Guardian Angels – Ambivalent - 22

Eight hours later, give or take, Paddy and Mike were heading to Mike's apartment. Even though Paddy didn't have his own apartment—since he didn't really need one—he'd used his break time to ostensibly go pack a few changes of clothes. He returned with a backpack containing jeans and shirts he'd bought at a nearby department store, as well as a few personal items. While he shopped, he wondered if maybe he should find an apartment. But why bother? It's not like I'd ever invite him to come visit. When the assignment is over I go back where I came from until I get a new one, with no one any the wiser except Vic and Evan. That thought didn't exactly make him happy, but it was what it was.

When they were inside Mike's apartment, Paddy looked around with more than a touch of interest. The living room wasn't large but it looked comfortable. A small sofa sat facing what for lack of a better word was the entertainment center, containing a television and a gaming system along with a decent collection of DVDs neatly stacked in their cases. The table along one wall looked as if it served as both a place to eat and a desk since there was a laptop sitting at one end. To one side of it was an arch through which Paddy could see a small kitchen.

To the other side of the table was a second arch opening onto a short hallway. Off of it were three doors. Mike took Paddy to one, explaining it was to what he laughingly called the guest bedroom. Inside was a single bed, a small dresser and a nightstand. Paddy dropped his backpack on the bed then followed Mike back to the living room after being told the bathroom was the behind the door closest to the arch.

"I can fix us some supper," Mike said hesitantly, looking anywhere but at Paddy. "It won't be much. Probably burgers and a salad, but it's food."

"Food is good. I'll help."

"No, no. Just…sit and watch TV? Maybe the story is on the news if we haven't missed it."

Paddy found the remote, turned the TV on and clicked through the channels. "I think it's a bit early still."

"Okay." Mike hurried into the kitchen and Paddy heard the refrigerator open and the rattle of pans and dishes as Mike set to work.

Getting up, Paddy went to lean against the arch, watching Mike. "My being here is making you nervous, isn't it?"

"I'm just not used to company," Mike replied, his attention focused on making hamburger patties.

Smiling at his honesty, Paddy said, "Well, since you're stuck with me for the foreseeable future, try to relax. I'll behave and not get in your way."

Mike finally looked at him. "I didn't mean it that way. Okay, I'm being an idiot. If you want to help and know how to toss a salad…"

"I think I can handle it."

He did, and soon they were sitting at the table in the living room, after Mike moved the laptop. By then the news was on and they both paid more attention to it, waiting for the story about Micky, than they did to what they were eating.

When the reporter said, "And now to a story about an incident at a local teen shelter," both men watched intently.

"A young man known by the street name Micky," the reporter continued, "was thought to have accidentally fallen down a flight of stairs at Crossroads House yesterday. He was rushed to the hospital, where he is now in serious but stable condition. An interview with the detective in charge of his case has revealed some new and disturbing information."

The shot split, showing the reporter and Detective Massey. The reporter asked the detective about Micky and what he had found out.

"'Micky', whose real name is Mark Franklin, was seen by a witness just before the supposed accident. According to the witness, a dark-haired man he describes as in his early forties was with Mr. Franklin at the top of the stairs and pushed Mr. Franklin, causing him to fall down said stairs. The witness, Mike Desmond, also known as Michael O'Donnell, immediately sought help for Mr. Franklin rather than trying to stop his attacker."

"Do you know anything about the attacker other than his description?" the reporter asked.

"At this time, no, although there is a possibility he was at the shelter a day or so previously, looking for a runaway. If it is the same man, and Mr. Desmond isn't certain that it is, he claimed to be a private investigator by the name of John Keefe. So far we've been unable to locate anyone by that name."

"Thank you for speaking with us, Detective Massey." The shot returned to the reporter in the studio. "If anyone has any information regarding the man who may or may not be going by the name of John Keefe, you are asked to call 555-1111. Your identity will be kept anonymous."