The Portal Between Us by M. R. King

Author:M. R. King [King, M. R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: horror, Mystery, supernatural, Fiction, suspense, investigation, detective
Publisher: Free Minds Publications
Published: 2023-03-12T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

AFTER HE SENT DANIELE to HR to complete her new employee paperwork, Joe stood at the window, pondering Maria’s role. Even if Maria was here alone, it had to be under some unknown authority, and for some other reason than to look into Chen’s death. It troubled him. As he recalled each time the FBI had intervened in the past he still could not recall any time when someone was sent alone. He ran his fingers through his hair, irked at himself for not being suspicious before now.

A quick rap at his door pulled him back from his thoughts. He nodded and Andy came in.

“Sorry to bother you, Chief. We got some papers to serve for a foreclosure. Normally I’d give them to Martinez, but he’s still out.”

Joe sighed as he took the thick stack of papers, less annoyed that Martinez was not back, but more irked he would have to drive to the middle of nowhere to tape the papers on the door. The drive, though, might give him some time to carefully consider the FBI’s role. “Thanks,” he said. “Just so you know, Daniele will be joining the force – so you’ll be seeing a lot more of her soon.”

The young dispatcher blushed deeply and lowered his eyes to study the space between his shoes.

Joe chuckled. “Look, she’s pretty. Can’t deny that.” He placed a fatherly hand on Andy’s shoulder. “You’ll get used to it. Once that happens, then you should be able to talk to her without blushing.” The dispatcher turned in embarrassment and started to head back to his desk. “Oh, a little advice?”

Andy turned, the red slowly leaving his face. “Sure, Chief?”

“Don’t tell your wife she’s been hired until you can say her name without blushing. Least not unless you want the third degree for the next month.” Joe smiled, remembering his past arguments with Lauren.

“Very funny, Chief,” he replied. “No offense, but I tell Melissa about anything that happens.”

“Well, good luck. I’m heading out to serve these papers and then probably go home.” He knew there would be sever bars and two liquor stores between him and home. He hoped he would make it. He absentmindedly fingered his black eye. “If Martinez checks in before he goes home, tell him I’d like to meet with him tomorrow.” Joe remembered how Lewis had mentioned something about how poorly Martinez had trained him. “Don’t tell him about Daniele – I’ll be training her.”

“Got it Chief.”

As Joe left the station, his thoughts returned to Maria. He considered calling her, confronting her, and gaging the reaction. However, that would not fit his style – he needed more information before he would talk with her. He glanced at his paperwork and noted the address. He could not remember if he had ever had any interaction with Neil, but he did not think so, which meant this would likely be a peaceful job. He had heard of offices killed in the line of duty service small claims paperwork.

As he drove, he got a call from Frankie.

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