Loyalty in Death (In Death #9)(65)

“So noted. Dallas?” Tibble lifted a finger. “An opinion on why this group contacted you?”

“Only conjecture, sir. Roarke owns or has interests in the targets thus far. I’m connected to Roarke. It amuses them. Fixer referred to it as a game. I think they’re enjoying it. He also spoke of revenge.”

She rose again, shifted the image of Monica Rowan on-screen. “She’d have the most cause to enjoy some revenge, and as Rowan’s widow, would be the most likely person to have personal and inside knowledge of his group.”

“You and your aide are cleared for immediate travel to Maine,” Tibble told her. “Commander? Comments?”

“This team has put together an impressive amount of evidence and probability in a short amount of time.” Whitney rose. “It’s my opinion that a federal team would be superfluous.”

“I believe the lieutenant and her team have given me enough balls to juggle for the politicians.” Tibble got to his feet as well. “Dallas, you remain in charge until further notice. I expect updates on every step. It’s our city, Captain Feeney,” he added as he turned to the door. “Let’s keep it intact.”

“Whew.” McNab let out a huge sigh when the door closed again. “Dodged that beam.”

“And if we want to keep this case where it belongs, we’re going to work our butts off.” Eve smiled at him thinly. “Your social life just went down the sewer, pal. We need that long-range scanner. And I want every arena and sports complex in every borough scanned. New Jersey as well.”

“Christ, Dallas, with our equipment and manpower, that’ll take a week.”

“You’ve got a day,” she told him. “Get in touch with Roarke.” She jammed her hands in her pockets. “Odds are, he’s got some toy that fits what you’re looking for.”

“Hot damn.” McNab rubbed his hands together and grinned at Anne. “Wait till you see what this guy’s got.”

“Feeney, is there any way you can block the unit in here? Jam it? Or better yet, come up with a new, unregistered unit with a shield.”

His hangdog face brightened as he smiled at Eve. “Guess I could jury-rig something. Not that we ever fiddle with unregistereds over at EDD.”

“Of course not. Peabody, you’re with me.”

“Hey, when are you getting back?” McNab called out.

Eve turned, stared at him, while Peabody wished herself invisible. “When we’re finished, Detective. I think you have enough to keep you busy in the meantime.”

“Oh sure, I just wondered. Just wondered.” He grinned foolishly. “Have a nice trip.”

“We’re not going for lobster,” Eve muttered and, shaking her head, walked out.

“We’ll be back before end of shift, don’t you think? Sir?”

Eve shrugged into her jacket as she strode to the elevator. “Look, if you’ve got a hot date, you’ll just have to cool your glands.”

“No, I didn’t mean… Ah, I just want to let Zeke know if I’m going to be on OT, that’s all.” And it shamed her that she hadn’t given her brother a thought.

“It takes as long as it takes. We’ve got a stop to make before we snag transpo north.”

“I don’t suppose we’ll be taking one of Roarke’s private jets?” When Eve merely eyed her balefully, Peabody hunched her shoulders. “Nope, guess not. It’s just that they’re so much faster than public shuttles.”

“And you’re just interested in speed, right, Peabody?” Eve stepped onto the elevator, pushed for garage. “It has nothing to do with plush, roomy seats, the fully stocked galley, or the screen selection.”

“A comfortable body produces a sharp mind.”

“That’s lame. You’re usually better than that when you try to hose me. You’re off today, Peabody.”

She thought of that wild interlude with McNab in an empty office. “You’re telling me.”

Zeke worked steadily, precisely, doing his best to focus his mind on the wood and his pleasure in it.

He’d known his sister hadn’t slept well the night before. He’d heard her stirring and pacing while he’d laid awake on the living room pull-out. He’d wanted to go to her, offer to meditate with her, or to make her one of his organic soothers, but he hadn’t been able to face her.

His mind was full of Clarissa, of the way she’d felt snuggled into his arms, of how sweet her lips had tasted. It shamed him. He believed strongly in the sanctity of marriage. One of the reasons he’d never pursued a serious relationship was that he’d promised himself when he took those vows to another, he would keep them throughout his life.

There had been no one he’d loved enough to make promises to.

Until now.

And she belonged to someone else.

Someone who didn’t appreciate her, he thought now as he had during the night. Someone who mistreated her, made her unhappy. Vows were meant to be broken when they caused pain.

No, he couldn’t talk to Dee when thoughts like that were skimming through his head. When he couldn’t get Clarissa out of his mind and offer his own sister comfort.

He’d seen the reports of the bombing on the news the evening before. It had horrified him. He understood that not everyone embraced the cause-no-harm tenets that formed the foundation of the Free-Agers. He knew that even some Free-Agers modified that foundation to suit their lifestyles, and after all, the religion was designed to be fluid.