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smile across his lips. “We’ll call you soon as he shows his face.”
    “Right, keep me in the loop, and thanks, Art. Sometimes what we get isn’t all bad news.” Ryan had difficulty finding pity for Fred Callahan, though he knew he’d have added legwork following the evidence in a case like this.
    Do we have a vigilante coming out of the woodwork ? he wondered. Was it just this particular guy ? Will there be others ? He shrugged again, re-read the report, wrinkled his brow, and pursed his lips in contemplation.
     

CHAPTER 6
     
     
    A few days later, Denny assisted Callahan into his car, limping and complaining about his woeful situation as he struggled to find comfort, sitting even partially upright on the worn seats. Going to the police station had him tied in knots, dreading further interactions with those officers who knew him. Thoughts of facing them at the interview held no comfort for him, only a mountain of renewed anxiety.
    A bright sunny day, the air felt cool and crisp, but the occurrence of warming spring weather brought Callahan no joy. He gave it little notice as they drove toward the station. He still hurt like hell and he hated the sick kind of fear that had invaded his life unlike anything he’d ever known.
    Callahan worried constantly about how the police would handle his case and how they’d receive him, especially the ones who knew him and the crime he’d committed. “Those cops wanted to hang me out to dry with this last arrest, and they were mad as hell I got off. They’ll likely pin a medal on the guy who did this goddamned, fucking thing to me.”
    “Last arrest?” Denny nearly gasped. “Are you saying you’ve got a long string of priors, and you’re still out on the streets?” He paused then shrugged. “Well, a crime’s been committed against you and it’s their sworn duty to uphold the law.” He almost laughed. “You have rights, same as anyone else, and don’t you forget it!”
    Denny’s own knuckles were white enough as he gripped the steering wheel. His private life had never been discussed by the two men, yet they sensed a brotherhood, an unspoken commonality between them.
    Both men were positive the police had thrown a big party after hearing about the assault committed upon Callahan.
    “Vindictive bastards, the lot of them!” Shaky and uncertain, Callahan couldn’t help but add, “The Miranda thing worked for me, but I hope to hell it won’t work for the bastard that did this to me.” He tried to feel optimistic, and found it impossible.
    “Yeah, well that was a damned lucky fluke for you. Don’t forget, your ass’d be in stir for years to come if they could’ve used all those priors you never mentioned before today.”
    “What about now? Won’t they be celebrating what happened to me, Denny?” They pulled into the parking lot and Callahan’s tension mounted. His face felt tight, his ass burned with pain, and icy chills ran rampantly through his body. “Oh, God, I wish we didn’t have to come here. You don’t know how much I dread this. They won’t want to help me. You know they won’t. I don’t know why we have to haul-ass down here anyway.”
    “Oh, shut the hell up, Fred. Let’s just go in and get it over with. I’ll be there with you, and let me tell you, police stations aren’t real high on my list of favorite places. You’re damn lucky I’ve come at all.” Denny stepped to Callahan’s door to assist him. “Go easy, now. If you need a hand, just say so.”
    His face felt tight as hell, and ice water had settled into his guts. But as was nervous as he was about being at a police station, he probably couldn’t match Callahan’s reluctance at coming here this morning.
    Together they made their way into the station. Approaching the youngish, blonde woman who managed the front desk, Callahan stated his business, hating that his voice sounded halting and weak. “We’re here to complete an assault report and need to see an Officer