Page 32 of Flash Freeze

“What is it?” Karen asked, peering at him anxiously, her fingers still hovering over her keyboard.

He grimaced. “Nothing. Just another weather alert for a severe winter storm warning. Now they’re saying ice, snow, wind, and temperatures dropping below thirty degrees. Prepare for power outages. Prepare to shelter in place.”

“Perfect timing,” Athena grumbled, still hoping it was more hype than substance.

“At least I’ve got a Jeep Rubicon,” said Agent Ice. “So, if anyone needs to go somewhere, I can get you there.”

“Does it say if or when school will be canceled?” Hernandez asked. “I’ve got kids,” he added to Bach by way of explanation.

“My weather alert doesn’t say,” the detective answered, “but I’m sure they will. Kids will be so excited to have a snow day or two.”

Athena remembered the rare snow days she had as a kid in southern Louisiana. As a child, it had been magical. Not only did she get out of school for a day or two, but she and her mom built a snowman once. She remembered sticking out her tongue to catch the falling flakes. As an adult, it had become an infrequent nuisance to be worked around. She just hoped it wouldn’t slow down their investigation.

“Back to the case,” Athena stated authoritatively.

A desk phone rang. Campbell answered it. He caught her gaze and held it, then said, “OK, thanks.” Hanging up the call, he announced, “The lab has some new findings to add to its report. Check your email.”

Athena clicked open the report, her pulse quickening. Maybe this was the break they’d been waiting for. “The lab has identified the murder weapon.”

Silently, the others in the room read the report as she hit the highlights aloud. “They found iron particulates embedded in the bone. Through comparative testing of various blunt instruments, the tool most consistent with the fracture pattern is a standard-sized pipe wrench.” She cast a questioning glance at Detective Bach. “Did anyone find a pipe wrench on scene?”

Bach rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head. “Nope. Odd,” he said. “That’s a plumber’s tool—certainly not something you find lying around in an office. The killer must have brought it with him.”

“Maybe he used it getting into the generator to plant the bomb,” Hernandez suggested.

Ice frowned. “Wrong tool. Screwdrivers and sockets, measured wrenches, maybe bolt cutters if he had to get past a lock. There’s no place in a generator to use a pipe wrench.”

“Well, it’s heavy,” Campbell said, “and most people have one in their homes in case their sink drain gets clogged. Plenty of brands, all just about the same. It would be hard to pinpoint unless we found the actual wrench and matched Nolan’s blood to it.”

“And the killer didn’t leave it behind,” Athena said. “Did he keep it? Risky. Throw it away?”

“I’d soak it in bleach and toss it in the bayou,” Bach said. “If this was a professional hit, we’ll never find that wrench.”

A sinking feeling settled in Athena’s gut. “It’s still more information,” she said, “another piece of the puzzle.”

Karen tentatively raised her hand. Athena resisted the urge to roll her eyes. While the junior agent had made progress, she was still so insecure that Athena wanted to scream. At least no one will accuse her of being too pushy, she thought. “Yes, Agent Shoops? Speak up.”

“I found something probative while running deeper backgrounds on Gulf Allied employees.” Shoops paused to push up her glasses and swallow. “There’s a young administrative assistant who’s been employed for eighteen months in the office—Keaton Walsh. No criminal or red flags in his records, but, when I looked into family relations, I discovered he’s Lone Star attorney Claire Buchanan’s nephew. I thought, since we’re looking for ‘little birdies,’ that might be relevant.”

Athena straightened with interest. “Indeed, Shoops. You keep running family backgrounds on employees. Ice, Hernandez, go find Keaton Walsh and bring him in for an interview. Let’s see what kinds of information he’s been passing to his aunt, and if he’s involved in corporate espionage or something bigger.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ice said as he shot out of his desk chair, clearly eager for some action. Hernandez followed.

“And Agent Ice?” Athena added in a clipped tone. “Try not to frighten the fellow to death.”

He presented an innocent look. “Me? Intimidate a suspect? Never.”

Athena shifted her gaze to a folder she’d picked up to hide her amusement. Then, lifting her chin, she instructed, “Back to work, everyone. Get Gulf Allied’s bank records, Lone Star’s, and look for any link between Whitmore and Kerrington to a bomb maker or hitman. Campbell, it’s a long shot, but check out SinoFine Chemical & Materials anyway. No stone left unturned.”

“On it,” he replied.

“What about us?” Bach met Athena’s gaze. He looked like he was about to drop.

“Do you moonlight?” she asked. “Have another job or something? Stay up all night chasing women?”

He squashed a smile, a blush rising in his cheeks. “Naw. I just don’t sleep well. Long, sordid story, and I haven’t had a vacation in …” He flicked his eyes to the ceiling as if counting. “I can’t recall. But I’m OK. Married to the job and all that.” He leaned in closer and whispered. “What’s the story with Agent Shoops?” He glanced across the room to where the petite agent typed and clicked and scrolled at her computer.

“Are you trying to poach one of my agents?” Athena asked indignantly, even though she suspected his interest wasn’t purely professional.