The Serpent and the Crow

Book 2: Chapter Eighteen

Wade ripped open the canvas flap. Jador followed. He saw Hank talking with a few other men in the tent. They read a large map on a desk. County Sheriff Lionel Martinez was present.

Wade said, "Chief, did Doug and Cortez respond?"

"We lost radio contact. I hate to add more shit on already shit news, but SSPD SWAT is not responding either."

Lionel Martinez said, "SWAT was scheduled to be here two hours ago."

"Any good news?" Said Jador.

"Elmer Braithwaite," Martinez said, "We learned who he is."

Hank said, "He had some priors, that's for sure. B & E. GTA. He was a suspect in many cases, including one where Armadillo PD found him frequenting playgrounds and schoolyards."

"Justice never charged," Martinez said, "There was never any evidence taken to the Judge."

Hank said, "Long story short, this slippery bastard has evaded our radar because a few AZ senators wanted a 'clean slate bill.'

Jador said, "What the fuck is a clean slate bill?"

Wade said, "Senator Duke, William Harding's brother, pushed a bill to allow inmates with minor crimes to serve their time and come out with no record. It was a push to get better employment for ex-cons. The theory was less recidivism."

Jador said, "If he had a clean record. How do we know about it?"

Martinez said, "This fucked up Arizona bill doesn't mean jack shit in New Mexico or Colorado."

Hank said, "Elmer had priors in those states as well. It meant the only place he could work was in Solemn Pines, Arizona. Why? Because Solemn is the first place, they piloted this 'clean slate' bill."

Wade said, "Fuck."

Hank said, "It appears Elmer had more serious priors in Armadillo. Murder. Kidnapping. However, he convinced the jury he was mentally challenged and served a lesser sentence in a mental asylum. He got early parole and worked for Trepidation Zoo."

Wade said, "We need to get up to Redfern."

Martinez said, "No, good. The pilot says with the storm front moving in on us. It would be too dangerous."

Jador said, "Vehicle access is still a no go, I guess?"

Hank said, "I thought you already knew that."

"Hold on a second, Chief," Martinez said, "There's an old route few people know about."

Martinez marked the trail on the map on the table.

Hank said, "How do you know about it?"

Martinez said, "We can't take vehicles, but we can get there by horseback."

Wade laughed. He said, "Oh, sure. Where will you find horses around here, Sheriff?"

"I have a plot of land close to here. I have a few horses. Enough for four of us."

"Gentlemen," Hank looks to Jador, "And Lady. Hope all ya'll are comfortable riding like real cowboys 'cos I am."

Hank and Martinez rushed out of the tent. They were eager to get up that mountainside before the storm hit. Wade glanced at Jador. She appeared worried.

"What's up, Detective?" Wade asked.

"We should've taken him along?"

"Who?"

"Your brother."

Wade gave her that look of genuine surprise.

"I'd appreciate it if you stop thinking of me as some stupid bitch, and a fellow detective."

"I never judged of you like that."

"That's too bad, detective... I mean."

"He's a big boy, and he ain't running anywhere."