“We’ve just started our vacation. We’re safe.”
“Here’s to hoping.” After that, Andi went quiet. George got them home, where he put his partner right to bed with another shot of Tylenol and two bottles of water. It wasn’t that late in the afternoon—only 4:00 p.m.—and he knew a nap would help Andi to recuperate. George took a long shower before he started dinner, a simple vegetable casserole with four different cheeses. Andi tended to avoid meat, except for the occasional chicken stir-fry. Not because he was a confirmed vegetarian, but because apparently meat, especially red meat, made him even more susceptible to the arthropods. George had read enough scientific articles about healthy eating and the impact of food on people’s bodies to not dismiss Andi’s claim. Anyway, a mostly vegetarian diet was healthier all around and by cooking for two quite easily managed. He put the casserole in the oven and was getting ready to wake Andi when his phone rang. Silently cursing at the sight of Gelman’s name, George accepted the call.
“Donovan.”
“George. It’s me, Luke.”
“I know.”
A sigh came through the speakers, and George felt a little bad. It wasn’t Gelman’s fault that this day hadn’t gone the way George had envisioned it. “Sorry. I’m a little stressed.”
“It’s fine. I guess we all are.” There was a pause, long enough to tell George he wouldn’t like what was coming.
“Luke.”
Gelman must have caught the warning in his tone, because there was another sigh, as if the IA agent was carrying the weight of the world.
“So far, Dr. Melcourt has found ten bodies. And we already know there are more. She’s back in the morgue to do the autopsy on the most recent one, because whoever did this needs to be stopped as fast as possible. They’re going over everything in that bunker with a fine-toothed comb, hoping to find something that will help find the killer. The entire precinct is in uproar, as you can probably imagine.”
“Yes. Andi and I are glad we’re on vacation.”
The wince on the other end of the line was all the confirmation George dreaded.
“Uh, not anymore, I’m afraid. The chief came in after she had brought her son home. She said since you found the bodies, it’s your case.”
“That’s it. I want you to make our complaint official. I want that stupid, ungrateful bitch removed from her post.” George was so angry, he thought he felt smoke trailing out of his ears.
“George, please.”
“No. We tried this your way, and I dare say Andi and I have shown remarkable patience while you did nothing much at all to improve our situation. It’s obvious nothing will change, and we’re both done with the chief constantly nagging and annoying us. She’s calling us in purely out of spite, as you well know.”
“I know.” Another sigh. Gelman had obviously seen this coming. “And you’re absolutely right.”
“I am. So stop trying to convince me otherwise.” George knew Gelman was working toward them giving him more time, and George had no inclination whatsoever to do so.
“I know you’re angry. I would be too, if I were in your place. Doesn’t change the fact that you and Andi have the highest chance of solving this case, which you know.”
George gritted his teeth so hard, his molars started to hurt. “I know. I also know that we both need a vacation because we’re terribly stressed out due to you not fixing the situation with the chief.”
“I’m working on it.”
“Not fast enough. Andi and I need this time off.”
“And these victims need you.”
“That was a low blow. There will always be cases we can’t take on, victims we can’t bring justice. Our precinct has some very good detectives. We’re not the only ones.” George was getting angrier by the second. He hated being manipulated, and he hated it even more when it was done so obviously by somebody who was supposedly on their side.
“I’m sorry, George. It’s just…. Everybody can see this case is going to be a hot mess. There’s no telling yet how many other agencies are going to be involved. Apparently four of the victims found so far were veterans, including the latest. Dr. Melcourt found the dog tags, which means the military might be knocking on the precinct’s door as well, depending on who those veterans turn out to be.”
“Even more reason to not take it. We’re on vacation, Luke.”
“I really hate to do this to you, George, believe me. But—” There was another lengthy pause during which George geared himself up for whatever unpleasantness was coming his way. “You have to take the case. Chief Norris has the right to order her two best detectives to work on a case as huge as this one. By refusing, you’re giving her ammunition she’s going to use without mercy, you know that.”
“I do know! And why does she have the chance to get ammunition against us? Because you’re not doing your job, Luke.” George was ready to spit nails.
“It’s my fault. I apologize. But I can’t change the facts at the moment. You need to come in tomorrow.”
“Once this is done, I want her removed. I want it all made official. You will get rid of her as quickly as possible. No more ‘mediating,’ no more ‘waiting just another week.’ You sack her the moment you get the chance. Have I made myself clear?” George didn’t even need to channel his mother to deliver the ultimatum. He and Andi had been backed into a corner, one he needed to get them out of. If it meant stepping on Gelman’s toes, so be it. George was beyond caring at this point. Gelman’s voice was chagrined enough to soothe George’s temper a bit.
