Page 151 of Delusion in Death

“Yeah, which is why Agent Teasdale and HSO will arrange for very special accommodations for her. I think Menzini left a vacancy.”

“Harsh.”

“I imagine it will be.”

“And what would you like me to do with these?” He held out the vials.

“Christ. Let’s get that biohazard team in here, asap! Peabody, alert Teasdale re our new prisoner. The NYPSD gratefully passes her, and the processing of her properties, to HSO.”

“Got that, all over the place. But…can I have my boots back?”

Eve sat to pull them off. “Ouch. I’m hungry,” she realized. “Punching crazy old ladies makes me hungry.”

“I’ll wager they have very nice cannolis.” Roarke smiled at Peabody as she pulled on her boots.

“Hot damn!”

“I’d like to buy you dinner.” Weaver sat, huddled against Marty, while an MT checked her out.

“Rain check. You were right about being good in a crisis, when it counts. You handled yourself, both of you.”

“I was terrified. I thought I was dead.”

“You’re not, and you handled it. We’ll need you to come in, make a statement. Tomorrow’s soon enough.”

“We’ll be there,” Marty assured her.

“Was Lew—was he always what we know he is now, or was it that woman? Did she make him what he is?”

“I’d say some of both. Go on home.” She left them to walk to Lowenbaum, shake hands—and take the boots he carried from him. “Thanks.”

“I had the shot.”

“Too many civilians in potential harm’s way, and I wanted to maneuver her so we had at least a chance of getting the vials.”

“Nice left jab.”

“It’s a favorite.”

Someone called out, “LT!” and both Eve and Lowenbaum turned.

“That one’s mine,” Lowenbaum said.

“Guy back here wants to feed us. Is that a go?”

“What the hell. I could eat. Catch you next time, Dallas.”

Roarke moved to her, stroked a hand down her back. “Which home are we headed to?”

“Central first. I need to tie this up, talk to Teasdale—and pay Lew a quick visit. I want to tell him, to his face, his granny won’t be sending for him. It’s petty, I know. But I deserve a little treat after all this.”

“Speaking of treats, I need a moment in the kitchen.”

“You’re about to get a dozen cannolis,” Eve told Peabody when he walked off.

“Aww.” Peabody flexed her booted feet. “I won’t think about cannoli ass until tomorrow. Maybe not even then.”

“You called it right on her feelings for Callaway. Weak spot.”

---