“See you around,” Loverboy said as they left.
Neither spoke as they walked back down the hallway to the exit.
“He was testy,” Loverboy said.
“Yes, he was,” Brand agreed. “Maybe everything is getting to him.”
“May be,” Loverboy said, clicking the key fob to unlock the SUV.
Across town,Hawkeye and Detective Graves came out of Interrogation having gotten nowhere with Rogers. Jett, Rookie, and Don Juan met them in the hallway.
“Hawkeye, we’ve got a theory,” Don Juan said.
“You mean, I’ve got a theory,” Jett said.
“What is it?” Hawkeye said.
“What if Rogers …” Jett began and repeated what they’d discussed at the brownstone about him replacing Adams as Dugan’s partner and not getting the recognition.
“And you think he really would try to kill Flynn just to make a name for himself just to be seen?” Graves said.
“Wait,” Hawkeye said. “It’s a stretch, but when you consider this whole song and dance he’s been putting us through, wanting a lawyer and then immediately firing his lawyer for such a crazy reason. It’s like he needs to be center of attention. I’ve tried to talk to his former partner as to why he requested that transfer.”
“He requested it?” Rookie said. “To hear Rogers talk, the transfer came out of the blue from higher up.”
“Technically, the transfer was made to look that way,” Hawkeye explained, “so Rogers wouldn’t know his partner had requested to get out from working with him.”
“What did Dugan do to piss someone off that they assigned Rogers as his new partner?” Jett asked.
“I don’t think it was ever considered when Dugan’s partner was transferred– not by request in this case –that Rogers wouldn’t be a good fit for him,” Hawkeye said. “But maybe it should have been looked into. I think I’ll make that recommendation now and have him a new partner when he returns next Monday.”
“Won’t scuttlebutt have a field day with that move?” Rookie asked.
“Not if Rogers ends up going down for his involvement with Adams,” Hawkeye said. “I’m still convinced those two were in cahoots someway, somehow on this thing. Even if neither one of them will admit it.”
“I’m off to do my undercover work,” Graves told them. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“Walk with me,” Hawkeye said. “Where’s Brand and Loverboy?”
“They went to the arena to pick up the amended contract for the exhibition match,” Don Juan said. “And make sure Monte Adams was still in town.”
“Ah,” Hawkeye said. “Smart move. Saved me a trip down there.”
“What about Rogers purchasing the rat poison?” Rookie asked. “Even if we haven’t been able to make a connection between him and Adams.”
“Right now, it looks circumstantial,” Hawkeye said. “As much as I’d like to nail him for it, we have to stay cautious. Until we can put the two of them together and make it stick, we can’t tip our hands. And I’m afraid we’re going to have to let him go.”
“If he’ll go,” Simpson said, joining them as they reached Hawkeye’s office. “I’m assuming you were talking about Rogers leaving once he’s released. I overheard him chatting with an officer when he didn’t realize anyone else was around and he said he was afraid to leave the precinct.”
“Did he say why?” Jett asked.
Simpson shook his head. “He clammed up. I think he realized he’d said too much or thought better of admitting his weakness.”
“That is interesting,” Hawkeye said. “As his union representative, even though he has made it clear he doesn’t want your help, why don’t you offer him the use of the departments safe house. Make it clear it’s a new location that Adams wouldn’t know about from when he was on the force if that is a concern. And that we can offer him twenty-four-hour protection if he feels he needs it.”
“What’s the catch?” Simpson asked. “You know he’s going ask that question.”
Hawkeye grinned. “He’s going to have to become a CI for us.”
