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45 minutes later I was sitting at my favorite table at Tabby’s. I asked Penny to meet me down here. I was a few minutes early. So I had a Jameson and Ginger Ale while I waited.
I scanned through a digital copy of the Police report on my phone. I was waiting for Wheeler to update it with the Toxicology and Paraffin tests.
My Hookah bowl was packed almost completely with Marijuana. This sweet Sativa bud I kept for hard cases. It was good for seeing outside the situation. And for being high.
The widows' revelation had me reeling. It showed the stains on the black sheets. Everything is different in the new light.
If what she said was true. Things were starting to look darker for Patrick.
Having never met Patrick. I had no reason to assume there was more than a working relationship with him and Archer Hood.
But what about Professor Gill. I didn’t like that guy. I just couldn’t put my finger on why yet tho. He obviously resented Archer taking his job. With Hood dead. Gill was the new head of the Science Department.
He enjoyed his newfound good fortune too much. Gill Fowler relished in the death of his boss. I wonder if Penny feels that way about me sometimes.
Penny was late. I flagged down Miss Pink Dreads and ordered another shot.
Out of everyone. Kitty was at the top of my suspect list. She had the most to gain if her play worked. She was a cold customer. Maybe I’m a glutton for pain but that shit turned me on.
My shot came. I tapped the shot glass on the table then I downed it. Holding up a finger to signify one more. The server nodded and scurried off to fetch it. It was 9:30 pm.
Penny was never late. I checked my messages. The screen said, { nothing new }. The story of my life I thought.
My third shot came and I tossed it back. Before taking a huge toke that finished off my Hookah bowl. I told the server to reload my Hookah.
It's Friday night. It's starting to get packed in here. I looked up and realized I was being watched. The guy noticed me making him and averted his eyes.
I was a San Jose cop for 5 years. I new my Thug Gallery better than most. This piece of shit in the $5000 suit was Bugs Mason.
I ignored him. We had a history. I sent him up the river before. It's not strange for him to mean mug me from across the bar. I needed to piss. I also needed to call Penny. The line for the one single stall unisex bathroom was almost to the front door.
There was an alley through behind the office. I went outside the back door of Tabby's. It was a dark one-lane service street.
The bright light above Tabby's back door illuminated most of the area. Everything the light didn't touch was a shadow.
I pulled out my little detective and took a piss on the wall. I like to hum Mazzy Star while I piss. I can’t be the only one.
I was really feeling those shots at this point. Mixed with that gram of pot I just smoked in the Hookah I was starting to get twisted. (street name for being high and drunk)
I wasn't on top of my shit at that moment. I was thinking of Kitty and how I regretted not letting her use me tonight. I don't get chances with women like that. Ever.
I put my putter away and wiped my hands on the back of my black jeans. I grabbed my android from the pocket of my burgundy leather jacket. I called Penny.
Just as the phone was ringing. I suddenly became aware of someone in the alley with me. At that moment Penny answered the phone. Hey, I'm at your table where are you? she said.
I didn’t have time to answer her. I felt the wooden bat crack my back and crush the back of my neck. I was already on the ground. I don’t think I’m dead. But it feels like it.
As I fade from consciousness. I can hear Penny’s voice. I was still holding the phone. That means I’m not dead. Dead men don’t hold the phone. Maybe now you will mind your own business said the raspy voice of my attacker.
Penny’s voice said. They told me you’re out back. Are you smoking? I’ll come join you. she said.
Penny No! Was my last thought before it went black.