"Capron, Bill - Color Blind Detective - Dead White Wulff" - читать интересную книгу автора (Capron Bill)

She blurted, "I should tell Willis."

"Why? So he can take credit for cracking the case." I touched her shoulder. "I broke the case, and I'm giving it to you, not Willis. That's justice, Officer Jackson."

"I won't take credit for someone else's work." There was a harsh note of finality.

I shrugged, "Then tell them you got it working with me, that I wouldn't work with Willis. It's even true, officer."

I motioned for her to park where I'd parked the day before. We worked our way around to the cabin on the windowless side. At the same slightly opened window I again heard the sounds of sex, a bit more vocal than the other night. Windy's face darkened, then she pulled me back to the road. Her cellphone could not make a connection, so we drove back to Jack's and she called in to the station. Willis was out and the officer at the desk did not know where. She was transferred to the Sheriff, and in the most concise language I've ever heard, told him everything. He said he'd be there in an hour with a search warrant. She told him how to get there and that she'd wait. She turned to me and said, "Let's go."

"Not me, Windy. You told him where you learned all this, but he doesn't know I'm here. I'll hitch a ride back into town to get my car." I pointed a finger at her. "You took it upon yourself, using whatever intuition you want to claim that I was telling the truth, and broke this. Me, I'm going to have some breakfast for supper. I'll call you later." I turned my back, I didn't want her changing her mind, or mine.

I got to talking with two fishermen at the next table. They were on the way back to Woodland and I cadged a ride. We turned out of the parking lot just as three police cars, lights and sirens silent, turned squealing tires up 503.
* * * *
It was big news, even making the networks for the evening broadcasts. World famous fly tier killed by his wife and son, both dedicated members of Earth First. It appeared they had plans to donate their inheritances to the mother organization, so it was a black eye for the dark force incarnate ... now there was icing on the cake of justice. Pictures of them being led away in cuffs showed them defiant, but by nightfall the realization of their futures would settle in, and killing for the cause would seem like less of a good idea.

On the morning local news, it was apparent Officer Jackson was a little shy about being the center of attention, but the Sheriff must have explained to her how some private dick in Portland wasn't going to get the credit. By the noon news she was a bit more used to the idea, and when she showed up on the network news, she was acting like a star. Nowhere did they name the senior officer she had bypassed to follow her instincts. Willis must be steaming, but then that was an added dollop of justice.

My cellphone rang, and I answered.

"Hi, it's Windy."

"Officer, I've been watching you all day on television. Justice has never looked prettier."

She was quiet for a moment, then, "I don't know how to say thanks."

"Well, after this has all died away and you're a normal person again, maybe we can have some supper together."

"You mean a date?"

"Yes, officer, I mean a date."

For the second time, "I'd like that." I think she meant it.

I said, "I didn't tell you, but I'm color-blind."

She laughed, "I know," and hung up. I guessed I'd have to get someone over to rematch my clothes.
* * * *
I've been accused of having a warped idea of justice, but I don't think so. I believe the bad guys should be punished in a manner fitting their crime. And our criminal justice system is set up to do that, it's just that in the actual working something has failed, the system functioned equally well with or without justice being done. I don't. I need justice to be done, and there is no amount of time I won't spend to make it happen. I don't need to be efficient, I don't even need to be paid. In fact, corny as it sounds, justice is its own reward. For me justice isn't blind, but she is color-blind, dealing in black and white, lies and truth, evil and good.

And I like cops, the Willis's aside. They are our knights tilting against windmills for a system that too often treats them like the offal we've hired them to clean up. And sometimes they go to the other side, or maybe they're pushed there. Whatever, I try to be understanding. Did I say, I like cops, and if they happen to be beautiful, it's okay too.

She flopped her limp arm onto my chest, then parted with a "mmmm" and opened her eyes. "You're awake." She ran a finger down the side of my face. "What are you thinking about?"

"Justice. I was right, justice is female." I pulled her to me and she nuzzled. "Would you call this chummy?" I asked.

She kissed my shoulder, "No, this is downright friendly."

Yes, I got the girl, and that too was justice.