After everyone watched the news segment together in the lunchroom, the precinct was abuzz. All three local news stations had aired the description of the damaged dark-green Tahoe, although there wasn’t a plate number or name to accompany the description.
When the tip-line calls started coming in, the second shifters situated themselves at the phones. They were excited and hoped to get the lead they needed.
Rue, Bentley, and Lawrence left to pay Mitch a short visit. As long as his vitals were good, the doctor said, he could go home the following day.
Shortly before seven o’clock, they arrived at Mercy Hospital and found Mitch staring at his cell phone. The men walked in, each carrying a bag of food—Rue carrying two.
“What’s up, buddy? Are you fifteen or what with that phone plastered to your face?” Rue joked.
“Nah, just checking emails. I’m sick of watching TV, but I did catch the news broadcast. I hope the results we need come into the tip lines.” Mitch jerked his head at the bags of food. “I’d rub my hands together in anticipation of that cheeseburger and fries I smell, but it’s kind of impossible.”
“What really sucks is that it’s your right arm in that cast,” Lawrence said.
“You’re telling me. Hand that bag over anyway. I’ll figure it out.”
Rue opened the bag, placed the burger on the foil, and dumped the fries on the bag. “There. That should make things manageable.”
“Thanks, partner.”
“No sweat.”
“So, word is the Corvette is sitting behind the fence at the precinct’s evidence lot.”
“You’d be correct. I’ll tell you one thing, Cannon. You’re damn lucky to be alive,” Rue said.
Mitch sighed. “Man, I sure loved that car.”
“And thanks to your car insurance, you can love another one, except it’ll be brand-new.”
“Yeah, I guess. Maybe I should think about a different color while I’m at it.”
“I’ve already looked on your behalf, partner. Amplify Orange and Metallic Caffeine are about the hottest colors out there.”
“Kind of bright, aren’t they?”
“That’s the point, so give it some thought.” Rue nodded at the food. “Let’s eat.”
Lawrence and Bentley found places to sit, and they all chowed down. Their conversation could continue after eating. The men wanted to enjoy their burgers while they were hot.
Mitch nodded with a mouthful of cheeseburger. “Damn, this is so much better than hospital food. Fish sticks and orange gelatin don’t quite fill me up.” He gave Rue a frown. “What, no beer?”
Devon laughed. “Wishful thinking. That might not get past security, and who knows what kind of medications you’re on.”
“So, does anyone at the station have ideas, gut feelings, hunches, or actual leads?” Mitch asked.
“Nope,” Bentley said after wiping the ketchup from his mouth. “That’s why the tip-line calls will be important. At least, we’re hoping for something substantial. Hell, without that—”
“Yeah,” Mitch said, “we’re going nowhere fast.” He glanced at the time on his phone. “I’ll give the night shift guys a few hours with the tip lines, and then I’m going to call to see if anything shook loose.”
Rue held up his hands. “Whoa there, cowboy. You aren’t supposed to be detecting from your hospital room. Royce would have you by the throat if he knew you were calling the station. Wait until you’re home, more clearheaded, and then call me, your partner, and I’ll update you.”
Mitch waved him off with his left hand. “You’re right, but you know that I—”
“Have zero patience? Believe me, we’re aware. How about this? I’ll call you at ten o’clock and update you on the tip-line calls,” Rue said.
“Yeah, okay. I don’t want to get anyone in trouble. Thanks, partner.”
“You got it.” Devon stood and collected the burger bags. “How about we head out and let this guy get some rest?”
A nurse came in to check on Mitch.
“Perfect timing,” Rue said. “Talk to you later, Cannon.”
“Thanks for the supper, guys, and keep me in the loop.” Mitch held his hand up to his ear and mouth, imitating a phone receiver.
Devon nodded. “I won’t forget.”
Devon had been home for several hours when he heard his phone alarm go off. It was time to check in with the station to see if any progress was being made with the calls. He got Prentice on the phone and asked.
“Yeah, I talked to the officers handling the tip lines just fifteen minutes ago. So far, they have about twenty leads worth checking into.”
“Well, that’s something.”
“Right,” Prentice said. “Some people mentioned seeing damaged green SUVs but didn’t know if they were Tahoes, 4Runners, or Blazers—only that they were green.”
Rue groaned. “That has to be a waste of time. People tying up the phone lines without any real leads. So twenty or so that seemed worthwhile? That’s a good start. Thanks, Prentice, and I’ll see you in the morning.” Devon clicked off, called Mitch’s room, and passed on the information. He said that most of the follow-up would take place the next morning when the vehicles could be examined in daylight. He wished Mitch a good night’s sleep, told him he would call back tomorrow, and hung up.