Chapter 32–Wednesday, 7:45PM

In his car, speeding toward Fourth and Maple, Herb flipped open his phone and dialed Marge. She answered on the first ring. “Dispatch.”

“Marge, it’s me, Herb,” he said. “Put me through to Truman. Secure line.”

“Yes, sir,” she said. “Shall I record?”

“No!” he replied sharply. “Do not record this.”

“Just a sec,” came her response.

A short wait and then, “Sir?” It was Truman.

“I know you wanted to show me that report, but I’m obviously otherwise occupied. This call is secure, Tru. I need to know what you found now.”

The radio came to life as Herb paused. “Chief! It’s me, Linda. I’ve got the duty records for those days. What do you need?”

Herb didn’t know who to answer first. “Hold on a sec, Tru. Linda’s on the radio.”

“I need to know,” Herb swallowed. He didn’t want to ask it. “I need to know if Woodstalk was on duty any of those days.”

Silence filled Herb’s car for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Linda’s voice came through again. “No, sir. He was off-duty.”

“Every time?” Herb asked.

“Every single time,” Linda affirmed. “And he’s off today, too, sir.”

“Yes, I know,” Herb replied. “I know. Thanks, Linda.”

Snatching up his phone again, he dispensed with niceties. “Tru! Is Woodstalk on your list?”

Silence again. “Tru!” Herb repeated. “Is Woodstalk there?”

“Yes. Yes, sir,” the tech stammered. “He’s the only one on both lists.”

“Celery don’t bleed red,” Herb muttered.

“What was that, sir?” Truman asked.

“Nothing, Tru. Capote back?”

“Yeah, he’s here. I’ll put him on.”

After a moment’s delay, the zucchini’s voice came on. “Capote here.”

“The cell phone call you traced Sunday. It came from the Sleazy Pawn on Buffalo Jones, didn’t it?”

The agent’s voice was filled with shock. “Yes, sir. How did you...”

“Never mind how I knew,” Herb had no time for chit chat. “Did someone using the same phone call the mayor’s office this afternoon?”

Herb heard Capote relaying the question to S. He waited. His heart nearly stopped when Capote spoke again. “Yes, sir. Same number rang the mayor’s office at 5:56pm.”

“Bloody Mary!” Herb cursed as he snatched up the radio. “All cars! All cars! We are looking for one of our own. I repeat. We are looking for one of our own. If Woodstalk shows up at Fourth and Maple, arrest him.”

Dropping the mic on the car’s floor, he spoke once more into his phone. “Capote, I’m not going to Fourth and Maple. I’m taking a detour. I need you to meet me, armed to the teeth, at Woodstalk’s apartment. Code 2. Bring your whole team and Truman. He knows the way.” Herb hesitated before hanging up. “And no contact from here on out. No chatter whatsoever. Do not call me back. Do not radio anyone.”

“I understand,” Capote answered.

Herb snapped the phone shut as he jerked his wheel hard left onto Walnut.