Edge of Mercy (A Kate Reid Novel Book 11), Robin Mahle [freenovel24 .txt] 📗

had been smart enough to check his duffle bag, knowing his supplies inside could have given cause for a search. That search could have led to something more.

“Come on through.” Another agent signaled for Bishop to walk through the x-ray machine. “Stand with your arms up and feet placed on the marks below.”

Bishop waited inside the machine while it took photos of his body.

“Thank you. Step through, sir. You’re good to go.”

And that was it. Bishop was clear. He gathered his belongings and headed toward the gate.

Walsh walked into the Baltimore EMS station and approached one of the staff. “Excuse me, is Ray Zimmerman in this afternoon?”

“He’s the supervisor for the second-shift,” the man replied as he scarfed down a ham sandwich. “He usually gets in around 6 but his shift doesn’t start until 8 tonight. The first-shift supervisor is here.”

“You know what, I’ll try to catch Mr. Zimmerman later this evening. Thank you for your help.” He left the building and held his phone to make a call. “Hey, it’s Walsh. I left the law office where the suit was filed and thought I’d head over to the EMS office. Unfortunately, the man named in the suit doesn’t work here anymore, according to the attorney, but that the supervisor would know where he went. But I struck out. The supervisor’s not here either. I’m thinking I’ll head back and make the call to him later.”

“Sounds good. We’ll see you back at the office in a couple of hours.” Fisher ended the call.

Walsh wasn’t ready to call it quits just yet. The attorney had no reason to believe what had happened to the woman had been intentional, in fact, his suit suggested it was simply negligence and human error. But it was just too damn coincidental. Kate was right to think this was connected. Her hunches were usually spot on. Not everyone on the team had felt that way, but then Quinn was no longer part of the team.

He returned to the station and spotted the same man sitting at the same table. “Excuse me again, sir. I’m sorry to keep interrupting. I think I would like to see the supervisor on shift now if that’s okay.”

“Sure.” The man pointed to the door ahead. “That’s his office right there.”

“Appreciate the help.” Walsh headed toward the closed door and knocked.

“Come in.”

He opened the door. “Afternoon. I’m Agent Levi Walsh.” He displayed his credentials before continuing. “Do you mind if I ask you a quick question?” The supervisor wore a concerned expression and Walsh added, “it’s about an EMT who I don’t believe works here any longer.

The man’s face returned to that of someone with only mild concern. “Okay. Who are you talking about?”

“Theodore Bishop. Dr. Theodore Bishop. Are you familiar with him?”

“Yeah, of course. He worked second shift, but I guess he was let go oh, about a week ago, maybe, two. You’d have to check with Zimmerman. He was Bishop’s supervisor but works the night shift.”

“I need to head back to my office, but I was wondering if there might be a way to find out where Dr. Bishop is currently employed.”

The man cast his gaze toward the ceiling. “Well, he’ll be registered.” He turned back to Walsh. “You could check with the National Registry. If he’s working as an EMT now, they’ll know where.”

Walsh smiled. “That’s good news. Thank you so much for your help.” He started to leave.

“Is this about that wrongful death suit?” the man asked.

“Yes, it is. Thanks again.” Walsh returned to his car.

Nick was on his phone while Palmero sat in the office and waited for him to finish the call. “And you can issue a visa for now, is that correct?” Nick nodded. “And when it runs out, what will happen? Uh-huh. Okay, so interviews and statements. Got it. What are the chances it’ll be turned down?” Nick waited again while the person spoke. “I see. So long as he can prove self-sufficiency. Okay. Well, I can’t thank you enough. This is going to bring us that much closer to solving this case.” He laughed. “Oh, I know how much I owe you. Believe me, it won’t be forgotten. Thanks again. Bye.” He set down his phone.

“Well? It sounded positive,” Palmero said.

“They agreed to issue a temporary visa. It’s all we can do for him for the time being. The rest will be up to him.”

“I hope that will be enough,” Palmero replied.

“There’s always a way we can turn the tables, but I don’t think either of us wants to do that.”

“Threaten him with deportation if he doesn’t talk,” Palmero added.

“That’s right. I’d rather catch flies with honey but if this won’t do it for him, it could get ugly.”

“I don’t know how you did it, but I think this will do the trick. I should let the agent in Riverside know where the FBI stands.” Palmero pushed off the chair. “I’ll bring Duncan in on the conversation since she’s been working with him too.”

“Okay. Good luck. We need it.” Nick watched as Palmero walked into the corridor. But before he could turn away, Walsh appeared.

“Palmero, you need to hear this too,” Walsh said as he stood outside Nick’s office. “We all need to hear this. Is everyone here?” he asked Nick.

“I believe so. When did you get back?”

“Just now. We should gather in the conference room for five minutes. I’ll round up everyone.”

“Okay.” Nick stood and met Walsh in the corridor. “Just an FYI, we got a solution to our immigrant blackmailer.”

“Blackmailer. That’s a strong word,” Walsh replied.

“Withholding information to get what you want. What else would you call it?”

“Politics? I don’t know.” Walsh patted Nick on the back. “Good work, Boss.”

“I’m not the boss anymore.” Nick followed.

Walsh didn’t respond and continued to round up the rest of the team. “I’ll meet you in the conference room in five.” He headed toward Duncan’s office. “Hey, can you spare a minute for a quick rundown in the conference room?”

“Sure.”

“I’m gathering