Last Word

by Robin Mahle

  “Anything I can do?”

  “No. I’m heading out to the scene now. I’ll call you later.” She leaned in for a kiss. “Go back to sleep.”

  On her way downtown, she wanted to call Agent Fraser, see if he’d given any further consideration of her request. But it was 4am. Still, she didn’t want to see Phelps without any ammunition. She was certain he was hiding something and his call was a surprise. Things were about to get interesting and her guard was up.

  Within minutes, she’d pulled up behind the detective’s car and noted a few other patrol cars remained. No ambulance, meaning they must’ve taken the body already. “Damn.” She’d wanted to see for herself what had happened rather than get it second-hand from Phelps. Now she’d have to make a trip to the ME’s office for a full briefing.

  Upon stepping out of her SUV, she spotted Phelps leaning against the railing of the steps in front of the apartment building. Smoke billowed out of the cigarette that dangled between his lips and he seemed preoccupied with his cell phone.

  “Detective Phelps. Good morning.”

  “Not so good, Agent Reid.” He slipped his phone into his pocket and tossed the cigarette to the ground, smashing it with the ball of his foot. “Shall we go inside?”

  “Lead the way.” He seemed more amiable than in previous meetings and her suspicions grew. “When did the call come in?”

  “Around 11:15pm. Neighbor heard the gunshots.” He ascended the stairs. “Victim’s been identified as thirty-two-year-old Meredith Bowen.” He pushed the door open and waited for Kate to pass through.

  “And you say a note was found in her mouth? Same as before?”

  “Yep. However, she was not shot in the head; well, it appears the perp attempted to do it, but missed. Got her in the chest instead.”

  “I assume we’ll want to head over to the ME’s office after this. I’d like to know if any sexual assault took place and, of course, get a look at the note. Make sure it’s a match.”

  “I started to take it out of her mouth, but CSI went ape-shit, so I left it.”

  The reason she was called suddenly came into focus. Phelps was covering his ass. Making sure CSI didn’t make any claims that he was tampering with evidence. By calling her out, he was solidifying his cooperation with the FBI. Having worked in San Diego’s evidence collection department, it was no surprise why the crime scene investigators would object to his moving of any evidence. He should’ve known better, but his attempt came as no surprise and his actions afterward only confirmed her suspicions. Were the note to have mysteriously disappeared, she would not be here right now and this case would not be tied with the others.

  She continued to study the apartment in search of anything that might jibe with what she already knew of her unsub. “It was after 11 when the 911 call came in from the neighbor?”

  “That’s right.”

  “Did you spot any forced entry?”

  “No.”

  “So, Meredith Bowen knew whoever it was, most likely. Because who opens the door that late at night to a stranger?”

  “Good point.”

  That was probably the first time he’d actually given her credit for something. She didn’t like Phelps but needed more than that to get to the bottom of this and find the killer. “Do you know yet if she worked for Representative Copeland?”

  “I’m not aware of it. The responding officer found her work badge, indicating she does work on the Hill under Congresswoman Pamela Carter.”

  “I bet if we dig deeper, we’ll find she worked for Copeland too, no doubt.”

  “Look, Agent Reid, no offense, but your job here is to give us some fucking idea about who killed these women. Not how it relates to a particular individual or a particular job in politics. There’s a killer out there and last I checked, the BAU was supposed to be the experts in profiling people like this sick fuck. How about you worry about that and I’ll figure out the rest?”

  Kate stopped and trained her sights on him. “What the hell is your problem? You’ve been less than forthcoming, dragging your feet with the sharing of information and right now, you’re being kind of a dick. No offense, but I’m here to help and it’s essential I understand the lives these victims had so I can ascertain who might have killed them. You’ve yet to share Janine Atherton’s phone records. And now you’re telling me that I’m not doing my job? Screw you. We’ve got three bodies and you’re sitting here trying to pull rank? You really want to go there, detective?” She stepped closer. “You might not like me, but I’m damn good at my job. I’m not here to step on your toes or steal your thunder, or whatever macho bullshit you’re dealing with. I’m here to find the killer. And you’d better believe I will.” She brushed past him and marched outside, pacing at the bottom of the steps. “Fucking asshole!”

  One of the officers approached her. “Ma’am? Are you all right?”

  “How the hell do you stand working for that man?”

  “Detective Phelps?” The officer smiled. “Because he’s a man you don’t want to get on the wrong side of.”

  Kate returned home for a quick shower and a change, then she knew what needed to be done. On her return, Nick was finishing his coffee at the kitchen table.

  “You’re back? How’d it go out there?”

  “How’d it go? Shitty. That’s how it went. I am absolutely livid right now.”

  “I can see that. Why don’t you sit down and tell me what happened?” He began to rise. “You want some coffee? Looks like you didn’t get a chance to have any yet this morning.”

  Kate sat at the table and pulled the elastic band from her hair and ran her hands through it. “I’m telling you, Nick. Something’s not right with that man. Detective Phelps.”

  He walked back with a mug in hand. “Here. Why do you say that?”

  “Because this whole time, he’s been keeping things close to his chest. Meanwhile, Pearson with the Baltimore office and the local guy he’s working with have been moving forward and I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs because Phelps refuses to give me anything.”

  “Well, he called you out this morning. That counts for something, doesn’t it?”

  “Yeah, to cover his own ass. He sure as hell wasn’t cooperative. Just giving me breadcrumbs and I’m sick of it. How the hell am I supposed to do my job with a guy like that?”

  “I realize he’s probably the first detective you’ve worked with who hasn’t been helpful, but I’m telling you, Kate, he won’t be the last. Some of them are just that way. They look at us as usurpers. Like we have no business telling them what to do.”

  “But that’s the thing. I’m not trying to tell him what to do. This is something else, Nick. I seriously think this guy is a bad apple.”

  “Okay, let’s not jump to conclusions. Being uncooperative doesn’t make him a bad cop, just makes him an asshole.” He reached for her hand. “Sorry you’re having to deal with this. Just the way it goes sometimes. What can you do to still get your job done without having to work directly with him?”

  “I just came home to get cleaned up, then I’m heading down to the ME’s office to see the body and if there’s any prelim reports available. I have to get this profile. Three dead bodies, Nick. Two worked for Copeland at some point in their careers, and I can almost guarantee this one did too. Not that Phelps will look into it, though. It’ll be up to me.”

  “The best thing you can do right now is like you said, talk to the ME. You don’t need Phelps’ permission to do that. Get what you can and then work to find out who this latest victim was. Where she worked, who she hung out with. You know the drill. Who says you got to consult with that guy? What you’re doing isn’t going to interfere with his investigation.”

  “Assuming he’s actually conducting one.”

  “Right. But you can continue without him. And from what I’m seeing right now, that’s probably your best option, at least in the interim. Phelps will start taking heat for these murders. His captain is going to want answers.
There’ll be a come to Jesus meeting for him sooner rather than later and you’ll be the one who comes out smelling like a rose.”

  “You think that’ll be before another woman is killed or after?”

  “I’m not going to lie, there’s probably a little bit of chauvinism you’re dealing with too. And for that, I’m sorry. But like I said, it won’t be the last time. And I think you probably know that.”

  “Thanks for the coffee. I’m going to go jump in the shower. You heading out?”

  He nodded. “I shouldn’t be late tonight. Call me later, okay?”

  “I will.” She kissed him. “Thanks for the pep talk. I kind of miss that.”

  “Me too.”

  On her way to the ME’s office, Kate’s cell rang with a much-anticipated call. “This is Agent Reid.”

  “Fraser here. Good morning. Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “No, sir. I’m glad to hear from you.”

  “Sounds like you’re driving, so I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve moved forward with what we discussed. And I think you might be interested in what I found.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “I’d rather not go over it on the phone. Are you coming into the office today?”

  “Yes, but not until later. How about we meet around 11am?”

  “I’ll be here. See you then.”

  “See you then.” Kate pressed the end call button and looked at the road ahead. Maybe this day would turn out better than she had expected.

  11

  The body of Meredith Bowen lay on the stainless steel table inside the offices of the Medical Examiner. Kate had arrived in hopes of gaining further insight into the motives of this killer who had now taken three lives over the span of just two weeks. A fact that Detective Phelps seemed to dismiss, or simply didn’t care about.

  “Dr. Carr, I’m Agent Reid. We spoke on the phone earlier.”

  “Pleasure to meet you. Forgive me, I’m already gloved and ready to go or I’d return the handshake.” He approached the table. “Where is Detective Phelps?”

  “Back at the station, I believe, finishing paperwork. I’ll be sure to forward your findings on to him as soon as we’re through.”

  “Good. Okay, so the victim, as you know, is a 32-year-old, Caucasian female. Preliminary cause of death is a gunshot wound to the chest. It will take time for toxicology and DNA to come back. But what I can tell you now is that Ms. Bowen appeared to try to fend off her assailant.” The doctor picked up Meredith’s left hand. “Skin under the nails, which we hope will reveal the suspect’s DNA, as well as a bullet graze to the scalp, which suggests a struggle or evasive measures on the part of the victim.”

  Skin under the nails was a careless move on the part of the attacker and this emboldened Kate. “So she opens the door, maybe recognizes the person, the attacker forces his way inside and tries to shoot Ms. Bowen in the head, which is in line with what we know about the unsub so far. Fails to connect, but in the ensuing struggle, fires into the victim’s chest.” Kate observed the victim as she spoke. “I’m seeing a slight gunpowder residue.”

  “That’s right, meaning the shot was fired at close range.”

  “How soon do you expect labs to return?”

  “I’ll be honest with you, Agent Reid, it’s a slow process. I understand the urgency and I will do the best I can to expedite the results.”

  “Thank you. Identifying the attacker is my top priority. Something I wish to do before he kills again.” She checked the time on her phone. “Thank you for your time, Dr. Carr. I’ll wait for your call.”

  “Good day, Agent Reid.”

  This news was encouraging, but the waiting game was a difficult one. And as Kate left the ME’s office, there was still something else that weighed on her mind. Something that could offer insight into another aspect of this investigation. The time had come to see if Fraser would deliver on his earlier message. As she headed back toward the WFO, Kate made the call.

  “Fraser here.”

  “It’s Kate Reid. You still have time to meet?”

  “I’ve got about an hour before I need to head into a meeting. Are you on your way back to WFO?”

  “I am. I’ll see you in about fifteen. Thanks.” She ended the call, ready to make another she’d promised this morning. The line rang. “Hey, it’s me.”

  “How’d it go at the ME’s office?”

  “No labs back yet, of course, but some good news: skin was left under the victim’s fingernails.”

  “Then you’ll have to cross your fingers the DNA belongs to someone with a record; otherwise, you’ll be shooting in the dark.”

  “It’s the best lead we’ve got right now. I’m on my way back to the WFO. I just wanted to check in. I’ll see you tonight, hon.”

  “Bye.”

  Kate was hesitant to mention her impending meeting with Agent Fraser. Only insomuch as Nick wouldn’t agree with her tactics. But she was her own woman, her own agent, and if this was what she needed to do, he was no longer her boss and she didn’t need his permission. Dwight, on the other hand, might be concerned, but depending on what she discovered, it was possible he would ignore the how and focus on the why.

  The building was just ahead and Kate pulled into the parking garage, finally making her way to Fraser’s office. Another murder and Phelps was again dragging his feet. The reason for his behavior lay in wait for her now. “Knock, knock.”

  “Agent Reid, come in. Close the door behind you.” As she took her seat, he wasted no time getting down to business. “I’m not surprised your taking issue with Detective Phelps’ behavior. There are things here that would make me question where his loyalties lie. A couple of things to note first, he’s been reprimanded on more than one occasion for sexual harassment of his fellow female officers.”

  “No surprise there, but not exactly what I was looking for.”

  “Bear with me. I’m just setting the stage. I have a few buddies at Metro PD who don’t hold a great deal of favor for Phelps. And the more I got into it, the more I began to understand that he is a man who looks after himself. By all accounts, a good detective, but let’s just say that if he saw you dying in the street, he’d probably walk on by unless it was in his interest to help.”

  “Okay. This all makes sense, but any indication that he might be less than scrupulous?”

  “You mean, is he on the take?”

  “To put it bluntly—yes.”

  “He has had run-ins with IA regarding misconduct. However, he’s never faced any charges. He probably had a few friends who have vouched for him and got him off the hook.”

  “Or he’s paid them off to do so.”

  “Possibly. But I think you’re dealing with a man who could very well be running this investigation with his own best interest in mind. Not the victims’. That being said, I’d be careful. He’s been with Metro PD for more than ten years. His roots are deep, probably stretching for miles. I imagine he’ll do what it takes to protect himself.”

  “So it’s time for me to handle this investigation on my own.”

  “I wouldn’t necessarily say that, but if there were leads you wanted to run on, it might be best to run on them alone. For now.”

  “Thank you. You’ve been a tremendous help.” She began to rise.

  “Glad to do what I can for the Bureau. Our jobs are hard enough without having pissing matches with the local authorities. You let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”

  “I appreciate that. I think I know what I have to do.” She stopped and turned. “Oh, hey, if you see Caison, let him know I said hi.”

  “Will do. Take care, Reid.”

  Not only were toes about to be stepped on, they were about to be pulverized, but letting this investigation drag on any longer than necessary was both shameful and dangerous. First things first, Kate needed a complete profile, something Phelps had insisted was her job to finish, yet offered no material to make it possible. The time had come t
o solicit outside help in the form of a man she had hoped to work for in the very near future.

  While she was instructed to wait to learn whether she had made it to the second round, this couldn’t wait and if it jeopardized her chances, then so be it, though she suspected it would serve to bolster her standing, as she and Vasquez discussed.

  Dwight’s expertise did not lie in the psychological analysis of killers. That had been Georgia’s wheelhouse, but her presence in these halls was long past. And he wouldn’t object to Kate’s going outside for help. So that was what she would do—on her own, without consulting a man who had thus far thrown obstacles before her. Armed with the inside track about Phelps, Kate would proceed without his knowledge.

  She headed toward the fifth floor and marched straight into Dwight’s office. “Can I talk to you? It’s important.”

  “Sure. Everything okay?”

  “Not really, no. I learned a few things about my contact at Metro Police.”

  “Detective Phelps.”

  “Yes. And based on what I discovered, I think it’s best if I shoulder more of the investigation.”

  “And you’ve spoken with the detective about this?”

  “Of course not. If I had, I would be in here with a different story because he would surely object. That being said, I’m looking to you for help—and permission.”

  Dwight pulled back in his chair and regarded Kate with growing concern. “Are you sure there isn’t another way? I’ve worked with his kind before and there’s usually some common ground.”

  “Not this time, Dwight. I realize this is something I don’t have a great deal of experience in handling, but if we want to get our arms around this case and understand who we’re dealing with, I believe this is the only way.”

  “Do you want me to talk to his captain? Have him reassigned?”

  “I think he has a long reach and that it wouldn’t make much difference, except to make things even harder for me. No, I’d rather just do what I have to do and worry about him after I get what I need.”