by Robin Mahle
“We got a pulse!” she said. “Check her vitals!”
The other EMT strapped a cuff around the young woman’s arm. “BP is 170 over 90.”
“Shit. Okay.”
“Pulse ox at 94.” He looked to his partner. “I think she’s going to pull out of it. Just need to get that BP down.”
Kate noticed next to the female paramedic was a vial of Narcan; a nasal spray used to treat overdoses. And it seemed to have worked.
“BP is now 150 over 85.” The man looked to his partner again. “She’s improving.”
Within about a minute, the young woman regained consciousness.
“Miss? I’m Stacy, a paramedic. Can you tell me your name?”
In a groggy voice, she began, “Lori.”
“Lori, can you tell me what you took?”
“Oxy.”
“How much?”
“Two 80s.” She started to blink and looked around. “Is Kevin okay?”
“Who’s Kevin? Is he here?” the paramedic continued.
“No. You need to find him. He took the same thing as me.” She was becoming agitated.
“Lori. I’m going to need you to calm down, okay? We’ll find Kevin. I’m sure he’s fine. But right now, I’m concerned about you.” She turned back to the agents. “Kevin?”
“You taking her to the hospital?” Nick asked.
“Yes. We’ll load her up now.”
“We’ll follow you.” He pulled Quinn and Kate aside. “What are the odds our vic is named Kevin?”
“Pretty damn good, I’d say,” Kate began. “She can tell us where they got the drugs.”
As the EMTs rushed the woman through the glass doors of the hospital, Nick, Kate, and Noah Quinn were close behind in their own vehicle.
“I don’t see the others,” Kate said as she stepped out of the car.
“They aren’t far behind. Once the doctors check her out, we should get the ‘all clear’ to talk to her,” Nick replied.
“Are we going to tell her about her boyfriend?” Quinn asked.
“Not until we know for sure that was him on the side of the road.” Nick checked his cell phone. “Speaking of that, let’s see if Tate can run the plates for an owner.” He made the call, but the chief walked in before it connected. “Good. You’re here. Any chance we can run the plates on the vic’s car?”
“Already ahead of you on that one, Agent Scarborough. Car belongs to an Erin Sadler, fifty-eight-year-old mother of two.”
“Was one of the kids named Kevin Sadler?” Quinn asked.
“Kevin Adams. Ms. Sadler had remarried. You have reason to believe our victim is Kevin?”
“They just brought in the OD, a young woman who said Kevin had taken the same drugs only an hour earlier. That’s too much of a coincidence to not be Kevin Adams.”
“She’ll pull through?” Chief asked.
“They’re treating her now. The EMTs did amazing work bringing her back,” Kate said. “They had Narcan with them.”
“Standard protocol now. What with all the overdose calls we get nowadays.”
“I imagine it has saved a lot of lives.”
“Yes, ma’am. It has.” The chief removed his hat as they made their way inside. “I thought the rest of your team would’ve been here by now.”
“Is the scene secure?” Nick asked.
“My boys are still out there waiting on the tow truck. Once they get that car hauled off out of there, I asked them to meet me here.”
A doctor emerged from the corridor. “Chief Tate.”
“Hey there, Doc. What’s the good word on the OD that just came in?”
“She’s in stable condition. The paramedics saved her life. We’re just making sure she’s hydrated and that she didn’t sustain any injuries, which it doesn’t appear she did, luckily.”
“Do you think we could talk to her? We believe a man, likely her boyfriend, was attacked and killed after taking the same drugs.”
“You think this is tied to your case?”
“It looks like it, Doc. Which is why we really need to speak to her, with your permission,” Nick said.
“I had one of the nurses notify her family. Could be a few minutes to an hour before they arrive. I suggest you speak to her before they do. I’ll take you back.” The doctor stopped and turned toward them again. “Um. I’d prefer it if just one of you goes. Maybe you?” He looked at Kate.
Kate was usually called upon to handle female victims. It was just a comfort thing. “Of course.” She followed him back.
“Just keep it as brief as you can. She still needs to rest.” The doctor opened the door for her. “Hello, Miss Lori. There’s someone here from the FBI who would like to speak with you for just a minute. Would that be all right with you?”
The feeble young woman turned her head to see Kate. “Sure. I guess. Something bad’s happened to Kevin, hasn’t it?”
“I’ll leave you to it,” the doctor said to Kate before leaving.
“Is Kevin your boyfriend?” She approached the woman’s bed.
“Sorta. Wouldn’t call it anything serious, though. Just had a few laughs, got high.” Tears began to stream down her face. “I told him I didn’t want to take those pills. After what y’all said about the bad shit someone was selling. I said I was scared and he said it’d be fine cause he knew them. But it isn’t fine, is it?”
“The car belonged to a woman named Erin Sadler. Do you know her?”
Lori turned away as tears spilled down her cheeks. “That’s his momma’s car. He was driving it when he dropped me off.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“That psycho killer found him, didn’t he? Someone beat the shit out of him? Just like all the others?” She began to sob harder. “How? I don’t understand. How could you let this happen?”
“We’re still trying to find answers for you, Lori,” Kate continued. “But right now, it would be really helpful if you could tell me where Kevin got the drugs.”
Lori was hesitant, or afraid of retribution. Difficult to know for sure.
“It’s okay. We won’t let anyone hurt you. But we need to stop this person. We don’t want anyone else harmed the way you were, or Kevin. Please. If you know who it is, you need to tell me.” Kate placed her hand atop the woman’s. “This needs to end, Lori. And you can help us.”
Lori swallowed hard and looked Kate directly in the eyes. “He only got them from two people. He didn’t say which one it was this time, but it was either Billy Horton or the Floyds.”
“Lynn and John Floyd?”
She nodded.
“Thank you, Lori. I’ll let you get some rest.” Kate pushed through the door and walked with determination back into the lobby. “The Floyds. It was the Floyds.”
“That’s what she said?” The chief appeared shocked.
“She said it was either a guy named Billy Horton or Lynn and John Floyd.” She looked to Quinn. “We need to bring them both in.”
16
Convincing a kind-hearted chief of police that the people in his town, people he trusted, might be the root cause of a murderous rampage was proving difficult and frustrating for the seasoned agents. Chief Tate’s refusal to accept the Floyds played any part in the deaths of now six people in his town would hinder their progress at the expense of the citizens of Crown Pointe.
“Chief, I understand what a shock this must be for you, but the longer we sit here, the less our chances become of bringing in the Floyds, or this Billy Horton. Word will reach them and they’ll be in the wind.” Nick’s stance was unwavering. The time to act was now.
“Where are the Floyds going to go? They don’t have money.”
“I’m sure they must, if what the girl said is true,” Quinn replied. “Agent Scarborough is right. You brought us in to help and now we have a legitimate lead and we have to follow through on it. Lives are still at stake. Do you really want to sit on this?”
Slocum peered at his boss. “They’re right, Chief. As much as I hate to admit it.
Just seems downright mindboggling. But we got no other choice.” He placed his hand on the chief’s shoulder and looked to Lazaro for backup.
“I agree. The sooner the better,” Lazaro said.
“Well, shit. So everyone’s against me?”
“We’re not against you, Chief,” Kate began. “We’re following the only lead we have. The time is now.”
He eyed each and every person in that room. Every Federal agent and his own men. They all had the same look. They were right and he was wrong. “Bring ‘em in, then. I guess hell has frozen over if the Floyds would do something like this after losing their own child to drugs.”
With renewed conviction, Nick began, “We’ll split up. Walsh and Duncan, find this Horton kid and contact Agent Ness. He’ll want in on this. Reid and Quinn can go to the Floyds’ home and Fisher, you and I can go to Lynn Floyd’s workplace. Cover all our bases.”
“Now just hold up a minute,” Tate began. “Look, I know y’all got more authority than I have, but these are my people. I’ll send my men to get them.”
“It’s your investigation, Chief. If that’s what you want, we’ll stay here, but you’re risking one of them slipping through your fingers,” Nick replied. “We have the manpower to tackle this quickly and efficiently.”
“This is what I want. Shane, you and Eric go see if Mr. Floyd is home. I’ll go check the school for Mrs. Floyd.”
“And Billy Horton?” Lazaro asked.
Tate seemed to realize that he was, in fact, short-handed. “Scarborough, I’ll let you send two of your people to find him.”
“Will do.” Nick watched them leave. “At least he’s bringing them in. I thought we might have a real problem brewing.”
“We’ll still need to search the Floyd property,” Fisher said. “I’m scared shitless they’re going to trample over evidence, just like at the scene earlier.”
“When they get back, I’ll suggest we search the home while they’re busy questioning the Floyds. Right now, let’s get on the horn to Ness. Walsh, I want you and Duncan to find Billy Horton.”
The middle-aged woman behind the front desk of the high school lobby appeared surprised to see the chief of police walk through the door. “Why, Chief Tate, what are you doing here? Everything all right?”
“Morning, Ms. Abigail. Can you tell me if Mrs. Floyd is here today?”
“Well, I believe so. She’s been here every day this week. Why?”
“You think I could have a word with her?” The chief took pause. “Actually, you reckon you could tell me where she’s at right now? I don’t need to disrupt anything you’re doing. I can find her if you just point the way.”
“Sure.” The woman looked at the clock on the wall. “She should be cleaning up from lunch. You’ll find her in the cafeteria. You sure I can’t get her for you? Wouldn’t be any trouble at all.”
“Thank you, no. I’ll catch up to her.” The chief left and made his way toward the cafeteria. He wanted to avoid run-ins with anyone else for fear of questions. Inconspicuous, he was not, and the only way you’d miss him was if your eyes were closed. The sooner he could get in, the sooner he could get her out, and hopefully, with little notice and few tongues wagging in his aftermath.
The cafeteria was just ahead and he peered inside the window. It was empty. Lunch was over. The heels of his cowboy boots clicked on the old linoleum floor as he walked toward the kitchen area. He pushed through a swinging door and spotted the ladies cleaning up dishes and mopping the floor. That was when he saw Lynn Floyd, hunched over a mop and bucket, not realizing he’d entered. “Afternoon, ladies.” He tipped his hat.
Lynn turned and her face masked in fear. She dropped the mop and eyed the door.
“You aren’t fixin’ to do anything stupid, Ms. Lynn, are you? You mind coming with me to the station for a quick word?”
With a cracked voice, she began, “Well, what’s this all about, then? I can’t just leave work.”
“I’m afraid I wasn’t really asking for permission. We just need to clear up a few things. Won’t take long.”
She eyed the other ladies, noticing they were looking at her like she was guilty of something. Like maybe murder. “I suppose if it’s only a short while. No harm in that.” She leaned the mop against a wall and tugged at her shirt. “I just need to collect my bag, if it’s all the same to you.”
He extended his arm. “After you.”
Deputies Slocum and Lazaro arrived at the Floyd home and approached the door.
“You think he’s home?” Lazaro asked.
“No. I think he’s having afternoon tea at the Rainbow Room. Of course he’s home. The man ain’t got no job.”
“All right.” He raised his hands in surrender. “What’s gotten into you?”
“Nothing.” Slocum knocked on the screen door. “Mr. Floyd? It’s Eric Slocum. You mind opening the door, please?”
“I don’t hear anything,” Lazaro continued.
“Give him a minute. He don’t get around all that well. Christ.” Slocum waited for a few more seconds before knocking again. “John? You in there? We just need to ask you some questions.”
A crash sounded, startling the deputies.
“What the hell was that?” Lazaro placed his hand on his gun.
Slocum wasted no time drawing his own weapon. “John? You okay in there? I’m gonna need you to open this door or we’ll have to force our way inside. I know you don’t want me busting this door down.”
“You think he fell?”
Slocum eyed Lazaro with some contempt. “Just get ready. I think we’re gonna have to bust our way inside.” He pounded on the door again. “Mr. Floyd, this is the last time I’m gonna ask. Open the door now!”
“I don’t think he’s gonna let us in.”
“Son of a bitch.” Slocum took a few steps back. “Get back. I’m gonna kick it in.” He pulled open the screen and kicked the door with all the force he could muster. His days as a star athlete in high school were paying off. The door splintered from its frame and swung open.
The deputies walked inside with Slocum leading the way, gun drawn. “John? Now we just want to talk. Where are you?”
“In here, you damn fools. I ain’t armed. I’m hurt is all.”
“Shit.” Slocum holstered his weapon and walked into the kitchen where John Floyd lay on the floor.
“Holy hell, are you okay, John?” Slocum knelt down and began checking for injuries.
“I’m fine. I fell down. I heard you knocking and I was pouring a cup of coffee. Spilled the damn thing and slipped on it.” He looked at the deputies. “What the hell is going on, anyway? Why you here?”
“Come help me pull him up,” Slocum said.
“Oh, right.” Lazaro joined him and the two hoisted the large man and placed him in a kitchen chair. “We’re so sorry, Mr. Floyd. We heard a crash. Must’ve been that coffee pot. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine. Just bruised my ego more than anything.” He adjusted himself into the chair. “Now, you mind telling me why you boys are here?”
“The chief would like to have a word. We need to take you to the station. Can you walk?” Lazaro replied.
“Course I can walk. I ain’t an invalid. Why does he want to talk? I don’t understand.”
“He’ll explain more when we get there,” Slocum replied.
“Well, I’ll need to leave a note for Lynnie. She’ll worry if I’m not here when she gets home from work.”
“John, she’s probably already at the station by now.” Slocum offered his hand. “I’ll help you up.”
The deputies returned to find Lynn Floyd sitting at a desk with the chief on the other side and the head FBI guy behind him. Their arrival was quickly noted when John Floyd became agitated.
“Lynnie? What are you doing here? Would someone mind explaining to me what the hell is going on right now? Chief?”
“It’s okay, John. Everything’s going to be fine. I just need you to sit down an
d we’ll explain everything.”
He pulled away from the deputies. “I will not.”
Fisher was near the entrance and watched the dust-up, ready to draw down if the situation got out of hand.
“Whoa, whoa, now,” Tate said. “Let’s just settle down. There’s no need for this.”
Fisher looked at Nick for direction.
“It’s okay. He’s not going to hurt anyone. Let’s all just calm down and talk this through. Mrs. Floyd, you want to tell your husband everything is okay?”
She turned around to face him. “They think we’re drug dealers, John. Just sit down before you get yourself shot.”
“What in the world?” he replied. “Drug dealers? You think you people might ought to be on the lookout for the murderer running loose in this town?”
“That’s exactly what we’re trying to do, Mr. Floyd. But we’d like to ask you some questions,” Nick said. “Quinn, you and Reid better head over to the house now.”
“What? My house?” Lynn said. “You can’t just waltz into my home. You gotta have some sort of warrant or something. Ain’t that right, Chief?”
“Ma’am, we have a warrant.” Kate retrieved the document.
“Fisher, I’d like you stay with me. Ness should be here soon. Quinn, find out if Walsh and Duncan tracked down our other lead. If not, have them meet you at the Floyd residence to expedite the search.”
“You got it.”
“No. You can’t. We ain’t done nothing wrong,” John said.
“Then there’s nothing for you to worry about, Mr. Floyd.”
“What should we do, Chief?” Slocum asked. “This don’t feel right. Should I go with them?”
Tate eyed the only other man in the room who anyone was taking orders from, Agent Scarborough. “You got a problem if I send one of mine?”
“No problem, Chief.”
“Lazaro can stay here. Slocum, go with them. You know the way anyhow.”
“Well, all right, then. Let’s go.” Slocum pushed through the doors and the others followed. “I’m driving.”
“Y’all really think the Floyds are murderers and drug dealers?” Slocum pulled out of the station and headed toward the Floyd home. “You do know their daughter died of an overdose?”