It was as if he’d somehow robbed her of the catharsis she’d been hoping for by dying in such an ignominious fashion. The irony didn’t escape her: it wasn’t until she learned she’d never get vengeance that Jessie realized how much she’d been after it all along.

“Okay,” Murph said, breaking into her trance, “you can text Dolan. Tell him we’ll meet for one toast and then we’re out of there.”

It took Jessie a moment to process what he’d said.

“Why are you changing your mind?” she asked.

“Thurman’s death makes it an easier call. I think we can protect you short term at the bar if we’re only watching out for one threat. And honestly, you really look like you need a drink.”

Jessie thought about it for a second and then decided she was sick of thinking for a while.

“I am going to defer to your judgment on this one,” she said, getting out her phone and texting Dolan to meet them at Bob’s Frolic Four forthwith.

As she waited for a reply, she listened to Murph give the revised plan to the trail unit over the comm. He was also requesting LAPD backup to the scene.

“All this so little ol’ me can get a drink?” she asked when he was done.

“All this so I don’t lose my job for getting little ol’ you a drink,” he corrected.

The bar was close but with the traffic and rain-soaked streets, it took a good ten minutes to get there. When they arrived, there were already multiple cars double parked in front. The place was a madhouse.

“Maybe we should park in the residential section,” Jessie suggested. “It might be less crowded and it’s only a few blocks of walking.”

“Can’t do it,” he replied. “Walking any distance while exposed is too risky. We need to be able to access the car quickly if necessary. Also, I don’t want to get wet.”

Jessie couldn’t argue the last point. Murph spoke into his comm.

“Trail team, we’re going to circle while you get things squared away. Once you’ve parked, Collica—take the front of the bar. Emerson, take the back. You can let us in through the alley entrance. Toomey will circle the location while we’re inside.”

While they circled, waiting for the trail team to get set up, Jessie texted Dolan again to let him know they were about to go in. His reply was succinct.

There in ten. Order me a bourbon—double.

“Okay, team, we are on the move,” Murph said, getting her attention. “Toomey, drop us close to the alley door and resume circling. Emerson, prepare to open the back door. Collica, take up position at the entrance to the back room. Get ID on anyone who wants to enter. Pull rank if someone gives you static. You ready, Hunt?”

“I’ve never had so much effort put into getting me a drink, not even on dates.”

“Are you ready?” he repeated not playing along.

“Ready,” she said, matching his straight face. Murph nodded back.