Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

 novelbin

Before Lowell showed up, Josiah had just come looking for him.

Josiah said, "Mr. Bradford, I believe you didn't kill anyone. Take a look at this video evidence. I've had our tech department verify it. It's a fake. Someone knows you're innocent and deliberately sent this fake evidence to make it easier for me to frame you! I've always known we have a mole in our ranks. But I'm outmatched and outgunned. Taking them on directly could cost me my life. So, even though I knew this evidence was fake, I didn't dare go public with it, much less confront those people head-on. I'm not afraid to die, but I have a family to think about. I'm laying my cards on the table with you, hoping you might help me find a way to protect myself and my family without getting my hands dirty."

Tarquin asked him, "Why don't you want to get involved in their dirty business?"

Josiah said, "Despite my age, my initial resolve to become a cop hasn't changed! Plus, I believe what goes around comes around. I'd rather live with a clear conscience."

That's why Tarquin thought of Josiah as a clever and upright man. If he wasn't clever, charging at those people blindly could have gotten him into serious trouble already. If he wasn't upright, he would have joined them in framing others by now.

Lowell was unaware of these details, but if Tarquin believed in him, that was endorsement enough. Lowell then wondered, "Tarquin, why go to Mitchell instead of directly to Inspector Yuri?" Yuri, being the top dog in the department, would have more authority.

Tarquin explained, "Yuri's been under the weather lately, taking some time off to recuperate. Let's not bother him with this minor issue; Mitchell can handle it."

"Got it," Lowell acknowledged. "And tell Josiah to keep that video under wraps. Also, let's leak some info saying there's a high chance I'll be sentenced to death, that the higher-ups are already reviewing it."

He was done playing games; it was time to flush out the rats!

The next day, December 29th.

In the morning, when Keaton came to visit, he brought breakfast from the Jinpeach Restaurant. As he walked in, he teased, "Look at you, living the high life! I take a short trip, and I come back to find you dining on the state's dime. Impressive."

Tarquin lit a cigarette, ignoring him. Keaton continued, half-mockingly, "What, not enjoying your government-sponsored meals? Or is it the lack of love and care? Look at you, all worn out, poor pup." Referring to Tarquin as a "pup" due to his single status.

Tarquin shot him a glance, "Dressed like a peacock first thing in the morning, just to annoy me?"

"You wouldn't understand. This is a new shirt my girlfriend bought for me! Notice that? Girlfriend-bought!"

Tarquin scoffed, "Is this the first time you've ever worn new clothes?"

Keaton replied, “Am I wearing clothes? This is love, my friend. But I guess a lone wolf like you wouldn't get it."

Tarquin snorted disdainfully, "Your daddy's love? I'm not envious!"

Keaton pursed his lips, "Believe it or not, if I tell my dad you're looking to replace him as my father, he might just go rant over your dad's grave!" Keaton's and Tarquin's fathers were close friends. After Tarquin's parents' accident, the Bradfords had taken him in, and Keaton's father had often helped him in secret. Tarquin held Keaton's father in high regard. Keaton knew how to use that to his advantage.

But Tarquin had his ways to counter, quickly bringing up Jessamine, "Would you believe if I told Jess you ditched her carefully arranged blind date to hang out with some D-list girlfriend?"

Keaton was speechless, "You're unbelievable!"

Tarquin sneered, "You're the pup, I'm the alpha!"

Keaton grimaced, "I'd advise you to be kinder to me. I'm the only one who bothers to bring you food."

Tarquin showed his indifference, but Keaton added, "Don't underestimate this simple breakfast. Do you think this is just any meal? This is all my love for you!"