Page 82 of Heat of Justice

“Sadly, yes. And you too. Text me when you arrive at the office, okay?”

“I will.”

Kim watched her pick up her badge and secure her weapon on her hip. Cody paused at the door to flash her one last smile. “I love you, Kim.”

“Likewise. Look after yourself out there, okay?”

“Sure thing.” Cody’s eyes sparkled. “Hey, by the way…”

“Yes?”

“Don’t tell anyone, but I love you in charge as well.”

Delighted, Kim laughed.

???

Two weeks later, Quinn observed her detectives grill the man they brought in for interrogation in the case of the stolen body parts killings. Sadly, they were not able to prevent a third victim from losing their life… but recovered CCTV video of the area where the body was found yielded a number of useful clues as to where the actual murder may have taken place. They foundthe scene, more pointers. Then, painstaking investigative work, determination, and a good dose of talent eventually led Miller and Ellie to their target. The killer proved not to be active in the illegal organ trade, after all, just a man who acted alone for his own sick pleasure. He was forty-three years old, lean and wiry, the kind who might prove deceptively strong and nasty in a fight. A former funeral home worker, sacked in recent months after it came to light that he was taking pictures of his deceased ‘patients’ to sell on the internet, he fixed everyone with feral eyes in his fully tattooed face.

“Stare all you want, buddy,” Miller let him know. “It won’t change a damn thing.”

He snarled at her and rattled the chain that kept him tethered to the table.

“Yeah, you’re cooked,” Ellie added dispassionately.

Quinn nodded in approval from behind the one-way glass mirror.Yep.A search of the man’s apartment had not revealed anything incriminating, but a storage unit he rented under a false name certainly yielded plenty of interest in the case. Ellie reported finding a collection of expensive Japanese knives and scalpels; some of them still bloody. Inside a chest freezer, David Dark, as appropriately was his name, kept animal parts, a couple of dismembered squirrels, and, crucially, the eyes of his latest human victim. DNA recovered on the body was identified as his. Miller called it a slam dunk for the prosecution. Quinn agreed. At this point, a full confession was not even required to ensure future conviction for this guy. Still, it would be good practice for Ellie, who rose to the challenge in style. Quinn appreciated the way she was able to get under the suspect’s skin and provoke him to reveal things that would invalidate an insanity defense claim.

“Excellent work, Detectives,” Quinn told them both after the interview. “And nicely done, Ellie.”

“Not such a rookie now, am I?” the young cop grinned.

“Not until you said that,” her partner chuckled ironically.

Quinn was in a good mood as she headed to her office, but she came to an abrupt halt when she discovered an unexpected visitor waiting for her there.Ah, man… Now what?

chapter 26

She had a new haircut. A short bob, possibly layered to highlight her slender neck and dramatic jawline. Even if not intentional, the style also emphasized a lean and boldly sculpted face. Her clothes looked new. Wide-legged trousers; a white, fitted linen shirt with half sleeves; and brown sling-back leather sandals to accommodate the weather. Classy. Smooth. Nice legs, too, Quinn noted. She was too thin, though one might take her for a broody model instead of a woman fresh out of rehab. Brooke certainly had the looks. Quinn observed her as she lingered in front of a photo of her and Lia, taken the day after their secret wedding in Mexico. Quinn could never look at it without smiling, and that’s why she kept it on her desk; to remind herself of the important things in life. In the photo, she was in board shorts and a sports bra. Lia wore cut-off jeans and a bikini top. Both tanned and grinning at the camera on a sun-drenched, white-sand beach. Lia had one arm slung casually around her neck but holding her close all the same.‘Gotcha!’the loving gesture seemed to say.And not letting you go.Quinn reflected they should take another trip. For now, she’d have to deal with Lia’s ex, apparently.

“Hello, Brooke,” she said as she walked in.

She spoke quietly, but the woman still jumped a little at the sound of her voice and swiftly moved away from the desk.

“Hello, Lieutenant.” She attempted a smile but did not quite pull it off. “Quinn, if I may...”

Quinn sat in her chair and leaned back to watch her.

“Lieutenant will do.” She nodded once. “So. Detox over? How are you doing?”

Brooke fixed her for a moment as if to gauge the true level of warmth and concern in her expression. Or lack of it, for that matter. Quinn held her gaze silently in return, nice and neutral. Not giving her much, because why should she? She was curious and appropriately wary as to why the woman might come and see her.

“Rehab ended yesterday,” Brooke answered. She remained standing. “I feel much better, yes.”

“So, what can I do for you?”

“Nothing. Well, sorry; yes,” Brooke conceded when Quinn raised a stormy eyebrow. “If you would hear me out, please… I came to apologize to you, first of all. I also want to thank you for your intervention at my apartment.”

“Coming to you in Boston was Lia’s idea; I just went along for the ride.”

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