Holmes continued, her voice softening. “Of course, we knew about the Maine thing when we hired you. I went back into our files and did a little reading up on the incident on my own. Off the record, I realize that the Portland CID might have overreacted. The incident report in your file did not show culpability on your part, in my opinion. Honestly, I was confused about this charge of racism—I didn’t know white French Canadians were, ah, considered a protected category, but then I’ve never been to Maine. And I’m not one to pass judgment on something that occurred under someone else’s direction. The real problem washowyou responded. You didn’t help yourself with unfortunate and inflammatory comments to the press and public. And now this. But I’m giving you a second chance. Or maybe we’ll call it a third one, after the Erebus disaster. In the meantime, I’ve put a written caution in your file.”
She slid a copy over to Cash, who took it and without looking at it folded it into a pocket.
“I’m not taking you off the Grooms case for now. But I have to tell you that continuing as AIC hinges on the conclusion of the IA investigation. ‘Sexist prick’—what onearthwere you thinking?”
“I wasn’t.”
Holmes slapped the file shut and pushed it aside. “On another note, the DA’s office is getting more involved, and I’ve heard they might be assigning the case to a new prosecutor. Her name is Nova Euclid. I want to make sure you cooperate fully and give them everything they need.”
“Of course.”
“Did you have anything to add, Agent Cash?”
“No, ma’am.”
Smart woman, Holmes thought. Cash might just learn how to hold her tongue.
“We’re holding a presser on the Grooms case in two days’ time. Iexpect a draft of your statement by tomorrow afternoon. And I hope you make some more progress in the case.”
Cash seemed surprised. “You want me to give a statement?”
“I do. Show yourself as the steady AIC I know you can be. I’ll help you draft it. You need to work on your media skills. One of the attributes of a good agent is being able to handle these pesky reporters—don’t you agree?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Cash said.
“Don’t let my magnanimity fool you, Cash. After Erebus, this is your second warning—clear?”
Cash nodded. “I won’t let you down, ma’am.”
Before Cash could leave, a short rap resounded. Romanski peeked his head through the door crack, a big grin on his face, waggling a manila envelope. He didn’t seem to notice the somberness of their meeting.
“Mind if I interrupt? I have something both of you might be interested in.”
“Not at all,” Holmes responded.
Romanski slipped through the door the rest of the way, dropping the envelope on Holmes’s desk. “We’ve been cataloging all the documents from Willy’s cabin—and we found this. You’re gonna love it.”
Holmes snatched it, unclasped it, and pulled it out. She glanced at it and then stared, her eyes widening.
