Hank shook his head.
George Riverside was a good attorney. He was also ambitious. He knew the Sidney Carter case would make headlines. It could even make careers. George liked headlines and he had big ideas about his career. He wanted people to remember his name, especial y come election day.
He also liked to win cases.
What he didn’t like was headlines about cases he didn’t win. Even though Hank, Eddie and Mace had a tight case, George was being cautious with Carter. He wanted the case locked down, a sure thing, which was impossible.
That kind of sure thing didn’t exist. It was not only impossible, it was f**king frustrating.
“Eddie get anything out of the shooter?” Lee asked as Hank stopped at the side of the desk.
Lee was referring to the man who shot at Stel a and Mace Saturday night.
Mace moved to a chair in front of the desk, sat down, putting his ankle on his opposite knee.
“Nope, shooter’s closed tight,” Mace replied.
Hank watched as Lee shook his head in surprise and he knew why.
Eddie was known to be particularly good in the interrogation room.
Hank had watched, though, and Eddie got nothing.
Hank also knew why that was.
The shooter was on a semi-suicide mission. He didn’t expect to get away with shooting Stel a in a crowded club.
He expected to get the job done but get caught and then get rewarded. Likely, Carter made a deal and was doing good deeds for the shooter’s family. It was Carter’s MO. He bought al egiance, one way or another, and paid wel for it.
So wel , the chain was buried under money so deep, no one along the line was wil ing to break it.
On this thought, Hank took in Mace. Even after yesterday and their bad news from George this morning, Mace looked calm and relaxed. Hank had known Mace long enough to know Mace was neither calm nor relaxed. His body, even at rest, was alert, his eyes were stone cold.
Hank knew why this was too. Hank knew about Mace’s sister, Lee had told him about it in detail, including the fact that Mace was incorrectly shouldering the responsibility for what happened in the end game. Hank also knew that Stel a didn’t know about it. Mace had told the team he wanted it to remain that way until he was ready to share.
Final y, Hank knew that any conversation Stel a had with Preston Mason was likely to reveal that information.
Fol owing this thread, Hank could only assume that Stel a’s actions after her conversation with Mace’s father were an indictment. Or, at least, Mace thought they were.
“I’ve lost patience with this shit,” Lee said, cutting into Hank’s thoughts. “We’re gonna have to dismantle Carter’s army.”
It was Hank’s turn to shake his head.
“Lee –” he started.
Lee turned to his brother. “I’m gettin’ married on Saturday, Hank. I don’t think Indy’l like walkin’ down the aisle wearin’ a flak jacket and a helmet.” No, Lee was right, Indy wouldn’t like that. She’d have a shit fit.
“Maybe you can postpone the wedding,” Hank suggested.
Lee’s eyes went hard. “I’m not postponing my f**king wedding.”
Hank watched his brother.
Strike that idea, he thought.
“Maybe you shouldn’t be here for the rest of this conversation,” Mace put in, gaze on Hank.
Hank’s body went tight and his eyes cut to Mace. “I didn’t give over a year of my life to this investigation to have you guys f**k it up when we’re this close.” Both Lee and Mace tensed but Hank ignored it and went on, “You boys aren’t goin’ commando and screwin’ the pooch. It’s not gonna happen.”