Page 69 of 25 Alive

“Put him on, please.”

I mouthed “Steinmetz” and handed my phone over to Brady.

He said, “Chief?”

I heard Steinmetz’s voice say, “You and Boxer can go into a private room, right?”

Brady excused the two of us from the group, saying he’d be available later. I couldn’t read his look. But once we’d entered Interview One and closed the door, Brady put my phone on speaker so we both could listen and talk.

Steinmetz sounded subdued when he addressed Brady.

“Lieutenant, I’ve gotten word that the Diablo cartel have learned the location of Dario’s trial. That’s the end of anonymity for legal counsel, the judge, the jury, court officers, and the defendant. I can’t explain how this got out.”

I raised my voice so that Steinmetz could hear me. “What are we doing about this?”

“In a word, security. The warden has put their prison guards, all shifts, on high alert,” Steinmetz said. “He’s assured me that all the access points are under heavy watch, that there’s no way to sneak over the walls, onto the grounds, get into the Judicial Building without being shot. If this is a rumor, the trial will be secure. If there’s a breach, it’s going to get loud.”

“Craig. Any word on Joe?”

“I haven’t heard anything. We’re being stalled, sidetracked, and lied to. We’re working on it, Lindsay. I’m not going to say, ‘thoughts and prayers,’ but understand that I am doing everything I can. I care a great deal about Joe.

“I’ll call you if I hear anything. Brady, your office has my number.”

I had questions, but typical of Steinmetz, he didn’t say good-bye, God bless, take care, or big hug. He just hung up.

CHAPTER103

I HAD A nightmare-filled night, and in the morning, as I rushed to do chores, take care of our dog and the kiddo, get out of the house and on the way to work, I forgot what I’d dreamed.

My phone rang at eight thirty while I was still driving to the Hall. The caller ID read:RC.

“Rich?”

“Yeah, Lindsay, I’ve got some pretty big news. When will you be in the squad room?”

“Ten minutes, depending.”

“Don’t stop for coffee. We’re meeting with Brady. And Cindy.”

“What?”

“Here’s a clue. ‘I said. You dead.’ More later.”

“I can’t hear you, Richie. Static on the line.”

He laughed at me.

“I’m counting on coffee,” I said.

I arrived in eleven minutes and spent an extra three going from my car to the entrance of the great granite cube of abuilding with carved letters over the main door reading,HALL OF JUSTICE.

After taking an elevator to our floor, I shoved open the squad room door and did the same to the hip-high wooden gate just inside.

Bobby Nussbaum was at his station at the front desk.

He said, “Morning, Sarge. They’re waiting for you.”

I looked down the center aisle and saw that Brady’s office was full. I waved at Nussbaum and kept walking down the aisle. Conklin opened Brady’s door for me and gave me his chair. Before I could even wonder why Cindy was in Brady’s office, I was in the chair beside her, and she was glowing.

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