Chapter 30

I remember reading once when you are facing a decision, the most difficult thing to do is usually the correct thing to do. Going to see Jeff L. was a difficult thing to do. I knew where he lived since I’d visited his home several times. Getting there wasn’t the difficult thing, talking to him about everything going on was the difficult part. I felt I’d put off going to see him long enough. It was time to drive to his neighborhood, park at the corner where I knew he’d have to turn to drive into his cul-de-sac and wait for him. It was away from the station, and I doubted Frank was going to find out we had talk. I didn’t want to do this, but I also knew I had to force the issue and see Jeff L. about Hollis and Price.

I timed it just right and didn’t have to wait very long before I saw his unmarked police car coming down the street. When he got close enough, I stepped out of my truck and stood by the side of the road where I knew he’d see me.

At first, he just looked at me and scowled and drove on past. Suddenly the brake lights came on and he came to an abrupt stop. He paused a few moments and then I saw the reverse lights come on as he started to back up. He stopped next to me and shifted the car into neutral and put down his window.

He glowered at me and barked, “Wrong area for you, ain’t it? Visiting the slums today?”

I’ll admit I was a little hurt by his attitude. I tried to use the most peaceful tone of voice I could. “Jeff L., it’s me, childhood friend Matt. What’s goin’ on?”

I could see Jeff L. was working on getting his emotions under control. Finally, he growled at me as he shook his finger in my direction, “By the number’s buster, don’t you ever hang up on me again, especially when it’s about a case. Do you understand?” I ignored him and when he saw I wasn’t going to respond, he continued. “Second, didn’t the captain tell you to stay away from the case? And didn’t he tell you to stay away from me?” Without waiting for my reply, he barked at me, “What are you doing here? What part of what Frank told you didn’t you get?” There was a long pause before he continued, “Matt, I do not understand your question: ‘what’s goin’ on’? We’ve already told you what is going on is none of your fucking business. So, I don’t see where I owe you any explanations, do you?”

I almost screamed at him as I leaned towards his window. “Bullshit! Look, I know things have changed down at the station, none of which, might I add, were of my doing. But why won’t you talk to me?” I pointed my finger at him to drive my point home.

Jeff sat for a moment in thought, “OK, Matt, you wanna know what the problem is? One more time, listen to me. The report from the army comes back on you telling us we are to leave you alone and you are none of our business.

“In addition, we had a John Doe who was lying in the morgue,” Jeff paused and glared at me, “Please note the key word in that sentence. He was in the morgue, Matt was! He was in the morgue until the Feds waltzed in, took the body and all the files, and then they tell us to forget all about him.” He paused, looked out the front window and then turned back, “Oh, and while they were giving out orders, they included you as well! Which, reminds me, where’s the picture we gave you of the John Doe?” Again, I just stood there and stared at him without responding. He asked again, “Where is it?”

I gave him the best response I could on such short no- tice, “I lost it.”

“Bullshit!” He frowned at me, and I kept still. Finally, Jeff continued, “Matt, all we know is what you tell us. You said you were in some secret hush-hush group in Nam as was the John Doe.”

I interrupted, “Why do you continue to call him John Doe? I told you his name and I told you who I believe killed him. Jeff, I did exactly what I told you I’d do if I got any information. Maybe not as quickly as I should have, but I did call you. So, what’s your problem, Bunkey?”

“My problem is still you. That report came back you’re still part of the service, they can still recall you at any time.” I didn’t believe that. “Everything about you is top secret.” He paused, waiting for my response. Since I had nothing to say, I gave none. “Do you know how pissed Frank is right now? You just got a very small taste of it the other day. Things are really ugly at work. Frank knows we’re friends, and now, because of our friendship, he doesn’t trust me. Since he doesn’t trust me, he doesn’t trust Sakol either. Shit, Matt, Frank even wanted to lock the two of us up for a while just for good measure.”