“And you broke fingers and indulged in other sundry violence?”
“It seemed to be the thing to do at the time.” She got back on her motorcycle. “I’ll phone and tell you all about it while I’m riding back to my office. I suppose you’re going to take over Hagstrom’s interrogation?”
“Probably not. He’s being taken upstairs to be grilled by one or all of those detectives in Zachary’s fan club. I tend to be a bystander while they vie for attention.”
“And you don’t like it.”
“I want Zachary caught.”
“But not stand by and wait for someone else to do it.” Jessie met her eyes. “Griffin’s nuts to let those clowns have center stage. He’s going to lose you.”
“Zachary has to be caught. Any way that we can make it happen.” She shrugged. “And it gives me time to keep my commitments to my kids. I have phone calls to make, therapies to plan. It’s not as if I haven’t plenty of appointments that aren’t just as important as questioning Hagstrom.”
Jessie shook her head. “He’s going to lose you,” she repeated. “Though I agree Hagstrom might not be worth your while. I was going back and forth about Hagstrom’s potential while I was with him.”
“No?” Her gaze narrowed on Jessie’s face. “Why?”
“The drug connection. He didn’t seem to be strong or clever enough to be Zachary. Yet his background is really promising. Though he could be one of Zachary’s dupes or followers or something. There was something about him…”
“What do you mean?”
“Dead eyes.”
“What?”
“There was a moment or two when he gave me the creeps. But then it was gone, and he was just an ordinary dirt bag. But maybe you should watch him and see if you see what I saw.”
“I will. I just wanted to know your take on him. I’m going up to the interview room after you leave and see if those ace detectives can detect those dead eyes, too.”
“Fine. Are you going to need me anymore right now?”
“Not unless you can dredge up anything more on Hagstrom that won’t put you in the crosshairs.”
“I’ll work on it. Call you from the road.” She roared out of the parking lot.
Kendra smiled as she watched her disappear from view. Then she turned and headed for the front entrance. The dream team would probably be congregating eagerly and heaven forbid she not be on time for the show. They weren’t really her companions of choice, but she was trying to cooperate.
Then her smile faded and then disappeared. It wasn’t really all that amusing.
Dead eyes …
* * *
“I HAVE RIGHTS, YOU know.”
Hagstrom was alone in Interview Room #1, the largest of the eight interview rooms in the FBI field office’s third floor. This one featured a one-way glass at the end of the room. The interview area was designed to accommodate a small group, but that spaciousness didn’t extend to the observation room, where Kendra, Lynch, Metcalf, Gina, and the four dream team members were cramped together.
Hagstrom called out to them through the glass. “I didn’t have anything incriminating on me. Nothing at all. Should I call a lawyer?”
“The ‘L’ word,” Metcalf said. “He’s starting to get pissed off.”
Kendra studied him. Hagstrom didn’t possess the icy cool of most serial killers she’d encountered, but she knew they came in all shapes and sizes. He’d said little since Jessie brought him to the field office and he’d been escorted to the interview room.
“He thinks he’s here on a narcotics charge,” Kendra said. “Jessie says he was trying to score something when she picked him up.”
Richard Gale turned sharply toward her. “I wish to hell your friend had just let him make his buy and let us do our jobs.”
“She would have preferred that, believe me. The situation got out of control. He might have gotten killed.”
Gale smiled. “Even better.”
Roscoe shook his head. “And we wonder why people are suspicious of law enforcement.”
Griffin walked into the already crowded observation room holding the sheaf of papers Jessie had provided, along with a few more printouts. “Okay, we ran Hagstrom’s police record. He’s pretty clean. He and an ex-girlfriend took out restraining orders on each other a few years back, but they were dropped and the complaints never made it to court. Other than that, there’s nothing. We’ll have a tough time getting any kind of warrant based on what we have now.”
“What do we have on the guy who he was visiting?” Lynch asked.
Griffin looked at his printout. “The house belongs to Warren Goyer. Small-time drug dealer. Jessie Mercado says he shot at her and Hagstrom. Just the fact that he had a gun in his hand would be a parole violation that could land him back in prison for another ten years.”
Arnold Huston looked at Hagstrom through the glass. “Let me talk to him.”
Griffin thought for a moment. “Think you could push him for a vehicle and domicile search?
Huston shrugged. “I can try. In any case, his reaction might be helpful to us.”
“He’s not restrained. If you push him, he might erupt. You want to take Metcalf in there with you?”
Huston smiled. “Nah, I can take care of myself. And if he manages to sink his teeth into my jugular, you good people are only a few steps away, right?”
Huston took the sheaf of papers from Griffin and left the room.
The group turned toward the window. Huston entered the interview room from a side door a few seconds later, still holding the sheaf of papers. He tossed the papers onto the table and sat down across from Hagstrom.
“Hell of a mornin’, huh?” Huston’s voice had dropped to a folksy purr.
“You got nothing on me,” Hagstrom said belligerently.
“Then I guess that was a social call you were making this morning?”
“Maybe it was.”
“Come on, now. We both know why you were there.”
“You don’t know anything.”
Huston shrugged. “I know I’m in a position to help you.”
Kendra watched Huston as he slouched slightly in his chair. He used his voice and his entire body as finely-tuned instruments, working to build trust in the man across the table. Every dropped ‘g,’ every casual lean, was designed to encourage Hagstrom to relax and lower his defenses. No wonder his interview skills were so highly regarded.
Hagstrom snorted. “How in the hell are you going to help me? I’m not getting a whole lot of help here.”
“Sure you are. You’d be dead on the street if we hadn’t pulled you out of there when we did.”
“It was your agent, or whoever she was, who got me in trouble in the first place.”
“No, your trouble started when you visited Warren Goyer.”
“Who?”
Huston looked down at the printouts in front of him. “You may know him as Baby G.”
Recognition flashed across Hagstrom’s face.
“Funny thing is, we don’t give a damn about you. Think about it. Do you really think the Federal Bureau of Investigation cares about some two-bit user?”
“Then why am I here?”
“You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, my friend.”
“Tell me about it.”
Huston smiled. “Some of the people on the other side of that glass think maybe you’re working for Baby G.”
Hagstrom’s eyes bulged. “What?”
“That’s not a denial.”
“Here’s your denial.” Hagstrom turned toward the window. “I’ve never sold drugs. Never in my life, ever. I don’t work for that guy. That’s not what I do. I have a good job.”
“Then why in the hell were you on that street?”
“You don’t have anything on me.”
Huston stared at him. “Maybe not yet, but your association with a known drug dealer will give us grounds for a search warrant. What if we search your home? Or your car? We can have a
warrant in hand by early afternoon.”
Hagstrom’s face fell. “Shit.”
“My associates think we’re going to find something that proves you’re dealing. And you’re not doing much to convince me otherwise.”
“You won’t find anything.”
“If you’re right about that, by the end of the day you won’t be our problem.”
“Go ahead and look.”
Huston cocked an eyebrow. “Are you granting us permission to search your home and car?”
“If it’ll get me out of here faster, sure.”
On the other side of the glass, Lynch spoke quietly. “Huston is making him think we’re only interested in a drug charge. Good tactic.”
Kendra shot Lynch a look. “High praise from the Puppetmaster.”
“I told you I don’t like that name.”
“I guess that’s why I enjoy saying it so much,” she murmured.
They turned back toward the interview room, where Hagstrom was now projecting greater confidence. “I’m telling you, you won’t find weed, pills, powder, or anything else.”
Huston turned back toward the window. “You’re being recorded. Do we have your express permission to search your home and car?”
“Knock yourselves out.”
“Yes or no, please.”
“You have my permission to search my home and car. But I’d appreciate it if you could tow my car from the street where I parked it. It’s on Baby G’s block, and the last time I saw him, he was trying to kill me.”
“Trust me, we’ll make life very difficult for your drug dealer. And we’ll bring your car in.” Huston stood. “Sit tight. I’ll check back with you.”
Huston exited the room and reentered the observation area.
Griffin gave him a respectful nod. “You got permission for a search. Well done.”
Huston bit his lip. “Yeah.”
“What’s wrong?” Kendra said.
“Didn’t feel right.”
“Why not?”
Huston thought for a moment. “Anyone else think he consented to that search too easily?”
“You were convincing,” Lynch said. “You made him think we’re only interested in drug crimes.”
“Even so. Shouldn’t there have been a little more hesitancy? A few seconds’ pause?”
“Not necessarily,” Trey Suber said. “If this is Zachary, he’s probably been planning for exactly such an incursion for years. He thinks he’s taken every precaution. He may be thrilled it’s finally happening.”
A flash of annoyance crossed Huston’s usually kindly face. “I don’t need your Serial Killer 101 tutorial, Suber. I’m well aware of the narcissistic serial killer personality profile.”
Suber didn’t look bothered by Huston’s cutting remark—to the contrary, Kendra noticed that he seemed pleased to have provoked such a strong response. Suber was smirking as he stepped toward Huston.
Griffin cut in before Suber could say anything. “The point is, we got the okay to search Hagstrom’s house and car. Let’s do it and see where we stand. Okay?”
Suber nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
Metcalf nodded toward Hagstrom. “In the meantime, what do we do with him?”
“He stays here,” Griffin said. “At least until our search is finished.” He turned to Kendra. “I’d like you to be there with us when we look his place over.”
She nodded. “Sure.”
Griffin addressed the other occupants of the cramped room. “I don’t want to give him a chance to change his mind. We’re going in as soon as we can. I’m bringing in an evidence response team to lift prints, swab for DNA, and pick up whatever else they can.” He checked his watch. “Okay, we’ll meet downstairs in five. Let’s move.”
* * *
IN FORTY MINUTES, THE GROUP was assembled in front of Hagstrom’s condo in Carlsbad, accompanied by two ERT vans. They waited on the sidewalk outside while Griffin allowed the videographer and forensic specialists to make their initial sweep.
Trey Suber walked up to Kendra and Lynch. “These situations always remind me of the Aurora theater shooter.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask,” Lynch said.
Suber pushed up his glasses. “He was the shooter who mowed down those people in that movie theater. He booby-trapped his house with explosives rigged to detonate in case law enforcement caught on to him and raided his place.”
“Charming thought,” Kendra said. “Surely the people going in here are being cautious.”
“I wouldn’t bet on it. You’ve been part of several serial killer investigations, Dr. Michaels. How many agents have you seen taking time to look for door triggers or tripwires?”
“Somewhere around … none.”
“Exactly. A booby-trapped home is still an incredibly rare serial killer phenomenon, of course.” He smiled cheerfully. “But it would only take one to ruin your day.”
“I can see that. Thanks for putting yet another terrifying thought into my head, Suber.”
“Happy to help.”
She spotted Metcalf standing alone a few yards away. She turned back to Suber. “I need to talk to Metcalf for a minute. Tell you what, why don’t you fill Mr. Lynch in on the details of the bomb-making theater killer. Would you do that?”
His smile became even wider. “Sure. Delighted.”
Lynch gave her a desperate glance. “Uh, are you sure you don’t need me with you over there…?”
She smiled. “Not in the slightest. Have fun.”
While Suber reeled off facts and figures, Kendra approached Metcalf.
“What’s going on, Metcalf?”
He tensed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Jeez, touchy much?”
“Whenever Kendra Michaels asks me what’s going on, it usually means she knows exactly what’s going on. And it’s almost always something that will cause me a great deal of discomfort.”
“You’re being silly.”
“Am I?”
“Yes.” Kendra lowered her voice. “Unless you feel awkward about sleeping with your fellow FBI agent.”
“Dammit.”
Her lips turned up at the corners. “I told you that you and Gina would make a good couple.”
He glanced around to make sure no one could hear them. “How in the hell did you know?”
“You’re wearing the same clothes you wore yesterday.”
“So? I’ve often worn the same suit two days in a row.”
“But today, for the first time I can recall, you smell of 50:50 shampoo, moisturizing body wash, and bar soap, all made by Giovanni. Either you’ve suddenly become incredibly brand loyal or you got ready for work at a hotel this morning. Gina’s hotel. I told you I’ve known people who’ve stayed there. I know Giovanni is their house toiletry brand.”
“Shit.”
Kendra smiled. “And how’s it going?”
Metcalf sighed. He still looked uncomfortable discussing it, but he continued. “Good. You were right about her. She’s not as tough as she seemed at first. We have fun together.”
“I’m glad. I’m happy for you, Metcalf.”
“Hey, it’s not like we’re getting married or anything.”
“I know. But it’s still nice to see you make a connection with someone.”
Gina Carson walked toward them. “Griffin says the ERT is almost finished with their sweep. We’ll be inside within the next couple of minutes.”
Kendra nodded. “That’s good.” She glanced at her watch. “Because I have to be out of here in another forty. I have an appointment.”
Gina looked at her, shocked. “Can’t you cancel it? This is a very strong lead. It may change the entire direction of the case. Griffin thinks he needs you.”
“And he’s got me. For the next forty minutes. But unless we find either a body or Zachary inside that house, I’m going to keep my appointment. I’ve committed too much of my time as it is to this hunt. I told you when I began that it’s not the onl
y thing that’s important to me. Griffin has an entire dream team to analyze any evidence he finds hidden in there.” She grimaced. “Or not. And I’ve put a child on hold too long who doesn’t have a team to tell him whether I’m doing the right thing for him. He just has to trust me.”
She frowned. “I still think you could postpone—”
“You’re not too certain that Hagstrom is our man, are you?” Metcalf interrupted, his gaze narrowed on Kendra’s face. “You agree with Huston?”
“I’m not certain about anything without firm evidence. Maybe we’ll find it in that house.” She shrugged. “I do believe that Zachary is capable of setting up a scenario to lead us away from him or just to make fools of us. Could Hagstrom be a key figure? We’ll have to find out. Is he Zachary? He could be. Merely because I’d judge Zachary to be a master actor and Hagstrom isn’t projecting any of the chilling vibes you’d expect from a totally merciless serial killer.”
“What do you think?” Metcalf asked softly. “Guess.”
“I’ve told you what I think. Stop pushing me.” She turned to Gina and smiled. “You’ll learn he can be a real pain in the ass. But most of the time he’s worth it. Just hang in there.”
Gina flushed. “I’ve always found Agent Metcalf to be thorough and competent at whatever he does.”
“I’m sure you have,” Kendra said solemnly. “And I’m sure with time and experience your confidence in him will continue to grow. That should make it very exciting for you.” She turned away and headed for the house. “See you inside.”
“She knows,” Gina hissed to Metcalf behind her. “Dammit, you told her. I can tell. How could you do that?”
“I didn’t tell her. Exactly. It was the hotel shampoo and body wash. Besides, she’s not going to tell anyone. I can’t even guess how many secrets Kendra must learn just from strolling through a room at a cocktail party.”
“Not my secrets. Not until now. It was just little things before, but I hate having anyone with that much power over me. And you just accept it. How can you—”
Kendra was glad that she was out of range now. It was far from the first time she had been exposed to the indignation and anger of people when she had seen or heard too much for them to be comfortable around her. But she genuinely liked Gina and she should have resisted the temptation to make any teasing comment at all. There was no telling where sensitivity began and sense of humor ended with some individuals. Evidently Gina’s ended in the bedroom in both cases.
Look Behind You Page 19
