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Noah paced within the conference room's small confines at the station, dressed in jeans and a collared shirt. His suit jacket lay over the back of a chair. He could have passed for a civilian, except for the holstered Glock and badge on his belt. Forty years ago, the room would have been filled with cigarette smoke and the table littered with Styrofoam coffee cups next to overflowing ashtrays, while police officers would have ignored the feds and carried on. Today, the hum of the air conditioner and the crisp sound of papers turning were the only tell-tale signs of action.
Police Chief Jason Birch sat at the head of the table and looked over Noah’s statement. After returning home from his run, Noah immediately went to the station and typed up the report. Despite the Homeland Security agent's hidden threats, they had not contacted the station or Noah. When he was done, a second statement had come in. Together they painted a different picture.
Birch cleared his throat and pushed the report across the table while adjusting his dark suit.
Once Angie picked up the papers, Birch shook his head. “I think a hornet’s nest has been kicked. As to what it means, I don’t know.”
The second report was sent from Alexandria Police for the wellness check on Leslie Taylor. It also included a statement from the fire marshal and witnesses on the blast at her residence. The cause of the explosion was unknown. Preliminary investigation led the marshal to believe it was a gas leak.
“The last names are making me question what’s going on.” Noah pointed at Agent Gordon and Noland’s statement. “I was only able to verify they worked for Homeland Security, but that’s it. Same as the two agents that I ran into this morning. I couldn’t find anything else about them.”
Dickinson looked up from the pages. “Wouldn’t they find it strange that during a check on the home, it blew up?”
Noah was about to speak when the chief caught his eye and beat him to the punch. “Yes, it stinks of a coverup. The good news is they didn’t find a body in the home. Leslie Taylor may still have answers.”
“In the meantime?”
Birch gestured to the growing case file. “Start with the fingerprints. They are the only tangible evidence.” The chief’s phone rang inside his jacket, and he stood. “I have to get back to my office. Keep me informed of any developments.”
As he stepped outside the conference room to take the call, Noah sat across from his partner and opened the folder. He held up the large envelope. “The form was delivered by hand or mixed in with the daily mail. We need to know who dropped it off. Follow the paperwork.”
Angie agreed. “I’ll talk with Bruce and go over the security footage around the station.”
“Doesn’t the coffee shop across the street have a security camera as well?” Noah wasn’t sure what the angle or quality of the recording would be, but better than nothing. “I’ll check that out. May as well grab a coffee while I’m there. Do you want one?”
“I’m okay. I just—”
When the loud crash sounded throughout the station, Noah spun around.
The police chief had kicked a chair across the cube, and it crashed into an empty desk. Red-faced, he yelled into the phone. “I won’t forget this!”
A dozen officers stood in silence as they watched the drama unfold, but no one moved to step in.
Noah knew without a doubt that the phone call involved the case. When the chief hung up and stared at him through the glass, he realized his hunch was correct. Birch had a haunted look in his eyes, and it spelled trouble.
“Oh, shit ...” Angie whispered.
When the conference room door opened, Noah felt the anger radiate off the chief. He had only seen him this mad once before, and he didn’t want to be on the receiving end.
“That was Mayor Cavanaugh. He’s ordering the APPD off the case as an official waste of resources. Failure to comply will result in me being fired as chief.”
What the hell?
“Can he do that, sir?” Noah couldn’t believe the mayor’s orders. Chief Birch had less than eight months until retirement, with thirty-six years of service.
“My rank and position are an appointment from the municipality and the council. They can easily remove me with a majority vote.”
Noah stood with clenched fists. “Who has the authority to order the mayor?”
Birch took a deep breath and slowly let it out, but it did nothing to change his flushed face. “Ultimately, it’s the governor.”
Angie spoke through clenched teeth. “Someone very high up has sent an order, and they made the governor dance. That narrows it to a small playing field.”
Birch agreed. “For now, I have to comply. Officially, you’re off the case.”
Noah got the hint. “Don’t mess up your career, chief. Report that you’ve given the order.”
Noah watched the fire fade from his eyes, and Birch pointed a finger. “CYA.”
Noah nodded, and his boss walked out of the meeting room.
Angie looked confused and waited until the door closed. “CYA?”
“Cover your ass. He’s telling us to be careful.”
She chuckled. “Easy enough. We won’t get caught.”
“You have one part correct. I won’t get caught. You are young and have a full career ahead of you.” Her eyes widened, and Dickinson started to object, but Noah cut her off. “There isn’t a chance, sorry.”
Angie frowned and collapsed back into the chair. “I don’t like this.” She wasn’t pouting. A twenty-eight-year-old woman and police officer didn’t pout, but she came close. “If you need me, I’m here.”
“I know, and I appreciate it.”
Noah collected all the paperwork and folders before heading to the administration offices. Susan handled the digitizing of documents, and he would need it done quickly for what he had in mind.
Time for a coffee and then shopping.
Noah would rather be in a shoot-out than go to a busy store, but there wasn’t time to order what he needed. Keeping the department at arm's length would be critical for the next stage.