12
“I knowit’s your assignment, but I couldn’t help it. It’smyjob on the line.”
Catherine Keyes stared out her window when we entered her office. Each time we stepped inside, I was surprised by the photos on her shelf. The many trophies and plaques above them showed her priorities. Even the chairs facing her desk were an attempt to make the office appear cozy, but something about it still feltcorporate.
“I figured it out.”
Our reports had left out any mention of Apex. I had expected Booker to argue and cite government code, but he agreed. Connor had given him the shortened version of what happened, leaving out the torrid love affair and Orion’s boyfriend being a top-secret creation. It wasanother in a string of half-truths necessary to protect himandus.
“Please.” She didn’t turn as she spoke. “Have a seat.”
Booker took a seat, and I followed, letting her have a dramatic moment. I stole glances out of the corner of my eye and admired the way the light made his beard appear almost fiery. I couldn’t tell if Booker knew more lies or truths about my life. It was the burden of superheroes, but for some reason, it weighed on me.
When we were situated, she let out a long sigh, composed herself, and turned. “Something wasn’t adding up with the keycard times.” She took a seat and shuffled through a stack of papers. “They were staying open too long. Keycards were being used by personnel in the wrong parts of the building. I had security look into it.”
Neither of us flinched at the mention of security. Why hadn’t Sophie brought up Keyes’s investigation? It didn’t make sense to ice us out of the investigation when there were potential leads. I didn’t dare look at Booker to see if the same curiosity crossed his face.
“What did you discover?” I asked.
“The disrupted cameras? The odd entry points? They seem to happen at specific intervals.” I didn’t think Catherine had it in her. At this rate, she’d solve the case, and Booker and I would go back to our boring lives. “I checked them against the employee schedule.”
“And?” Booker didn’t try to hide the annoyance in his voice.
“Only a handful of employees matched.” She slid a manila folder across the table. “I’m hoping this helps. If nothing else, it might save my job.”
“And the city,” Booker added.
“Yes. Of course, that too.” She gave it an extra nudge in my direction. “Hopefully one of them turns up something.”
I picked up the folder.
“Why didn’t you think to check the logs before?” Booker’s voice had returned to that neutral calm he used in interrogations. “We could have avoided two incidents.”
“I didn’t know about the cameras,” she said. I couldn’t handle the narrowed eyes as they shot daggers at one another.
“Thank you,” I blurted out. “We’ll make sure you don’t lose your job.” The assurance was enough to soften her eyes. “You’ve got two experienced detectives on the case.” Now it was Booker who gave me a curious look. I shrugged. “Semi-experienced?”
“I appreciate it,” she said. “Since Cypher’s arrest, things have been chaotic.” The flash of a smile was a little disturbing. She caught my raised eyebrow. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a good thing, but it’s more interesting than performance reviews.”
“I can see that,” I said. “Paperwork is my least favorite part of the job.”
“Right?” She gestured to the stack of papers on the side of her desk. “Whoever is causing this needs to be caught.” Holding her hand up to her mouth, she pretended to whisper. “Sometimes I crave a little chaos.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Swing by Secret Identities; chaos is our default.”
She chuckled. “Janet’s name is whispered like an urban legend.”
This was the first time Catherine had come off as genuine, shifting from the metered and controlled executive. I don’t know if we’d ever be friends, but it was nice to see the restraint fade away. Meanwhile, Booker’s staring had stopped, but he didn’t seem as amused by our joking.
“We’ll get to the bottom of it.” I held up the papers. “This will help speed up the process.”
I got to my feet and smacked Booker on the shoulder. Whatever he didn’t like about Catherine, her willingness to help didn’t make it any better. We’d have to discuss thisfeelinghe referenced every time we met with her. As far as I was concerned, the more she let down her guard, the more I liked her. Who knows, maybe after this we’d grab coffee in the lobby and talk about the insanity of our jobs?
“I’m sure you’ll take care of the problem,” she said.
With a nod of the head, we exited. I didn’t need to ask; Booker had another one of those gut feelings, leaving him less than thrilled. “What’s wrong? And don’t tell me it’s a feeling.”
He looked at the hallway ceiling and spotted the security camera. Glancing up and down the hall, he pushed me toward an alcove with no security. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was dealing with Orion and his fear of government spies.
