DEATH (The Justice Cycle Book 1) by J Kiefer (best classic books to read TXT) 📗

Keep us posted if anything else sticks out to you,” Jared said, reaching out to retrieve the locket.

Johansson caught his hand. “Wait a minute, Jared. Even if the CSI guys didn’t find anything, this is still the only piece of evidence that this guy has ever left, and I am going to need to take it back to NYC for further examination.”

“I agree,” Jared managed. The compulsion to hold and possess the locket had suddenly become overwhelming again. He slowly backed his slightly trembling hand away from the locket.

“Okay. It’s all yours then,” he said. “But is there any way that we can be the ones to transport the locket?”

Dana glared at him as Johansson stroked his beard. “I don’t see why not—if it’s okay with your boss, that is. I wouldn’t want to step on anyone’s toes here. That’s not my style.”

“I have some vacation time that I can use, and honestly, I think it’ll do me some good to get out of the area for a while,” he said, trying to hide the relief he felt. “What do you think, Dana?”

Dana blinked at the sudden proposal. “I guess I’m down for it, but I am not sure how the chief is going to feel about us leaving during two ongoing murder investigations.”

“Well, this locket is the only real piece of evidence we have for our murders, as well,” Jared said. “The chief will most likely be in favor of us partnering up with the FBI in order to help solve our homicides at home. At least, it could be a good PR play for him.”

“Okay, then it’s settled,” interjected Johansson, bringing the conversation to a conclusion. “Don’t worry about transportation. I’ll get the Bureau to flip the bill.”

Dana was still uncertain about the whole endeavor, but she trusted Jared’s judgment. And she could use a change of scenery, too. She managed a weak smile as the two men discussed the details of their expedition to the big city. No matter how hard she tried, though, she could not shake the lingering feeling of dread.

Twenty

It was late by the time Jared finally pulled up in front of his modest apartment. It had taken a whole lot longer than he had anticipated to convince the chief to get on board with the New York City excursion.

A loud rap on the driver’s side window jolted him, and he reached for his sidearm.

“Hey, big brother.”

Steve was bent down and peering into the window. “You gonna shoot me?”

Jared’s face flushed when he realized his duty weapon was resting on his lap with the barrel pointing up at his brother. He growled as he replaced it in its holster and gingerly stepped out of his car.

“How long was I sitting there?”

“For a while. You seemed lost in thought, so I decided not to bother you.”

“Scaring me half to death is what you consider not bothering me? Seriously though, I could have shot you.”

“Maybe, maybe not.”

“What the heck does that mean?”

Steve smirked. “Never mind. Why so jumpy? Something happen at work today? Get dumped by another girl?”

Jared glared at his younger brother. “You’re an ass.”

“Too soon?” Steve smiled a big puppy dog smile as he threw his arms out for a hug. “Oh, come on now. I’m just screwing with you.”

Jared pushed past his brother, ignoring the proffered hug, and slogged up the stairs to his apartment. Steve fell in line behind his brother, pulling out a cigarette as he walked. He stopped to light his cigarette, flipped his lighter closed, and took a long drag.

Jared turned about halfway up the stairs. “You coming?”

Steve exhaled and smiled. “Only if you have something to drink up in that bachelor’s mess you call an apartment.”

“Sure, I have soda, water, and milk.”

“You got chocolate milk and juice boxes too? I mean something for adults, Jar, not kindergartners.”

Jared rolled his eyes and continued up the stairway. “I am too tired to be annoyed by you right now. Come back in the morning and I am sure it’ll be easier to get under my skin then.”

Steve took one more long drag off his cigarette before flicking it away. “I can’t believe you still don’t drink. Honestly, if I’d had the kind of last few days you’ve had, I would’ve been drunk by now. Of course, who’s to say I’m not?”

Jared reached his second-floor apartment and his hands shook causing him to drop his keys. “Seriously? Frickin’ crap.”

“You even swear like a kindergartner.”

Jared bent down to pick up his wayward keys, grunting as he did. “Just shut up already, or I really will shoot you.”

Steve chuckled as his older brother finally got his apartment door open after several tries. Jared held the door open for his younger brother, who walked in and plopped down on the sofa.

Jared’s apartment was a one-bedroom, one-bath with a small kitchen and dining area. He dropped his keys down on the kitchen table and grimaced as he removed his jacket.

Steve watched his brother as he gingerly moved about the small kitchen. “You okay? I know I gave you a bit of a hard time, but I was trying to cheer you up a bit since I know this week has been a tough one for you.”

“You want coffee?”

“Sure. Can you put a bit of bourbon in it for me?” Steve said then grinned at Jared’s audible sigh from the other room. “Cream and sugar will do just fine.”

After a few minutes, Jared returned to the living room with two mugs of coffee and handed one to Steve. He took a quick sip of the black liquid and then sat down next to his brother. Neither man spoke as they sat and sipped their beverages.

Steve was the first to break the silence. “I am going back to NYC tomorrow. I have a concert the day after tomorrow and I need to get back in order to get ready.”

“That was a quick trip.”

“Yeah, I was only planning on staying up here for