Legacy Rangers (Book Two of the Chosen Universe)

Chapter Seven

SKULL

He was enjoying being back in Angel Grove. He'd even brought his son Spike, who was eager to see all the places Skull had hung out growing up. He left Spike at the Youth Center whenever he went to visit Bulk. Prison was one thing Skull decided Spike didn't need to experience.

It had been a couple of days now, but Skull was still no closer to getting Bulk out. "I need the best lawyer in town," he realized aloud. Bulk hadn't done it, but the evidence didn't look good. Maybe he could call on other resources in the meantime...

The man sitting inside the Youth Center looked up with a smile on his face when Skull entered, but that smile quickly vanished when he saw him. "Oh no..." The man mumbled.

"Lieutenant Stone!" Skull cried out cheerfully. Lt. Jerome Stone hadn't changed much since he'd last seen him.

"Skullovitch..." He mumbled.

"It's good to see you, Lieutenant Stone! I need your help."

Lt. Stone sighed. "It's good to see you, too, Skullovitch. What's this about?"

"Well, see, Bulky's been arrested..."

"Yes, I heard. They say Bulkmeier murdered a little girl in the park. I can't help him, Skullovitch. He's going away for a very long time."

"Lieutenant, he's innocent! We can't let him rot for a crime he didn't commit!"

Lt. Stone paused. "Look, I know you two were close... Hell, I love the guy, too... But the evidence is overwhelming."

"You know him, Lieutenant Stone. Do you really believe Bulk could have done this?"

Lt. Stone sighed. "I admit, I was shocked to hear it."

"Then help me clear his name!"

"I'm not in law enforcement anymore, Skullovitch. What do you want me to do?"

"Help me find the truth. We were private investigators together. We can solve this case."

"I spent a few years running this juice bar, and now I'm retired... I just help out here sometimes when they need it. As far as law enforcement, I'm out of practice."

"Solving crimes is in your blood. Please, Lieutenant. You're the only person I trust with this."

Lt. Stone took a deep breath. "I'm on it," he said. For the first time, Skull believed Bulk had a chance.

Skull called toward Spike, who sat in a booth laughing at something on his phone. "Come on, Spikey! Time to go!"

Lt. Stone looked at Spike and said, "He's your son? That explains so much!"

"Yep, my pride and joy." Skull beamed at Spike before leading him away.

TOMMY

He'd had it. "Katherine, either fix things with Katie, or leave," he said. He hated saying the words, but he couldn't keep doing this. Katie was his daughter. She had to come first.

"You're giving me an ultimatum because she's being a spoiled brat?" Kat demanded.

"Katie is our daughter! You have had a lot of time to fix this, but you've refused to budge! I want her home, Kat... And that means you have to get out."

"You're choosing her over me? This is just a ploy! You just want me gone!"

"I don't even know who you are anymore, Kat!" He flung his hands up in frustration.