Chapter 87

Chapter 87—Jack has words with 

Captain Spencer 

2:34 a.m., Friday, December 30 

Both Kate and Jack turned their heads to face the captain.
“Captain,” Kate responded.
“Kate,” the captain said, taking several steps in her direction. “When we found you, leaning against the tree, you were alone.”
“That’s right, and was I happy to see those uniforms,” Kate said, smiling.
“We were all pretty happy,” Captain Spencer replied. He paused for just a moment, glancing for a second in Jack’s direction. “We were not sure this story was going to have a good ending, if you know what I mean. But, the thing is, witnesses are coming forward who put a couple men on the scene along with you. One of the men allegedly carried you out of the burning building. And then he went back in and came out helping a fellow that seems to fit your description, Jack. Can you tell me anything about that?”
“Really,” Jack said, looking first at Captain Spencer, then at his daughter. “I would sure like to shake that man’s hand. Do you have any idea who he is?”
“No, Dad,” Kate replied. “I don’t remember much before waking up in recovery. How about you, Boss, do you know who it might have been?”
“Not yet, but we’re investigating. ... Then can I assume that the man this mythical superhero saved was not you, Jack?”
“I don’t know anything about that,” Jack said. “But when you do ID him, I would like to thank him personally for saving my daughter.”
“I’ll keep in touch, you can count on that,” the captain said. “And Jack, I expect you’ll be sticking around town for a while, right? I’m definitely going to want to talk to you some more about this.”
“Yeah,” Jack said. “I’m going to keep my daughter company till she gets back on her feet.”
“You can take this as an official request,” the captain said, this time in a very ominous tone. “I will want to talk to you again about this, and other things. So do not leave town.”
“No problem, Captain,” Jack said. “Like I said, my daughter will know how to reach me. I do hope you’ll let me sleep in tomorrow. I don’t remember the last time I closed my eyes.”
“Just make sure we can get hold of you when we need to.”
Jack had already responded affirmatively to the captain’s initial request. He did not appreciate the repeat. He was exhausted. His patience was gone. Jack turned toward Captain Spencer, and took a couple short steps in his direction. When his nose got to within about ten inches from the captain’s chest, he said. “I realize you are my daughter’s boss. So I’ll be polite. But you listen to me, because I don’t like repeating myself. I told you that I would be available. Now, unless you are going to cuff me and haul me in, turn your ass around and get the hell out of this room. I’m going to spend a little time with my daughter right now, and I’m getting my fill of you. Do you understand me?”
“Sounds good, Jack. I appreciate your candor.”
With that, Captain Spencer stepped to the side and backwards. Looking over at Kate and smiling, he said, “Glad you’re doing well, Kate. You get some rest. Can’t wait till you’re back on the job.” He then looked back at Jack. “And I do look forward to continuing this conversation.” He then flashed an officious smile at Jack, and left the room.
“You’re a bit testy, aren’t you?” Kate observed, after Captain Spencer had left her room. “He is my boss, Dad.”
“Yes, he is. But he’s not mine. I wasn’t rude. I’m sure he gets a lot worse on the streets.”
“He hasn’t seen the streets in years,” Kate said.
“Maybe he should,” Jack retorted, smiling at his daughter. “Okay, this is how I say we handle this.”