I jammed my thumb against the buzzer and waited.

The door opened and I stepped forward. "Hello, Hiram."

"What- what the he-?" His eyes drifted up to see Hunk grinning and pressing a massive fist into his palm.

"Don't worry, Smith. He's just here as a witness."

"Witness? What are you talki-?"

"This." I swung from my hip and heard his teeth clack as I connected with his jaw. The reverberation went up my arm and my own teeth clicked together but it didn't interfere with the pleasure of watching Smith wipe out the small hall table and telephone as he crashed over them onto the floor scattering a few envelopes and notes.

"Not much you can do when it comes as a surprise is there?"

I stepped over the broken furniture and grabbed him by the shirt, hoisting him up so I could punch him down again . . . and again then I dragged him into his living room and shoved him into a chair.

"Let's call it even, Hiram." I straightened up. "I can recommend a great poultice for that mess but the nose will have to be set professionally."

"Ged oudda here, Gudd. You're godda be sorry for dis. Real sorry."

"Hear that, Hunk? Officer Smith is threatening me. You heard him."

Smith wriggled back on the floor as Hunk leaned over and grinned.

I noticed a card on the floor and picked it up. It read Mad Maze Gallery!

***************

I thought after sorting Smith and the startling news from Reverend Stein that happy and lucky had paid me a visit. Not so. Lulu had debunked my theory about Myna making a deal with Shamus.

I gave Caroline a new report explaining why the theory was wrong and asked her why she said she made a deal with Shamus. Turned out it was to get rid of a small inventory at The Baker's Tin, not enough to go killing over.

Didn't get much further with her on any front; she had a fleeting interest in Hunk, who was with me at the time until I advised her of his leanings. I couldn't think of anything else to ask and I dragged my feet leaving her office. Was that a ghost of a smile I saw?

It was frustrating and having Lulu refuse another meet didn't help. I decided to find the Mexican girl, Marion Frijote and see what I could get out of her. But first...

Back to the office to inform Daisy.

***************

I could see the light on through the glass in the door. Odd because it was nearly noon. I opened the door and stopped. Papers were scattered all over the floor. File drawers were open. Daisy's chair was upside down in the corner.

I stepped cautiously across the mess to my office and pushed the door open. The sight was the same except lying face down in the middle of broken furniture and toppled files was Daisy.

I called her name and knelt down, turning hr over in my arms.

"Daisy! Can you hear me?" I felt for a pulse and breathed a sigh when I felt it; weak but there.

There was blood on her forehead and it had dried and matted in her hair. Her eye was swollen and her sweater had been yanked, tearing the seam and exposing her shoulder. I got her into a sitting position then up into my arms.

The cot in my side room was intact and I put her down while I ran back to find the phone.

***************

"A mild concussion, a number of stitches at the hairline and some serious bruising of the eye. She's resting comfortably." The doctor flipped his chart closed and gave me a long look. "She's a strong lady . . . luckily. She took quite a pushing around. There are a number of bruises on her arms and legs as well." His brows closed together as he watched me.

I stared back. "What? You think it was me! She's my secretary I- she- we-" I clenched my teeth and moved into his space. "When can I see her?"

"She'll likely be asleep for a while. You can come back this evening." He was backing away looking uncomfortable.

I found a phone and called the cop shop asking for Billy. I asked if he could meet away from the station. He nearly came through the phone and told me in a harsh whisper to get over to java shop by the Hiloff Apartments.

***************

"What the hell is the matter with you Gunn?"

It came out in the same harsh whisper as before and I nodded pleasantly to the startled lady at the next table.

"Keep it down, Billy."

He took a bite of his pastry and chewed like it was my neck.

"You went to a cop's house and assaulted him!"

"Oh, poor Smith. See this?" I pointed to the yellowish bruise on my face. "Why are you so upset, he didn't report it did he?"

"No, because he couldn't come to work!"

"That right? Well I'll tell you why if you'll calm down. He and or someone he hired tossed my office and put Daisy in the hospital."

Billy stopped chewing and stared, crumbs falling onto his uniform jacket.

"Daisy- is she alright?"

"I won't know for sure 'til I talk to her."

"Jesus, Gunn . . ."

"No, Billy, not Jesus. That mug of a partner of yours who by the way is- was on Shamus' payroll and that was confirmed by Lulu."

"I didn't- you said you thought- Christ, Tres, what a mess."

I tossed a bill on the table and stood up. "I wanted you to know Billy so you could cover yourself because when I catch up with him you're gonna need a new partner."

He grabbed my arm and hauled me back. "There's a lot more has happened, Tres."

I sat back down and listened all about AJ, Loren and Madame Yu and the Tong and the fact that Lorne was looking for me.

I needed a plan, set my priorities. Right now Daisy was top of my list but little did I know where acting on that would take me.