Page 18 of Flash Freeze

“I just printed a copy,” said Ice, as he led her into the bullpen. Athena had probably received the same e-mail but had been too engaged reading the interviews to notice.

Karen rushed from the printer with pages in hand and passed them to Athena. Standing in the middle of the office, she studied the report, reading portions aloud. “Cause of death, cranial blunt force trauma. No soot or smoke particulates identified within the tracheobronchial tree or lungs … Estimated time of death approximately one hour prior to thermal exposure.”

“Like I said,” Ice repeated. “He was dead before the explosion.”

“The medical examiner has declared the manner of death as homicide based on these findings,” Athena said.

“It would still have been homicide if his death was a result of the fire, as we already know it wasn’t an accident,” Hernandez added.

“But we still don’t know whether the murder and the attack on the Gulf Allied Chemicals office were related or coincidental,” Karen offered, biting her lower lip, hands clasped before her.

“We must pursue both possibilities,” Athena instructed. “Campbell, were you able to get anything useful from the security footage at Gulf Allied?”

“Everything from the office building cameras was either destroyed or severely degraded,” Campbell said. “Their system is so old it doesn’t even back up to the cloud. But I was able to scan through everything from the front gate security cams.”

“Agent Paulson isn’t here to do the magic he does, so I’m counting on you. It’s tedious, but go through and make a still of every vehicle that enters or leaves, and compare them to the employees’ DMV records—extra points if you can make a positive ID on the drivers. Shoops, have you gotten the warrants for the Green Resistance membership roster and a search of Cody Rivers’ residence?” It was too late to request a tap on his phone, as he would have alerted any potential suspect within moments of her and Bach leaving yesterday.

“They came through just before the autopsy report,” she said. “But the judge only granted a search of Rivers’ home for records relevant to the Green Resistance and bomb-making materials.” She handed the paper to her boss.

“That’s fine,” Athena said. “I don’t care about unrelated offenses. Since our detective friend is taking a day off—”

“What’s that you say?” Elyan Bach strolled in as if her office were his playground. The lingering musty scent of cigarette smoke clung to his cheap suit.

Athena frowned and grumbled, “You came.”

“Joint investigation, Assistant Special Agent in Charge,” he said with a half-smile and a twinkle in his eyes. He hadn’t shaved again and had visible signs of fatigue. “You’re here, I’m here. Though I must say you look well-rested this morning.”

Athena presented an aloof expression. “Maintaining a proper sleep regimen is essential to optimum performance on the job, Detective Bach. Take note.”

Turning back to Karen, she said, “Conduct an in-depth background search on Federal Inspector Jeff Nolan. See if you can find anything that might point to someone who’d want him dead other than Charles Whitmore. Then run our two CEOs and their family feud history. I want to be ready for our interviews tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Ice, Hernandez, start looking up known bombers and arsonists,” Athena directed. “See where they are now and then spread out to suspects without convictions. I doubt a billionaire or billionairess got their hands dirty. If either is involved, they hired someone. If we don’t have a suspect in custody by tonight, I’m asking Mr. Smith to return Paulson and Howard. That should keep you busy until we have more names.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Hernandez said. All four returned to their stations.

Athena stepped into her office to gather her blazer and purse, then joined Bach, where he waited patiently. “Let’s see if Mr. Rivers is hiding anything, shall we?”

He opened the door and held it for her. “After you.”

“I suppose, in the spirit of conservation, you could ride with me to save the air from more exhaust fumes,” she invited, hoping he’d decline.

“Thanks. Perhaps the tree-hugger will be more cooperative if he sees we’re making an effort.”

Athena pressed the elevator button with a scowl. “It’s a non-smoking vehicle.”

The elevator beeped, and the doors slid open. Bach extended an arm. “I wouldn’t dream of sullying your beautiful automobile with my bad habit.”

“Good.” She clipped off the word and stepped in. “Then I won’t be forced to use my eject button. It’s been a while since I’ve had to do that. Messy business.” With a completely serious face, she pressed for the first floor. From the corner of her eye, she observed Bach’s reaction with private amusement. Best to always keep them guessing.

A sleepy Cody Rivers, in a white ribbed tank and plaid flannel pajama pants, answered the door after several minutes of knocking and ringing the bell. His eyelids were half-closed, and his hair tousled. “It’s Sunday morning, for Christ’s sake,” he grumbled. “Why are you back?”

Athena held up the search warrant, and Detective Bach waved in two uniformed police officers and a crime scene technician. “We are executing this warrant for you to turn over all Green Resistance records and to search your home for bomb-making components.”

“Jesus!” he swore, backing out of the officers’ way. “I didn’t make any bomb.”

“Probably not,” Bach agreed. “We’ll take that membership roster now.”