Julian paced the hotel hallway as he spoke with his boss. “Yes, but…”
“What happened?” Ian’s voice rose.
“The case with Monique Lillier is legitimate. Kieran was not pleased with the response of the SDPD detectives, and he punched one, breaking his nose. My brother just asked me if he needed a SWAT team, or would Kieran go without an issue. Martin and Troy are standing guard at the minute. He’s got the same look he got on the case in Costa Rica when Raptor took a bullet.”
“I’ll call him. Smooth, if he gives your brother a hassle, put a bullet in my brother’s ass. This way he can feel the pain I am in. Ice is en route to Reagan. I’ll hold the jet; Brock Carpenter and I will be out.”
“I’m sorry, Ian.”
“Take care of Madame Lillier.”
* * *
The phonein Kieran’s pocket was ringing before Julian closed the room door. Martin shook his head at Julian. The boss had put them all in a bad situation.
Kieran answered the call. No one in the room could hear the words Ian was saying, but the tone rising from the receiver sounded like a buzz saw. Surprising to Troy, Martin and Julian, all Kieran mustered to say was “Alright.” Holding his hands up in surrender to his people, he washed his hands and face before walking back into the living room.
“Kieran Chase, you are under arrest for the assault on a police officer. Please face the chair,” Taggart asked, and Kieran complied. Taggart patted him down and applied handcuffs. He handed him over to two patrol officers. “Put him in holding.”
Taggart wiped his hands against his uniform pants. “Where are you taking her?”
“The Omni,” Julian said. He was now the senior man in charge.
“I’m leaving two patrol officers outside. They will seal the room after you leave. Jule, we need to send the cat to the lab,” Taggart advised.
“We know. Give me some time?” Julian asked.
“Sure. Jule, I’m sorry.” Taggart left.
Julian, Troy and Martin stood silently for a moment. In sync, they inhaled. “I’ll call Tony. We need help.” Julian frowned. “What the hell was he thinking? I want to kick his ass for getting locked up. And Madame Lillier. He’s left us a mess. Troy, do an intake. We need to make a protection plan.”
“I’ll check on Monique, and you call Tony,” Martin said to Troy. “If she asks, Kieran was called out on business.”
Chapter 7
The holding cell with its solid steel door left Kieran to his thoughts. A thin mattress and pillow, old sheets, and rough blankets reminded him of his days in the service. Now without his shoelaces, belt and tie, he was keenly aware of his lack of control. “Shit,” he cursed. He was always in charge.
Monique Lillier’s tears tore at him. An incoming RPG was easier to deal with than a crying woman. With a shrug, he focused. The conversation with the Lyon commandant and the incidents that occurred in San Diego put this stalker into the dangerous category.
Scratching his forehead, he began putting together a profile and a list of questions to ask Monique. Rejected or predatory stalker—they were both dangerous. His fist was bruised and swelling, but the desire to punch something remained. He could hear Ian yelling all the way from DC, and he hated to admit it, but this time he was right. Being in this cell put Monique in more danger. His attraction to her was getting in the way.
The door slid open, and Taggart stood on the threshold. “I need to get you processed. Face the wall, please.” He handcuffed Kieran and walked him to the desk in the squad room, loosening one cuff and attaching it to the ring on the desk.
“I didn’t want to put you in this position.” Kieran shook his head.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have punched Detective Boone?” Taggart suggested dryly.
“I suppose I fit thecoullioncategory.” Kieran’s lips quirked up.
Taggart laughed at the reference tocouillion, which was Cajun for “idiot” and used frequently by Julian as well. “Close.” He opened the computer and typed in his login. “Name?”
“Kieran Chase.”
Taggart continued through the personal particulars. “I’m going to take you over for prints and mugshots.”
Kieran cooperated. “Tag?”
“You’ve been read your rights. If you say anything now, it can be used against you,” Taggart warned.
