His Good Deeds (Kate Reid Thrillers Book 13)

by Robin Mahle

  “Fingers crossed. Talk soon.” Surrey ended the call. “Blonde or light hair. Skinny build. Could be driving a white car.”

  “How are we going to see what he drives?” Tillis asked.

  “I’m not sure, but Reid says this blonde guy ran into Sienna Page and her friends outside. If it’s our guy, we might see him reaching for her phone. That could have been how he got to her.”

  “Excuse me, but what about this guy?” Simon pointed to the screen. “He’s got light hair and looks kind of skinny.”

  Tillis returned his gaze to the monitor. “Do you recognize him? Is he a regular?”

  Simon shook his head. “Not that I’m aware of. But I don’t know, just based on what you guys just said, he looks suspicious to me.”

  “Freeze that video, would you?” Surrey asked. “Then pull up your exterior footage. I want to see if this was the same guy who ran into our victim.”

  “Whatever you need.” Simon went to work retrieving the footage in question. “Like I said, it’s just the outside frontage and a little bit of the street. But I know my neighbors on both sides also use CCTV. You might have some luck there too.”

  “That guy right there.” Surrey pointed to the screen. “He’s just standing there.”

  “He’s not the same one from inside,” Tillis replied.

  “No, but he’s lurking. Just hang on. We might see him make a move. There’s the victim and her friends,” Surrey continued. “Come on. Come on, asshole. Show yourself.” His pulse quickened. “That’s it! That’s him. He nearly mowed them down before he grabbed her. Right there. You see how he’s taking her by the arm and helping her up? I can’t see it clearly, but he could be doing something with the phones. I don’t know enough about it, but he matches the friend’s description.”

  Tillis narrowed his brow as he gazed at the screen. “We can’t jump the gun yet. If we can find this guy anywhere around the other crime scenes, we might have a break here.”

  Why had it seemed that government workers were never happy in their jobs? Was it that they dealt with the public who generally despised visiting government offices? Probably. Was it that the public always saw them as lazy and unwilling to put in any effort? Yeah. So, when Adelaide Johnson called the next number, she expected the customer to already be angry at having waited for God knew how long. “Number 219D, Number 219D,” she called out.

  Danny King confirmed that was his number and approached her. “Here you go.”

  Adelaide viewed the ticket. “Take a seat, sir. How may I help you?”

  Danny sat down. “I’m here to file a petition for adult guardianship of my sister, Melanie King.”

  She held out her hand in a silent request for his paperwork. “Thank you.” Adelaide flipped through the pages, scanning each one to ensure they’d been filled out properly. “Your paystubs?”

  “Oh, right.” Danny handed over his proof of employment. “I’ve worked for them for two years.”

  She grunted and continued reviewing the paperwork. “Mr. King, it appears that you have everything filled out correctly.”

  A smile appeared on his lips as he watched her key in something on her computer. “Great.”

  “However, based on what I’m seeing in the system, it appears a court date won’t be available for 12 weeks.” She looked at him and watched his face turn sour.

  “12 weeks. I’m supposed to let my sister rot in some shitty state facility for 12 weeks because you don’t have a court date sooner than that.”

  “I’m very sorry, Mr. King. Family courts are always backed up. But you should know this looks to be a fairly cut and dry case. I don’t foresee any issues,” she added.

  “You don’t see any issues?” Danny’s face reddened. “Well, I do. No way in hell I’m letting them keep my sister there for 3 months. Are you shitting me right now?”

  “Mr. King, please don’t use that kind of language.” This was what Adelaide had come to expect. It was hardly her fault the courts were backlogged, but people didn’t care. She was the punching bag and was about to get walloped.

  Danny stood up hard, knocking over his chair. “You need to expedite this shit. No way am I waiting that long. I’ll pay whatever. Just do it.”

  “I’m sorry, that’s not an option. I wish I could do more for you…”

  “No you don’t. You don’t give a shit.” Danny’s voice raised as people set their eyes on him. “None of you give a shit.”

  “Sir, I’m going to have to call security.” Adelaide picked up the phone.

  “Don’t bother.” He stormed toward the exit but stopped and turned back. “This is your fault. Bitch.” He shoved open the doors and marched outside. “This isn’t happening. No way. I won’t let you sit there for three months. Not a chance in hell.”

  Kate slipped behind the wheel and pressed the ignition. “They both have the same story. That’s a good sign.”

  Duncan buckled her seatbelt. “It’s still a long way from bumping into someone to blowing up their car and killing them.”

  “I know, but it’s a starting point. Surrey said they were heading back to the field office with a copy of the surveillance footage. We have a face, now we need to find a name.”

  “All we can do is push it through the facial recognition program and hope the guy’s in the system somewhere,” Duncan replied.

  Kate continued toward Downtown Pittsburgh where they would meet with the rest of the team. “Have you talked to Fisher today?”

  “Talked to him last night. We should probably update him now that we have a possible lead on the unsub.”

  “Do you think Surrey should run with that?” Kate asked.

  “Why? You’re the lead profiler, Kate. And you’re senior to him.”

  “You’re senior to me,” she added. “I guess I’m still trying to figure out the chain of command here.”

  “We all work for Cam. If you want to update him, I have no problem with that. I doubt Surrey will either. Besides, he’s starting to grow on me.”

  “Me too. The other day he actually asked my advice on something personal. Could’ve knocked me over with a feather I was so surprised,” Kate said.

  “He’s a tough nut to crack, but after the way he stepped aside, insisting that the job should’ve been yours. Well, he earned my respect,” Duncan added.

  “He also thought I should’ve been taken off the Lehmann case after being held hostage.” Kate glanced at her, waiting for a reply that never came. “Eva? Did you agree with him?”

  “It was months ago, Kate. We were right in the thick of it and you were almost killed. While I didn’t agree with his approach, it was probably the right call.”

  “Fisher didn’t think so,” Kate replied.

  “I know. And I don’t always agree with him either. Look, it’s over now and you’re in the role that should’ve been yours a long time ago. But I still think it would be worth your time to get it all off your chest. I didn’t know you when the Hendrickson thing went down, but from what Scarborough said in the past, after he came over to Unit 4, it sounded pretty damn horrifying. Sometimes I look at you and I wonder how you keep your shit together at all.”

  “I push it down so deep; it can never see the light of day again.” Kate chuckled and noticed the look on Duncan’s face. “Yeah, I know. I know you’re right. If I feel as though my head isn’t in the game, that I can’t back up my team, I’ll do something about it. I won’t risk anyone’s safety because of my own stubbornness.”

  The car was silent for a moment longer as Kate spotted the field office in the distance. “By the way, how are things with Cam? Did you two cut the cord?”

  Eva eyed her.

  “Didn’t think so. Hey, it doesn’t bother me. I won’t say a damn word. Just watch your back.”

  “What do you mean?” Duncan asked.

  Kate pulled into the parking lot and cut the engine. “I mean, it’ll be you who suffers, not Cam, if things go south. He’s the senior unit agent now. And Eva, you�
��re the toughest agent I’ve had the pleasure to work with, I know you won’t let your personal life get in the way. It’s just, well, consider Scarborough and me a cautionary tale.”

  Duncan opened her car door. “I know we have some decisions to make. I’m just not sure I’m ready to make them.”

  They headed toward the entrance and Duncan placed a hand on Kate’s back. “I’m glad I have you as a partner, Reid.”

  “Same goes for me.” Kate pushed through the entrance and started toward Tillis’s office when they noticed Surrey in the hall. “Any luck with facial recognition?”

  “Good timing. Follow me. Tillis just teed it up for us.” He turned on his heel and started toward the office again. “Been a busy morning for everyone. I think it was worth the legwork.” Surrey walked into the office. “Look who I found.”

  “Perfect,” Tillis replied. “I have forensics running facial recognition now. That’ll take some time, but if you want to take a look at the security footage, you can see who it is we’re aiming our sights on.”

  Tillis played the video. “We’ll cross-reference this video with the footage from the crime scenes and look for a match. Fingers crossed, he’ll be in the system.”

  Kate peered at the video. “That is the man Gina described.” She looked at Duncan. “What do you think?”

  “Oh, it’s him. Whether he’s our bomber, I have no idea.”

  11

  During Nick Scarborough’s tenure at the Bureau, his caseload ran the gamut. He considered himself a seasoned agent and had the confidence to accept the position inside BAU-2 when Unit Chief Cole suggested it. However, it was clear not all on his team had that same confidence. He’d heard the rumors. He was one of Cole’s favorites. He’d run high-profile cases that brought positive media attention to the Bureau and that was why he had been chosen. What they hadn’t known was that this was Nick’s last-ditch effort at redemption. Cole knew it. Everyone inside Unit 4 knew it, even his wife. So when he assessed the latest case file with his new team, not only was Nick’s job on the line, but so was his legacy.

  His team was asked to assist the New York Field Office in their investigation after a widespread server outage left a major bank exposed to theft. The last time Nick had worked with that field office was when they tracked down a celebrity killer who liked to travel. That was long before his move to Unit 2, and before Noah Quinn was placed there. The good news was that Quinn wasn’t running this investigation.

  “Organized crime is our primary target.” Nick eyed his team as they reviewed the case file. “The bank is already working to close the security flaw and track down the origins of the hack. We’ll be working alongside Interpol to look at the usual suspects. Ukraine, Russia, possibly Chinese syndicates. As we know, there’s been a major shift in targets from individuals to large corporations and government infrastructure. Reach out to your people. Find someone who’s willing to talk. Let’s also give the field office everything we have on rising hacker groups looking to stand out.” Nick’s phone buzzed and he quickly peered at the message. “That’s all for now. Thanks.”

  He gathered his files and looked again at the message. This was what he’d been waiting for. An old friend pulled strings to get Nick an appointment with the undersecretary at the Director of National Intelligence office. The NSA fell under their charge and it was someone inside that organization who helped Theo Bishop flee to Mexico.

  Nick started toward his office with his phone at his ear. “Walsh, it’s me. I just got the okay to meet with him.” He nodded. “This afternoon. He’s giving me 15 minutes. I’m heading out now and I’ll let you know how it goes. If we can find out who scrubbed those logs…” He smiled. “That’s right. We’ll find the agent who told him to do it.” He paused a moment. “Sounds good. I’ll be in touch the moment I leave his office.” Nick ended the call.

  A quick drive into D.C. to the DNI office and then he had 15 minutes to plead his case. The plan had been for Nick to stay above the fray in order to keep his hands clean. But he was never good at delegation, nor was Levi Walsh. As both ventured deeper into the rabbit hole, there was no telling how much farther they would have to go to hit bottom.

  Nick pulled his Lexus SUV into the parking garage at the DNI offices and headed toward the building. He caught the elevator up to see the man who was twice removed from the top. It was the equivalent of going to see Unit Chief Cole’s boss’s boss. Nick had done plenty of elbow-rubbing during his tenure but never with high-ranking officials in a presidential administration.

  “Afternoon.” Nick arrived at the security desk. “I have an appointment with Undersecretary Grisham. Senior Unit Agent Nicolas Scarborough, BAU Quantico.”

  The security officer viewed his credentials. “Put everything in the bin and walk through the metal detector, please.”

  Nick walked through and waited on the other side.

  “Thank you, Agent Scarborough. The admin desk is straight ahead.”

  Nick returned a nod and headed to the desk. “Agent Scarborough here to see Undersecretary Grisham.”

  The man peered at a monitor. “I see your name here. I’ll have someone take you up.” He waved over another security officer. “Agent Scarborough has an appointment with the undersecretary.”

  “I’ll take him up.” He turned to Nick. “Right this way, sir.”

  Nick followed as he felt the red tape begin to wrap around him until they arrived at the third-floor office.

  With a knock, the officer opened the door. “Mr. Undersecretary, FBI Agent Scarborough is here to see you.”

  “Show him in. Thank you.” Grisham stood and adjusted his suit jacket. “Agent Scarborough. Thanks for coming over.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  A tall, reedy man, Grisham looked younger than Nick would’ve expected for someone who held such a senior position. “Have a seat, Agent Scarborough. You’re here regarding a situation at the NSA.”

  “Yes, sir. As I mentioned to one of your staff, this is regarding an old investigation that we’re trying to close out.”

  “Of course. Unit Chief Cole sent you, is that right?”

  This was the sticky part. Cole hadn’t sent him. No one had. However, if this got out and Cole learned just exactly how Nick got his intel, he might not see the well-placed reasoning behind the decision. It would be made worse were Nick to make no progress on this and for Grisham to call Cole himself. The ice had thinned considerably, and Nick had to decide just how far to walk out on it. “He’s aware of what I’m working on and I have his blessing.” The lie hung in the air while Grisham appeared to consider the request.

  “As the senior unit agent at BAU-2, I know you have the highest level of security clearance. However, the people under your charge…”

  “I’ll be the only one viewing the records, sir,” Nick cut in.

  Grisham pulled up closer to his desk and his face turned serious. “I do need you to understand one very important item, Agent Scarborough. What I’m doing here, I’m doing as a favor to someone who I’ve been looking to return said favor for a while. Frankly, I couldn’t care less who at the Bureau you’re after. And don’t insult me by insisting I’ve misread your intent. If anyone at the NSA or the DNI is exposed for helping you or becomes involved in any way, understand that you will be the one who I point the finger at. Am I making myself clear?”

  “Crystal, sir.”

  Grisham nodded. “Then I’ll grant your request. And I expect you and I will have no further dealings.”

  “None at all, sir,” Nick replied.

  “Then I’ll make the call and get you the files you need delivered via secure server.”

  “Thank you, sir. I appreciate your cooperation.” Nick stood. “When might I expect the files?”

  “Within the hour, Agent Scarborough. Is that soon enough?”

  “It is, sir. Thank you.”

  This wasn’t how a 22-year-old was supposed to live his life. Scraping by while the system worked for everyone el
se. But not him. Not Danny King. He tried to level the playing field. Going after those who the system paid off in spades. And not one of them appreciated what they had. Not one of them did anything to help people like him.

  Now, as he sat in front of the government building, reeling from the news that he would have to wait 12 weeks for a court date, he knew an example must be made. What he was doing wasn’t working. It was like using a scalpel when he needed a hunting knife. But caution was in order because if he changed up his method dramatically, he might slip up and get caught. And then he would never get Mel back. She would live out her days in some shitty government-run home. But maybe he could make a bigger splash without the added risks. Go after higher-value targets. Still accomplishing his objective but making them all stand up and take notice.

  Danny had seen the news stories. He’d done exactly the right things. Never taking too many risks but reaping the rewards. Hell, they even called him Robinhood. “Take from the rich and give to the poor.” He laughed.

  That wasn’t exactly what was happening but what did Danny care? The public loved what he was doing, even if they wouldn’t admit it. They hated the rich, the arrogant, the ones who looked down their noses at the rest of them just as much as he did.

  He keyed the ignition of his car and pulled away from the building. It was time to up his game. Make his case so the people could see the targets for who they were. Just more in a long line of takers.

  A small gun shop was located several miles away on the other side of town. If he was going to up his game, then he needed more supplies. He parked his car and pulled on his baseball hat and sunglasses because gun shops had cameras, and lots of them.

  Danny opened the door and the little bell on top jingled as he walked inside. A couple of customers shuffled around looking at the sporting guns on display. The handguns were near the cashier inside a locked glass case. Each one had its own security tag.