Page 24 of Sinister Secrets

“That’s correct.”

“That’s a big accomplishment to have achieved so young. And yet you gave it up to become a field agent.”

“Yes.”

“How’d that work out for you?”

He has to know about Harold Griggs. The basement. The brand on my back. The dead partner. I don’t know what game he’s playing, but I’m not amused.

Lifting my chin, I say, “I successfully brought down a serial killer who had been killing women for almost three decades.”

His lips twitch, though whether he’s fighting a comment or a smile, I couldn’t say. In the end, he gives a curt nod, accepting my somewhat colorful explanation of my experience as a field agent.

“You moved back to Florida how long ago?”

“About eight months, sir.”

“And in that time, you’ve come into contact with my office how many times?”

Though I give him a smile, it’s one so sharp it could cut through stone. “Are you asking how many cases I’ve solved since I’ve been back, sir? Or the number of agents I’ve come in contact with during that time?”

He clears his throat. “I want to make it clear from the start, Knox. I don’t know what your former DIC let you get away with, but I run a tight ship. I don’t allow my agents to go rogue.”

That doesn’t jive with my experience with a couple of his agents, but I bite my tongue and keep the comment to myself.

“You report to me. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I expect to be kept in the loop at all times. Do you foresee that being a problem?”

“No, sir.”

“Good. Now tell me about the investigation you’re working on. Your local sheriff’s department asked you to assist?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“They don’t have the manpower, budget, or experience to work a homicide like this.”

“Wouldn’t it have made more sense for them to contact the state police? Versus an agent who wasn’t technically an agent on active duty?”

“Yes, it would have,” I admit.

“Did you mislead them in any way about your position with this field office?”

“No, sir.”

“Then why you?”

“I was born and raised in Gator Glade, sir. The sheriff has known me all my life.” And hated me for most of it, though I don’t add that part. “Also…”

“What?”

“The body was found on my property, sir.”

His eyebrows rise at the unexpected plot twist. “And the sheriff didn’t feel that would make the case a conflict of interest?”