After a lengthy drive downtown to PAB, Josie knew it probably thrilled the Conrads to get out of the hard and stuffy rear seat of their patrol car and into the air conditioning of the police headquarters.
Bender ushered them to the front desk where they received visitor tags, and then led them to the elevator bank where they’d go to the fifth floor where RHD was located.
Tami Conrad’s phone rang as they walked down the hall. She looked at her screen. “It’s our lawyer. I’ll just need a minute.”
Everyone paused while she stepped ten feet away and took the call. Within seconds, she returned.
“He’s stuck in traffic. He said he’d be at least an hour.”
Bender kept his face composed, but Josie could tell he was peeved. His gaze darted around the hallway as if looking for escape. “Well, let’s meet with the detectives, and they can decide what they want to do.”
Chloe didn’t say a word but sighed.
He led the way down the hall and into a lobby that was set up almost like a doctor’s office, except there were no chairs or a receptionist.
On one side of the room was a counter with a single landline telephone on it. On the wall behind the long desk were numbers to contact the various RHD units.
“Price, use that phone to let homicide special know we’re here.”
She tried to hide her nerves while making the call. The procedures at PAB differed vastly from those at Devonshire station.
A few minutes afterward, a detective came out. He introduced himself as Gunner Ferrari.
When he heard the Conrads’ attorney was going to be delayed, he tilted his head, and thought.
“Why don’t I get you guys settled into a conference room? You’ll be more comfortable there than stuck in empty cubicles in the office.” He looked at the Conrads. “Would you like some coffee, a bottle of water, or maybe a soft drink?”
A few minutes later, Josie, Bender, Tami, and Chloe sat around a large table that would seat ten.
Ferrari had supplied the mother with a bottled water, and Chloe with a diet soda, then returned to his office.
As if on cue, the civilians retrieved their phones and amused themselves.
Bender pulled out his device as well.
Being on probation, Josie didn’t think it was appropriate for her to do the same.
To everyone’s surprise, the lawyer arrived only twenty minutes later.
Ferrari was called to return. After introductions were made, he looked at the mother and the attorney. “I’d like to speak to you first, and afterwards, I’ll talk to Chloe.”
“Okay,” said Tami. She glanced at her daughter. “Will you be all right here?”
The girl sighed. “Jeez, Mom.” She bobbed her head at Josie and her partner. “I’m in the police headquarters, with my own two personal bodyguards. Can you think of anywhere else that would be more safe?”
She saw Tami’s eyes narrow a smidge—but the girl’s mother smiled. “Silly of me, wasn’t it?”
Ferrari, Tami, and their counsel left, leaving her, Chloe, and Bender.
“Price, you hang out here with Miss Conrad. I’ve got some things to take care of on the second floor.”
She tried not to look too surprised, but wondered if he really had business to do, or if he just wanted to get away for a bit.
“No problem,” she told him.
“Call me on my cell if you need anything.”
“Sure thing.”
Once he left, Chloe picked up her phone but didn’t press any buttons. She gave Josie a sidelong glance. “Can I ask you something?”