Robert B. Parker’s Damned If You Do

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The convoy arrived at Golden Horizons shortly after six o’clock. Jesse and Suitcase led the procession in Jesse’s cruiser. Marty Reagan had joined them and was seated in the back. Behind them, Captain Mickey Kurtz rode in the fire chief’s sedan; Alan Hollett and Harold Brown rode together in an official Buildings Department Buick LeSabre. Bringing up the rear were two more cruisers, each packed with police officers.

They entered the property with their sirens blaring and parked in front of the main building. After the officers did a quick check of their weapons, they went inside.

They were met not only by members of the staff, but by most of the remaining residents as well, many of whom were crowded into the main foyer, staring wide-eyed at the police officers, chattering loudly among themselves. Chuck Dempsey pushed his way through the crowd and approached the officials.

“What’s going on here,” he said.

“The jig’s up,” Jesse said to him.

He turned to Marty Reagan and said, “I’ve always wanted to say that.”

With their faces grim, Kurtz, Hollett, and Brown, each accompanied by an armed police officer, headed inside. Dempsey watched them go. He looked at the documents that had been handed to him, then he turned to Jesse.

“No one’s around,” he said.

“Meaning?”

“Connell and Morrow aren’t here.”

“It makes no difference. We’re going to perform our inspections regardless.”

“I’m not supposed to let you in.”

“Too late.”

“And you’re going to inspect us?”

“Officially.”

“I guess I’d better find them.”

Dempsey looked around at the residents, then walked quickly away.

After completing their inspections, the three senior officials reported back to Jesse.

“Nothing,” Kurtz said. “It’s exactly the same as it was.”

“No trace of any corrective actions having been taken?”

“Not anywhere that I could see,” Hollett said.

“Not in the kitchen,” Brown said.

“Thanks, guys,” Jesse said. “We’ll proceed to phase two.”

Jesse looked around at the residents and raised his arms in an effort to quiet them.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “I’m Jesse Stone, the chief of police here in Paradise. I apologize if we have upset you in any way.”

The group’s focus turned to Jesse.

“I’m very sorry to inform you that due to a number of issues regarding the physical condition of the Golden Horizons buildings, the city has decided to condemn them.

“We don’t want you to be alarmed. We’ll make it as easy for you as we possibly can. We will begin the process of finding suitable accommodations for you, and no closure or diminution of services will take place until each of you has been satisfactorily resettled.”

Pointing to Suitcase, Jesse said, “This is my deputy, Luther Simpson. He’ll be in charge of supervising the transition. Every effort will be made to ensure your safety and comfort. Officer Simpson, along with representatives of a number of nearby retirement facilities, will be in the dining room to answer your questions and assist you in the resettlement process. Your families or representatives will be notified. I’m very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. In the long run, this action will prove to be in your best interests, ensuring that each of you will be housed in a safe and sanitary dwelling.”

Suitcase raised his hand and led a procession of the residents into the dining room.

Jesse summoned Officers Rich Bauer and Dave Muntz. He pointed them toward the main entrance.

“No one in or out without proper ID,” he said.

Bauer and Muntz nodded and headed for the doors.

“That went well,” Marty Reagan said to Jesse.

“Wait,” he said. “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”