Stevens watched from an empty cubicle as his FBI colleagues bustled around him, all excitement and nerves as they prepared for Miami.
This was FBI stuff. This was real hotshot policing. Stevens had tasted it once, when he’d chased down Arthur Pender, and it had been the most fun he’d ever had as a cop. Now Windermere was off to do it again, except this time she was bringing Mathers instead. Stevens watched them get ready, feeling extraneous and, if he were honest with himself, more than a little jealous.
You’re a BCA agent, he thought. This is how you wanted it. No cowboy stuff. No heroics. This is how you wanted your life, for you and Nancy both.
Windermere came hustling past. Grinned at Stevens. Slapped him on the shoulder. “We’re going to nail this bastard, Stevens,” she said. “I can feel it.”
“Damn right.” Stevens cleared his throat. “Guess I’ll step back and let you guys earn your paychecks,” he said. “Not much use for me around here anymore.”
Windermere stopped. “Bullshit. You’re coming to Miami.”
“This is FBI territory,” he said. “What do you need with an old BCA agent?”
“Can’t be the Lone Ranger without Tonto. Batman without Robin.”
“Han Solo without Chewbacca,” said Mathers.
Stevens laughed. “Anyone’s the sidekick around here, it’s you.”
“Uh-huh.” Windermere grinned at him. “We’ll discuss it on the flight, Stevens. Unless you’re too busy puking your guts out.”
“Very funny. My boss would eat me for lunch.”
“You’re working the Pyatt angle, right? How do we know today’s victim isn’t Spenser Pyatt’s long-lost cousin or something?”
“We don’t,” Stevens said, “but I can’t just go bombing down to South Beach on a hunch, Carla.”
“I’ll clear it with Lesley.” This wasn’t Windermere. Stevens turned to find Drew Harris standing at Windermere’s cubicle.
“Thank you, sir,” Stevens said, “but I don’t think you guys need me. Windermere and Agent Mathers are both more than capable.”
“No doubt about that,” Harris said, “but I need Mathers here.”
Mathers blinked. “What?”
“I can’t afford to send two of my agents on this manhunt, not the way this office is staffed. We’re short manpower in CID as is, thanks to Homeland Security.”
“So you’re going to send the state cop to Miami,” Mathers said slowly. “And keep me behind a desk in Minnesota?”
“I know you don’t like it, son, but I’m short good agents. I can’t afford to lose you and Windermere both.” Harris turned to Stevens. “You’re a part of this case, Agent Stevens,” he said. “I know you work well with Agent Windermere. Don’t you want to see this thing through?”
Stevens glanced at Mathers, who stared back, goggle-eyed. “I do,” he said.
“Then pack a bag. I’ll clear it with Tim Lesley.”
Stevens nodded. “Yes, sir,” he said. But who’s going to clear it with my wife?