Chapter Three

"Excuse me, but was this man knifed, too, in addition to his computer exploding?" one paramedic asked without looking up from Peter.

The other paramedic answered him. "No, Tom, it looks more like his shoulder was caught in some type of cutting machine. Look at the number and angle of the cuts..."

Kermit had been talking to Strenlich, but he stepped closer when he heard the paramedic's comment, not completely understanding the man's question. Strenlich was right behind him, and he squeezed in to look over the paramedic's shoulder, too. By then, the paramedics had removed Peter's jacket and shirt, revealing five angular cuts at the top of Peter's right shoulder.

Frank was the first to speak up, though his tone was stunned. "No, he wasn't knifed. Like I told you before, he was fine one moment, then he reached down to do something with his computer, and the damned thing blew up and sent him flying."

Kermit kept silent. His mind was reeling was incredible possibilities. In his head, Kermit could see Peter's movements. Peter screamed first, and then the computer blew up. Gauging by those cuts, it looks like he was grabbed by something that dug into his skin. Something sharp. Something that could make five cuts. Perhaps, something that had five fingers...five very sharp fingers.'

Kermit's thoughts wandered back to the long spindly fingers that had reached for him at the Gables less than forty-eight hours before. Maybe they could have caused wounds like that if they'd ever gotten a good hold on him.

The paramedic named Tom started cleaning up Peter's cuts, but stopped when Peter, in his semiconscious state, grabbed at his arm and groaned in obvious pain.

"Geez, the blood is still flowing, but it looks like... " Tom said, then he stopped, glancing up at his partner, giving him a look of concerned wariness.

Turning back to Peter, he said, "Peter, I'm going to flush your wound with sterile water. It may burn a bit."

Peter didn't react to the man's words. He was still too groggy. As Tom turned to retrieve the container of sterile water, he whispered to his partner, "Those cuts are already starting to fester."

The other EMT leaned down for a closer look, and then his gaze darted back up at Tom with worry. Without further conversation, Tom broke the seal on the plastic container and poured the liquid over the cuts.

Peter came up off the ground, groaning in his semiconscious state and fighting off the helping hands beside him until he passed out.

"What the hell is going on?" Kermit asked finally.

"I have no freaking idea," Tom replied. He scratched his head and rocked back on his heels. "There's a possible concussion and lots of bruising, but I think he'll be all right. I'll bet these cuts will cause him a lot more pain than the other stuff all put together. They look nasty."

Tom's partner finished irrigating the area and said, "Blood is still flowing, but the cuts themselves look strange. Could there have been any chemical contamination involved?"

"I don't think so," Kermit replied, tightlipped. "I was between him and the fire extinguishers while they were putting out the fire."

Frowning, Tom used some sterile pads, and dried the area, then covered them with the largest dressings he had.

"He's stable enough to move now. Ready?" the other paramedic asked.

"Yeah, let's move him," Tom agreed.

"Can I ride along with him?" Jody asked, having stepped up to listen to the conversation.

The paramedic shrugged as they started moving toward the door. "Sure, no problem."

Strenlich put a hand on her shoulder. "Go ahead, Jody. I'll be over as soon as I get people started on cleaning up this mess."

Jody nodded and grabbed her purse. Moments later, they were gone, leaving the detectives to stare at the jumbled mess of Peter's computer. "Come on, time to get back to work," Frank said in a softer tone than normal.

The Chief rubbed his hand across the top of head, as he paused deep in thought. "What did cause Peter to go flying like that? I've seen a monitor explode once before, but not with that kind of force. Maybe it was rigged or something."

"That sounds a bit paranoid, Chief. Are you suggesting sabotage?" Kermit said softly as he knelt and picked up the discarded remnants of Peter's shirt and jacket. He fingered the bloody tears in the fabric.

Frank bent over for a closer look and whistled. He glanced around the rubble. "Well, I certainly don't see anything that would have done that kind of damage."

Kermit stood, still holding the clothes in his hands. "I believe the key word here is see."

Frank turned to him, puzzled. "What?"

Kermit ignored Frank's confusion and looked around, searching the room, then he finally asked, "Where's TJ?"

"He gave his father a ride to his office to get him away from Peter, then he was headed to a stakeout. Why? You interested in rare stamps, real estate, or a piano player?"

Kermit didn't bother to smile. "Nothing so mundane," he said cryptically.

"Talk to Broderick. He can give you the exact location of the stakeout, but aren't you due back in court in twenty minutes?"

Kermit glanced at his watch and cursed. "Dammit!"

His testimony was crucial to putting away Eddie Malone. That scumbag was important enough for Kermit to postpone a discussion with Kincaid, at least for the short term.

Kermit remembered Peter telling him at Marilyn's how TJ had given him the silver bullets and holy water. They both had come in handy at the Gables. Maybe TJ could explain what the hell was going on. Without Caine or the Ancient around for explanations, TJ was the next best source.

Strenlich had stayed silent while Kermit paused in thought, but finally he spoke up. "What did you mean just now? Are you saying you saw something I didn't?"

Kermit shook his head. "No, I saw what you saw, but the evidence in my hand says something else happened, too."

Frank frowned, his confusion growing. Kermit handed Frank Peter's tattered clothing. "You better hold on to that. I think Peter's shield is in his jacket pocket."

Kermit sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck, unaware he was mimicking Peter's newly acquired habit until he did it. Frank didn't move, still waiting for more information. Kermit didn't have a lot more to give him unfortunately.

"Give the kid some leeway. He didn't get much rest this weekend."

Sarcasm echoed in Strenlich's voice. "What? Did he have a hot date?"

"You could say that. The flames of hell surely can burn."

Strenlich turned and gave Kermit a glare that could cause most men to break into a sweat. "Kermit, sometimes, you say the damnedest things."

"Sorry, it's a chronic condition."

"Whatever," Strenlich muttered as he walked away. "You've got eighteen minutes to make it to the courthouse. You better hustle. Judge Wheeler doesn't like to be kept waiting."

oOoOoOoOo

Hours later, Kermit stepped out of his Corvair and turned the collar of his overcoat up to protect against the dropping temperature. It was going to be a cold night. Maybe even down below freezing by the feel of things.

He looked up to see the early evening rising moon and cursed the fact that court had run so long. Judge Wheeler had allowed the defense attorney to question him extensively on his testimony despite the fact that it was nearly four o'clock before the court was back in session.

Judge Wheeler was an excellent judge, but she was going to be gone the next two days and wanted to allow the defense to finish presenting their case before leaving. Some motions had been made in chambers before the official proceedings began again.

Kermit spent over two hours on the witness stand, but at least he was done with testifying unless they called him back for additional cross-examination, which was unlikely.

Then there was the matter of tracking down TJ Kincaid. A quick call to Broderick had directed him to an address at the south end of the city. He had just parked when he saw TJ climbing out of his sedan. TJ didn't notice him. He was too busy following his subject with practiced ease.

Kermit fell into step behind TJ and the man he was tailing, staying in the shadows as he recalled the case Kincaid was working on. Terry Jonas was known to be involved in militant neo-Nazi activities, but he was also suspected of being the mastermind behind a series of hate crimes in Chinatown.

Kermit tightened his fists, wondering why Kincaid hadn't called for backup when dealing with such dangerous pond scum. The man ducked down a side street still dotted with businesses, though as they proceeded, the area became more isolated. Still, TJ was able to stay with him without being too obvious.

Something was bothering Kermit, and then his eyes narrowed behind his dark shades as he decided it was Jonas' behavior. It was almost as if Jonas knew he was being followed but just didn't give a damn.

About that time, Kermit caught sight of another skinhead trailing Jonas and TJ from across the street. Every once in a while, the new man would glance over in Jonas' direction and smile maliciously.

Then Kermit smiled without warmth, glad he was watching TJ's back, even though it delayed his purpose for being there in the first place.

"What the hell, I need to unwind a bit after sitting in a courtroom all afternoon," Kermit said to himself as he released the safety on his weapon.

"TJ, I do believe you are being set up... but why?" Kermit whispered under his breath, and then added, "Maybe they want to add a cop's death to their list of trophies."

Whatever the motivation, TJ was in way over his head and he finally realized it when Jonas ducked into an alley. Kermit saw TJ's head turn as he noticed the skinhead from across the street hustling in his direction, especially when the man had one hand shoved into a jacket pocket and it was pointed in TJ's direction.

A white van screeched to a halt beside Kincaid, effectively blocking any avenue of escape. The side door slammed open and another skinhead sat with a rifle pointed in TJ's direction.

Kermit had only a moment to size up the situation and didn't hesitate in the least. He ducked behind a rusty Ford Rambler, shedding his trench coat and suit jacket in a blur while kicking off his shoes and socks. Next, he pulled his tie and shirt off, and then dropped his trousers. He spied a crumpled brown paper sack cluttering the sidewalk beside him and stuck his gun in it, then he ambled down the street in his boxers, singing as loudly as he could, off-tone and slurred.

"'I can't get no... satisfaction'," he crooned the chorus of the famous Rolling Stones song as he slyly noticed people fleeing the area, while the skinheads didn't know quite how to make of him.

"'I can't get no... satisfaction. 'Cause I try and I try and I try. I can't get no, I can't get no... satisfaction'."

Jonas stepped up behind TJ, and had pressed the muzzle of his gun into the detective's back. Kermit began singing even louder and swaying in his step.

''When I'm drivin' in my car. And that man comes on the radio. He's tellin' me more and more. About some useless information. Supposed to fire my imagination. I can't get no – oh no no no. Hey, hey, hey, that's what I say.'"

When Kermit stopped beside them, he was starting in on the chorus again, "'I can't get no – "

Squinting wildly, Kermit pointed at TJ. "Hey, I – I know you! You're Jerry's brother!"

He patted TJ on the arm like a long lost relative and laughed out loud. "Hey, imagine that, us running into each other in this part of town."

Jonas leaned forward and growled, "You're wrong, buddy. This ain't Jerry's brother. Now, get out of here."

Kermit shook a pointed finger at him and laughed again, playing the giddy drunk to the hilt. "No, I know Jerry's brother like he was my own and that's Jerry's brother! How the hell are you?"

Kermit slurred his words even more as his hand took a firm grip on TJ's arm. "Say, old pal, do you want a swig? It's good stuff, but I've been drinking it all afternoon and it's not doing a thing for me."

His head swept around like he suddenly noticed the weather. "Wow, it's a little chilly out here. Hey, where are my clothes?"

His gaze narrowed on Jonas. "You didn't take them, did you? You know you've got the beady eyes of a thief."

The hard glint in Jonas' eyes told Kermit he had already decided on a double homicide.

Kermit caught TJ's gaze and he nodded once. As one hand pulled on TJ, the other came up and Kermit fired the hidden weapon. The bullet caught Jonas squarely in the forehead. Before Jonas' lifeless body had begun to fall, Kermit was on the move again. He spun around, pushing TJ to the ground and fired at the van twice.

One round hit the man inside the open door; the other flew from a nearly impossible angle to hit the driver from behind. Kermit paused, and then blew on the barrel of his gun. He reached a hand down to help TJ to his feet when he saw Kincaid had his weapon drawn, too.

Strangely, the gun was pointed at him. Before he could say a word, TJ fired, aiming just behind Kermit. An anguished cry told the ex-merc Kincaid had hit his target. Pivoting rapidly, Kermit saw a third man he hadn't spotted before, but TJ had.

"Holy crap, Kermit, was I glad to see you!"

"Figured you might."

"But you're dressed a little light for the weather, aren't you?" TJ quipped as he got to his feet, but Kermit could tell the detective was shaken by the close encounter.

The sound of approaching sirens heralded the arrival of black-and-whites, and Kermit finally pulled his gaze away from the man he'd missed who was now lying on the sidewalk, groaning in pain.

Still dismayed at his lack of observation, Kermit managed a passable response. "Well, if you want to know the truth, it's something I picked up from Peter... this persistent need for exhibitionism."

TJ chuckled as he went to check the downed men for weapons. He came back to Kermit with a small collection of guns and deposited them on the ground.

"Thanks, Kermit," TJ said, shaking Kermit's hand, then he paused for a moment. He let go of Kermit's hand and said, "You might want to get dressed before the crew shows up."

"Not a bad idea," Kermit said, nodding in agreement.

As he started to walk away, TJ added, "And I owe you big time, Kermit. Thanks again."

TJ went to greet the first officers arriving on the scene and Kermit didn't waste any time getting dressed. By the time he was presentable again, the place was swarming with cops, paramedics, and ambulances.

"Kermit, what were you doing here in the first place?" TJ asked, when he could step away again.

"Watching your back. It's a good thing, too."

"Yeah, I'd be a dead man by now. Anyone who buys into your computer geek facade is missing out on the rest of the package."

Kermit grunted. "Keep it to yourself. But enough of that, we've got work to do."

TJ eyed him carefully, "Why were you here?"

"I was looking for you."

"Looking for me? Why?"

"Look, we've got to go. Now."

"Go? We can't leave this crime scene. We'll be stuck here for hours."

Kermit shook his head. "No, we won't. We don't have time for all of the reports and statements the department is going to require here. We've got more pressing matters to attend to," Kermit said, suddenly grim.

"Like that's going to happen," TJ joked as he looked at the assembled masses.

"It's gonna happen. And it's gonna happen right now. I'll be right back," Kermit said as he walked up to the sergeant in charge of the crime scene.

Within moments, Kermit was back at TJ's side.

"Come on, let's go."

"What? We can't leave a crime scene without – "

"Look, it's been taken care of. Now, it's time for me to call in that marker you said you owed me earlier."

"Already?"

"Already."

TJ held his ground for a moment before glancing back to the sergeant who waved sadly. The sergeant walked over to them. "Sorry to hear about your grandmother, Kincaid. My condolences to you and your father," the sergeant said before moving on to examine other areas of the shootout.

TJ's eyes bulged. "What did you say to him to allow us to leave?"

Kermit gave him a deadpan stare and said, "I told him you just found out your paternal grandmother had died. Have the decency to look like you're grieving."

"Kermit, she's been dead for five years."

"Yeah, but he doesn't know that," Kermit said without expression. He started walking towards his car, and then stopped. Without turning around, he said quietly, "I think Peter need your help."

"This is about Peter?"

Kermit nodded as he pivoted, then his gaze locked onto TJ's.

TJ rubbed his chin. "I heard he was hurt. When I called the hospital, they said they were keeping him overnight."

Kermit nodded again. "Peter told me how you helped him with... supplies for the weekend, supplies that came in quite handy. I have a feeling that what's happening with him right now has something to do with what went on this weekend."

TJ let out a long breath. "That's not good."

Kermit nodded once more. "He needs the help of someone who knows how to deal with this crap. I can handle the kind of backup I just gave you without blinking, but this... this is beyond me. You might just be the backup Peter needs right now."

TJ's expression tightened before he rubbed at his earlobe. "You – you don't realize what you are asking of me."

"That's probably true, but the bottom line is Peter's life is in jeopardy. Can you help him?"

TJ didn't move for a long moment as he stared at the officers working the crime scene a short distance down the street. Reluctantly, he sighed and whispered, "Okay."

Kermit smiled and started to speak, but was interrupted by a finger pointed in his direction. "Don't do it. Don't thank me. Not yet. My track record in this department doesn't warrant thanks."

Kermit eyed him closely. "Your girlfriend?"

TJ nodded, revealing a deeper vein of emotion in the darkness of the impending evening with those two words. He swallowed, and then shook his head as if shaking away painful memories. "Yeah, Lydia. I'm not sure I can do anything to help Peter. I've done a lot of research on the subject, but he might be outside my ability to help."

"You're our resident expert. In fact, you're our only expert."

Finally, TJ gave him a reluctant nod. "Well, I'll do my best, and not just because you saved my ass a few minutes ago."

"Good man," Kermit said, patting TJ on the back. "Do you want to leave your car here or follow me over to the hospital?"

"You go ahead. I've got to swing by my place to pick up some things we might be needing."

"Okay, I'll see you there."

Kermit climbed into his car, somehow disturbed by the conversation. Kermit shivered again, but this time, it wasn't due to the October cold.

oOoOoOoOo