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“Inside. We got the word you brought Yost down. Sir, I would have pursued as backup, but McNab ordered me to stay, and Agent Jacoby was down.”
“You did right, so did McNab. What’s the status on Jacoby?”
“I don’t know. Stowe’s in contact with the MTs. Yost caught him with a pressure syringe, heavy barbs, dead in the heart. Dallas, he went down like a tree under the ax. By the time Stowe and I got to him, his heart had stopped. We administered CPR, and the MTs’ response was fast. They zapped him, got a rhythm. He was still unconscious when they took him off-scene.”
“Even blind ambition and gross stupidity don’t deserve a stopped heart
. Stand by, Peabody. Keep this area clear. No statements to the media at this time.”
Eve swung inside. Trina’s helpful friend was sitting on the floor, her head back, and what looked like about ten ounces of red wine in a water glass. She gave Eve a wavery smile and kept sipping steadily.
“Are you all right? Do you need medical attention?”
She held up the glass. “This is all the medical attention I need. I’m going to drink this, go home, and sleep for eight hours.”
“I’ll arrange your transportation. You know it’s essential you speak to no one about what happened here this morning until you’re cleared to do so.”
“Yeah, you drilled me.” She studied Eve’s face. “I got some products that’ll help with that swelling and bruising. It’s great for after major face and body sculpting work. You want some free samples?”
“I’m okay. Where’s Agent Stowe?”
“In the back.”
“Don’t go anywhere,” Eve told her, then pushed through into the storeroom.
Stowe paced a line through the boxes as she talked on her pocket-link. “Keep me apprised of his status. You can reach me at this number at all times. Thanks.”
“Jacoby?” Eve asked.
“In a coma.” Stowe shoved the ’link in her pocket. “Critical. His heart—they may have to try to replace it. He took a direct hit. Clicked him off like a switch. I should have gone with him. He’s my partner. I wanted to see you. Needed to tell you. I didn’t tip Jacoby. He must have sensed something was up and tailed me. I didn’t tell him about this. I didn’t break faith with you.”
“If I thought you had, I wouldn’t have Yost on ice waiting for you to book and interview.”
Stowe turned and faced Eve. “You tracked him, set up the op, and you took him down. It’s your collar, Dallas.”
“We made a deal. You stuck to yours, I stuck to mine. He’s at Central, maximum holding. They’re expecting you.”
Stowe nodded. “You ever need a favor from the Bureau, it’s yours.”
“I’ll keep it in mind. You’ve got to stall him on the lawyer, keep him incommunicado until after oh two hundred hours. You have a little delay getting to Central, the paperwork gets lost for his transfer to your authority.”
“If I can’t delay for fourteen hours, give or take, I shouldn’t be working for the government. He won’t tip anybody about your op. Whenever you want to interview him about your two homicides, I’ll clear it. He give you that?” she asked, jerking her chin toward Eve’s face.
“I got it on the tackle, bringing him down.”
“You ought to put some ice on it.”
“Tell me.”
“It’s been a pleasure.” Stowe held out her hand. “Lieutenant.”
“Likewise. Agent.”
She ordered Peabody to find the closest 24/7 and buy some ice. In direct violation of orders, Peabody hit the closest pharmacy and brought back a cold patch with anti-inflammatories and a bottle of pain blockers.
“Where’s my ice?”
“This is better than ice.”
