CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
I return to work to find a disheveled pile of phone messages waiting for me. With Larry gone, I’m forced to share support staff with several other detectives who’ve let me know they’re unhappy with what they view as poaching. The office staff follows suit, feeling free to approach my work with something less than neglect.
I’m surprised when Delahunt denies my request for a replacement. From what I can figure, the chief is paying me back for my decision to hire Larry in the first place. Earlier in the week, I walked by Larry’s darkened office and was struck by regret. I call Victory Memorial again to check his status. The desk nurse tells me Larry regained consciousness, but he’s restricted visitors—no one outside of family members. I push, telling her I’m a detective
