“Quite. At least you’ll have a short commute.”
“Does anyone else live on site here?”
“Other than you and Bryn, not permanently, but we have some rooms for staff to use as needed. As there’s a study in your apartment, I’ve not set up another office for you down here. Your computer has access to everything you’ll need. If the space isn’t adequate, let me know.”
“Sure. So what do we have this morning?”
“We’re keeping it close for your first case. It’s the local FBI office rather than Boston PD. Nasty serial killer case. You’ve heard of the Forest Ripper?”
“The press sure do love to dream up dramatic names, don’t they? Yeah, I’ve heard of him. Can’t imagine there’s a cop who hasn’t. Psycho takes young boys off the street in Boston, dumps their bodies weeks later, always in forest areas around the city.”
“That’s the one. I’ll let the team brief you. It’ll be a rough start for Bryn but that’s the job.”
When Gunnar walked into the conference room his eyes were immediately drawn to Bryn, who was lounging in a chair at the far end of the table. Gunnar held back a grin. Bryn was definitely making some kind of statement with his outfit. He had on skintight ripped black jeans, biker boots and a faded band T-shirt. His sunglasses were in place but he wasn’t wearing his gloves. Gunnar could see them tucked into thewaistband of his jeans. The other occupants of the room were much more traditionally dressed in dark suits.
Warden assumed the seat at the head of the table and everyone followed his lead. Gunnar took the seat to one side of Bryn.
“Morning, partner.”
Bryn scowled. “Well, aren’t you the chirpy one this morning. I fell over a box of your crap before I’d had coffee.”
“Should have looked where you were going then, shouldn’t you?” Gunnar could sense Bryn’s glare through his shades.
“There was also no sugar-coated cereal. Granola. They expect me to eat granola.”
“Lodge a complaint with human resources.”
“Fuck you.”
“Shall we get started, gentlemen?” There was a warning in Warden’s tone. Even the FBI agents sat up straighter. “Detective Ericson, Bryn, I’d like to introduce Special Agents Bell and Gomez. They will conduct this briefing.”
One of the agents handed around slim manila folders. “This case spans several years so the information you have is a brief summary. There’s also a picture of the man we believe to be the ‘Forest Ripper’, Dr. Everard Templeton. He’s a long-term Boston resident and eminent surgeon at Boston General. His specialism is pediatric surgery.”
Gunnar glanced up from the paperwork. “So why do you need us if you already have him?”
“The evidence is all circumstantial. He’s a very clever man. Having an augur to call on is an absolute godsend. We don’t want this guy back on the streets.”
“Bryn is a certified level five augur, gentlemen. His evidence is admissible in all court proceedings. If thisisyour killer, he’ll be able to confirm it.” Warden pushed his chair back. “I’ll leave you to carry on. Detective Ericson is in charge.”
After Warden had left the room, Gunnar poured himself a glass of water. “I assume youdohave Dr. Templeton in custody?”
Agent Bell nodded. “We only have another twelve hours before we either have to charge him or let him go. He’s toying with us and enjoying it. You guys are a trump card I can’t wait to play. Should wipe the sneer off his smug, superior face.”
“No love lost then.”
“He’s been arrested twice before. His lawyer was a snake oil salesman in a previous life. Slippery as fuck.”
“Bryn has to have skin-to-skin physical contact with your man. Is that likely to be risky?”
Agent Bell tapped his pen on the table. “No. He’s icy calm, not hot tempered. I imagine he’ll find an augur an intellectual curiosity.”
“I’m not a fucking science experiment.” Bryn put his shades on the table and both agents sucked in their breath.
“Woah.”
“Yeah. You want me to show him these or not?”
“It might unsettle him,” Gunnar said.
