The Boston Police Department was buzzing with activity, some with the Shanty Town case and others with their ongoing investigations. A visit to the O'Hara home was at the top of Hank and Emmy's agenda as they exited the building. 

"Mind if we take my car?" Hank stepped off the curb and unlocked the Porsche. 

A long-drawn-out wolf whistle exploded from Emmy's lips as she stared at Hank. "Mr. Big Bucks, mind telling me how you can afford to drive a classy car like this?" Emmy admired the car, running her hand across the front fender. "Puts my SUV to shame." 

"Fringe benefits from my family trust, my friend. Most spend their money on houses, but I prefer the luxury and speed of a car." 

"She's a beauty, but how will you get around in one of our winter snows? Not to mention what the snowplows will do to her if you aren't careful." 

"Guess I never gave it a thought. I've never even driven in snow." 

"In that case, I'll be the designated pilot once winter arrives. Trust me, winter driving in Boston takes skill." 

"Guess we're lucky it's a sunny day then, aren't we? Let's enjoy it while we can." Hank climbed behind the wheel and waited for Emmy to settle into the bucket seat. 

As she adjusted the seat belt, Emmy's phone rang. Clicking the strap in place, she reached inside her purse for her cell, checking who was calling. "It's the Chief." She quickly answered, "Hey, Chief, Hank and I were just headed to Frank O'Hara's place to talk to the daughter. What's up?" 

She listened to their boss, then answered, "Sure thing. We'll get on it right now." After disconnecting the call, she looked at Hank. "Change in plans. The Chief says there was an incident in Shanty Town near The Watering Hole. It's a bar that's been a part of Boston's history for a long time. I'll fill you in on the details as you drive, but he thinks there might be a connection to our case." 

***************** 

"This town needs to work on their red lights." Hank scowled as he brought the Porche to a stop. "Can't even get up to speed before you have to stop again." 

"I think that's the whole idea." Emmy laughed at her partner's frustration. "City folk don't want to be run down by hotrodders in their revved-up cars." 

"They should stay on the sidewalks, not in the streets." 

"We're in a hospital zone, and it's a crosswalk if you haven't noticed." Emmy watched the people cross before she recognized the black sedan leaving the hospital parking lot. "If I'm not mistaken, that's Peter Costello's driver behind the wheel of that car. Wonder what would bring Mr. High Society to this side of town? It's certainly off the beaten track for him." 

"Maybe he was visiting someone in the hospital?" 

"Trust me; his type doesn't use Mercy Hospital." Emmy continued to mull over Peter Costello's presence near Shanty Town while she gave driving directions to Hank. 

After driving a short distance, Hank began to understand Emmy's remarks. "Wow, what a difference a few blocks can make. This end of town desperately needs rehabilitation. Where's this place we are going?" 

"On the corner of the next block. Hopefully, Sandy will be there. Guess she had a late night giving the officers a report on the beating. Though the Chief said she wasn't too forthcoming with information. He hopes we can get further with her.  

Hank pulled into the vacant parking lot and chose the spot closest to the bar's door. He surveyed the surrounding neighborhood, snapped the locks on the door, and sighed. "Maybe they're all asleep, and my car will still be in one piece when we come back out." 

"Welcome to Boston, my friend. We don't own fancy cars or drive them in Shanty Town. If you do, it's at your own risk." 

"Thanks for warning me before we drove here." Hank shook his head. "Guess you're driving from now on." 

Emmy chuckled and headed for the front door of the bar. "Let's see what she has to say." 

******************* 

Hank and Emmy stood near the front door, letting their eyes adjust to their dark surroundings. Sandy had returned to stocking the shelves, but she'd heard the door open and close. She carried an open box of liquor to that end of the bar, shoving the black leather bag into it, and then turned to address her new visitors.  

"Can I help you?" Sandy didn't recognize either of them, but their clothing said they were detectives. 

Hank moved closer to the bar, extending his hand toward Sandy. "I'm Detective Armato, and this is my partner, Detective Lansbury. We want to talk to the owner about some trouble behind the bar last night." 

Sandy shook Hank's hand and nodded in Emmy's direction. "I'm Sandy, and I own the bar. I gave a statement to the police last night." 

"We know, but we just thought we'd like to clarify a few things. We promise not to take up much of your time." 

Emmy walked to the back of the bar, letting Hank control the conversation with Sandy. She mentally noted the two coffee mugs on the bar top and another closer to the door as she returned to Hank's side. 

"We got an early start this morning. Could I bother you for a cup of coffee while we talk?" Emmy watched Sandy's face as her eyes shifted between the two detectives. She saw Sandy pursing her lips and glance down the bar sideways. 

"Sorry, I haven't made any this morning, but if you'd like, I could make some. It won't take long." 

"No, don't bother. I just thought you might have some since there are coffee mugs on the bar. Guess you didn't have time to clean them up from last night." Emmy smiled and continued to walk the length of the bar, retrieving the single cup where Bruiser had sat. She scanned the liquor bottles and the box. Her mind at once questioned the existence of the expensive black leather bag peeking out between the bottles. 

Emmy returned to Hank's side and chose a stool. She listened and watched as her partner questioned Sandy about the incident. 

"Let's make sure I understood you." Hank flipped the pages of the small notebook he'd been writing in. "It was closing time, and you were cleaning up the bar, right? So, how did you hear the screams coming from down the alley?" 

"I was taking out the trash when I heard Rudy screaming." 

"You recognized him from his screams?" 

"No, I didn't mean that, of course. I didn't know it was Rudy until I got there." 

"The report says you were swinging a bat when the two guys ran out of the shed. Do you always carry a bat when you take out the trash?" 

"No — yes — I mean, it was late and dark." Sandy rubbed her sweaty hands on a bar towel.  

"The report says the victim had a skull fracture, many broken bones, and his face was a mess. Do you think he could have been beaten by a board — or a bat?" Hank waited for her reaction. 

Sandy's face turned bright red, and she snapped at Hank, "Rudy is my friend. I wouldn't hurt him. I know your type. Coming in here and accusing me of hurting my friend." She reached under the bar and let the bat roll across the bar top. "You can check it all you want, but it never touched Rudy. And those two thugs are lucky I couldn't catch them." Sandy took a deep breath. "Now, if you don't mind, I've got work to do." 

Hank nodded to Emmy, and they both headed toward the door. As Emmy swung the door open, Hank stopped and turned back to Sandy. "One last question. How was your visit with Peter Costello this morning?" Hank wasn't sure the guy had been there, but it was worth a shot in the dark. 

Sandy felt an icy shiver run down her spine. "What are you talking about?" Her eyes shifted from Hank to the liquor box and quickly returned. 

"We saw him cruising the area and wondered if he'd had anything to do with last night. Did he visit you?" 

Sandy shook her head. "I wouldn't know anything about Peter Costello's affairs. You'd have to ask him, not me." 

"I just might do that." Hank followed Emmy outside and closed the door behind him, leaving Sandy with a bundle of nerves. 

"She knows something, but I don't believe she was involved in Rudy's beating." Emmy stopped for a moment, watching Hank inspect his car. Her eyebrow arched as she asked, "Is it in one piece?" 

"Yes, it is." Hank grimaced at his partner and then changed the conversation. "As for Sandy, I think she's going to have some sleepless nights. Her problems are just beginning if Costello has his hooks into her. Those coffee cups tell me he was the early bird that got the worm." 

"Yeah, wonder how he was a step ahead of us? Someone is feeding him information." Emmy made a face. "Let's go visit Elizabeth O'Hara." 

************** 

Across town, Cooper wrapped his arm around his trembling mother's shoulders while Andrew examined the mysterious brown-paper-wrapped box on the desk.  

"It's okay, Coop. I'm not certain, but I know Frank received similar boxes from time to time." 

"So, it's not a — a bomb?" Elizabeth shivered, refusing to tear her eyes off the box. "After dad's —" 

"Stop, Mom. We aren't part of that world. Why would anyone want to hurt us?" Cooper sounded far more confident than he really felt. "Andrew, do you know what the other boxes contained or who they were from?" 

"Actually —"  

Before Andrew could finish his sentence, the doorbell rang. All three exchanged looks before Cooper broke the tension and spoke. "You two stay here, and I'll get the door." 

Cooper stared at the two people standing on his front stoop. Hank showed the doctor his badge as he spoke, "Detective Armato and Detective Lansbury, sir. We need to speak to Elizabeth O'Hara. Is she home?"