The Paladin: Lazarus

Chapter 4

Friday

February 4th

Things had cooled down a little between the three of us over the week, but not much. Specifically between Blake and my dad. The Kelly family had been holding grudges since before rainbows had color, and we weren't about to stop now. For the entire week, my brother and my dad coasted past each other in relative silence, not giving me much better treatment either. (On the bright side, my wounds had started to heal and my stitches were out). It was driving my mom crazy and by the time Friday rolled around she'd had enough.

"You three are going to fix this. I don't care what it takes. Bill, both your sons are coming to the Policeman's Ball," my mom ordered.

"But-" Blake started.

"But nothing. This is going to be a bonding experience, you all are going to get along, and you're going to be better for it," she made clear, giving us no choice in the matter. Not that I was complaining. I never had a choice in the matter, so why start complaining then?

"Honey, I don't know if I can get Blake a ticket day of. You know how by the book these people are with seating," my dad brought up, trying to give both himself and Blake an out. My mom simply death-glared him into submission, not having to say a word. "I'll work it out," he assured, pulling out his phone to pull a few strings. The only sibling not going was Marian, and that was very much by choice. Getting to go to a concert with her friends instead of making nice with a bunch of cops and Tar City's political elite. Blake and I seemed to share in our dread as we got dressed in our suits, Blake getting the larger of my brother's old suits.

"I can't believe dad's got us wearing these stupid ass suits. I mean look at me look like a damn waiter. And since when were blazers unacceptable?" I insisted, futzing with my bow tie to no avail.

"Speak for yourself Book, I make this look good," he scoffed, buttoning the top button of his vest.

"Yeah, that's what happens when you get clothes that fit well. Brandon was a friggin' beanpole in high school," I pointed out, flexing around in the suit, feeling like I was about to split the jacket at the seems.

"Not his fault you've got the proportions of a Tolkien dwarf," he suggested. My mom strode into the room, dolled up nice for the party, breaking out the lipstick and everything.

"Oh my boys! You look so handsome! Hold on, we've gotta take a picture," she insisted, turning to get her camera.

"Mom!" I groaned.

"Please, could we not?" Blake agreed.

"It'll take just a sec and it'll last a lifetime. Come on, do it for your mother?" she guilted. I rolled my eyes, which she took as permission, grabbing her camera from her bedroom. "Say cheese!" Flash!

(Meanwhile at the William's family residence)

Bzzz! Bzzz! Bzzz! Courtney picked up her mother's phone off the kitchen island and inspected the screen. Text from Lt.K. She climbed up the stairs, hearing her mother's voice grew louder and louder as she approached her room, her mother preparing her speech in front of the mirror.

"Hey Mom!" Courtney called, knocking on the door.

"Yes dear, come in!" her mother insisted, opening up the door.

"You got a text. Says its from Lt.K," Courtney informed. Her mother took the phone urgently, scrolling through her texts.

"Oh good, he just wants an extra ticket," she sighed.

"Who's that?"

"That's the Lieutenant Bill, he's an acquaintance from back in my D.A. days. He's one of the ones who's helping me run this thing. Very important person, very popular with the policemen, and most importantly, popular with the union. So as long as Bill and the Chief walk away happy tonight, then we've done a good job," she explained.