Page 127 of Forever Dead

“I found a real hazard.”

“You found what you wanted.”

Connor dialed.

A deputy from the state fire marshal's office arrived forty minutes later.

Connor stayed out of the way while the inspection was conducted. The deputy photographed the obstructed rear exit and measured the remaining clearance. Storage had also narrowed another required escape route near the kitchen. A recently installed electrical extension crossed a service area without adequate protection, and one extinguisher inspection tag was out of date.

The deputy returned to the rear corridor and studied the kegs, delivery crates and folded highchairs.

“A room full of customers wouldn't get through here safely in a fire,” he said.

The owner folded his arms. “I'll move the stuff.”

“You need to clear both routes.”

“I said I'll move it.”

The deputy called his supervisor, described the obstructed escape routes and confirmed his written authorisation from the state fire marshal to issue an emergency closure order. Connor waited near the bar while the deputy completed and signed the order.

The owner followed him back into the bar.

“This can all be fixed today,” he said.

“Some of it can. The exit routes need clearing, and the electrical hazard needs correcting. I also need to verify the work before the public comes back in.”

“You're closing me?”

“The emergency order closes the premises to the public until the hazards have been corrected and we've completed a reinspection.”

“When can you do that?”

“The earliest I can arrange is tomorrow morning. The order explains the violations and how you can challenge it.”

The owner stared at the paper.

“You're serious.”

“I am. You'll need to ask your customers to leave.”

The owner turned on Connor. “You happy?”

“No.”

“Bullshit.”

Connor said nothing.

The inspector continued explaining what had to be corrected and how a reinspection could be arranged. Connor heard only pieces of it.

The owner jabbed a finger toward him. “I’ll fight this.”

“You should fix the hazards first,” Connor said.

“You walk in here because Morimer wants me gone and suddenly I’ve got inspectors crawling over the place.”

“I told you, I don’t work for Morimer.”