Thanet Blake Read Online Free Page B

leave, he shoved the package of donuts to me. “Enjoy them.” He face saddened. “I hope they’re not the last ones you mooch from us.”
    I finished my beer and the donuts and left the bar. Irving had described Selena. Monk said she was going to kill me. Maybe he was right.
    What to do next? Well, for one thing, I parked my car on Railroad Avenue, put a quarter in the parking meter, and used my legs for a long walk, hoping to bump into some of my squeals. It was not that kind of day. They were nowhere to be found. I stopped in front of an alley and phoned a PI named Sam who I’ve used as a reliable backup on several occasions.
    “Hey, Blake, you miserable drunk, how are you?”
    “Sober enough to pack you home. I need your help.”
    “Not this time, old buddy. I’m right in the middle of a murder case. I might be able to help you in a few days. Is that soon enough?”
     
    I went back to my office. I shouldn’t have. As I opened the door a familiar perfume scent attacked my nose. Selena was sitting at my desk with a gun in her right hand. She pointed it at my chest. “Come in, lover.”
    I closed the door behind me. Selena stood up from my desk, walked around it, and came toward me. She got real close and stuck her gun in my belly button. She kissed my lips and whispered, “One last time, Thanet, be mine, and we’ll go hide somewhere, change our identities, and be happy forever. I killed Sudowsky for you.”
    “And now you have the pleasure of killing me. Is that it, Selena?”
    “Not if you come with me.”
    I slapped her gun to one side. It went flying from her hand as I slapped her face real hard. She went down. Shock raked her face as I grabbed her gun from the floor and pointed it at her. “At one time I was real fond of you. But I’m not yours. I never have been. I never will be. You’re a killer. Stay down. If you get up, I won’t shoot you, but I’ll sure as hell pistol whip you. Damn you, Selena. You made Jennifer into a killer. Where is she? Damn you—tell me where she is.”
    “I don’t know.”
    I motioned with her gun, threatening to whack her.
    “No, don’t. I don’t know where she’s at. I’d tell you if I knew.”
    I phoned the police. Holt came. I handed him Selena’s gun. “It’s a thirty-eight and it’s the one that offed Sudowsky. You can also close some of the cases you have concerning the killing of rapists. She’s been offing them. Get her out of here.”

Chapter Ten
     
     
    The bullets from Selena’s gun proved she killed Sudowsky. It was nighttime, and a warm rain soaked me as I walked Railroad Avenue. I was not looking for my squeals or anybody. I had been drinking all day, yet I was still thirsty. Why was I walking? I didn’t know. Captain Holt had Selena, but where was Jennifer?
    I came to a street corner. There was a kid standing there with a wet sign that said the kid was hungry and needed money, any amount would help, and God bless you. I had two fives in my wallet. I gave the kid one and walked on.
    “Thanet, please come back.”
    It was the kid’s voice. I turn around and faced her. “How do you know my name?”
    “I’m Jennifer.”
    Her name was a joyful shot to my heart. I love the kid. She helped me solve two murders. Selena destroyed her, made her into a killer, but I love the kid. I grabbed her and steered her to the nearest bar. The bartender wanted to see her ID card. I told him to shut his mouth and bring us a pitcher of milk and two glasses.
    The kid looked different. Her hair was black instead of the flaming red that was so neatly combed. Her face—Monk said it was plastic surgery—I didn’t recognize.
    “Are you going to turn me over to the police? I’m tired. I want to give myself up.”
    Monk, in one of his weak moments, had given me his cell phone number. I phoned him. Fifteen minutes went by before he arrived. The bartender brought a third glass to our table. We drank the pitcher dry.
    “Why am I here, Blake?”
    “How’s