CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

 

 

Mark McKinley lay in the alley with some cracked ribs and a busted lip. He thought he might have a concussion, so he focused on staying conscious. The ambulance arrived after a few minutes, closely followed by a legion of patrol cars. He felt the January cold grabbing him. He wanted to sleep, but the medics kept bothering him.

On the ride to the hospital he thought about his wife and kids briefly. He imagined them standing by his bed. The still images, in his mind, made him think about the news. He could milk the attack and get some sympathy press. The idea of running for mayor or governor had never been one he entertained. If he were to consider it, though, this would be the time. The sirens sure were loud. He wondered if they would make him stay the night. What time was it anyway? He closed his eyes, and the man next to him started yelling again. He really wanted to grab a quick nap. What about the mayor's office? It could be possible. If he was the governor, though, and made deals with the five families, he might have a shot at the presidency. Nobody would need to know; he could keep crime at an acceptable level and be a hero. He was sure the families would listen; he had just saved the day.

The doctors determined it was a very mild concussion and, after a dozen stitches and some taped ribs, he was given some pain medication and allowed to sleep. The wife and kids were being brought to the hospital, and two uniformed officers stood guard outside his room.

"This ain't right."

"I know; I'm coming off a double shift, and I get stuck on door duty."

"No, I mean the DA getting mugged."

"Oh. That. I suppose. What was he doing wondering around alone like that anyway? Doesn't he have a driver?"

"He does. Maybe he gave him the night off. I hear he is a really easygoing guy."

"I don't know him."

"I've talked to him a few times. After that big B & E case, we had a cup of coffee. He said I was well on my way to making detective one day."

"It's good to have friends in high places."

"He seems like a regular guy," He then whispered, "Of course, you never can tell with lawyers."

They both laughed and started to talk about their families, nurses, and baseball.