Nick plastic tied the two men’s hands behind their back, propping them against the wall. He then took off their masks and took several good pictures of the two. “Indeed, brother, indeed. Run along now. Thank you for the backup. I didn’t tell you the verbal bomb one of them dropped before they came in for their jump start – we will call the reporter later.”
Nick’s new bit of information stopped Gus in his tracks. “Don’t tell me your Flo the super reporter instinct was right too.”
“I don’t know which reporter he was referring to. If I were to find out old school with the accompanying physical and mental agony for our two pals here, I’d have to dump the bodies. Then I wouldn’t get the great publicity from turning them over to the cops. I’ll tell that Sergeant Dickerson what the guy said. Maybe the law can find out from these two toads if it’s her.” Nick sighed. “I’ll have to start making a list again, Gus, and checking it twice, to see who’s been naughty or nice.”
“Yeah, you will. I’ll let you puzzle that one out for now. I’m going home and get some sleep. I hope the aftermath of this progresses the way you hope it will. I doubt it will be as smooth as the happening.”
“There’s those negative vibes again. Get some sleep. I won’t have to go in early tomorrow after I report this crap. I’ll call you after I talk to the cops again.”
Gus waved on his way out. “I can’t wait.”
Nick phoned the safe-room. Rachel answered instantly. “All done. I have my prisoners. You can come out, and do an academy award performance after the police arrive, Hon.”
“Thank God! I’ll be watching.”
Nick called 911. After the operator’s initial greeting ended with ‘what is your emergency’, Nick gave his name, address, and the fact he had two burglars restrained in his house.
“Wait a minute, Sir,” the woman said. “Are you the McCarty who was involved in the school incident this morning?”
“Yes, and I believe this breakin is related to that incident. A Sergeant Dickerson is handling the case. I was scheduled to meet with him this morning.”
“My name is Linda. I have a car on its way already. I will contact the watch commander to update him on your situation. Are you hurt?”
“No.”
“What about the men who broke into your house?”
“I used a Taser and stun-gun to subdue them when they came through the door. I plastic tied their hands behind their backs. They are restrained. There are no weapons visible, but I have not searched them.”
“Good. I’ll relay that to the officers responding. I’ll have them turn off the sirens.”
“That would be much appreciated. Should I stay on the line?”
“Yes. Let me know when the officers get there please.”
“Sure. Thank you.” Nick watched the two men beginning to groan out of their unconscious state. He didn’t see any lights yet bobbing like glowing eyes through the fog bank. Crouching down, Nick patted Aban’s cheek until the man’s eyes began to blink, and his head lolled from one side to another. Nick kept the phone near them on speaker. “Wake up, kid. C’mon… the cops will be here soon.”
Aban’s eyes slowly blinked Nick into focus. “What… happened?”
Nick could see the man’s disorientation. It was a perfect time to ask. He had spoken in Arabic, so Nick answered in the same language. “You and your friend broke into my house. I have you restrained. Who is the reporter you spoke of calling later?”
Aban relaxed his head against the wall. “May I have some water?”
“Certainly. I will get it for you in a moment. What reporter is it you wished to call later? Perhaps I can contact her for you. She may be able to help.”
“Yes… it may be as you say. Her name is ah… Florence… Florence Gutierrez.”
Nick smiled. “I’ll get your water.”
Nick jogged to his kitchen and returned seconds later with a glass of water. He held it to Aban’s mouth, helping him to sip it. A patrol cruiser with flashing lights parked in front of the house. Nick stayed in plain sight with his entryway lights on. He still had his phone in hand. “The police officers arrived a moment ago. Did you hear and record the conversation I had with one of the men who broke in?
“I did. What language was that?”
“Arabic, but you can have the recording translated by a neutral source. You heard the name mentioned though, right?”
“I heard the name Florence Gutierrez. Is that the reporter from Channel Ten? What could she have to do with it?”
“Wait one.” Nick greeted the two officers at the door. They both had hands on weapons. Nick gestured at Aban and Jamal. “The two who broke into my house are there. I did not search them. I have the 911 operator on the line. She asked me a question. Would it be okay if I answer?”
The tall thin officer with crew-cut hair and Dialo on his nametag answered. “Yes, Sir, go ahead. My partner and I will search these two. I’m Officer Dialo, and this is Officer Higginson.”
Nick shook hands with the stout, medium height black woman first, and then Dialo. “I’m glad to meet you both. I wish it were under different circumstances.”
“Of course,” Higginson said. “Take the call. We’ll be a few moments anyway.”
“I’ll put it on speaker, because I’d like you both to hear it. Are you there Linda?”