No Man's Land

by Sara Driscoll

  “I think I could do that.”

  “I’ll call and see if I can get someone to come here today while it’s fresh in your mind. Are you free later this morning or this afternoon?”

  “I was going to have my hair done, but for this, I think it can wait.”

  “You’re a trooper, Mrs. Lovett.” Meg stood. “I have to go now to make arrangements, but hopefully you’ll see the artist later today.”

  The older woman’s face fell. “That’s the end of my visit?”

  “For now. Maybe we could come back sometime soon. And you could meet my dog, Hawk.” She pointed across the room to where Cara had moved farther down. “That’s him over there. He’s a sweet, gentle boy. I think you’d like him.”

  “That would be lovely.” She bent and kissed Saki on the top of the head. “Bye, Saki. You come back, too.”

  Meg gave Cara a wave and led Saki out of the room and toward the main desk, where she flashed her badge at the new nurse who was stationed there. “Meg Jennings, FBI. I’m here investigating Mrs. Devar’s abduction.”

  “Yes, they told me you were here. Did you have any luck?”

  “I did, actually. Mrs. Lovett not only saw the man responsible but gave me a detailed description. After my first fifteen minutes with your residents, I didn’t think we’d get any reliable information, but she’s amazingly sharp.”

  “Some of the new drugs available now make such a difference. Not forever, but for months and sometimes even a year or more. And some days are better than others, but it sounds like she’s having one of her good days.”

  “She has agreed to a sketch artist coming in today to work with her, so I’ll set that up. I’ll make sure you know the name of the individual, who will also be carrying identification, so you can confirm they are from the Bureau. If you’d like the home social worker to be present to ensure that Mrs. Lovett isn’t overwhelmed or scared, that would be fine.”

  “Thank you, I think that would make us feel better. And we’ll make sure Mrs. Lovett has whatever time is needed with the artist.”

  “Thank you.” Meg turned to find Cara and Hawk entering the lobby. “Hey.”

  “Did she work out?”

  “Did she ever. Not only saw him but gave a detailed description. I’m calling Kate now to ask her for a sketch artist.” They exchanged leashes, and Meg moved to a quiet corner of the lobby with Hawk as Cara knelt down to praise her dog for a job well done. She dialed Kate’s number.

  “Agent Moore.”

  “Kate, it’s Meg. I’m at Hampden Manor and I’ve found a witness.”

  “Really? That’s unexpected. Reliable?”

  “I think so. She gave me a detailed description. White guy, fair skinned, strawberry blond, light eyes, freckles, about six-two, crescent-shaped birthmark on his neck.”

  “Definitely not of Tamil background.”

  “That was my first thought, too. There goes McCord’s theory.”

  “Theories were made to be busted. We deal in facts.”

  “We do. To add to the description, she’s willing to work with a sketch artist to come up with a sketch. Can you arrange that?”

  “I can. When?”

  “As soon as possible today. She has Alzheimer’s, but she’s having a good day and we need to take advantage of it. Just let me know who you get so I can let the staff know to expect them, and tell the artist to bring ID. Needless to say, considering what’s happened here recently, they’ve increased security.”

  “No surprise there. Good work, Meg. Seriously. We’ll be able to use the face in a comparison against our databases. If we need to, we’ll put the sketch up for general distribution through the media, if we think it won’t scare him off for good. Maybe we’ll finally get some traction while we’re sitting around waiting for him to make his next move. Let me get back to you in a few minutes with arrangements.” She ended the call.

  Meg slipped her phone into her pocket and grinned across the lobby at her sister.

  Progress. Finally.

  CHAPTER 20

  Group Shot: A photographic record of every participant in a search or exploration.

  Friday, November 9, 11:24 PM

  Webb residence

  Washington, DC

  Meg stretched her legs out on the ottoman as the end credits scrolled down the wide flat-panel TV. “That was good. Goofy and mindless. I needed that. It’s been a long few weeks.” She laid her head back down on Webb’s shoulder and let out a long sigh. “I really think we turned a corner today.”

  “Cara had a great idea, using the dogs as a way to get residents to talk to you.”

  “Sure was. And both dogs were great.” Meg looked over to where Hawk lay on a dog bed, his torso twisted so his hind legs butted the wall with his belly in the air while the front half of him tipped onto his side. His favorite toy, a chubby, squeaky red dragon with yellow wings, was protectively tucked between his front legs. “I have no idea how that can be comfortable, but he does it all the time, so it must be.” A gentle snore came from the dog, and she chuckled. “He sure does like that bed you got him.”

  She surveyed Webb’s living room. Before they became a couple, his compact downtown DC apartment, just a stone’s throw away from his fire station, was always neat and organized. Now there was a dog bed beside his flat screen, bags of treats in his pantry, and a scattering of tug and chew toys spread between his living room and bedroom. “You know, it’s just struck me how much mess we brought into your life.”

  He looked at her sideways. “You mean you, Hawk, or both?”

  “Mostly Hawk, but it’s not really a bachelor pad anymore.”

  “I can live with that. Actually . . .” He leaned a little away so he could make eye contact. “I wanted to talk to you about that.”

  “About what?”

  “My nonbachelor pad. What if we made that official, and you and Hawk moved in here?”

  For a moment, Meg stared at him in silence, not even daring to blink. “With you?” As his eyes went flat and his expression became guarded, she mentally kicked herself. Of course, with him. Who else?

  “That was the idea, yeah.”

  She could sense the walls going up between them, both mentally and physically from the way he pulled back as the relaxation in his frame dissipated, replaced with an uncomfortable stiffness. She reached for his hand. “That came out wrong.”

  “You think? Look, if the idea doesn’t work for you, forget I brought it up. Besides, you’re in the middle of a case and it’s a dumb time for me to suggest it, so—” He started to pull his hand from her grasp.

  “Wait.” She clamped down on his fingers. “Wait. Give me a second. You’re catching me off guard.”

  He fixed her with an unwavering stare but held still.

  She let out a sigh and closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Then she took a breath and looked him straight in the eye. “It’s clear you’ve given this some thought, and I admit I haven’t.” She frowned. “I’m going to say it’s not you, it’s me.”

  The laugh that escaped Webb had a razor-sharp edge.

  “I knew that wouldn’t go over well, because it’s a cliché. But I actually mean it. I’m happy with how things are going. Cara’s my sister, and I love her, and we do well together. I love living outside the city with a big backyard and having all the dogs together, because that makes Hawk happy. I also love you and having you in my life. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I’ve known this was going to come up, and I’ve been pushing it away because I know there’s no way to have it all. Cara and I share a house, and it’s one thing when our guys spend the night, but neither of us would expect the other to live with them. Not to mention that I live in another city, whereas this place works for you. It’s close to the firehouse, and you love living in the city. But it wouldn’t work for me full time. For us, really, because you know Hawk and I are a package deal.”

  “Which is why I suggested you both move in here. I would never ask you to leave him b
ehind. You’d both suffer for it. Not to mention, I like Hawk. He’s a great dog.”

  She turned to smile at her partner, sound asleep and oblivious to everything going on around him. “Yeah, he is.” She turned back to Webb. “How long have we been together now? Six months?”

  “Yeah.”

  “We’re not teenagers anymore, and it’s unreasonable for me to ask you to wait three or four years to settle down. What we have works.”

  “And could work even better. Look, I’m a firefighter. We’re a practical bunch. We don’t beat around the bush, so let me lay it out for you. I’d like to commit to something more than what we have now, and I’d like you to do the same.” When she started to speak, he cut her off. “If living together here isn’t what’s going to work for you, then let’s figure out a way that will. It doesn’t have to be now, during this case, or even this month, but are you interested in moving forward?”

  “Of course I am.”

  “Then think about it. This wasn’t supposed to pressure you. I’ve been thinking about it, and I wanted you to know that. It can be the start of the conversation; it doesn’t have to be the final decision. I—” He broke off as Meg’s phone rang where it sat on the end table on her side of the couch. “We’ll finish this later. You better get that. Any call at this time of night is never good news.”

  Meg reached for her phone. “Especially in the middle of a case like this.” She glanced at the screen—Agent Kate Moore showed on the display—and answered it. “Jennings.”

  “Meg, it’s Kate. He’s taken another one.”

  Meg shot upright, pushing away from Webb. “Already? That makes the last two only four days apart. How long ago did it happen?”

  “Around ten-thirty. This time the abduction didn’t go the way he wanted it. He picked up Vikram Pillai as he was walking his dog. If he’d just grabbed the guy and stuffed him in his vehicle, it might have gone fine, but Pillai fought him and the dog pitched a fit. Considering the planning that went into Mrs. Devar, he’d probably watched Mr. Pillai and decided this would be the easiest way to quickly grab him while he was alone and out in the open, but he didn’t count on the dog. Just a little fluffball Pomeranian, but it barked up a storm, attracting attention. No one got close enough to see more than a dark SUV, but a couple of teenagers managed to catch the dog. No tags, but they called the cops. The cops took the dog to the nearest emergency vet, and it had a microchip with the owner’s full name and address. It’s given us a big leg up this time.”

  “I’ll say. Where was the victim abducted?”

  “Germantown, Maryland. Info is still coming in, so I’ll text you more details shortly.”

  “Thanks. I’d like to get Chuck Smaill involved again. We don’t have time for McCord to research sites. I need someone who knows them off the top of his head if he’s familiar with the area. You good with that?”

  “Smaill was the one you were with during the first and second searches?”

  “Yes.”

  “No objections.”

  “You realize that once I bring him in, I may not be able to shake him for this search.”

  “Just find him. You have my permission to use whatever resources you need. Bring this one back alive.”

  “Done. I’ll let you know how things are going when I can.” She ended the call and stood. “Hawk, come. I’m sorry, I have to go. Another senior was taken tonight, but it was witnessed so we’re way in front of the curve on this one.” She grabbed her hiking boots and glanced back at Webb. And froze. “What are you doing?”

  “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m putting on my boots.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m coming with you.”

  “You can’t. I know you came before, but now this is officially an FBI case. Remember what happened the last time I got outsiders involved in an FBI case?”

  “ ‘You have my permission to use whatever resources you need.’” When Meg stared at him, he said, “I could hear every word, and I followed the whole conversation. I’ll bring my pack. I’m your medical resource.”

  “Good point.” She jammed her feet in her hiking boots. “Germantown is about forty minutes away, so we need to get on the road now. Let’s call Smaill from my SUV.”

  Three minutes later, they were speeding through DC’s quiet downtown streets following the mapped route on Webb’s phone. “Can you call Chuck on my phone?”

  “Sure.” Webb called up the number on his phone and then keyed it into hers so the call came through her hands-free system.

  It rang several times and then Smaill picked up. “Hello?” He sounded clear and sharp. Not in bed yet.

  Webb held up a finger to tell Meg he’d take the lead. “It’s Webb. I’m here with Meg, and I have a favor to ask.”

  “Whatever you need.”

  “Meg just got a call. Another victim was kidnapped an hour ago. We’re hoping to be able to pick your brain about possible search sites.”

  “I’ll do my best. Where was the victim taken?”

  “Germantown, Maryland.”

  Smaill whistled, and Meg and Webb exchanged cautious glances.

  “What does that mean?” Webb asked.

  “There’s one really obvious place just outside of Germantown. The Old Montgomery County Jail. But that’s going to be a hell of a search at this time of night.”

  “Why?” Meg asked.

  “Because it’s seriously falling apart. It was built in the mid-nineteenth century and only closed about a decade ago, but one of the buildings was condemned about twenty years ago and they worked around it as it decayed in real time. The key to urbex is to make explorations as safe as possible, and that means daytime searches with plenty of natural light. Sometimes you explore basements, but you make sure you have a really good light source for that. When you’re in a place where the floors could give way and the ceilings could cave in on your head, you take every safety precaution or you stay out.”

  “We don’t have time to wait for a daylight search, or we’ll lose this victim for sure. What else is in the area? Where else might he go?”

  “That’s definitely the closest, but it’s also the most treacherous place to leave a victim. Otherwise, this area is too built up and too close to the nation’s capital. Most places are torn down as soon as they aren’t useful.”

  “Why not this place, then, if that’s the case?”

  “Because there’s a huge fight going on between the county and the historical society. The historical society wants it, or parts of it, saved because of its history as the main jail for DC for more than a century and because the original building is some old Italianate Victorian monstrosity. The county says it’s a dangerous eyesore and wants it gone. So while the court battle rages, it sits there decaying. Seriously, though, it’s a challenging urbex in the daylight. It could be deadly at night.”

  “Damn it.” Meg took the turn to loop them around and onto the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Potomac a little too fast, and she heard the scrape of Hawk’s nails on his compartment flooring as he slid to one side. “Sorry, Hawk,” she murmured. She eased off the accelerator. “Unfortunately, we don’t have a choice. This could be our chance to catch him and end it all now.”

  “It’s a big complex. Your chances of catching one man may not be very good.”

  “It’ll be better with four dog teams. Webb’s with me, too.”

  “If you need me, I can come. I’ve been there before, though it’s been a while and I’m not sure how much it’s degraded in the meantime. But I might be able to help.”

  Meg glanced at Webb, who nodded in encouragement. “Okay,” she said. “We’re on our way and will meet you there.”

  “I’ll gather my equipment and be on my way.” The call ended with a click.

  “This place doesn’t sound promising,” said Webb. “Is it worth endangering the teams this way?”

  “We’ll be careful, but we have to try. I’m glad we talked to Chuck so we’re going in
with our eyes open. And having him on-site will be even better. But when push comes to shove, you guys shouldn’t take any chances. This is our job, not yours.”

  When Webb didn’t say anything, she glanced sideways at him. He was staring at her unblinkingly, his eyes narrowed and his jaw set in a mulish line.

  She slumped on a sigh and turned back to the dark road ahead. “I’m doing really well tonight. I’m an idiot, aren’t I?”

  “You just told a firefighter not to take any chances. What do you think?”

  “Yup. I’m an idiot. Look, you know what I mean. Taking chances is what you do day in and day out. I shouldn’t be adding to that.”

  “Smaill and I are offering our help. Our skilled help. We’re carrying medical gear and rescue equipment and know how to use both. Not to mention about twenty years of experience between us. You’re actually safer going in there with us than without us if this rescue goes to hell.”

  “Of course we are. Sorry. Last time I tried to blur the lines I got smacked down, and I guess I’m still a little sensitive to it.”

  “You got permission already. There are no lines to blur.”

  “You’re right.” She flicked a glance in his direction, some of her tension melting away when she took in his more relaxed expression. “Are we okay, or are you pissed at me? Because you need to put that away for now, if you are.”

  “We’re fine, and I’m not pissed at you. Just remember, you’re not in this alone.”

  She briefly squeezed his hand, where it rested on his thigh. “When I forget, because I probably will, be sure to remind me.” Then she put both hands on the wheel and placed her next call.

  “Craig Beaumont.”

  “Craig, it’s Meg. He’s taken another one. This time in Germantown, Maryland.”

  “When?”

  “This is the kicker. It was only about an hour ago. I need everyone.”