The Lurker at the Threshold : A Horror Mystery by Brandon Berntson (books under 200 pages .txt) 📗

one, and I have no respect for the shallow, cad, superficial men who fall for them.  Or the women who use that kind of thing to their advantage, which is quite a handful, I might add.  I give you exhibit A.”  She motioned toward the museum.  “You wanna wine and dine some blonde dame, be my guest.  But when the demons come calling and the shadows get darker, you can see how well she stacks up against the adversity.  And don’t you dare make a joke about stacks.”

Macky opened his mouth and closed it.  He was going to make a joke about stacks.

“Millie,” he said.  “I was trying to be polite.  I didn’t want to insult her, and we had business with Capshaw.  Important business.  I’ll tell you another thing.  Floozies are a dime a dozen in this city, but you, Mill, are a class-A lady.  A woman.  And I emphasize the word woman, most of which I think most women should aspire to.  That’s why I like you and am glad you’re on my side.  You’re irreplaceable.  It’s about time I told you that.  There’s more to you than flashing red hair and jade green eyes.  And everybody knows it.  Duke knows it.  Newt knows it.  Even Capshaw knows it.  No one can compete with you, Mill.  And every woman in Innsport knows it.  That’s why they try so hard.  That’s why they sneer with contempt.  You got brains, charm, common sense, compassion, understanding, but most importantly, a fighting spirit.  When the floozies come around, I have to let them down easy, so they maintain their dignity.  That’s all I’m trying to do.  Now, can we go back to the office?  I’m thirsty.”

Millie stood staring at him for a long time.  “I suppose that was your idea of an apology?”

“I’m not apologizing.  I complimented you.  Grandly, I might add.”

She smiled.  Her eyes sparkled.  “Could you do it again, Dev?  And elaborate on that fighting spirit bit more.  I didn’t catch all that.  I liked the jade-eyed bit, too, but you didn’t mention anything about my red hair, other than that it was red, of course.  Don’t you think you could add go into more detail about it . . . Dev?  Dev?”

Macky turned and walked away.

Chapter 4

“Dev, Bardhoff and Givens are here to see you.”

“They didn’t bring a bottle with them by any chance, did they?”

“No,” Millie said.  “They’re on duty.  Maybe coffee?”

“It’s late enough in the afternoon.  Getting darker earlier, too.  I’m running low on giggle juice, Mill.  We might have to make a run to the liquor store.  As long as they don’t want any hooch.  That’s not very hospitable, is it?”

“You’re being very stingy, Dev.”

“Thanks for the clarification.  Send them in, Mill.”

She nodded, disappeared, and Newt and Duke came in shortly afterwards.  Newt was wearing a snazzy, dark blue pinstripe suit with a polka-dotted tie and hat.  A handkerchief fluffed from the breast pocket.  Duke was wearing a classic earth tone brown, which went with the season.  He had a brown tie with yellow diamond shapes on it.

“Evening, Dev,” Newt said.  “How’s business?”

“Good, Newt.  How’s married life with Amelia?”

“More than I imagined.  She’s a gem.  We’re perking up the bookstore with a few amenities.  So far things are going smoothly.  You should come by and see it.”

“It’s been almost two years, and you’re still in the honeymoon phase.  I’m happy for you, Newt.  Care for a snort to celebrate?”

“We’re on duty, Dev.  But thanks all the same.”

“Just as well.  I’m low on the sauce.  How’s the stutter?”

“She still stutters around large crowds, but it’s not as bad as it used to be.  She’s coming out of her shell.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Can we dispense with the domestic syrup and get down to business?” Duke asked.

“Sorry, Duke,” Macky said.  “I forgot you don’t like wasting time on pleasantries and nurturing the importance of good standing with your fellow brethren.  Religion calls it hesed, a Hebrew word that means ‘steadfast love.’”

“How did you get to be so cute, Macky?” Duke said, frowning.

“Some questions have obvious answers Duke, and that’s one of them.”

“Duke’s a little testy this morning, Dev,” Newt said.

“He is?  Well, can I get you guys a coffee?  Would that help?” Macky asked.  “Orange soda?  Raspberry twist?”

“I’d love a raspberry twist, Dev,” Newt said, brightening.

“Millie!” Macky called.

“Would you stop that?” Duke asked.

Millie poked her head into the office.  “You wanted something, Dev?”

“Can we get Newt and Duke here a raspberry twist?”

“What’s that?”

Macky opened his mouth to speak, then frowned.  He looked at Newt.  “We seem to be out.  How about an orange soda?”

“That sounds fine, Dev.”

“Stop that!” Duke said, his face turning red.

“I don’t think we have orange soda, either, Dev,” Millie said.  “How about a lemon spritzer?”

“Ooo,” Macky said.  “That sounds good.”

“That’s enough!” Duke shouted, turning red.

“Is the Captain back from his vacation yet?” Macky asked.

“Warrens?” Duke said.  “Guy takes more vacations than anyone I know.  Leaves the rest of us here to defend the entire city.  I think the mayor went with him.”

“He does take off more time than anyone at the precinct,” Newt said.

“Could we get down to business, please?” Duke said.

“How about a drink?” Macky said.

Duke let out a sigh.

“Millie!” Macky called.

Millie poked her head inside again.  “Change your mind about something, Dev?”

“Give our corpu—uh—inspector here a lemon spritz.”

“You want a splash of Tobasco in that, Duke?”

“I’m about to scream,” Duke said, rubbing his head.

“Not with his blood pressure,” Newt said.  “Or his ulcer.”

Duke plopped himself in one of the chairs in front of Macky’s desk.  “I give up,” he said.  “Bourbon.  Make it a double.”

“Coming right up,” Millie said.

“There goes the last of my hooch,” Macky