Borderline by Mark Schorr

Author:Mark Schorr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fbi, thriller, psychology, corruption, ptsd, noir, counselor, edgar nominee, portland or
Publisher: Mark Schorr

Early morning, and Hanson met with AA sponsor Bill McFarlane in Fuller’s Coffee Shop. All that remained of the bacon and eggs with sourdough toast was a few greasy smears and crumbs on their plates. Seated on the hard stools around the U-shaped counter, they sipped the coffee.

“Why are we here?” McFarlane asked.

“You mean that in an existential way?”

“Cut the bullshit, Jean-Paul Sartre.”

“I’m impressed. A cop who knows existentialist philosophers.”

“Is that as unusual as a counselor who doesn’t ask ‘How do you feel?’ in response to everything? Or you expecting me to drag my knuckles on the ground while looking for minorities to beat to death with a nightstick?”

“You sound cranky,” Hanson said.

“Up all night on a case. How’s your recovery?” McFarlane asked abruptly.

“Pretty solid. I haven’t gone to a meeting, but I did read the Big Book a bit. A lot of wisdom there.”

“Damn straight. I’m glad you’re doing okay, and I’m asking again, what are we doing here? Surely you can come up with a better breakfast buddy.”

“I wanted to ask your opinion of former deputy chief Grundig.”

“I’m here as an informant, not a sponsor?”

“You’re here as someone I trust and respect, who knows the guy.”

“Why do you want to know?”

“He also doesn’t go for the suicide explanation. Led me to believe there’s a cover-up. I need to know if I can believe him.”

McFarlane’s coffee cup was empty. He signaled for the waitress to refill. When she did, he slowly rotated the worn, warm white ceramic cup in his hands. “He had a reputation as a straight shooter. Everyone knew what was going on with his daughter and felt bad for him. For the whole family.”

“Any chance someone would want to get back at him by killing his daughter?”

McFarlane smiled. “You’re getting that kind of paranoid thinking that cops thrive on. Warms the cockles of me heart, even if it is bullshit. The old man’s been out of the loop for years. Besides, whacking Tammy would be more of a favor to him than a message.”

“He said Quimby came by and he was encouraged to keep his mouth shut. I’m wondering why.”

“Our fair city is getting famous for low numbers on serious crimes. Any deaths are bad publicity. They’re hoping to win some of the big employers back to Oregon.”

“Who’s they?”

“Who stands to gain? The mayor, the police chief, DA, businesses, homeowners. America’s Safest City. Even you benefit if property values go up.”

“That sounds like something my wife would say.”

“You keeping her satisfied?”

“What’s that mean?”

“It means you’ve told me about her and I’ve seen her. She’s a Pedigree. You’re a mutt.”

“I’m not here to talk about my marriage,” Hanson said tersely.

“You’re sounding snappy there, Fido. Want to tell me what’s going on?

After a sigh, Hanson told him about their renewed passion, how he had told her what was going on and how uncomfortable he felt with the disclosure.

“Maybe you’re not used to really talking with her. Got to accept life on life’s terms. Nothing wrong with being a mutt.

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