Goddess of Justice by Dwayne Clayden (mobi ebook reader TXT) 📕

Could it be that Coulter is being held inside and interrogated by his own department?” Andrus glanced to her right. “I have little time. I have several ERT members running toward me.”

The camera swung past Andrus and three ERT sprinted toward her.

“Shut that camera off or you’ll be arrested,” the lead Mountie yelled.

Sadie’s voice broadcast over the image of the sprinting Mounties. “Since they could not arrest Coulter, they will be satisfied with arresting us.” The cops were within ten feet.

The camera rolled along the ground.

Sadie shouted. “Get your hands off me. That hurts. You’re breaking my arm.”

Then both the video and audio went dead, and the face of the news anchor came on the screen.

“It seems we have lost the video and audio feed from Sadie Andrus,” the anchor said. “We’ll keep you posted on this developing story and the arrest of our news staff.”

Archer stared at the screen, his eyes wide. “No. No. No. Idiots.”

“You told them to shut it down,” Jackson said.

“Not like that.” Archer leaned on his desk and stared at the TV. “What were they thinking?”

“Maybe you should have sent out TSU.”

“Don’t you fucking start.” Archer glared at Jackson. “Make sure the RCMP bring them here.”

The door burst open again and Archer’s secretary stepped in. “Sorry, again. Chief Hamilton is on the line for you.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Brad swung the truck onto the highway and headed back to the lights of the city. The county roads crew had done an admirable job plowing the highway, but the huge flakes of snow were accumulating quickly. The truck plowed through the snow fine, but when the back tires hit the ice underneath, he fought to keep the truck under control as the back end slipped from side to side.

At the city limits, the roads were far worse. The road crews hadn’t made it this far. After a few slides toward the ditch, Brad stopped and locked the four-wheel hubs. He slid back into the truck. In four-wheel drive the vehicle slipped less. He wished he’d tossed three or four hay bales in the back for added weight.

Instinct had sent him toward the city, but now he didn’t know where to go. Heading to the home of anyone he knew was out. There were some recent advances in tracking credit card use, but he’d never paid attention when the fraud detectives discussed that. It just didn’t interest him. Brad decided he needed to listen more and talk less. Best case was he had one night where he could use his card. In the morning, there was no doubt they would flag his bank account and credit cards.

He drove through downtown to the east end and stopped at the Army Surplus store. One stop shopping. He grabbed winter boots, several pairs of socks and gloves, a navy wool beanie, heavy lined gray and black camouflage pants and parka. He wandered around the store and selected a few additional items—one tactical knife, a four-D-cell metal Maglite, a penlight, and sunglasses.

The clerk eyed the purchases. “You heading to the arctic, buddy?”

Brad laughed. “Feels like it. Have you been outside tonight?”

“Can’t say I have.”

“Well, it’s nasty. I’m a farmer, and I need to check the cattle in weather like this. I don’t want to be discovered dead in the morning next to a frozen cow.”

The clerk nodded. “Makes sense. This is the best stuff there is. You need anything else?”

Brad glanced around the shop. “Yeah.” Brad set the knife blade on the counter. “I drove over my knife. Do you think it can be fixed?”

The clerk picked up the knife. “The blade is sharp. I don’t think you can replace the plastic sheath or hinge, but I’ve got a do-it-yourself repair kit. You might be able to attach a handle or strap. I’ll throw in a clip-on leather sheath.”

Brad paid cash for the purchase.

Before he left the store, he changed into the winter gear. He had a few things to do before he searched for a room for the night. His stomach growled. Food first.

Brad headed down a dark back alley in Chinatown, through a heavy metal door, and up three flights of stairs. The Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant wasn’t much bigger than the kitchen at Brad’s farmhouse. It had tables for two dozen customers, but you’d be jammed in. Tonight, the blizzard kept most people at home. Besides himself, there was a Chinese couple across the room. The ceiling lights were dim, and a small lantern illuminated each table.

Brad sat in the back corner of the Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown. It was the perfect place to sit back and figure out what the heck had happened today, as well as his next steps.

Sadie was right, the food was outstanding. His chopsticks sped back and forth to Brad’s mouth. He was starving. He figured he hadn’t eaten in twenty-four hours. With about a dozen coffees in between.

In the corner to the left, on a shelf, sat a dated black-and-white TV. He glanced to the TV. Even Charlie’s Angels couldn’t keep his attention—at least not in black and white.

He cleaned his plate, leaned back, and took a large gulp of Coke. His eyes drifted to the TV. He thrust forward out of his chair and over to the TV. He increased the volume. Sadie was doing a broadcast outside his farm. He listened to her report, then saw the RCMP ERT racing toward her. The audio and video went dead.

Son of a bitch.

“That was a scene outside Detective Brad Coulter’s home earlier tonight,” the news anchor said. “Ms. Andrus and her cameraman were arrested. We could not speak to them, although our company lawyer is at police headquarters. We will interrupt programming as additional information becomes available.”

An idea formed.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Steele slammed on the brakes and their SUV skidded sideways toward the three Mounties standing in the middle of the road. Steele threw the truck in park and they both jumped out.

“Get back in your truck,” the