Two Graves (A Kesle City Homicide Novel) by D.A. Graystone Page A

premature.”
    “The Lieutenant is correct,” Keough cut in, beginning to fear he understood his role in all this. “The violence and frequency are escalating. And, if the Mayor wants the job done quickly, that is going to take organization and man power.”
    “Given the nature of the crimes and the current political climate,” Parkside said, looking directly at the Commissioner and ignoring Keough, “I imagine the Mayor would agree with your decision to run the task force out of The Hill.”
    If he hadn’t already turned to look at James, Mann would have missed the Commissioner’s quick glace at the connecting door. It made Mann wonder whose legs he had seen in the office.
    “No,” said James, “Captain Keough will head the task force out of Southfield. Lieutenant Mann will continue to act as point on the investigation. I want some continuity if we are going to hit the ground running.”
    Mann wasn’t sure if he, Keough or Parkside was more surprised.
    “Lieutenant Mann, you are officially relieved of your duties on the Southfield squad,” the Commissioner continued. “Captain Walsh will adjust the squad in your absence. The task force will operate out of Southfield for the time being. Get this nut case before I see him on television. That is all gentlemen.”
    The Commissioner got up and disappeared through the door into his office. Parkside already had his Blackberry to his ear as he left. The remaining four kept their seats and stared at each other in silence.
    “Is he kidding? Do they really expect to keep this quiet?” Mann finally asked.
    “Don’t worry about them, Gregg,” Keough said. “You continue to run the investigation. I’ll run interference with the Commissioner and the Mayor’s office as well as with the press, when they tumble to the case. I suspect that is what whoever dreamed up this idea had in mind. You concentrate on finding the killer.”
    “Thank you, sir.” Mann turned to Walsh. “What happens at the squad?”
    “Davis will handle the squad for the time being. Temporary pay raise, the works. I’m not bringing in anybody new if I don’t have to.”
    “How many do I get?” Mann asked.
    “For now, you can have four detectives and three Uniforms.”
    “I’ve got that now,” Mann sighed. He stared up at the ceiling and thought aloud. “I want Kydd, Greer and Blaak. And I guess I had better take Tetrault so I don’t have to bring anybody else up to speed. Just give me any uniforms you think deserve the duty. I’ll need eight lines and at least four cars. But I’ll need more guys to help with the canvass.”
    “We will be pulling in more uniforms from other divisions to fill the ranks,” Keough said. “James will gladly reassign them.”
    “He’s right,” Walsh agreed, standing. “Well, I’ve got a Division to reorganize. Andy, you want to come with me and we’ll get you set?”
    “Gonna miss you, Mann, but I’ll take the bump,” Davis said, after they left. “But I gotta admit, I’m surprised you got the nod for this thing.”
    Mann knew what Davis meant and took no offense. “You and me both.”
    “But we always knew you had an angel out there somewhere,” Davis said, motioning with his head at the connecting door.
    “You saw?”
    “Just expensive shoes.”
    “Damn,” Mann said, glancing at the connecting door again. “I would have given good money to know who was in there.”

Chapter 22

    “Alf Buchanan, you know Captain Keough?”
    “Sure. How are you doing Andy? Who’d you piss off?”
    “I apparently wasn’t doing anything worthwhile at the moment.” Keough waved Buchanan to an empty chair. He had commandeered a cramped office but that was the way Keough liked it because it kept people out of his office and anyone who did venture in never stayed long.
    “You’re going to love this one,” the coroner said, tossing photos on the desk. “I didn’t do Yeck but I reviewed the notes. This is the same guy. But he went several steps