“Who?” Jane asked, picking up on the intrigue.
“Anton Kaminski, August Kaminski’s youngest.”
“Kaminski? As in the other crime family—if I can really call them that—in Seattle?” The wheels in Jane’s head were spinning. The Kaminski name had appeared a few times during her investigations into the Mazzucas but never went anywhere. “So Keiser isn’t connected to the Mazzucas but to the Kaminskis?”
“We don’t know that he’s tied to anyone,” Rapp answered. “But the fact is, Anton Kaminski was charged with a hit and run that killed Keiser’s parents. But then the charges got dropped.”
“And with Phillip not around to protest, no one cared?” Jane ventured.
Diego nodded. “So maybe he’s upset the EMTs couldn’t save his parents. I don’t know. But it’s a motive.”
“Do we know for sure his parents died in the ambulance? Or did they get to the hospital and the doctors and nurses couldn’t help? I mean, he’s targeting them all, not just EMTs.”
Rapp nodded. “Good questions. We’re still looking into it.” His phone buzzed, and he frowned at it. “I need to take a few meetings, so I’ll be out. Call if you need me.” He stood. “Try not to get slapped around today, Jane.” Then he headed toward his office.
She scowled at his back then turned to find Diego grinning. “He’s not funny. And wipe that smile off your face.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Jane sighed. “I need more coffee.”
A few hours later,she rubbed her head and, spotting no one watching, popped an ibuprofen for her growing headache. Staring at computers all morning hadn’t helped advance anything, so she took a break and followed a hunch she hoped would prove fruitful.
An old professor of Phillip’s had been listed in the hit and run case as a point of contact for Phillip. Apparently, the professor had been good friends with Phillip’s parents.
She called Professor Lito’s number, not expecting him to answer since most people ignored numbers they didn’t know. When he picked up, she asked to speak to him face to face on a matter pertaining to a current investigation. He agreed, and before she knew it, she was headed out the door.
She found him in Queen Anne in a lovely Victorian situated on a street that spoke of old money. Despite the season, his yard looked well-tended if dormant. And the charming two-story made her feel at home the moment she stepped inside.
“Thanks so much for agreeing to meet with me, Professor Lito.”
“Oh, call me Kyle.” The older man had a slender frame, white hair threading dark at his temples, and gold wire frames over intelligent eyes. In khakis and a button-down cardigan, his look screamed academia. He nodded to the attractive white-haired woman smiling next to him. “And this is my wife, Maria.”
“Jane Cannon.” She shook their hands, careful not to say “Agent” Jane Cannon as she wasn’t here under the aegis of the FBI.
“You said this is about a case you’re working on?” Kyle looked interested while Maria excused herself from the room.
“Yes. I’m investigating alongside the FBI. This might involve what happened to Phillip’s parents.”
“Really?” Kyle’s eyes narrowed.
Maria returned bearing a tray holding a teapot, cups, and cookies. “I was already making our late afternoon tea. Please have some.”
Jane gazed at the plate of cookies. “Are those homemade?”
“Best chocolate chip in the state,” Kyle boasted.
Maria blushed. “I just baked them today. I tell Kyle he’s spoiled.”
“Don’t I know it.” He smiled at his wife, his heart in his eyes.
Jane didn’t know what to make of their affection, as she’d never seen that kind of romantic love up close. But she appreciated the open communication she sensed between them.
“Thank you. I’d love some.”
While they settled into comfortable seats in the living area, Jane brought up Phillip.
“Phil? Why, I haven’t thought about him in too long.” Kyle sighed. “Such a bright boy. And so sad about his parents.”
