Anthony.? Oh, Mike, it can’t be.? He’s too dedicated.? But he did keep pushing you in class that day.? And he did ask me about murder for the sake of justice.? Oh, Mike, I thought it was for a paper.? Mike, you are the target, just as I said.”

?

“Jonathan, can you gloat after we finish this?”

?

“Mike, I would never gloat.? I’m just so shocked.”

?

“I know, Jonathan.”

?

“What do we do now?? Call Lt. Dietrich?”

?

“No, he’s probably still driving up the coast.? I expect that he won’t be home until late tonight or tomorrow.”

?

“You’re probably right.? What about the cop outside.”

?

“No.? If we tell him, he might move his car.? If one of the family is cruising the neighborhood, it’ll be a giveaway.”

?

“All right, we’ll try to get Dietrich tomorrow and then pay a visit to Mr. Anthony Vincent and his family.”

?

“Jonathan, we don’t have any evidence that would support a visit. ?The truck had obviously been painted so it would be unrecognizable and I never saw the driver’s face.? Did you?”

?

“No—but we have this file and …”

?

“Circumstantial and you know it.? Jonathan, I don’t want to give away the fact that we’re on to something. ?We’ll have to draw him out.”

?

“Mike, that could be dangerous.? What if something goes wrong?”

?

Smiling, Mike replied:? “Well, you’ll just have to make sure it doesn’t.? Now let’s eat; I saw some steaks in the fridge.”

?

“All right and we can decide how to manage events so we keep the upper hand.??

?

?

Chapter 12

?

?

?

Sunday morning dawned with clouds in the sky and rain in the weather forecast.? The Vincents arose and breakfasted.? Then they sat around the table to finalize their plans.? Ellie began:

?

“Tony, are you sure this is all planned?”

?

“Yes, Mom.? Bryce, Janey and I will be in the truck.? I’ll be driving and Bryce and Janey will be in the truck bed.? I’ll take a run at both of them, Dr. Maxwell first and then Bryant.? I’ll stop just next to Bryant and Janey and Bryce, him into it. Sit on him, literally, to make sure he can’t get out.? Once we have him, we’ll take off.? Mom, we’ll meet you in the forest.? Now we need a little room for the truck, so we’ll meet you in that area where we went to camp.? That’s secluded enough; nobody will find him for a couple of days.? Bryce, did you get the truck painted, yet?”

?

“Yeah, Tony.”

?

“Good; what about the license plate?”

?

“Well, I’ve covered it as best as I could.? As long as we get away as we planned, we should be safe.? If the cover falls off later, it really shouldn’t matter.”

?

“Good.? Now, how about a drive up the coast?? It is a great way to spend today.”

?

“That sounds like a great idea, Tony.? Let’s go.”

?

And so they left for their Sunday drive, with no concern about what they were about to do.”

?

?

Mike arose on Sunday morning and went to the window.? He saw the rain and noted that they day looked like he felt.? He wandered out to the porch to get the paper and then into the kitchen to make coffee.? He decided that he’d be quiet to let Jonathan sleep.? He felt that Jonathan was more afraid than he was.? Monday was not his idea of a good day, but if it ended this cat and mouse game he was ready for it.? As he read, he checked the sports page.? There was a game on and he and Jonathan could waste some time watching it—that is if Jonathan didn’t have a lecture to prepare.? Just as he finished the comics, Jonathan entered the kitchen.?

”Anymore coffee?”

?

“Sure, Jonathan, the pot’s almost full.? I haven’t been up more than half an hour.? How are you this morning?”

?

“I’m fine, Mike.? Want some breakfast?”

?

“Yeah.? I’ll fix it today.”

?

“Oh good,” laughed Jonathan, “Mike Bryant’s breakfast cuisine—a good start to anyone’s day.”

?

“I notice that you eat it.”

?

“Sure, I do.? I’m hungry.”

?

“Cute, Jonathan.”

?

As Mike began to cook, he asked if Jonathan wanted to watch the game on TV.?

?

“What time is it on, Mike?”

?

“About 1:00 p.m., why?”

?

“Because I’ve a mid-term to make up for tomorrow.”

?

“How long do you think it will take?”

?

“If I get started now, I should be finished by game time.? Then we’ll have the whole afternoon until Joe gets here.”

?

“Here’s your breakfast, Jonathan.? Enjoy.”

?

They ate in silence, both of them perusing the paper.? Jonathan finished first and got up to put his dishes in the sink.? Mike noticed:

?

“Jonathan, I’ll take care of the dishes.? You get going on your quiz.”

?

“OK, Mike.? See you later.”?

?

Jonathan went into his study and started to work on his computer.? As he worked on the exam, Mike cleaned up the kitchen.? Half an hour before the game started, Jonathan came out of his study.? Mike noticed him and queried:

?

“Finished?”

?

“Yep.? Here’s a copy.? Think you can still pass it?”

?

Mike took the paper and a pen.? He finished in about twenty minutes and gave the paper to Jonathan.

?

“Let’s see how you did, my boy.”

?

“I did fabulously, Jonathan.? You know that?”

?

Jonathan chuckled:? “Actually, you did do fabulously. I knew that I taught you well.”

?

“Yes, and, of course, I was a hotshot student,” Mike countered, grinning from ear to ear.

?

Jonathan looked pensive:? “Yes … yes you were, and modest, too.? Now, let’s watch that game.”

?

The afternoon passed quickly because Jonathan and Mike stayed engrossed in the game.? It ended at 4:30 so they decided to order Chinese food for dinner.? As they ate they began to think about the following day and what would or wouldn’t happen, and they hoped more than ever that it would.? Then the nightmare would be over and Jonathan could give his full attention to teaching again, and Mike could do whatever it was that he did.? About 7:00 p.m. Jonathan’s doorbell rang.? He opened it and Lt. Dietrich entered.

?

“I’ve spent the day working out the plan.? I have the transmitter, Mike.? I checked with April and she figured out a way to keep it in the wrist wrap.? Let me show you.”

?

Mike took off the wrap and watched carefully as Dietrich wrapped it again.?

?

“This should work fine.? Tell April thanks.”

?

“Tell her yourself when this is over.? She’ll be waiting for us at the med center.”

?

“Joe, you’re acting as though Mike will be hurt.? You don’t know that.”

?

“Yes, Jonathan, we do, but April wants to see him anyway.? The doctor isn’t going to let him off without a look-see.”

?

“Guys, guys, let’s change the subject.? What’s the plan?”

?

Dietrich laid out his papers and continued:

?

“Well, we really don’t know how or when Vincent’s going to strike.? We also don’t know if they’ll just run you down or take you.? We’re betting on them taking you somewhere so they’ll get away with your murder.? That’s why the transmitter.? Now, we’re also betting they’ll do this tomorrow and have it done, but we really don’t know.”

?

“Well, he knows enough to know that I’ll never leave Jonathan alone until this is finished, so it won’t look all that suspicious when I’m with him.? I’ll take him to class and meet him.? Jonathan, how long do you expect that exam to take?”

?

“It shouldn’t take Tony more than forty-five minutes.”

?

“OK, we expect Vincent to be able to leave class early.? Hopefully, he’ll see that as a sign to strike tomorrow.? Mike, if he hits you, we’ll be able to contain him quickly.? If he grabs you, we’ll have to let him run, but we’ll have unmarked cars running leap frog surveillance.? We’ll track him and stay just out of sight.? I’m thinking of putting the chopper up.”

?

“No, he’ll hear it and know immediately what it is.”

?

“All right.? When they stop, we’ll have to make sure that everyone is there and that they make an attempt on your life.? We’ll stop them as soon as we have cause.”

?

“I know.? Just don’t lose us.”

?

“We won’t.”

?

Now, I’m going home and you two should get some rest.? With luck, everything will be over by tomorrow night.? Good-bye, everyone.”

?

“Good-bye, Joe.? See you tomorrow.”

?

Jonathan and Mike turned to each other and Mike said:

?

“Well, here we go.”? Seeing Jonathan’s face, Mike continued:? “Jonathan, it will be all right.”

?

“I know.? It’s just that I had such high hopes for him.”

?

“He disappointed you, didn’t he?”

?

“Yes.? I thought I had another gem of a student.? What I have is a hypocrite.? I shouldn’t let it get to me, I guess.”

?

“Jonathan, it’s bothering you because you care.? Don’t stop, it’s what makes you the professor and criminologist that you are.”

?

“Thanks, Mike.? Now, let’s go to bed.”

?

Night fell on two households and dreams were nonexistent.

?

?

Chapter 13

?

?

?

Monday morning dawned and promised another sunny Southern California day.? Both Jonathan and Mike were pleased because it made tracking easier.? They dressed and breakfasted and left the house, heading for campus and Jonathan’s 10:00 class.

?

In the house in Van Nuys, the Vincent family awoke.? They dressed and breakfasted and made their last plans.?

?

“Class starts at 10.? We’ll park in the lot that I use and you and Janey wander around campus.? There are always people looking around—potential students and people interested in architecture.? There are some beautiful buildings on campus.? Nobody will disturb you, but if someone asks if you need help just tell him that you’re checking out the campus.? After about forty minutes, wander back toward the parking lot, but don’t get in the truck.? There are benches around so just sit and soak in the campus.? When you see me coming, go to the truck and we’ll get ready.? Now that we’ve decided to finish this today, I want to get it done.? If we’re lucky, we’ll be able to grab the scum and get away clean.? Mom, meet us up at the campground; you probably better leave now, just like a normal day.”

?

“All right, Tony.? Let’s get this done.”

?

The Vincents left the house.

?

Mike pulled onto campus; both he and Jonathan got out of the car but Jonathan stopped:

?

“Mike, what are you doing?”

?

“Jonathan, I’m going with you.”

?

“Mike, we have determined that you are the target, have we not?”

?

“Yes, we have.? But, still, I don’t want to leave you walking across campus alone.? What if they take you and demand an exchange?? No, we stay together.”

?

“Well, I had thought of that possibility, but I’m counting on Vincent’s evident hatred to make him go straight for you and not waste time.”

?

“He’s not smart enough to think of the other?”

?

“He’s brilliant but, I hope, blinded.”

?

“What are you going to do while I’m in class?”

?

“I don’t know.? Maybe I’ll look for dark green trucks.”

?

“Now that will be an exercise in futility.? Remember, it was black the first time.”

?

“I haven’t forgotten, believe me.? Still, it won’t hurt and it will keep me occupied.”

?

“Scared?”

?

“Who, me,” replied Mike accompanied by exaggerated gestures.? A little.? I don’t really enjoy being the target of a nutcase, you know.”

?

“No, I suppose not.? Well, here’s my building.? See you after class.? Here?”

?

“Yeah.? Be careful.”

?

“Me?? You be careful.”

?

“I will.? See you later, Jonathan.”

?

They parted company, unaware that Vincent had been watching them:

?

“See you after class, scum.? Then you die.? Just like my dad.”? And he slipped into the building and into class just as Jonathan entered.

?

“Good morning, class.? Here’s your mid-term.”? He handed the stack of paper to Anthony saying:? “As usual, take a copy and pass them down.? You have the whole class period.? Good luck.”

?

The class started on the quiz as Jonathan hopped up on the table.? He eyed the whole class, but paid special attention to Anthony.? After about forty minutes his better students began to hand in their papers and Tony was among them. ?He asked:

?

“Professor, can we leave?”

?

“I don’t know, Anthony, can you?”? Grinning, Jonathan continued:? “Yes.? Class, when you’re finished you may leave.? For Wednesday, be prepared to discuss chapters 7 and 8.”

?

Tony left and went to rendezvous with Bryce and Janey.? They got into the truck and left campus just before Mike drove back on.?? Mike arrived at Jonathan’s classroom just as he was ready to leave.

?

“Well, Jonathan, how did the test go?”

?

“As I expected.? Tony was as cool as a cucumber.”

?

“As cool as a cucumber?”

?

“Mike, it’s a good analogy, right up there with ‘foul play’.”

?

“Ha, ha!? Let’s go.”

?

As they crossed campus, Jonathan queried:? “Where are we going?”

?

“It’s a little after 11.? Let’s go get some lunch.”

?

“Good idea.? We can go back to the scene of the crimes.”

?

“I like the food.”

?

“OK, lead on, Mr. Bryant.”

?

They climbed into the Carrera and left for the restaurant with a white truck about four cars behind.

?

?

?

Chapter 14

?

?

?

On the way to the restaurant, Mike thought he spotted a truck following them, but couldn’t be sure.? It was white but it turned onto another street.

?

“Jonathan, I thought I spotted a truck following us.? It’s white but it turned off about half a block back.”

?

“I thought you’d spotted something.? I could tell by your demeanor.? What do your instincts tell you?”

?

“Even though it turned off, I think it’s them.? I suppose we’ll find out.”

?

“We could call Joe now and have him get ready?”

?

“You know there’s an unmarked car following.? Let’s just hope that it goes down today so we can have an end to this.”

?

“Amen!”? Jonathan turned to look out the front window and turned pensive.”

?

“Jonathan, what’s wrong?? All of a sudden you look pensive and a little sad.”

?

“What?? Oh, nothing.”

?

“Jonathan.? It’s Tony again, isn’t it?? He’s really disappointed you.”

?

“Yes, it is.? He is such a brilliant kid and he’s decided to waste his life.? Even though he had decided not to attend graduate school, he would have been an excellent police officer.”

?

“It’s more than just that, isn’t it?? You saw a younger version of you, didn’t you?”

?

“Yes and no.? I saw a younger version of the professor.? I suppose I wanted to bring a new and brilliant mind into academe.”

?

“Well, I am sorry that he disappointed you, but I’m sorrier that I did.”

?

“Mike, you didn’t disappoint me.? You were never meant for the classroom, I told you that.? You are exactly where you’re needed and happy.”

?

“Thanks, Jonathan.? You know that he really isn’t a younger you.”

?

“Yes, but I’ve been wondering what might have been if he hadn’t been raised with all that hatred.? Maybe I should just stop caring about my students.”

?

“Yeah.? Like you could do that after all these years.”

?

“True.? Well, we’re here.? Let’s go.”

?

Mike parked his beloved Carrera, and he and Jonathan wandered across the parking lot until they reached the door of the café.? Since nothing had happened they went in and sat down.? They looked at each other and ordered lunch, Jonathan a chicken sandwich with fries and Mike a lunch steak with fries.? After the waitress left to place the order, Jonathan said:

?

“Well, I guess that truck wasn’t them after all.”

?

“My gut tells me that it was.? We’ll just have to go on with this until they strike.”? At that point Mike’s phone rang:

?

“Hello.? Hi, Dietrich.? Did the car shadowing us pick up on the white truck?? Yeah?? Anything?? You’re not sure, but they’re parked about a block away.? Maybe they’re just following to see what we do.? Well, if they’re looking for something out of the ordinary, they’re out of luck.? See you.? Our lunches have just arrived.? We’ll eat and then go back to campus.? Jonathan has office hours before his next class.? Let’s hope that they go for me after lunch.”

?

About a block away the occupants of a white truck began to talk about the day.? Janey began the conversation:

?

“Tony, what are we waiting for?? Why didn’t we do it when they pulled into the parking lot like before?”

?

“I just wanted to find out if they’re on to us.? Doesn’t look like it.? We’ll do it as they leave.? I can see them when they come out of the café.? Now you remember what to do?? Get him into the truck bed and keep him down.? A couple of quick hits to the stomach with those brass knuckles will give you time to tie him so he can’t move.? He’ll probably try to move around although he’s tied; just do whatever is necessary.”

?

“You bet, Tony,” replied Bryce.? “Then we’ll take care of him in the forest.”

?

“You bet we will.? Now, get ready, they should be finishing soon.? Ski masks at the very last minute.”

?

?

Back in the café, Jonathan and Mike were finishing lunch and contemplating dessert.? They both chose ice cream and continued their conversation about Jonathan’s new book.

?

“Jonathan, how’s the research coming on the book?? Need any interviews, huh? Huh? Huh?”? Mike continued grinning and elaborated:

?

“I still have a few friends, very few, on the Force.? And Dietrich can help.”? Noticing Jonathan suddenly staring into space, Mike continued:

?

“Jonathan.? Earth to Jonathan.? What is it?”

?

“Oh, sorry, I was just thinking.? Isn’t there some other way than to let them actually take you wherever they wish?”

?

“Jonathan, we’ve had this discussion.? Everything will be fine.”

?

“Yes, I know.? And the research for the book is going fine.? I’ll be talking with you a little bit later.? Thought I wasn’t listening, didn’t you?”

?

“I should have known.? Let me get the check.”? Mike left sufficient money for the check and a generous tip on the table; they walked out into the fresh air and started across the parking lot.? A block away, Tony started the truck and drove the block to the parking lot.? The officers in the unmarked cars started and kept well back and on parallel streets.? Dietrich spoke into his mike:

?

“Here goes.? Don’t be seen and don’t lose that truck.? That transmitter has a half mile range.” He heard a series of:? “10-4, Lieutenant.”

?

?

Just before Jonathan and Mike reached the car, they heard a screech in the parking lot.? They turned around and saw the white truck coming toward them.? It stopped next to Mike and two people in hooded sweatshirts and ski masks pulled him into the truck bed.? Mike was hit three times in the stomach to disable him and the truck took off at a high rate of speed.? Jonathan looked on, taking comfort in the fact that, had he wanted to, he couldn’t have done anything to stop it.? After the truck was about two blocks away, Dietrich pulled into the lot to pick up Jonathan.? He got into the car which joined the pursuit.? Jonathan could not help but ask:

?

“Joe, you do have your best officers on this?”

?

“Yes, Jonathan.? Don’t worry.? They won’t lose him and they won’t make any mistakes.? We are good at this.”

?

Jonathan chuckled:? “I know and I know we have to do it this way.? By the way, Mike said you’d agree to an interview for my next book.”

?

“You ask me about the officers assigned to the tail, and then you talk about interviews for your next book?? What gives?”

?

“Keeps my mind off what can go wrong.? I wonder where they’re taking Mike.”

?

“We’ll know within about fifteen minutes.? That will give us time to get a fix on them and which way they’re headed.? Stay calm, Jonathan, we won’t let him get hurt.”

”He’s already hurt, I think.? I thought I saw brass knuckles on one of them.”

?

“He’ll be all right, Jonathan.”

?

They drove in silence as they listened to the traffic on the police frequency they were using.? After about fifteen minutes one Officer Perez came on:

?

“They’re on the freeway heading north.? If I had to guess, I’d say they’re heading for the Angeles National Forest.? We’d better notify the rangers.? Perez out.”

?

“Perez, this is Dietrich.? I’ll take care of it.”? He called his dispatcher and had his call patched through to the ranger station in the forest:

?

“This is Lt. Dietrich of the LAPD.? We’re tailing a white pickup truck and it looks like the driver is headed your way.”

?

“This is Ranger Miguel Espinoza.? Do you want us to help?”

?

“No, please stay out of it.? They have a kidnap victim that we believe they intend to kill; the victim is a private investigator and we figured out the plan.? However, right now we can only get them for kidnapping and assault.? We want them for attempted murder.? Just wanted to let you that we’re coming.? Would you meet us when we arrive?? And bring a map of the forest.”???? ?

?

“Will do.”

?

“Thanks.? I’ll give you a call when the truck has entered the forest.? Dietrich out.”

?

The leap frog tail continued for about an hour until the truck reached the entrance to the park.? The officers stayed just close enough to continue to follow the signal from the transmitter and they knew when the truck stopped.? The officers congregated in a clearing well back from the truck.? Ranger Espinoza joined them with his map.? Dietrich pulled up, got out and took the map.? Everyone gathered around Dietrich’s car.? He had a map on the hood and Espinoza helped them locate the whereabouts of the truck.? Dietrich told his officers:

?

“OK.? We go now.? Stay out of the trees and on a road as long as you can.? And whatever you do, be quiet.? We surround them and keep quiet until I signal.? Understood?”

?

As chorus of “Understood” responded.

?

?

The truck stopped and its occupants got out.? Ellie Vincent came out of the shadows and smiled when her children hauled Mike out of the truck and tied him to a nearby tree.?

?

“Now, you rotten piece of dirt,” she intoned, “you’ll get yours.?? My husband died because of you.? You didn’t even try to help.? If you had done something, anything they could have saved him.”

?

Mike looked at her:? “That’s not true and you know it.? They told you over and over again that he was too badly injured.? The doctors told you that; the ME told you that.? I told you that I tried to help, but you wouldn’t …”

?

At this point Bryce started to hit him and didn’t stop until Ellie called a halt:

?

“No, Bryce, not that way.? Enough of this.? Tony, get the truck and ram him.”

?

“Yes, mom.? I’ve been looking forward to this all my life.? Two hits ought to do it and we can leave you here.? With luck some camper will find you in a couple of days; this isn’t a camping spot on the beaten path.? You’ll be dead, nobody will be the wiser and I’ll have a brilliant career on the Force.? One that you threw away.”

?

Tony got into the truck and started the engine.? The police officers tensed and drew their weapons.?? Jonathan held his breath.? The truck roared to life and Tony drove it toward Mike.? Just as he was about five feed away from the tree, Dietrich shot out the tire causing Tony to lose control.? He swerved and stopped about two feet to the left of his target.? The rest of the officers corralled the Vincents and brought them to the truck. ?Dietrich pulled Tony from the truck and said:

?

Ellie Vincent, Anthony Vincent, Bryce Vincent and Jane Vincent, you are all under arrest for the attempted murder of Michael Bryant.? You are also under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon on Michael Bryant and Jonathan Maxwell and conspiracy to commit murder.? Perez, read them their rights and don’t leave anything out.”

?

“Yes, sir.?? You have the right to remain silent …”

?

As the rights recital continued Jonathan and Dietrich went over to Mike who had been released and was sitting on the ground up against the tree.? Jonathan began:

?

“Mike, are you all right?”

?

“Oh sure, Jonathan.”? Then he saw Jonathan’s face and continued:

?

“Jonathan, I’ll be OK.? Cut it a little close didn’t you, Dietrich?”

?

“Hey, I prevented your demise, right?? And we got them for everything.? They’ll be living for many years courtesy of the State of California.”

?

“Yeah.”? Seeing Jonathan looking over toward the Vincents, Mike asked:

?

“Jonathan, are you all right?”

?

“Yes, Mike.? Now that you’re safe I’m just fine.? I was just thinking about what a waste their lives are.? They all could have had so much and Tony could have brought such honor to his father.”

?

“Yes.? We’ll let’s go home.”

?

“No, Mike.? The medevac chopper is on its way.? You’re going to the hospital in case you’re bleeding internally.? Don’t say anything.? After all, April is waiting for you.? She said she’d even let you buy her a latte when you’re discharged.”

?

“Well, in that case, get that chopper in here!”? Mike grinned as he continued:? “Finally, coffee with my favorite ER doctor!”

?

Jonathan and Dietrich helped Mike up and over to a log in the clearing.

?

“Just a minute, let me talk to Tony.”

?

They took Mike over near to the Vincents and he said:

?

“Why?”

?

Tony replied:? “Mom told you why.”

?

“I did try to help him, Tony.? There just wasn’t anything I could have done.? How does it feel to know your next home is a jail cell and, after the trial, a prison cell for however many years?? How could you do this to Jonathan?? He was so proud of you; you could have been a brilliant teacher or cop.? Now, you’re nothing but a thug and a soon-to-be con.? You and your whole family!? Think about this:? your father considered human life sacred; he told me so in Nam.? During his tour, he did everything he could to help the villagers of Vietnam.? Think of him looking down on you for all these years and seeing the hatred your mother sewed in you.? You have dishonored him and that is your greatest crime.”

?

“Bryant, how did you know it was us?? I planned everything so perfectly.? This should have been an easy kill.? What happened?”

?

“You’re bright.? You figure it out.”

?

“Come on, you didn’t know who was the target.? It could have been either of you.”

?

“You went up against one of the best criminologists in the country.? There are those who call Jonathan the best.? Didn’t you figure that out when you were in his classes?”

?

“Yeah, and I covered all my bases!”

?

“Well, among the other mistakes you made was one that most people would have called inconsequential.”

?

“What?”

?

“The day I was in class answering questions.? You kept after me about quitting the Force.? You’ve been on his radar screen since the beginning.”

?

Mike heard the medevac helicopter land and turned to Jonathan and Dietrich:? “Let’s get out of here.”

?

They helped Mike into the chopper and Jonathan got in as well.? It took off and headed back to LA and the medical center.? Dietrich and the officers left the park and headed back to LA, another crime solved, happy that it wasn’t a murder.

?

?

Mike had been in the hospital for two days when the day of liberation finally came.? Jonathan was there with clothes and wheelchair.? He entered Mike’s room:

?

“Hi, Mike.? April’s letting me spring you today as long as you spend a few days at my house.”

?

“Finally, but I really don’t need …”

?

“Yes you do,” came a voice from the door.? “Don’t argue, Mike.”

?

“April, why?”

?

“Mike, I told you that although there was only a little internal bleeding, you’re still weak.? Now be a good little PI, and we’ll have that coffee this weekend.? Deal?”

?

“Deal!”

?

April walked Jonathan and Mike to the entrance where they found Joe Dietrich waiting for them.?

?

“Hi, Mike.? Are you OK?”

?

“Hi, yeah, I’ll be fine.? What happened at the arraignment?”

?

“They pled not guilty and the judge said no bail.? The trial is eight weeks from now.? Oh, by the way, we found the guy who ransacked your place.? You were right; it had nothing to do with the Vincents.? The perp was breaking into homes and looking for jewelry.”

?

“OK.? Good-bye and … thanks.”

?

“You’re welcome.? Take care of yourself.”

?

“I will.”? Turning to Jonathan, Mike said:

?

“Home, Jonathan.? I’m hungry.”

?

And, after getting into Jonathan’s Karmann Ghia, they left the hospital grounds.? Mike turned to him and opened the conversation:

?

“Jonathan, are you all right, really?”

?

“Yes, Mike.? I put Tony behind me when we arrested him.? It’s sad, but the whole family chose to commit a crime.? Who knows, maybe some day I’ll find another you?”

?

“There ain’t never gonna be another me.? You’re stuck with the one and only.”

?

“So true,” replied Jonathan.? And they drove off down the street.

?

?

?

?

##########

?

This story was begun in June, 2006 before the second movie, and finished on January 21, 2007.?

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