The chauffeured chief, Max Mountain, arrived in the city and casually remarked to his driver, "The circus is back in town." Max had his patrolman drop him at the bank. He gave the junior officer strict instructions to return to the station, wait there for Mountain's call, and speak to no one. The chief then ambled into the fray without the slightest idea of what had transpired and repeated "No comment" to any questions asked of him.
Mick and Jasmine were still in the lobby, facing a phalanx of press corps and being bombarded by questions. Clint was in the background, mopping up bloodstains with a concentrated bleach solution. Loneshark held his calming palms outward and commanded, "All right! One at a time!" The pressing throng quieted. Mick pointed at the most anxious looking reporter.
"Mr. Loneshark, Johnson Jammer, FOBS news, are you a native of Pinewhittle?"
"No, I've only lived here a few months."
"May I ask where you previously lived?"
"Chicago."
"Were you a security guard there?"
"No, I was a police detective."
"Well, Mr. Loneshark, I'm sure your fellow detectives in Chicago are watching. Would you care to say something to them?"
Mick paused as a mischievous grin played across his features. "As a matter of fact, I would like to speak to my former partner, Sergeant Isaac Bold, the most fearless detective in Chicago!" In the squad room, the complimented sergeant turned a pressed-lipped picture of satisfaction toward the other detectives.
"Certainly, Mr. Loneshark," Johnson Jammer prompted, "look toward the cameras and talk directly to Isaac."
Loneshark flashed a wry smile at the cameras and greeted in a deep mimic of Isaac's booming voice, "Hey . . . Bold . . . you stomped any roaches lately?" Isaac instantly swept a deadly gaze across the squad room, daring anyone to as much as snicker. Everyone present knew the famous facts concerning the "cockroach" incident. A pressured silence prevailed for an instant, but even the concrete will of Isaac Bold couldn't dam the flood of frivolity when a moment later resounding screams of laughter were heard resonating from the captain's office. Isaac shook his shaved head in defeat and laughed along with the group.
Jasmine shot Mick a puzzled look. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Clint bend low supporting himself on the mop handle. Miss Jade turned in concern until she realized Clint was doubled over in silent laughter.
The impromptu conference continued in an orderly manner until there was a sudden disturbance in the ranks of the press when a determined Precious wormed her way through
