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Chief Maxwell was standing next to the table when we arrived. Braddock seated at the head of the table flanked by two stoic looking well -dressed males in their forties. We weren’t seated more than a few seconds. The slight creaking of the chairs and shifting of weight that contained them breached the brief silence until Braddock started.
“Detectives Lee and Temple. I would like to introduce you to special agents Richter and Sciatti from the Behavioral Sciences Division of the FBI. They will be taking the lead in the investigation until its conclusion. You need to report your findings directly to them and Chief Maxwell. In addition, they would like to see all the forensic evidence and pathology documents. Time is of the essence gentlemen.”
Our investigation had begun to move now and he brings in the bureaucrats now of all times. I kicked Lonnie under the table. I couldn’t take anymore of Braddock. I had enough.
“So, that’s it then? Lonnie and I are just errand boys for these two cheerful looking pricks?”
“Detective Lee your cavalier attitude toward department protocol is a growing concern in these halls.”
“Respectfully Mayor, but your micromanagement style of this city is a bit of concern for those simply trying to do their jobs. But I think it’s a bit more than that. Your blinded political ambition won’t allow you to trust the cities own employees.”
“Lee, I wanted your badge a while ago. The only thing standing in the way is that man over there. He seems to have faith in you for some reason. God knows why but I still listen.”
Chief Maxwell didn’t appear please by my comments as he stared silently at me with his arms folded across a broad chest. He finally spoke.
“Why didn’t you mention your meeting with Robert Stanwick over at the University?”
“Chief, we’re fully competent.”
Braddock interrupted.
“Exactly why Mr. Stanwick has now been called into consult with our team. A task force including these agents and media experts to control the information shared with the public.”
My phone vibrated on the table. It was Monica. Great timing as I pushed my chair in, picking it up, I walked out.
"Roman you were correct in believing that the tire tracks from the alley and the Shultz parking lot were going to match. The clothing which she was dressed in could have been purchased at any number of Thrift Stores in the area.
"Braddock called in the FBI to take the lead on the investigation."
"Where does that leave you and Lonnie?"
“Relegated to chasing down leads and reporting back to them.”
"What are you going to do?"
“What I have always done. Work the leads and keep grinding until I find this psycho. Even if it means tearing apart every structure and looking under every manhole cover.”
“Do you want to come over for dinner tonight? You probably haven't had a decent meal in a while. We can go over all the forensic evidence we have accumulated again. I will download it all to my laptop here at work and bring it home.”
The thought of spending more time with Monica was irresistible even if it meant working.
“What time do you want me over?”
“Let’s say 7 pm that ok?”
“Sounds great see you then.”
The meeting ended with everyone filing out of the conference room. Braddock and his entourage headed for the elevator. Richter and Sciatti remained behind talking and typing on their laptops.
Lonnie walked over with Chief Maxwell.
"Roman, as I was just explaining to Detective Temple you know this was not my call. You understand that this move is somewhat political although additional expertise is always welcomed. No one can fault you and Lonnie's investigative efforts so far. We have a press conference shortly on the steps. Your attendance would be appreciated.”
“Is that a request or an order?”
I caught Lonnie's quick death glance in my direction. He didn't have to say it.
“Be right there Chief.”
Mayor Braddock dressed in a blue pinned stripe suit and silver tie stood on the city hall steps accompanied by Chief Maxwell, Janice Brown and the newly assigned FBI agents Richter and Sciatti.
I stood over to the side watching the media pool jockeying for position. Blake was there of course. Braddock looked out at the media pool scanning his audience preparing to speak but holding a purposeful pause while digital cameras flashed and other technology joined the fray to capture image and voice. What a smug son of a bitch.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are saddened as an administration and as fellow citizens of our great city with regards to the past few months. These unprovoked attacks on our younger female population have struck an emotional cord with parents, neighbors and coworkers. As mayor of this city, I had made several promises to you, it's citizens, in terms of quality of life. At this time, I feel it is necessary to enlist the assistance if the federal government to aid our local law enforcement team in solving these crimes. A team of FBI agents along with Dr. Robert Stanwick a renowned profiler has been requested to spearhead this investigation. A website and a mobile app have been developed to funnel leads to this task force. The citizens of our city should remain calm and confident knowing that the best available resources are being utilized to make their neighborhoods safe. Information regarding this investigation will be delivered as it becomes available but not prior to it being fact checked. I repeat there will be no speculation coming out of this task force nor the administration. I would like to turn the remaining time over to Chief Maxwell for a few questions.”
If Cyrus was stressed, he didn't show it. He was for the most part always level regardless of the situation. Braddock was really the only one who could push his buttons.
"Kara Miles from USA Today. Chief Maxwell at what point in the investigation did you become aware there was an active serial killer in your city?
“Detectives Lee and Thompson were able to link some forensic evidence along with pathology to conclude the murders and the subsequent disposal of the bodies were committed by the same person or persons.”
Nice touch, I couldn't have phrased it any better. Chief giving us credit for our efforts. Not referring to the serial killer as a sole individual may incense him and may cause him to speak out in some way possibly thru the media. Of course, you’re going to have the isolated whacko that says he is the killer generating false leads and waste our time. The chief acknowledged a reporter from the Detroit Free Press right next to Blake. It was done with intent to let him know he was being ignored and what happened next made it even sweeter.
"Robert Thorpe, the Detroit Free Press. Chief Maxwell, do you think the recent articles that have been published have in any way damaged or clouded your investigative efforts?"
Nice dig referring to Blake's over the top shock value articles.
“It is the world in which we currently live Mr. Thorpe. A place where anyone with a laptop phone or other electronic means can write blog or post nearly anything they like. However, at the end of the day only those closest to the investigation know the sum total of all the facts despite the attempts of others to embellish or sensationalize. I am completely confident in the abilities of this task force to locate and apprehend those that are responsible, thank you.”
Ned Harris had also attended. Standing in the back of the media pool with some other spectators sipping on one of his Energy Drinks. The addition of the FBI was no more of a threat than the local law enforcement. The bureaucratic way they conducted business would slow things down. Stanwick, however was another matter and a serious problem. Ned understood that Stanwick's ego would not allow him to jeopardize his reputation like this if he did not think he could serve Ned up to the task force. His communication with Stanwick had recently diminished. Stanwick had to be handled. He needed to plan and execute it quickly.