Tock Tock: Three (continued)

Detective Paddy Monihan had been on the force thirty-five years.  Since he finished grad school.  University of Pennsylvania all the way.  Just like both of his parents did.  Everyone thought he would be a scientist with degrees in molecular biology.  He liked researching anything.

When his wife suddenly died of a heart attack two years ago, he thought his personal life was over.   That is, any chance of another loving relationship.  In the evenings he could mostly be found in his wood shop.

He also figured he would work as long as he could.  With daily exercising in his home gym, running yearly marathons this was one fit man.  Reddish brown hair, looking every bit Irish, with a light ruddy complexion, he was just under six feet.

Everyone liked Paddy.  He was a family man.  With grown children, his life was quiet now.  There was a sadness to him, as though his life was not all that he had hoped.  Now that Fiona was gone. 

Paddy had just gone out to finish a cradle he was making for his granddaughter’s birthday when the phone rang.

“Monihan, I am so sorry to bother you at home but something strange has happened.  Kind of creeps me out.”

“You see I was at the Farmer’s Market today.  By myself or so I thought. It’s a small market mostly for the locals.  I didn’t think a thing until my friend mentioned it to me.  He has an organic farm here,” Kelli said.     

“There is someone staring at you.  I saw you come in and he was moving about like a lion tracking his prey,” the farmer said. 

“Kelli, where are you?”

“Still at the market.  I am standing next to the Helton Family Market stand.  It is just at the entrance.”

“Wait there.  I can be there in ten minutes.  I’ll be wearing a Red Sox cap, jeans and blue tee shirt.”

“Alright,” the frightened voice responded.

“Grab a coffee if one is close to your friend’s stand. Smile a lot, laugh and look like nothing is up.” 

Fortunately Me and Ollie, a coffee shop, was in the next booth. She’d order herself a Mocha latte this time.  Visit with the clerk and some gal pals she saw standing in line behind her.

Just then she felt someone grab her.  Swung her around and kissed her cheek.  It was Paddy.

“Sorry, but I wanted to look like you and I were long time friends.  Take my hand and let’s meander a bit,” he said.

Kelli liked the warmth of his hand.  It was strange for her as she didn’t much trust men.  She felt their goal was to sack her.  She had no use in going there.  Kelli really liked herself now.  A gift worth waiting for.

“Follow me,” he said.

He led her to his silver Ford F-250.  It was parked next to her.

“Stay close behind.  A black and white will follow you, then turn off.  Another unmarked will follow you to my house.  Then drive your car into the empty side of my garage,” Paddy said.

The clouds finally left New England, if only for a time.  Giant cotton puffs filled the blue sky.  Spring was always beautiful in New Hampshire.  She was starting to feel at home.

Paddy led her to Washington Road and onto his driveway.  His stone cottage was something out of an Irish novel in the countryside.  A five foot stone fence demarcated his land.  Flowers abounded.  Kelli was in shock.

“Not what you would except for a cop?”

Kelli smiled softly.

“C’mon in.  I’ll put a pot of tea on.”

Paddy waved the unmarked off.  His home was a fortress.  Well insulated walls, security gate, bullet proof glass windows.

Paddy’s face softened just looking at her.

“You are going to be okay.  It was easier to talk here.  Hope you don’t mind,” he said.

“Not at all.  My life is a bit topsy turvy now.”

“OWO, One World Order” is who is following you.  We don’t know how many are in it.  Actually, it’s kinda funny because they are having a turf war within.  We’ve been letting it play out since the senator and Jill were murdered.”

Kelli continued her quiet, preferring to just listen. She tilted her head toward Paddy.  He liked that.

“Every department is involved. It’s been going on for years.  Now the media is fighting with each other for the best story.  They are involved, too.  Our strategy, to put it simple, is to let them go at each other.  Keep you safe.”

“So what do I do now?” Kelli asked.

“We are putting you in a safe house right here.  With me.  Well, not in my cottage but there is another one across the street from North Beach.  There is a tunnel from my house to the safe house.  Actually, I own it.  Imagine a tunnel near the beach?”

Kelli sat down on the leather chair.  Even put her feet on the ottoman.

“Sounds like I am here for a long haul.”

“Whatever it takes.  You can still do some of your work.  We have already spoken with your employer and have a workstation set up for you.”

“You people move fast,” she said.

“We’ve been working this case for some time,” he said.

“But we never expected anyone to find the key. Jill told us she was planting it on the beach.  But the storm came and we thought the bottle was lost forever.  Actually it was to the left of the bench above the rock wall.  The tide moved it.”

Kelli was more than tired.  She began to rub her eyes.  A hesitant yawn and Paddy got the picture.

“We also moved your clothes when you called me.  We’re fast.  I know.”

That evening Paddy made an Irish stew, Irish soda bread with a Shamrock sundae.

“I hope you like fudge.”

“More than life itself, Paddy.”

Paddy showed her to her safe house after a short walk in the well lit tunnel.  While she could see the beach, no one could see inside.  She was beginning to feel safe.  Finally.