Chasing a Blond Moon(162)

Service continued, “It was Honeypat’s idea to get Aldo into the department. She sent Aldo to us and she sent you to make it look like you didn’t want him with us, but that’s what Honeypat wanted. She came to see me, said you were lying. If she canceled your lie, Aldo gets in, her idea all the way, her plan.”

He had the old man’s attention. “I think she started out to drive out all her competition, but she got a couple of surprises. First, she recruited Ollie Toogood to help her take down Dowdy Kitella, but then she found out about Ollie Toogood’s money and figured out a way to get it: starved him, just the way she starved you. She wanted to create the impression of a war up here over bears and somehow she learned about outsiders coming in and she figured a way to make something from that, too. You were good in your day,” Service said, “but you’re not in her class. You ruled by fear. She kills and leaves no witnesses.”

Allerdyce glared, struggled to pull down his mask.

Service helped him. “She burned your camp, scattered your people. They were afraid of her. You were nothing compared to her.”

Allerdyce cackled, coughed. “Look at youse, son of da boozehound, hey? Dey used ta call Jake Jacobetti King of da U.P. Dat’s bullshit. I’m da king. I own it. I get out of here, I hunt da bitch down, sonny.” Jacobetti, the longtime politician from Negaunee, had made sure a lot of pork flowed into the Upper Peninsula through the state legislature.

“You and who else?” Service said. “You’re alone and Honeypat’s free, and she’s got cash to do what she wants.” He put the mask back in place and walked into the hallway.

Aldo stood up. “Your grandfather and Honeypat tried to get you into the department. They figured they could use you inside. I know Honeypat was running things. I’m still not sure what your role is in all this, but in time I will.”

Aldo straightened his back. “I’m an Allerdyce.”

Service nodded at the room across the hall. “That’s how Allerdyces end up—if they’re lucky.