Page 68 of Bonded in Death

“Lieutenant, the commander has briefed me on your investigation, including your latest theories and findings.”

“Yes, sir.”

He didn’t smile at her response, but a hint of amusement flickered. “No doubt you want to keep these details as contained as possible. I assume you’d trust me to keep the lid on.”

“Of course, sir. Absolutely.”

“Then why don’t we all sit down, and you can reiterate for us why you believe Conrad Potter is not only alive but in New York and is your prime suspect in the Rossi murder.”

She preferred staying on her feet, but sat as both Tibble and Whitney did.

“The prison warden states that Potter’s sudden death was a result of an undetected brain tumor. He states that he viewed the body in the prison’s surgery and signed off on the death, approved the cremation.”

“You don’t believe him,” Whitney said. “Do you believe Warden Meedy conspired with Potter in his escape?”

“I believe he viewed the body, signed off, and ordered the cremation. I don’t believe the body he viewed was, in fact, deceased. There are medical methods to simulate death. The doctor, Martin J. Pierce, resigned only a few weeks afterward. I can find no record such an individual existed. I strongly suspect Potter bribed Pierce to aid him in faking his death.”

“With what?” Tibble asked.

“Potter was reputed to have amassed funds, weapons, supplies before his capture and imprisonment.”

“It’s difficult to access those from a prison.”

“Sir. He had over thirty years to figure out just how to do that. I believe he found a way, conspired with Pierce. With his take, Pierce then wiped his data, his records, his existence, and created another identity.”

“It sounds more like a spy novel than reality.”

“Potter is a spy, highly trained, highly intelligent and organized. Dr. Mira’s profile terms him a sociopath, a skilled liar, and one who believes himself better, smarter, and more skilled than anyone else. A risk taker who enjoys creating complicated puzzles. He needs to win, and he’s had decades to plan his game.”

“You have a relationship with one of the targets, with a man whose wife Potter killed. Your card was left on the body of the victim. I have to question if these factors might influence your thinking.”

She’d known that was coming since Tibble rose from his chair.

“A facsimile of my card, Chief Tibble. Potter isn’t as clever as he thinks. Summerset is a target, as are the remaining members of what was known as The Twelve. But he, and they, are valuable sources in this investigation. Facts influence my thinking, as do the opinions and conclusions of the experts I consult. Dr. Mira’s profiles of Rossi’s killer and Potter line right up.

“In addition, I’ve asked Captain Feeney to use EDD’s resources to find the prison doctor, or to verify that his data was wiped. I’ve requested Inspector Abernathy, Interpol, to consider the matter of Potter’s death andexpedite an exhumation of the ashes so that Dr. DeWinter can determine, through DNA testing, if they are Potter’s.”

Tibble listened silently through the steps.

“You’re putting a lot of time, effort, and resources into this single theory, Lieutenant.”

“There were twelve, sir. One was a traitor so there were eleven. One died of natural causes and three have been murdered. So there are seven. Seven who fought and risked and sacrificed. He wants them dead, so yes, sir, I will put all the time, effort, and resources as are available to me into identifying, finding, and capturing him before another life is taken.”

Tibble nodded, glanced at Whitney. “You were right, Jack, she makes her case, convoluted as it is. You know, I’m not pleased to have a war criminal in my city bent on murder.”

“I’m not real happy about it myself. Sir.”

“You’ll have to get the bastard, Lieutenant. I may have a string or two to pull to get you that exhumation.”

“I—” Before she could finish, her ’link signaled, and Tibble gave her the go-ahead.

“It’s Inspector Abernathy.”

“Take it.”

“Dallas.”

“Lieutenant. I tell myself this is lunacy, but doubts niggle.”

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