The three men crossed the lot and slipped through the chaos without drawing attention. Sean had on a dark suit while Brian and Rafe wore sports coats, their weapons and badges concealed. To the reporters, they looked like any other professionals heading into the municipal building.
After showing their credentials at the front desk, they were buzzed through the secured door into the back hallway and headed straight for Matt’s office. Nancy Kessler sat behind her desk in the reception area with a phone tucked between her shoulder and ear while she scribbled notes onto a yellow memo pad. Her husband had taught history at Whisper High and coached both Malone brothers in football years earlier, so she recognized them at once.
She offered them a quick smile and motioned for them to sit. The knot in Sean’s gut cinched tighter. Whatever waited on the other side of the sheriff’s door, it wasn’t good.
The office door was shut, but Matt’s raised voice carried through the frosted glass.
“I want to know who the leak is, and I want to know now. All hell’s breaking loose out there, and we’re no closer to catching this bastard than we were two months ago. Every politician in Dare County is demanding answers, and I don’t have any to give them.”
Sean exchanged a grim look with Brian.
“Brooks, pass the word that no one—and I mean no one—is to talk to the press about this case without my approval. Dworski, since every reporter in the county is camped outside, you might as well make a statement.”
Another man spoke, his voice muffled through the door. “What do you want me to say?”
“Tell them we have three homicides that may be related and that we’ve formed a task force with state and federal agents. Don’t give any details about the murders yet—the pennies and the carvings stay under wraps. Tell them we’re doing everything possible to catch him. Warn women to take extra precautions. Blah, blah, blah. You know the routine.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And we’ll hold daily press conferences at eleven starting tomorrow. Maybe that’ll keep some of them from snooping around.”
A brief silence followed before Matt’s voice rose again. “If I catch anyone from this department talking to any reporter without permission, even if it’s the damn maintenance staff, I swear there’ll be hell to pay. They’ll be scrubbing every patrol car and piece of equipment with a toothbrush for the next three years. Dismissed.”
The office door flew open, and two uniformed captains stepped out, followed by the sheriff, who looked as though he’d aged five years overnight.
“Nancy, hold my calls for the next hour unless the building catches fire. My head’s splitting in two.”
Still balancing the phone receiver against her shoulder, the receptionist opened her desk drawer and handed him a bottle of ibuprofen. The sheriff muttered his thanks, shook out two pills, and dry-swallowed them before turning to the waiting agents.
“I figured it was only a matter of time before the press came knocking.” He jerked his head toward the office. “Come on in, guys. Welcome to the circus.”
Entering the office, Sean spotted another man seated at the conference table. He rose as they approached, and Sean recognized him at once as the father of his high school friend Jack. The years had added some gray to Brad Lynch’s dark hair, but otherwise, the detective looked much the same as Sean remembered.
Matt handled the introductions. “Brad Lynch, you already know Brian and Sean Malone. This is Rafe Montoya with the SBI.”
After shaking hands all around, Brad flashed Brian a grin. “Hey, nice drug bust a few weeks ago.”
Sean knew exactly which case he meant. Brian and Rafe had worked with DEA agents on a major operation that pulled nearly a million dollars’ worth of drugs off the streets.
Brian gave a modest nod. “Thanks.”
The detective turned to Sean. “Good to see you again. It’s been a long time.”
“At least eight or ten years.” Sean took a seat at the table. “How’ve you been?”
“Good. Just got back from Jack’s wedding.”
“I heard. Tell him congratulations for me.”
“I will.” Brad lowered himself into his chair. “Your uncle told me you’re moving back.”
“I accepted a post in Greenville—wanted to be closer to the family.”
“Yeah, he also mentioned KC and his wife are expecting. That’s great.”
From the head of the table, Matt cleared his throat. “Gentlemen, you can catch up later. Let’s get through this so I can get rid of all of you and this headache at the same time.”
A few tired chuckles circled the room before Brian dropped his notepad onto the table. “How bad is the leak?”
