Page 96 of Carter

“Well, I bet it’ll be approved as soon as everyone sees what’s in there. Good luck.”

He gives me a two-finger salute then leaves. I sit at my desk and open the file.

It seems Jason Mercer also went by Michael Mercer, his birth name, David Richardson, and Ashley Thomas. He has IDs and rap sheets under all of these names,exceptJason Mercer. So that’s what he does. Fucks up his record and changes his name. Well, that’s finally caught up to him.

I’m not surprised to see what’s here. Burglary, stalking, domestic assault, battery, and a few others that I’d expect from him.

I don’t call my boss. I walk to his office with the file in my hand, knowing this is finally enough to get the damn warrant. The door is open, but I still knock.

“Come in,” he calls out, his attention on his computer.

I drop the file on his desk. “We need that warrant for Jason Mercer. Guy’s got multiple aliases, all with rap sheets that make him good for the assault and murder.”

“What about your girl?” he questions, looking up at me.

“I told her other people would be in touch. She needs to keep it from her husband, but I think as long as we respect that, she’ll be fine.”

“You’re sure?” He takes the file and opens it up, flipping through the different pages to scan what’s there.

I shrug. “Nothing in life is sure but death and taxes. But I’m confident this isn’t a dead end.”

“We can get Glint on her. Can you set that up?”

“Of course I’ll set it up,” I say.

“Good. I’ll work on this warrant then.” He looks up at me, nodding approvingly. “Good work, Bennett.”

“Thank you.” I take the file and go back to my office to call Mindy Glint. She’s a detective who works Special Victims. I’ve spoken to her a few times, but I haven’t had to work with her yet.

“This is Glint,” she answers.

“It’s Bennett from Cold Case. You have some time to chat?”

“You want to come down?”

“I’ll be there in a minute,” I say and end the call. I grab the files I need, take the elevator to the second floor, and go right to her office. It’s a different world down here, with phones ringing and officers at desks working on their computers. Up on my floor, everyone has their own offices and it’squiet.

I knock on her door and she pulls it open, standing on the other side in a grey skirt suit and ruffled white shirt. Her dark hair is pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She’s tall for a woman, but nowhere near my height.

“Nice to see you again, Bennett. Come in.”

I step into her office and she closes the door behind me, then makes her way to her desk.

“Do you want coffee or anything?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

“All right, what do you have for me?” she asks as she takes a seat in her leather high-back chair.

I hand her the files, then give her the rundown on the file and on Lilianna. I’m very specific about her husband, about the wayhe talked to me, and how I’m certain she will help, as long as her husband doesn’t find out.

Mindy shakes her head as she browses the files. “I hate men like this.”

“Me too.”

She looks up at me. “I can handle this.”

“That’s why I came to you,” I tell her.