The Equalizer Read Online Free PDF Page B

find his daddy’s killer.

 
    Chapter 4
    W hen we pulled into the sheriff’s reserved parking spot, I spotted the local media vehicles. Mac Simmons, editor of the local weekly paper, Prairie Falls Times Journal , and Jim Logan, from WRPF, the local radio station, exited the front doors of Simmons’s car. Then who should pop out of the Birch County Register van—but the Lewis woman who rear-ended me. She presented a press credential for the county’s only daily paper, and introduced herself as a reporter. Huh. Vince Swanson, a photographer for the paper stayed in the vehicle. The three reporters began firing questions at us.
    Jack held up his hand. “No comment yet, folks. You’ll be the first I’ll notify.”
    Ms. Lewis smiled flirtatiously at Jack and handed him a card. “Victoria Lewis. I look forward to your call, sheriff.”
    As we walked into the Sheriff’s Department building, he looked at her card. “She’s new.”
    “ Yes, I believe she is.”
    “ She’s . . . what you kids call . . . hot?”
    “ She is that.”
    “Well, she must be a member of the Lewis family who owns the Register and several other newspapers across the country. Things are changing.”
    I didn’t even bother to ask what he meant by that because I had a feeling it was sexist.
    Jack took the elevator to the third floor and went directly to the evidence room. I wanted to check the contents of the briefcase after the deputy in charge logged all the items into the database. He’d attach a barcode label to each and as we wanted to examine items, we’d need to sign them out on the chain of custody log.
    Jack emptied the contents of the briefcase and fingered through it. “Doesn’t appear to be anything significant. Go have something to eat,” said Jack.
     
     
    As I made my way to my assigned Explorer, Ralph drove up and rolled down his window. “So, you’re gonna need a new vehicle.”
    “ I drove the Civic one hundred eighty-three thousand miles and never had a collision—until today.”
    “ Impressive. If I were young like you, I’d buy the red Mustang convertible Daniels has in the showroom. The ladies like those.”
    I smiled. “But the gas mileage . . .”
    “ Screw the gas mileage. Buy something fun. You can be practical when you’re old like me.”
    I laughed. I was born practical.
    “ You should get pre-approval on your car loan. First National will cut you a deal if you mention you’re with the department.”
    “ Good to know.”
    “Did you get anything from any of the neighbors?” I asked him.
    “ Only caught the Albrights at home. They’re newly retired. Going back out later this afternoon. Have you eaten yet?” Ralph asked.
    “ Just goin’ to get a bite,” I said.
    “ Hop in.”
    “Things winding up out at the scene?” I asked.
    “Pretty much. They were bringing the trucks, boat, and trailer into the county garage when I left. So, tell me about your accident,” Ralph said.
    I gave him the condensed version.
    “Victoria Lewis, eh? Don’t know the name.”
    “She’s a new reporter for the Register .”
    “ Ah,” he said. “You can bet if you rear-ended her, it’d end up on the front page.”
    I laughed. “You’re probably right.”
    We drove one block south and down old Main Street. Within the last two years, the exterior of most shops received a facelift with the help of grants. The city adopted new strict guidelines on storefronts and signage, invested in banners that changed with the seasons and holidays, and hung large flower baskets in the summer down Main. Prairie Falls was ready for an influx of tourists.
    “Downtown looks nice with the changes,” I said.
    “Thanks to the new progressive city council members willing to spend a little money. For several years running, we fought a few old-timers and their don’t-change-our-town policies. Did you read the article in the paper noting downtown retail sales were already up this year?”
    He pulled up the side parking lot of