California Dreaming

Chapter 6

"Did the lab say when they'd have your results?" Kate asks when Rick returns to the hotel.

"If John actually makes it over there today, we'll get them either late tomorrow or the next day. That should work out. I have a meeting at Q-line in the morning. And I found out that the studio arranges V.I.P. tours featuring all sorts of fascinating things that the general public doesn't get to see. That includes the giant tank where they shoot underwater scenes. Apparently, the studio would incur too much liability by letting groups of random tourists near it. And I'm told the thing even has fish in it. Lily will love it. The two of you can make the rounds. And if I'm finished in time, I can join you. That should pretty much fill up the day. That's assuming that either of us has any strength left after taking Lily to the safari park today."

Kate smiles in satisfaction. "While you were gone, I checked out every detail of the park that I could get online. We already knew that Lily's underage for an organized safari. So I planned things out so she can see as much as possible of what she likes without putting us through a ringer."

Rick grabs Kate in an impulsive kiss. "Outstanding! Well, even if we don't hit traffic, it's about a two-hour drive. More with potty breaks."

"For you or Lily?" Kate teases.

"Both. So let's get this show on the road."

"That's a new homeless encampment," Nolan notes. "And with so many abandoned buildings around, I don't know why the people would be out in the sun if they could help it."

"You have a point," Harper agrees. "But if La Fiera's people have moved in, they wouldn't want anyone in their business."

"I'm going to get some of the water bottles out of the back as a peace offering and go talk to them," Nolan decides. Trying to look as non-threatening as possible, John approaches the jerry-rigged shelters, offering a large pack of water. "It's getting pretty hot out here. I thought you folks could use this."

A squat man with furry hair and beard strides up to Nolan. "So what's the catch, Officer? What do you want?"

"To help," John replies, "but also some information if you're willing to give it. You get the water either way."

The man snatches the plastic-wrapped bottles. "Yeah? What do you want to know?"

"Why you're out here. Half the factories in this area went out of business. The buildings are deserted. They don't even have security. Why not get some protection from the heat?" John gestures at a woman with a baby in her arms. "At least for the little ones."

"There's security now," the man declares, "but not the kind that works with cops. These guys have big guns, and they don't want anyone on what they call restricted property."

Carrying more water, Harper joins John. "Here. Please, go on with whatever you were telling Officer Nolan."

After taking Harper's bottles, the man indicates a building at the end of the block. "Trucks have been coming to the loading dock there."

"What have they been delivering?" Nyla queries.

"Drums of something. And I don't think anyone wanted them to get hot. They pulled them in fast."

John and Nyla exchange looks before turning back to their witness. John nods. "Thanks a lot. That's really helpful. And listen, I'm John. What can I call you?"

"Wilson."

"Well, Wilson, "the Fashion Angels should be making a run through this area with food and stuff like toothbrushes and diapers sometime today. If you want, I can give them a heads up about where you are."

"All right," Wilson agrees. "As long as they don't set the guys with the guns on us."

"I doubt they'd want to do that, but I'll make sure they're aware of the situation. They'll be careful." John assures him. "And our people will be aware of it too. We'll do what we can. Please be safe, all of you."

Wilson shakes his head. "Easy for you to say. But thanks for the water."

"That's got to be a drug operation," Nolan declares as soon as he and Harper return to their shop.

"Which means that we report everything to Grey and let him follow up," Harper insists. "Or you could have the shortest history as a P-2 in department history. And I don't need another reprimand in my jacket."

"Wouldn't it be better to have something a little more solid to bring to Grey?" John wonders. "You know how high the incidence of untreated mental illness is among the homeless. Wilson could have misinterpreted something innocent."

"And that would make the whole group move?" Harper questions.

"You have a point," John admits. "But Ben said the sniffers are very sensitive. They have to be to pick up the tiniest trace of explosive escaping from a mine. If someone is working with drums of drug-making materials, I might be able to pick up something at a distance."

"Better make it enough of a distance to avoid being spotted," Harper advises.

John grins. "How about a drive-by?"

"I'll drive," Harper announces. "But when you work that thing, work fast."

"Copy that."

Harper makes a pass as close as she can to the loading dock Wilson described, without appearing to surveil the premises. "Get anything?"

John stares at the color-coded readout. "There's a signal. It's not strong, but I doubt it could be, from a quick sampling that far away. I guess it's time to call Grey."

Harper pulls into the cover of an alley. "Only if you value your ass."

"I-cream," Lily demands, hugging her new Eco Tiger Cub plush.

Kate rolls her eyes. "That was predictable."

"But nonetheless, an excellent idea," Rick judges. "And we can go sit for a little while. I want to check my messages. John said he'd text me after the lab has his sample."

Kate points. "There's a place that sells ice cream right over there. And it has tables."

Rick's eyes light up. "And if I read the sign right, also pineapple ice. Nothing like a more exotic selection."

"I-cream," Lily repeats.

Rick shrugs. "For some of us, anyway."

"So anything from John?" Kate asks as Rick scrolls through the messages on his screen.

"Not yet. Oh, there. He says he and his partner uncovered something significant while on patrol, but he's on his way to the lab now."

Kate checks her watch. "He should make it, especially in a marked unit. So I guess you'll get your answer soon."

Rick shakes his head. "Not soon enough." He digs a biodegradable plastic spoon into his container of flavored ice. "I wonder what kept him."

"If it's that significant, it's probably also need-to-know. And assuming there's an investigation in progress," Kate continues, "John couldn't tell you if he wanted to, at least not until the department releases the information."

"But you tell me all kinds of things about investigations," Rick complains.

"Because you have official standing with the N.Y.P.D. But we're both on the outside here. So if there's anything to know, we'll have to get it from the media like anyone else."

"I hate waiting for information," Rick declares, "about investigations or otherwise."

Kate reaches for his hand. "I know. And it's not really John's police work you're on edge about. But you'll have answers pretty soon."

Lily holds up her empty kid-sized cup. "Done. Go hump."

Rick's jaw drops for the split second until he mentally translates Lily's toddler-speak. "You want to go see the camels?"

"Camels," Lily repeats joyfully.

"Sure," Rick agrees. "From an information desert to a real one."