Jack Daniels Six Pack by J. A. Konrath Read Free Book Online Page A

Class B and C drugs, the ones that could be sold on the street, we call on them.”
    “Did you call for this one?”
    “No. I remembered considering it, but it was eight in the evening and Dr. Booster’s office was closed. I also recognized Dr. Booster’s signature. Even though the amount was strange, it seemed authentic.”
    I sniffled, puzzling it over.
    “Catching a cold?” Steve asked.
    “Not on purpose.”
    “I’d suggest an over-the-counter antihistamine. Stay away from nasal sprays. They’re addictive.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.” I handed him my card. “If it’s convenient I’d like you to come in after work today and sit down with a police artist. See if we can get a picture of this guy.”
    “I really don’t remember him.”
    “Our artist is good at helping people remember. This is extremely important, Steve. This Charles Smith has been linked to the brutal murders of two people. Anything at all you can give us is more than we had before.”
    He nodded, promising to stop by. Herb and I left to the sour looks of the people we’d cut in front of. One old woman in particular gave me a sneer that could curdle milk. I considered sneering back, but that would be petty. We left the hospital without incident.
    “What about the candy?” I asked Benedict when we got into my car. “What happened to giving it to sick kids?”
    “I decided that candy is bad for the teeth and generally all-around unhealthy. Not something sick kids should be exposed to.”
    “How gallant of you, bearing that unhealthy burden all yourself.”
    “Want one?”
    “Yeah. If you can part with it.”
    “Just one. I’m looking out for your health, Jack.”
    He handed me a candy bar and I pulled out of the parking lot. Keeping one hand on the wheel, I tore the wrapper off with my teeth and was about to pop it into my mouth when Herb yelped.
    At first I thought he was vomiting.
    But it wasn’t vomit.
    It was a lot of blood.

Chapter 9
    H ERB GOT ELEVEN STITCHES IN THE mouth. A shot of Novocain made it painless, but watching the curved needle stitch in and out of his squirming tongue was torture to see. I could have waited by the emergency room entrance, but I wanted to witness what some sick bastard had done to my friend.
    “Thanth.” Benedict nodded at the doctor when the last knot was tied.
    I eyed the bloody candy bar in the metal tray next to Herb’s bed. The edge of an X-Acto knife peeked out through the caramel, shining in the fluorescent light.
    “One more favor, Doc. I know this is unorthodox, but I don’t have access to an X-ray machine at the station.”
    I explained my request and he agreed, sending me and Herb out into the waiting room. While Benedict filled out forms, I went through my mental files of all the enemies I’d made throughout my life.
    There were more than I’d care to mention. Anyone I’d ever busted from my patrol days up until now could have nursed a grudge. I’ve also pissed off a few people in my personal life. But I couldn’t think of anyone, even murderers I’d put away who swore they’d break out and kill me, who would leave me such a horrible gift.
    It could have been just bad luck. Some random freak I never met decides to express his hatred for cops by dropping off treats in the police parking lot. But an earlier call to the district killed that theory. No one else seemed to have gotten candy. I faced the disturbing truth that it was meant for me specifically.
    “How about rethent catheth?” Herb asked.
    “Recent cases?”
    He nodded. Herb’s lower lip had swelled up from the stitches, causing him to pout. His tongue was also swollen, making him look like his mouth was full. But a full mouth was the normal look for Herb, so it didn’t detract too much.
    “The only cases we’ve had in the last few weeks are gang deaths and suicides. Except the Gingerbread Man case. But how would he even know who I am?”
    “Newth?”
    “I don’t think I’ve been mentioned in the