Book 2 - Part 4: Binding Evil - Chapter Five

Labor Day Weekend – Sunday Night

Two different cabs, from two different companies arrived at 2356 Cranston Way. A rather attractive blond with a sexy accent, and a tall, heavyset man with an Aussie accent arrived as scheduled.

That first night after settling in, and making initial small talk, the obvious happened.

They went to bed. She called it making love. He looked at it as purely releasing energy. He had to make sure she would follow everything he said.

Come Monday, he would go into greater detail as to how things would go down.

Baker’s Townhouse – 9:31 p.m.

It was, perhaps for Baker, the most memorable Labor Day weekend of her life. The two men she loved most would be in and around her life for many years to come.

It was by far an even more romantic moment than it had been when she first met Mark.

And it was that same night she made a silent prayer and vow before sleep took her away.

“Dear God, please keep us safe always, watch over my son, and please continue to keep him safe and out of harm’s way. Please bless our marriage when the time comes and watch over everyone I know and care for.

“And Mark, if you’re listening, a part of me never stopped loving you, but you know it is time I moved on. Stevie loves you, and I guess a part of me always will. Watch over him as well, Mark. He won’t say it out loud, but he misses you. Amen.”

The rest of this night, if you looked from well above the clouds down onto Montie; the lights were slowly winking shut as families found sleep after such a great weekend. What lights stayed awake, twinkled like stars that came to rest on the earth.

One more night to go. Monday night.

Fireworks. A grand time was to be had by all just as with times past.

Monday Morning – September 3rd

The Squad Room – 8:29 a.m.

“… and finally, tonight will mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of our traditional fireworks display. All I’m asking, be you on duty or not, be extra watchful and careful, and be on the lookout for pranksters. We’ve not had anyone injured since I’ve been on the force, and that’s close to fourteen years. Let’s work to keep that record intact. Montie: 75. Accidents:0.

“On that note, get out there and stay safe and keep our streets safe.”

“Hey, Baker!”

“Yes, Satchell?”

“I hear tell something else is in the wind.”

“What would that be?”

“A little birdie called a little while ago and told us something pretty incredible.”

“Satch, just spit it out why don’t you?”

“Word’s out that you and Manning, are going to tie the knot.”

The team let out a roar of whoops, whistles, and hollers.

Baker looked to Ed, and he shrugged his shoulders as if to say it wasn’t him that let the cat out of the bag. Then she knew. Stevie had called.

She broke into a grin and received hugs from her team, as Ed was slapped on the back, shaking hands so much he later remarked, “If I had been milking a cow for as much as I shook hands, we wouldn’t need milk or cheese for a year.”

But what they both had planned for, a civil ceremony, didn’t get out. As it stood, Captain Todd made that clear in his office right after the meeting.

“Baker, Manning, sit down. I have something to say and when I’m finished, there will be no room for discussion. Are we clear on this?”

Both nodded, knowing when Captain Todd made up his mind on something, it was set in stone. His voice sounded gravelly than before; but when you have a bullet pierce your lung, you would sound different as well.

“I just checked our police emergency funds, and I’m happy to say we’ve spent almost two thousand less, since this time last year, and that’s a good thing.

“Have you two set a wedding date yet?”

Ed spoke up.

“We had been thinking September twenty-second. This September that is. Since we work here at the Twenty-Second, we thought it was rather fitting.”

“Captain,” jumped in Baker, “what’s going on?”

“It’s simple, Baker. The Twenty-Second is paying for your wedding, as well as for all the food and reception later. It’s our gift to two of the finest cops I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

“And if you decline, you’ll be suspended without pay.”

Before Baker or Ed could respond, Captain Todd added, “Just kidding on the last part. I don’t know what to say, other than thank you.

“And thank you both for your outstanding loyalty and service. You run an effective team, Baker, the best in the county. Between you and Ed, you two have the best arrest and conviction ratio in the entire state per capita. That’s another reason we’re paying for your wedding.

“Then, there is one other thing.” Captain Todd’s voice became serious.

“January of next year, I’m retiring. It’s a promise I made to Elaine. I don’t break my promises to her. Come January, the Twenty-Second will need a new Captain, and I would rather see one of our own get the nod than someone from another station, or from out of state that hasn’t a clue about the men and women that work here.

“To be fair, I’m throwing both of your names in the hat to replace me. Come November, the Selectmen of the City Council, along with the mayor, will review all the files submitted, and will make a fair and impartial decision.

“If the nod goes to you, Baker, then Ed will become Chief of Detectives. Lieutenant Manning, but I’ll still call you Manning, Ed.” Captain Todd grinned.

“And that is that. If you have any questions, save’em. What I just explained is all the answers you are going to get. There are four others in line along with you two.

“Now get out of my office and do what you do best. Get out there and be safe, and it is still my city. Keep it safe.”

Without a word said, Baker and Ed stood up to leave. As Ed opened the door, Captain Todd caught their attention once more.

“Congratulations to the both of you, and thanks for everything you did in my absence. Especially you, Baker. Elaine was quite taken with you. Again, thank you both very much.”

They walked out of his office, out of the building to their cars to do the job they are paid to do.

But not before they hugged and kissed each other first.