Gone Too Far (Devlin & Falco #2) - Debra Webb Page 0,35

and DEA Special Agent in Charge Cross was lead, just as he had warned.

“This is our case, boss,” Falco said. “It’s a homicide, and we haven’t even confirmed a connection to drugs.”

Brooks leaned back in his chair and studied Falco. “So, you’re suggesting Agent Cross made up this whole ongoing op story just to steal your double-homicide case.”

“That’s not what we’re suggesting,” Kerri countered. “What we’re saying is that since the homicides are two locals, we should be lead. Cross and whoever else the mayor and the powers that be have decided needs to be involved are welcome to play with us too.”

Kerri liked the new mayor’s plans and goals, but having one who wanted to run the police department, too, was crossing the line. Wasn’t that the way of things now? Everybody thought they were better at policing than cops. Cops were suddenly the enemy.

Brooks turned up his palms. “This is what the chief wants, and this is what we’re going to do. End of story.”

Kerri glanced at Falco. He looked even more irritated than she was.

“The first task force meeting will be at four this afternoon in the main conference room. Be there and be nice.” Brooks looked from Kerri to Falco and back. “I don’t want to hear about you two unless it’s news that with your gracious and insightful cooperation the case has been solved.”

“Yes, sir.” Kerri turned to go.

“Do not push the boundaries on this one,” Brooks warned before she could get out the door. “Mayor Warren is watching the department closely. No missteps. No ignoring orders. She wants to see team players, and so do I.”

This time Kerri didn’t bother with a response. She walked out, Falco close on her heels.

“You know they’re going to leave us out of the loop every chance they get,” Falco muttered.

As much as Kerri didn’t want to go straight to that conclusion, she’d worked with various federal agencies enough times to know he was right. “That’s exactly what they’ll do.”

Rather than go back to their cubicle, she headed for the exit. They didn’t have a lot of time before the task force meeting, and she wanted to talk to Sadie Cross first.

Once they were outside, she asked, “Why didn’t you tell me Cross had a father who lives right here in Birmingham and who’s DEA?” It hadn’t been until they were driving away from the tobacco shop that Falco had announced: “Oh, by the way, Agent Cross is Sadie Cross’s father.” The concept was startling considering the two were polar opposites.

Falco followed Kerri through the parking area. “No reason. It never came up.” He stopped at the tailgate of her Wagoneer. “It’s not like we’ve talked about her family. We haven’t even talked about her that often. Not since the Abbott case.”

Flashes of memory from those days and weeks tore through Kerri; she blinked them away. “True.”

She walked around to the driver’s side and slid behind the wheel. Usually Falco did most of the driving, but with the tragedy at Tori’s school, Kerri needed her vehicle handy in the event she had to leave suddenly. Her chest tightened with the thought. Tori had been far too quiet this morning. The atmosphere in the house reminded her of this time last year after Tori’s father had left. The somber silence and unspoken anger were hard to bear.

This time instead of anger it was fear pulsing in the silence. Kerri did not want her daughter to be afraid. She didn’t want her to be unhappy or sad or hurt. But how could she protect her from all that life had the potential to hurl at her?

She couldn’t. No parent could.

Sadie’s Loft

Sixth Avenue, Twenty-Seventh Street

Birmingham, 2:00 p.m.

Falco pounded on the door again.

Kerri ended her third call to Cross’s number. “Did she tell you what time she would call you today?”

“Nothing specific.” Falco glared at the camera above the door. “Open the damned door, Cross. I know you’re in there. Your ancient Saab is in the alley.”

Kerri scanned the alley below. The Saab was parked beneath the fire escape. Unless Cross had left with a friend, Falco was right. She had to be in there. Avoiding them, most likely. She thought of Mason Cross. Strong build. Obviously intelligent and good at his job or he wouldn’t be in charge of the Birmingham district office. Dressed like a general, only in civilian clothes. Fierce attitude. One of those guys who went strictly by the book and thought he should be in charge of