Page 93 of Girl Between
“Just tell me.”
“They’re sending Richter.”
“Richter?” Dana’s keen eyes filled with concern. “Doesn’t he need to be at Claire’s trial?”
“He was deposed when we were. The DA says it’s all pretty cut and dry since the plea is NGRI.”
“Right,” Dana murmured, her gaze suddenly distant.
NGRI or not guilty by reason of insanity, wasn’t a lenient plea in the District of Columbia. Jake knew Claire had been through half the criminal defense attorneys in the tri-state area before one was stupid enough to take the case. The plea admitted Claire committed the crimes, but the severity of insanity sentencing varied widely.
“Hey,” Jake said softly, taking Dana’s hand from her bouncing knee. “She’s not going to get away with it.”
Dana pulled her hand away. “Can we talk about something else?”
“Sure.”
“You said there was bad news. Richter is one of the best. Why aren’t you happy he’s taking this case?”
She was right. SSA Grant Richter, was one of the good guys. The last of a dying breed if the FBI’s new director had anything to say about it.
Jake had trained under a pre-salt-and-pepper haired Richter as a boot during his Army days. After the last case they’d worked together, the man should be getting a medal. But it seemed the FBI’s newregime was more interested in turning the fifty-something silver fox out to pasture.
“He’s not the problem,” Jake grumbled. “The new BAU unit chief is.”
“I don’t follow,” said Dana. “Richter’s the unit chief.”
“Not anymore. Director No-sack is trading expertise and seniority for a shiny new army of pocket protector-wearing tech teens.”
“I know you and the new director don’t see eye-to-eye, but is it possible you’re being dramatic?” Dana asked.
“Why don’t you let me know after you meet Doogie Howser?” he asked, passing Dana his phone.
She stared at the photograph of the fresh-faced agent, who looked like he’d barely hit puberty. “Meet Special Agent Colby Creed,” Jake snorted. “He’s named after cheese for Christ’s sake. How the hell does he expect not to be shoved in a locker, let alone lead the BAU?”
“I’m sure you thought similar things about me before we worked together.”
“At least you’re an adult.”Brilliant, beautiful, sexy, maddening, adult. He left those adjectives out.
“Jake, give him a chance before you pass judgement.”
“I won’t get to. No-sack wants my ass back at HQ.”
Dana swallowed. “When?”
“Careful, you almost sound sad that I’m leaving.”
“Jake …”
He waved her off, knowing that conversation would be better with less whiskey and more privacy. “I’m staying on to pass the baton when the BAU gets here. If you want on the case, it’s probably best I’m not the one to push the issue. I don’t have the sway I used to without Jenks in the driver’s seat.” He fished out his wallet and placed cash on the bar for their drinks. “Let me know about the wedding. I’ll need to book a flight home.”
“Home or D.C.?”
Jake exhaled deeply, wishing his glass wasn’t empty. “D.C. I meant what I said about Claire’s trial.”
“And then?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know. Guess I’m playing the rest by ear.”
