Page 7 of Unhinged Cain

I grabbed the blue blazer off the coat hook, stuffed my arms in the sleeves, snagged my leather briefcase, and made my way out the door. This case that had fallen on my desk was troubling for so many reasons. The number of dead and missing people was enough to make even the most hardened agents squeamish, and they thought this whole case was attributed to one person.

Closing my office door, I strode down the long hallway toward the larger offices. I’d been summoned for a meeting with my boss, the director of my field office, who was supposed to be an all-around good guy. At least, that was what everyone said when they arrived. Agent Mulligan certainly had his way with people, I just didn’t happen to be his favorite person, and the feeling was mutual. Mulligan’s door was closed, and I checked myself in the glass before straightening my spine. Raising my hand, I knocked to announce my arrival.

“Come in,” Mulligan’s deep voice called out, and I pushed open the door and closed it again.

This office was huge, with plain beige walls lined with navy trim. My goal was to sit in his chair one day. Granted, he did not need the space to be so big other than to gloat about its size. I was pretty sure many said he had to be compensating for something at least once or twice. Mulligan had turned the space into a personal shrine of his accomplishments, and there wasn’t a wall that didn’t hold some form of an award.

My eyes roamed over the second man in the room. He was someone that I was pretty sure I’d seen on television, and my sixth sense told me I wasn’t going to like how this meeting went.

“Agent Lawson, this is Agent Hanson,” Mulligan said.

“Nice to meet you, Agent Lawson.” Hanson nodded.

I took in his deadpan stare and the salt and pepper short haircut that had become standard issue with men in the FBI. His suit was a deep shade of navy, and his long coat was still firmly in place, which told me he had about as much interest in being in the office as I did.

“Same,” I replied. I offered my hand for Hanson to shake and was surprised when he moved to take my hand.

Mulligan leaned back in the large leather chair and gave the impression he was someone of grand importance. “Agent Hanson is from the San Diego office and has agreed to help with the Chameleon case.”

“I don’t understand why you’re bringing in another agent. I’ve only had this case for a few months?” I clenched the handle on my briefcase a little harder.

It was difficult enough to get the men that ran the old boy’s club to let me in the door, and the last thing I needed was to be seen as the female agent that couldn’t close the deal on an assigned case.

“Hanson here has worked many serial killer cases, and although you are a fantastic teacher to your students, this will only be your third official case as the lead. If our initial speculation is correct, then it is a massive case and needs an experienced outlook.”

The fact that there seemed to be so many bodies attributed to this killer was what intrigued me when everyone else backed away from the task. Now I was going to have to share my hard work and all my findings with some agent that would steal my glory simply because he had a dick. Anger simmered in my gut as I kept my face void of all emotion. If this Hanson thought he was going to come into my city and take my case, he had another thing coming.

“The two of you will work together on this case. Hanson will take the lead since he has the most experience, and you will get to learn from one of the best.”

My gaze flicked over to the other agent, and it was obvious that he didn’t look any more comfortable than when I first walked in. The tense body position screamed that there was more to his sudden appearance than my boss was saying.

“I don’t understand. You’re acting like I’ve already failed, but it was only because of my research that I found the connection between the inconsistent MO.”

Mulligan sighed like he was dealing with a child, and I seriously wanted to wipe that condescending look off his face. “Agent Lawson, I’m sure you can admit that this case is too large for one person to handle. Besides, I still want you to teach your new classes as no one else is available at the moment, which divides your time.”

“So you don’t want me to give up my classes?”

“No. Your classes will still be conducted as scheduled.”

“I’m sorry, but I have to say that although I understand the importance of having more eyes and hands to help with this case, I don’t agree with the person that has the most knowledge to date being demoted.”

Mulligan stood from his desk and leaned on it as if that would make his point clearer. “Agent Lawson, are you questioning my authority and decision-making ability?”

This was a trap question. No matter how I answered, I was fucked. I’d learned this the hard way a very long time ago. “No, I’m not, Sir. Just trying to understand the situation better.”

“Unfortunately, I have another meeting starting shortly, so I will have to clarify this situation for you another time. That’s everything. Oh, and I trust you’ll share what you’ve gathered so far with Agent Hanson.”

“Of course,” I smiled and turned for the door as if I had a choice in the matter.

Yanking open the door, I walked out and could feel Hanson following me. I rounded on him when we were out of earshot from Mulligan’s office. “Just so you know, I don’t appreciate someone coming in and stealing my case.”

“Trust me. I don’t want to be here any more than you do. I’m sorry he pulled you off as the lead. I was told I was coming to assist, and that was all.”

I opened my briefcase, pulled out a thick file, and held it out to Hanson. “Here, I have a class to teach. You might as well make yourself familiar with what I’ve collected so far, but I will warn you the deaths are disturbing, and there are no solid leads.”

“Sounds like fun. Those are my favorite kind.” Hanson smiled as I hung onto the folder and finally released it with a sigh.

Turning, I marched away toward the other end of the building. “And I like Szechuan chicken with a side of rice, and get me an egg roll,” I called over my shoulder. If the man was taking my case, the least he could do was buy me dinner.