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

folks. It’s late. We’re all tired and want to go home,” Fisher began. “Let’s get up to speed on the day’s events so we can start fresh in the morning. Scarborough, why don’t you get us off the ground.”

“Duncan and I flew out to L.A. and met with the Riverside field agent. An agreement was reached to allow his witness to obtain a temporary visa in exchange for his statement.” Nick reached into his files. “This was the sketch they came up with.”

“I immediately got on the phone with Agent Palmero in Houston where he transmitted the sketch that he received from Dr. Valente. I have that right here.” Duncan slid it toward the middle of the table.

“And this is what our primary suspect looks like.” Walsh tossed a picture onto the table. “It looks to me like we have ourselves a match to one Dr. Theodore Bishop.”

“But it doesn’t stop there,” Kate began. “Levi and I were in Providence and tracked down the medical school records of Bishop after Fisher was kind enough to call in a few favors to get us a speedy warrant. We also talked to a few people at the hospital where Bishop served his residency.”

“It turned out that most everyone who either worked with him or went to school with him knew there was something off,” Walsh added. “But no one did anything about it. Bishop skated through his medical training. None of the higher-ups bothered to call him out when something smelled funny.”

“Are we all in agreement then?” Fisher scanned the room. “We hunt down Bishop and bring him in as a suspect?”

“We need Palmero’s help,” Nick said. “This was his initial investigation and while it appears to span across California as well, I think it has to go to Palmero to bring him in.”

Fisher nodded. “Agreed. Does anyone happen to know where we can find Bishop?”

“According to the National Registry, Bishop works for a station in Charlotte,” Kate said. “We should gather the team and head to Charlotte.” She peered back at Nick. “Palmero can take the lead.”

“Just bear in mind that we’re still a long way from proving anything right now,” Fisher added. “We have no conclusive evidence that it was Bishop who intentionally caused the deaths of these rescue victims. Only that he was spotted with them. And the validity of at least one of the witnesses could be in question.”

“Riverside’s witness,” Nick said.

“Yep.”

“What about the wrongful death suit?” Kate asked.

“Wrongful death implies negligence, not intentional homicide,” Fisher replied. “What we need is hard evidence. Without a doubt, there’s enough here to bring him in for questioning, which is what I suggest we get lined up now. Scarborough, let’s huddle up in my office and we’ll call your buddy, Palmero. We need him to head to Charlotte where the rest of us will meet up with him.” Fisher looked around. “Let’s all go home and get some sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow will be a wild day.”

15

When Nick and Kate were at home together, they relished in each other’s company. The moments were rare, and they took full advantage of them whenever possible. Tonight was different. They returned home separately, and Nick was already inside when Kate opened the door.

“You beat me.” She secured the door behind her.

Nick was in the kitchen with his head in the refrigerator. He pulled up. “Hey. I noticed you and Walsh talking and didn’t want to interrupt so I just took off. You hungry? I can whip up something for us.”

“No, thanks. I’m fine.” She placed her coat on the hook near the door and set down her carrier bag. “Wouldn’t mind a big glass of water, though.” She walked into the kitchen.

Nick filled up a glass from the fridge. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

“Well, I’m starving. You don’t mind if I make something, do you?” He pulled out a package of hotdogs and buns.

“Not at all.” Kate returned to the living room and kicked off her shoes before dropping to the sofa sectional. “Fisher seems to have a handle on the investigation, don’t you think?”

“Absolutely. I appreciate how he’s handled all of this. Considering this was a buddy of mine who asked for help.” Nick pulled the dogs from the microwave and lined them with ketchup inside the bun.

“I don’t know if I’m supposed to say anything, but Fisher asked me what I thought of Palmero.”

“Why would he ask you that?” Nick shoveled half the dog into his mouth while standing at the breakfast bar.

“He thinks Palmero might be a suitable candidate for Quinn’s job,” Kate replied.

Nick choked down the food. “What? I had no idea Palmero was interested in a move to Quantico, let alone in that position.”

“I’m not sure he is. Fisher made it seem like he might consider it though, were they to discuss it.”

“It would be a promotion for him.” Nick wiped away a spot of ketchup from his lip. “Palmero’s a hell of an agent but this would be a new challenge. I’m surprised Fisher would take him into consideration.”

“Well, it could be a case of just trying to fill a list.” Kate sat up when Nick returned to the sofa. “I like the guy. I just don’t know him well enough to make an assessment. I might get that chance, though, since he’s meeting us in Charlotte tomorrow.” She studied his face and with her thumb, gently rubbed at the corner of his mouth. “You missed a spot.” She held his gaze and smiled. “So much has happened. So much has changed.”

“Change isn’t always a bad thing,” Nick replied. “We can get better. We can be better.”

“Nick, I know this demotion has affected you. How could it not? But you don’t talk about it. You haven’t gotten mad or yelled or screamed about it. I have no idea how you feel because you won’t tell me.”

“How can I get mad at something I brought on myself? It’s not fair to Cam. It’s not fair to the