Passions of the Dead (A Detective Jackson Mystery/Thriller) (33 page)

“Hey, Jackson,” McCray called out. “Haven’t you had enough of this place yet?”

“Apparently not.

“Hello, Wade,” Julie said. “How are you holding up?”

“I’ve got a lot on my mind, but I’m okay.” Jackson turned to his partner. “What’s the word? Is this going to ruin your golf game?”

“Hell no. I’ll be out on the green next weekend.”

“And every weekend,” Julie added.

Something in her tone made Jackson pause and pull up a chair. “What’s going on?”

“I’m retiring,” McCray said, his tone neutral.

Jackson tried to read him.
Was this Julie’s idea?

“It’s time,” McCray said, smiling now. “I’ve been on the job twenty-eight years. I’ve seen enough shit. I’ve taken enough shit. After this week, I’m done.”

Jackson scowled. “If Mrs. McCray wasn’t here, I’d give you a little more shit. I think you should take some time, wait until you feel better to make a final decision.”

“I’ve already called Lammers. She intended to lay off two people today. My retiring will keep someone else from losing their job.”

For a second Jackson wondered if his own position had been spared, then decided it didn’t matter. “That’s very noble, pal.”

“It works out for me too.”

“The department won’t be the same without you.”

“I’ll be around. I’ll probably join the cold-case volunteers, work a couple days a week just to get out of the house.”

Julie cleared her throat. “We’ll see.”

They joked for a few minutes about Schak going into the river to save Shane, then McCray said, “You ran a good case, Jackson. That scene on the bridge was volatile. You did everything right.”

“It doesn’t feel like it, but thanks.” Jackson rose to leave. “Lammers wants to see me in her office in a few minutes so I’ve got to go. She’s probably going to ask for my resignation.”

“Tell her to fire her own bossy ass.”

“I’d have to be wearing my vest.”

McCray rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I know. I should have had it on.”

“See you around.”

As he left the hospital, Jackson saw Shane Compton get into a car with his parents. Considering how protective and loyal Shane’s mother was, Jackson assumed they would take the young home, fatten him up a little, and send him back to the methadone clinic. Shane was too young for anyone to give up on him yet.

On the drive to headquarters Jackson once again mulled over his options. If he stayed in the department, he’d either have to sell his house or take out a loan to pay off his ex-wife’s equity. If he retired next month, he could collect a pension and work another job. He would be able to stay in the house until Katie was older and still afford to make payments to Renee. He would never have to look at another dead body. He would never again be forced to shoot a troubled young person.

It was tempting and Jackson was torn. He’d see what Sergeant Lammers had to say and then make his decision.

L.J. Sellers
is an award-winning journalist and the author of the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/suspense series:

Secrets to Die For

Thrilled to Death

Passions of the Dead

Dying for Justice

Liars, Cheaters & Thieves

She also has four standalone thrillers:

The Sex Club

The Baby Thief

The Arranger

The Suicide Effect

When not plotting murders, L.J. enjoys performing standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. She’s also been known to jump out of airplanes.

Thanks for reading my novel. If you enjoyed it, please leave a review or rating online. Find out more about my work at ljsellers.com, where you can sign up to hear about new releases. —L.J.