Read Captive Justice: A Private Investigator Mystery Series (A Jake & Annie Lincoln Thriller Book 4) for Free Online Page A

private investigators.”
    “I realize that, but PIs aren’t competition and as long as they don’t get in our way, what’s the harm?”
    “When you put it that way, there’s no harm. I know the Lincolns are friends of yours, but don’t let them interfere.” He pointed his index finger at Hank. “I expect you to keep them under control.”
    As head of Richmond Hill Police Department, Captain Diego had worked his way up through the ranks and Hank had a lot of respect for him, but sometimes the captain was just flat-out wrong.
    “So far,” Hank said. “They haven’t gotten in anyone’s way and I’ll see to it they don’t. But they aren’t concerned with fame or glory. All they want is the same as us, to see justice done.”
    Diego seemed to consider that and gave a slow shrug.
    Hank leaned back. “Now, what about a firearm?”
    Diego sat back, dropped one elbow on the padded armrest and stroked his bristling mustache. “This takes time. It would first have to be shown he’s fully qualified to obtain a permit. Background checks and things like that.”
    “He’s a licensed private investigator. Background checks have already been done.”
    Diego picked up his pen and twirled it in his fingers. “What about training?”
    Hank shrugged. “He’s a fast learner. I’ll show him the basics.” Hank paused and watched as Diego considered it. “It’s just for personal protection. It’s unlikely he would even draw it. I don’t think the kidnapper is foolish enough to take any chances.”
    Diego stared at Hank a moment before coming to a decision. He was a few pounds overweight and his jowls quivered as he nodded. “Let me make a couple of calls and see if I can get this fast-tracked, but there’s no guarantee.” He held up a finger. “But it’s just this one time, you understand?”
    Hank nodded. “Of course, and thanks, Captain.” He stood and left the office as Diego picked up the phone receiver.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 11
     
     
     
    Wednesday, August 31st, 2:51 PM
     
    JAKE PULLED the Firebird into Dr. Gould’s driveway, jumped out and strode up the walkway to the front door. It swung open as Jake reached for the knocker.
    “Come in a moment,” Dr. Gould said. “I’ll be right with you.”
    Jake stepped inside the large foyer and leaned against the wall. In a moment, the doctor came back with a briefcase and handed it to Jake.
    “This is empty right now,” the doctor said. “But I would feel better if you carried it.”
    Jake took the briefcase and stepped outside. Dr. Gould shut the door behind them, locked it, double-checked the lock and then followed Jake to the Firebird.
    Jake tossed the briefcase into the back seat and climbed under the steering wheel. He never fancied himself as a bodyguard before, but a job was a job. He watched as Dr. Gould stepped into the car. He looked worried and stressed out, and his hands trembled as he fastened his seatbelt.
    Jake hit the ignition and fired up the V8. It purred like a mountain lion as he backed from the driveway. He eased the shifter into gear, and Dr. Gould directed him to the local branch of the Commerce Bank. He parked under a No Parking sign and they stepped from the vehicle and went through the revolving doors.
    The manager was waiting and greeted Dr. Gould the moment they stepped inside. He signaled to a teller and then led them into an office and motioned toward a pair of chairs pushed up to the desk. They sat as the manager went behind and perched on his puffy leather chair. The cushion gave a whoosh of air as he settled into it.
    The banker talked on about the weather and the latest news as the doctor listened politely and Jake yawned.
    In a few minutes, the teller came in and handed the manager a cloth money bag, fastened with a drawstring. The bag looked surprisingly small to contain that much cash.
    “Just as you asked, Dr. Gould.” The manager set the bag on the desk. “One hundred thousand dollars, in fifties.” He