Page 67 of Bonded in Death

“I don’t know how much they can tell me, but they’ll be where he can’t get to them. He’ll expect them to come to New York. I think. But he wouldn’t expect them to come this soon.”

“Don’t underestimate him,” Mira said again.

“I won’t. I don’t. Summerset said the last time they were all together was for Rabbit’s funeral. Wouldn’t he assume they’d all show up for Wasp?”

“Very possibly. Are you planning a trip?”

“Maybe. I’m going to delay releasing the body another day. I want DeWinter’s report on the old injuries in any case.”

“Because you’d rather he come to you, on your ground.”

“I don’t think he wants to wait too long. He knows the others are smart,experienced, skilled. Rossi didn’t have any warning. But he’ll know they will.”

“Because he set it up just that way.”

Eve nodded. “He did. He could’ve killed Rossi another way. Lots of other ways that wouldn’t have tied to him, or the Urbans. He wants them to know he’s coming for them.”

“And when it’s done, for you?”

“Well, it’s not going to get done, so he’ll be disappointed.”

Eve set the tea aside. “I have to brief Whitney. This has been helpful. I appreciate it.”

“Keep me in the loop. I’d like to be more helpful if I can.”

“I will.” Rising, Eve took another moment. “I have no reason to believe any of the others were part of the betrayal. But I’ll send you copies of the interviews, if you have time to go over them. In case I miss something.”

“I can’t imagine you will, but yes, I’ll make time.” Mira rose as well. “Be careful with this one, Eve. You, Roarke, all of you. Sharks hunt and kill. When there’s blood in the water, they don’t stop.”

“Then I’ll have to make sure the only blood in the water is his.”

Since the consult with Mira had given her more to think about, she decided to let it sit in the back of her brain until she’d briefed Whitney.

She took the glides, and pulled out her ’link to look at a text from Peabody.

DeWinter’s on deck. I read the report, and I have to use another Holy Shit!

“Yeah, it’s worth one.” She shoved the ’link back in her pocket and muttered to herself, “Because the arrogant fuck’s alive.”

“Language!” A woman on the down glide sent her a look that translated to “tsk-tsk.”

“Lady, you’re in a cop shop.”

That got a humph—an actual humph—before Eve reached the top of her glide.

“Yeah, my language really matters when I’ve got an escaped war criminal killer in New York.” She strode toward Whitney’s office, and his admin.

“I requested a meet with the commander after my consult with Dr. Mira. Is he available?”

“They’re waiting for you.” He also tapped his earpiece. “Dallas is here, sir.”

The admin just gestured to the double doors.

She walked in not only to Whitney but to the chief of police.

Tibble, tall and lean in his slate-gray suit, rose from his chair when she entered. He was a dark-complected, cool-eyed man who wore his duties as he did his suit.

Smoothly.

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