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Chapter9
“IT’S OVER HERE.”
They were in a climate-controlled storage unit. After consulting the iPad she was holding, Christine Burlin pointed to a shelf in the far back of the space.
“You seem very well organized,” said Lancaster appreciatively.
“Well, of course I am. Mr. Finger is not the best in that regard, so I have to make up for it. And I can assure you that I do.”
Lancaster whispered to Jamison, “She has four kids, the oldest is in eighth grade, and I think she still dresses them in Garanimals.”
There were only two boxes dealing with the case, Burlin told them. She made Lancaster sign an electronic receipt before she would allow them to take the containers. They trudged back to their cars with Decker schlepping both boxes.
Lancaster said, “You can take them back to the station. Captain Miller has arranged a room for you to use.”
“How is Captain Miller?” said Decker.
“Ready to retire,” said Lancaster. “But aren’t we all. I’ll meet you back there later.”
“Wait a minute, where are you going?” asked Decker.
“I have other cases to work,” she said incredulously. “And this one is not officially on my plate or even a case for the department.”
“But Hawkins’s murder is.”
“And we don’t know if it’s connected to what’s in those files. So, you go through them and let me know what you find out, if anything. And let me go about trying to solve somenewcrimes, like Hawkins’s murder.”
She got into her car and drove off. When Decker didn’t climb into their rental, Jamison paused, her hand on the car door. “What’s up?”
“That’s what I want to know: What’s up with Mary?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve known her a long time. She’s not telling me something.”
“Well, she has that right, Decker. But she might come around. And it’s nice that you’re worried about your old partner,” she added.
They drove to the police station and were directed to the room reserved for their use. As they were heading down the hall a man in his early sixties stepped out of an office.
Captain MacKenzie Miller was still short, wide, and puffy, with an unhealthy tint to his skin. But his smile was broad and infectious. “Look what they let in the door,” he said.
He put out his hand for Decker to shake. He nodded at Jamison and shook her hand too, then pointed to the badge on her jacket. “I heard. Congrats, Alex, I know that wasn’t easy.”
“Thanks, Mac.”
Decker eyed the man who had been his superior his entire time on the police force. Miller was a good cop, tough, fair, and he didn’t bullshit. He had actually stopped Decker from putting a bullet in his brain once. It would be impossible to dislike the man after that.
“Well, you’ve been establishing quite a rep for yourself at the Bureau. Ross Bogart keeps me updated.”
“Didn’t know that,” said Decker, the boxes pressed against his wide chest.
“Nice to know there are some things youdon’tknow,” said Miller. He eyed the boxes. “Lawyer’s files? Hawkins?”
“Yes,” responded Jamison.
“We’ll, I’ll let you get to it, then. It’s good to see you both. Let’s grab a beer later if you’re able.”
Decker said, “Can I ask a question?”
