by Mary Eason
The senior officer had suspected something other than a little interrogation had taken place between his partner and Jordan in that hospital room. After all, he knew Riley well enough to know that flushed expression on his face had nothing to do with his obvious dislike for Santiago. Still, Frank hadn’t pressed for answers. He’d just tossed Riley a half-dozen curious looks on the ride over to the station.
“It doesn’t look good that’s for sure.” Riley eyed the two men standing arrow-straight in the lieutenant’s office. He recognized one of them right away.
Riley opened the door for Frank, but his partner held back, letting him take the lead.
“Detective Donovan, Detective Burbeck, this is Agent Thomas and Agent Ramirez with the FBI.” Lieutenant Sam Parker made the brief introductions.
Ramirez, the younger of the two, appeared momentarily surprised. “I know the name. Your reputation with at Bureau was legendary. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Detective Donovan.”
Riley knew Thomas only too well, but he’d never met the younger agent. He thought of Deb and wondered if perhaps she might be the common link.
Ramirez shook their hands. Thomas did not. It was clear Thomas was senior officer. A tall man with a buzz cut and hard brown eyes, Thomas looked as if he still spent most of his time in a gym. Some things never changed. The man was all about appearances. He’d been Riley’s senior officer at the Bureau. They’d butted heads from the beginning. Thomas was a self-important prick, and the worst excuse for a leader Riley’d ever seen. Riley’d had the pleasure of telling Thomas so before he left the Bureau.
Agent Thomas spared them a brief nod.
“Agents Thomas and Ramirez are here about the Scott case.” The LT didn’t really need to add that last part. Riley’d pretty much figured that out on his own.
“Here it comes,” Frank whispered out of the side of his mouth. He and Riley swapped a quick glance. They’d both known it was only a matter of time before their homicide became part of a bigger federal investigation. It had to with Santiago’s possible involvement. But the kid was barely cold.
“Let me guess,” Frank intercepted aloud. “We’re off the case.”
Agent Thomas sized Frank up for a minute. “That’s right, detective. We need all your notes right away.”
“Lieu, you can’t be serious.” It galled Riley to no end to lose one to the Feds. Mostly because he knew the cavalier attitude that went with the mindset. He and Frank had already begun to examine the evidence from the scene. Trying to link Santiago to the weapon wouldn’t be easy, but this was their investigation. Thanks to Agent Thomas, it probably would end up in some cold case file somewhere.
His thoughts went to the sister. She hadn’t been faking her reaction to hearing the few sketchy details he’d given about her brother’s murder. No one could fake that much grief. She’d been overwhelmed by it. Jordan Scott wasn’t involved in her brother’s death. He wondered again how she’d ended up engaged to someone of Santiago’s caliber. What had gone wrong between her and Caesar? Whatever it was, he planned to pursue the angle. His gut told him she knew something.
Something important to the case.
“I am serious, Donovan. I expect your complete cooperation. The two of you will turn over whatever you have on the case so far to Agent Thomas and Ramirez.”
“LT, this is our case. We’ll solve it. We just need more time. It’s only been a couple of hours.”
“Detective, the Scott murder is no longer your concern.” Thomas turned to Riley. “You’re off the case. Let it go.”
Riley ignored Thomas’ remarks entirely. “Lieu, since when does the FBI have jurisdiction on a homicide.”
“Lieutenant,” Agent Thomas exclaimed, clearly infuriated by Riley’s remarks.
Too bad, Riley thought. He wasn’t about to let Jordan down simply because the Feds wanted to make a name for themselves by nailing a major drug cartel member like Caesar Santiago.
The lieutenant held up a hand anticipating Thomas’ argument. “You’re off the case Donovan and that’s it. Do as I ask for once.”
Agent Thomas had a smug look plastered on his face, which could only pass for a smile. He and Ramirez left the lieutenant’s office with a final parting, “I’ll expect the files on my desk today, detectives.”
“Lieu…” Riley knew it was pointless, but he had to make one final attempt.
“Donovan, I don’t want to hear it. My hands are tied. This came down from the Chief himself. Get your notes together and whatever you do, don’t use Johnson to deliver the paperwork to the Feds this time. I’m still hearing about his last screw up. ” Lieutenant Sam Parker’s stone cold expression never changed. The man was notorious from breaking down the most hardened perps.
No one could forget how pissed the LT had been. Johnson was the lucky one. He’d gotten off easy with a few days of desk duty. Riley and Frank had suffered most of the Lieu’s wrath.
It took only a second for Riley to get the LT’s message loud and clear. He’d just given them the unspoken go-ahead to stay on the case for at least a little while longer.
“You two have something else to say, Donovan?” the Lieu snapped.
“No. No, we’re good.” They filed out of the office without another word.
Riley waited until they were back at their desks and out of the Lieu’s hearing. “How the hell you figure the FBI got wind of this thing so soon.”
“Are you kidding? They’ve probably been watching the kid for a while.”
“Yeah? And why would the Bureau be interested in a kid like that. By all practical purposes, he looks like your stereotypical boy-next-door.” Riley slipped into his chair and got out his notes on the case.
“Except what’s the boy-next-door doing in that neighborhood?”
Riley scanned his notes. Frank was right. That little detail had bugged him from the beginning. On impulse, he typed Jeremy Scott’s name into the police database. It didn’t take long to find what he was looking for. “The kid got popped six months ago for possession. Funny thing is, the charges just disappeared.”
“Holy crap.” Burbeck leaned over Riley’s shoulder, squinting as he read the report. “They turned him into a CI? Why? What could he possibly know beyond association that the Feds would be interested in?”
“I don’t know, but the connection to Santiago is no coincidence.” Riley shut the computer screen off. “Whatever it is, I’m betting it will prove to be the key to solving this case. I know someone at the Bureau. I figure we’ve got twenty-four hours tops before Thomas starts screaming.”
Frank held up both hands. “Whoa bubba…I know what you’re thinking, but no way. Forget it. I’m telling you for your own good, let it go.”
To say his partner’s reaction surprised him was an understatement. Riley expected more from the man. Burbeck had a reputation for being ruthless when it came to ferreting out information. He didn’t care who he pissed off if it meant solving a case. “Frank, we owe it to kid’s sister to do everything we can to bring her brother’s killer to justice.” Riley’d made a promise to Jordan he didn’t intend to break.
“Buddy, we just caught the case. We don’t even have a single legitimate lead yet other than the kid was probably in the area scoring some drugs. With all due respect, we don’t owe anyone anything.”
Riley scrubbed a hand over his eyes. Sure, in his head, he knew what Frank said was true. But still…
“You’re not in the least bit curious why the FBI’s getting involved in this thing? Come on, Frank, that’s not like you. Besides, my gut tells me the sister knows something.”
“You sure it’s your gut talking?” His partner tossed him a knowing smile. Riley refused to take the bait. “Look,” Frank blew out a frustrated breath then plopped down into his squeaky chair. “I agree with you, bubba, I do. Which is all the more reason why this thing reeks. Something’s screwed up here. Something we don’t need to know about if we wanna sleep at night. You gotta let it go, pallie. Know when you�
��re beat. Let the FBI handle it.”
It surprised Riley that his mentor would be willing to give up so easily. “Well, maybe you can let it go, but I’m not giving up on this one, Frank. I can’t. I made a promise to the sister.”
Frank studied him carefully for another beat or two. “Okay, partner, now you’re just talking crazy.” When Riley didn’t respond, Frank added, “Riley, I respect the hell out of your determination and you know I thought your old man hung the moon, but I can’t back you up on this one.”
Burbeck leaned closer and lowered his voice. “I’m sorry, but I’ve only got a few years left before I retire full pension. I can’t afford to lose that.” He narrowed a look at Riley that sent a chill down his spine. “Crossing the Feds is bad business. I say, be glad we got out from under this albatross. Stay out of it, Donovan.”
Riley didn’t know what to say to the man who’d always been ten foot tall and bullet proof in his mind. So Frank Burbeck was human after all.
“Maybe you should take some days off,” Burbeck was saying. “You must have several weeks’ time stashed away by now between vacation and sick time. In the years we’ve worked together, you’ve never taken a single day off. Go visit your old man in Florida for a while. Lay on the beach. Find yourself a woman. Do whatever it takes, but get over this case. Get her out of your head and wherever else she’s hanging out. For all our sakes, bubba, let it go.”
Riley got to his feet, retrieved his weapon from the locked drawer, and holstered it.
He understood where Frank was coming from. Not too long ago, his old man had faced the same dilemma. The moment you realize you’re not invincible you become vulnerable. “You may not be willing to go out on a limb to solve a case anymore, Frank, but I am. I plan to work this one until I’m forced off of it.”
“Where are you going, bubba?” Frank demanded.
“I’m going to find out why the Feds are so interested in our case. Then I’m paying the sister a visit -- find out what she knows.”
“You gonna force her to talk? Or you got other things in mind?” When Riley didn’t answer, Frank push on. “Bubba, don’t do it. You’ll be hindering a federal investigation. They’ll have your badge for this.” Burbeck called after him but Riley didn’t listen.
He’d left the squad room and reached his pickup truck before the extent of his actions caught up with him. Frank would keep his mouth shut – at least as long as it didn’t affect his job, but what did he really expect to gain here? Why was he pushing so hard to keep this case? After all, what did he really know about Jordan Scott. beyond a kiss. A look. And what might all add up to just a brief lapse in judgment. Maybe she was involved in whatever trouble had gotten her brother murdered? And if not, even if she knew anything, chances are Santiago would find a way to suppress it. He looked like the type to have his attorney on speed dial. He’d probably spun enough lies by now to convince the good doctor to clam up tight.
Still that didn’t stop him from trying her cell phone. When the call went straight to voicemail he guessed she’d turned the phone off. He could only imagine what she was going through. He dared not leave a message on the phone in case Santiago were monitoring her calls and he doubted she would want to return home to the apartment she and Jeremy shared. Santiago might be the devil, but even the devil was better company than being alone with memories that had to be unbearable for her.
Instead, he dialed her office and left his number asking her to call him the moment she got the message.
While he might not be able to talk to Jordan just yet, he could get some idea why the FBI wanted the case so bad if only for his own peace of mind.
Agent Debra Martin clearly wasn’t thrilled to hear from him again when she finally answered his call after the sixth ring. Not that he could blame her. They hadn’t left things between them on the best of terms the last time they’d talked. He still remembered that awkward silence the morning after they’d made the mistake of screwing up their friendship by sleeping together.
“Deb -- Riley. What’s new in Fed Land?”
A chilly silence greeted his attempt at humor. “Aw, cut the crap, Donovan.” Deb sounded pissed off still. He couldn’t blame her for that either. He and Deb had been friends longer than they’d been lovers. Since their university days. He respected the hell out of her. Which was why sleeping with her, even if it was that one time, had been a huge mistake. One he still wasn’t so sure their friendship would survive. “I can’t discuss the Scott case.” She’d seen right through his lame attempt at small talk.
Riley spewed out a heavy sigh. Dammit. He’d known from the beginning that Deb wanted more from their relationship.
“Deb, I’m sorry, okay. But we both know it was a mistake.”
“Oh, whatever, Donovan. As if I still care about what happened after all these years. Don’t flatter yourself. For your information, it wasn’t that memorable.” She blew out a breath to empathize her annoyance. Riley realized he’d behaved like a jerk. He should have called. But the reminder of those awkward moments the morning after where they’d tried to find something to say to each other kept him from making that call. It was the reason he’d switched careers as well. Given up a promising future with the Bureau.
“Deb, I mean it. I behaved like an ass, okay. I’m sorry.”
“Well, you finally got something right,” she snapped. At least now she sounded more like his friend. “What do you want, Donovan. I’m kinda busy here. Things have gone crazy, as you can imagine.”
“Got time for breakfast?” He glanced at his watch. It was barely seven.
“No...Where?” She over-emphasized the word.
“That little spot a couple of blocks away from you. I’ll buy.”
“You bet you will.” She sounded close to hanging up.
“See you in twenty. Oh and Deb—“He started when she interrupted.
“I know. Don’t tell anyone. Believe it or not, Riley Donovan, I can do my job without your help.”
By the time he’d maneuvered through morning rush hour traffic, Deb was seated and waiting for him.
He faced his friend for the first time since that morning. The same awkwardness stood between them. Should he kiss her? Shake her hand? Give her a hug? Riley finally realized he was behaving like a fool.
He bent down and kissed her cheek. After a moment, Deb relaxed enough to pat his shoulder uncomfortably.
They waited in awkward silence for the waitress to take their orders.
“I don’t know much.” Deb intercepted his first question. “I’m not working the case. It’s very high level.”
“Alright.” He accepted her answer reluctantly.
Deb looked nervous. And it had nothing to do with their relationship.
For a long time Deb didn’t say a word. Riley’d begun to wonder if this meeting with would prove to a major waste of precious time he couldn’t afford to lose.
Deb’s next words only served to emphasize the uneasiness he’d seen reflected in her eyes. “If anyone finds out I’m talking to you Riley, I could lose my job. Or worse.”
“Who’s going to find out you talked to me? No one comes here. What are you really afraid of, Deb?” The very fact that Deb looked this anxious told him there was something more in the works here than just the Scott murder.
“You think my boss won’t remember you and I were friends.” Her choice of words struck him as odd. Was that just Deb’s way of getting back at him by referring to their friendship in past tense or was that how she saw it?
She leaned closer. “Riley, this thing has the top brass screaming and everyone else scrambling all over themselves to keep a lid on it. I’m telling you, it’s weird. I’ve never seen anything like it. Something’s up.”
Questions raced through his mind like wildfire. Before he could ask the first one, the waitress arrived with their meals.
He waited until the woman was out of earshot. “Like what? What do you mean?”
Deb hesitated, sipping her coffee
while choosing her words carefully. “Why do you think the FBI’s involved in a local kid’s homicide?”
He tried to interpret her expression but couldn’t. “You tell me. Santiago would be MY guess. ”
“Yeah. Maybe. I don’t know. But the body’s barely cold and homicide’s off the case. This is just an assumption, but I’m thinking the kid is connected to something much bigger.”
“Bigger than Santiago? Like what?” Riley’s thoughts went ballistic. The implication scared the hell out of him.
“My guess?” He nodded. “This has something to do with national security more than Santiago. From all reports, Santiago isn’t involved in the family business so to speak.”
“Yeah, and pigs fly. I don’t buy it, Deb. It’s too big of a coincidence. He’s dirty.” His eyes locked with hers. She looked dead serious. “Okay, so if this isn’t about Santiago, what would a kid like Jeremy Scott have to do with national security? He doesn’t look the part of terrorist. He’s never been out of the country. I checked. The kid hasn’t had so much as a traffic ticket before he got popped for possession and your guys put a lid on the thing.”
Deb seemed surprised that he’d figured out the Feds connection so soon. “Yeah, well, it’s just a gut feeling, but something major’s going on under the surface here. Why else would the friggin FBI get involved in the case? There’s something else...” She stopped and gave him a measuring look as if debating her decision in confiding in him?
“What is it?”
“I’m not sure. That is, I don’t have proof to back this up, but I think…no I know, one of the reasons you guys were yanked off the case so quickly is because someone at the Bureau got a tip.”
Riley drew in a shaky breath. He didn’t really need to ask what the tip consisted of. After all, if Santiago had someone from the Bureau on his payroll, it would certainly explain why no one had been able to pin any hard evidence on Santiago in spite of having some very good intel.
A second passed before Deb confirmed his worst fears. “Riley, someone’s dirty.” She said and looked spooked enough to make him believe her. “It’s the only thing that fits.” She hesitated then whispered, “Promise me, you’ll be careful. You don’t know what or who you’re up against. ”