by Robin Mahle
He turned on his computer and began to search through his files, his contacts, emails, and anything else he could find to figure out if someone was doing this in retaliation. Who had he pissed off lately, besides his constituents? And did he really believe someone was killing these women to exact revenge? Seemed like a far-fetched plot straight out of a political thriller, but this was Copeland’s life, the life of his family and something very bad was happening. As he carried on his search for someone, any one of his associates who could do such a thing, his emotions got the better of him. Not just for the loss of those innocent young women, but for all it was about to cost him.
“Hey? You’re home?” The petite and slender woman in khakis and a button-down blouse appeared at his doorway. “I thought I heard the door. I was upstairs.” She continued inside.
“Sue? I thought you’d be at school with the kids today.”
“Not today. I volunteer on Wednesdays and Fridays. Today’s Tuesday.” Her brow furrowed as she drew near. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just, you know, this whole thing with Janine and all.”
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. She was a good person and I’m sure a very good employee.”
“She was.”
“Do the police have any leads at all?”
He shook his head.
“That’s just awful. It’s still just so hard to believe.” Sue folded her arms and cocked her head in sympathy. “Can I get you anything? A coffee? Have you had breakfast?”
“Um, yeah. I’ll take a coffee, actually. Thank you, sweetheart.”
“Will I have the honor of enjoying you home with me today, then?”
“I think so, yes. If that’s okay.”
She placed her hand on top of his. “Of course it is. I’m always here for you, just as you are for me. I’ll be right back with some coffee and we’ll have a nice talk.”
“Thank you.” He watched her leave and whispered, “I’m so sorry.”
15
The correlation between Copeland and the latest victim, Meredith Bowen, appeared to be within reach. Hours Kate had spent sifting through contacts and the day had nearly come to an end when she came across the business card of a city councilman. The time had come to follow this and see if it led to Copeland, or if she really was on the wrong track and had developed some personal dislike for both the congressman and Detective Phelps, as Dwight had suggested, while a killer remained on the loose.
“I’ve got to run out. Probably won’t be back.” Kate grabbed her things.
“Where are you off to?” Vasquez pulled away from her research into the purchase of the material. “You find something?”
“Not sure yet. That’s what I need to figure out. See you tomorrow?”
“Yeah, okay. Hey, let me know if it’s something, yeah?”
“I will. Let Jameson know I left?”
Vasquez nodded.
Within minutes, Kate was on the road, heading toward the city of Manassas, about thirty minutes from D.C. Meredith Bowen was associated with this councilman in some way and when she’d made the call, the woman on the other end of the line wouldn’t officially confirm Meredith’s employment, instead suggesting Kate put in a formal request for information. And that was what she would do, along with using her skills to collect unofficial information in the process.
There was a reason for not making mention of this to her new boss and old friend, Dwight. He’d already made it clear for her to stay on her current path and finish her profile of the killer, but in her mind, this would accomplish just that. She still couldn’t quite convince herself that it was Copeland who was responsible, in fact, the more she dug into the case, the less that seemed to be true. However, that didn’t dismiss her hunch, and it was a strong one, that he had played some part in the murders, even if unwittingly so. And once she could establish a firm connection of all three victims to Copeland, Phelps wouldn’t be able to ignore it and neither would Dwight.
On arrival, she approached the information desk at the city hall. “Excuse me.” She retrieved her badge. “FBI Agent Kate Reid. I’m here to make a formal request for information concerning an ongoing investigation. Can you direct me to Councilman Hilgard’s office, please?”
The man peered at her credentials and seemed to understand this was a matter of some importance. “Yes, ma’am. His office is down the hall and to the right. His assistant should be there to guide you.”
“Thank you for your time.” She continued along the corridor and reached the door labeled with the councilman’s name and entered. “Hi, I phoned earlier regarding an investigation I’m working on. FBI Agent Reid. Was it you I spoke with?”
“Yes. Agent Reid. Hello. You’re here to place a formal request for information?”
Kate moved closer and wore a concerned expression. “I am, but I was hoping you also might be able to help expedite the request or maybe offer something less formal that would help me find the person I’m looking for.”
“I can try, but as I said on the phone…”
“I understand there’s only so much you can do. But as I’m sure you can understand, this is a matter of urgency.”
The middle-aged woman with the pixie haircut cast her gaze around as though she was being watched. “Well, why don’t you tell me what you need and I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you so much.” She retrieved the business card. “I came across this card. It belonged to a woman named Meredith Bowen.”
“I’m familiar with Ms. Bowen.”
“Unfortunately, she was murdered a few days ago.”
“Oh my God. Oh my God, that’s awful.”
“Yes, it is. And that’s why I’m here. It’s very important that I understand what her relationship was with the councilman. Did she work for him? Was she a consultant? And, the relationship the councilman had with Representative Copeland. From what I gather, the congressman also served on this council a number of years ago.”
“That’s right. I’d only just come on board, but yes, Mr. Copeland served on this council from 2008 to 2011, when he decided to run for Congress.” The woman began typing on her keyboard. “Let me see what I can find in the records.”
“What records would those be?”
“Well, I have the meeting minutes, votes, agendas; pretty much everything pertaining to the council. If I recall correctly, Ms. Bowen presented before council a few times in the past. Let me see if I can find out when that was.” She looked at Kate, who was standing over her desk. “You might want to take a seat. This could take a while.”
“Oh, sure.” This was exactly why she drove all the way down here because meeting face to face was always the way to get things done. That was what a lot of people failed to understand in this day and age when communication was almost exclusively via email and text messaging. Sometimes, face time was the best way to get something that might be outside the proper channels. An important lesson she learned from the man who recruited her.
“Okay, I found her name on three agendas over the course of two years. One in 2010 and two others in 2011. After that, she came on board to work for the councilman to facilitate coordination between the other districts.”
“So Ms. Bowen worked for the councilman after 2011?”
“Well, during 2011 through 2015, according to her employment records.” She eyed Kate. “Which, by the way, I’m not supposed to tell you.”
“Of course.”
“Anyway, she quit in 2015. Don’t know what happened after that.”
“She went to work for Representative Carter.”
“Oh? Well, that’s fantastic. Good for her.” She appeared to immediately regret her comment. “I mean, it was good, but she’s not here anymore.”
“No, ma’am. Can I ask, the instances she presented to council, was Mr. Copeland in attendance?”
“Let me see. Yes. I see his name on the list of attendees.”
“Were you aware of any
other professional or maybe personal dealings Ms. Bowen had with Mr. Copeland? Lunches, calls, anything of that nature?”
“I really can’t say.”
“Are you sure? It’s extremely important.”
“Can’t you ask the congressman?”
“Well, yes, however, I want to be sure I get an impartial answer. Unfortunately, Ms. Bowen can’t speak for herself on the matter.”
The woman appeared to consider Kate’s request. “I just don’t know how much I can say. I don’t have a lot of firsthand experience on this issue.”
“Can you tell me who does?”
She shot another look back and forth and again seemed to consider her choices. “Listen, I don’t want to get anyone in trouble, but it’s also a real shame that poor girl is gone. If I were you, I’d talk to Councilwoman McManus. I can give you her number.”
Kate knitted her brow. “And she’ll be able to shed some light on Ms. Bowen?”
“Yes. She was much closer to the situation than you might think. And I’m afraid that’s all I can do for you, Agent Reid.”
“Situation?” Kate decided not to push the assistant any more. “You’ve been more than helpful, ma’am. Really. Thank you.” She took the sticky note with the name and number on it. “I’ll contact her.” Kate began to walk away.
“She’s just down the hall. You could try popping in.”
A smile appeared on her face. “I’ll do that. Thank you so much.”
“I hope you can get justice for Ms. Bowen.”
“So do I. You have a good day.” Kate left the office and continued in earnest along the lengthy halls of the city building in search of Councilwoman Jen McManus. She would not leave without answers. Putting together these puzzle pieces were key to finding the killer, she was sure of it, and Kate was not a woman who took no for an answer.
Upon spotting the councilwoman’s office, she entered to find a small reception area where two people sat at workstations. “Good afternoon. I’d like to talk to Ms. McManus. Is she available?” Kate held out her badge.
A young, smartly dressed man eyed the badge. “Is she expecting you?”
“No. But it’s important I speak with her. Can she spare a few minutes of her time?”
The man picked up the phone. “Ms. McManus, there’s an FBI agent here to see you.” He paused while listening. “Agent Kate Reid of the Washington Field Office, according to her credentials. Of course. I’ll let her know.” He ended the call. “She’ll be right out. Can I get you something to drink while you wait?”
“No, I’m fine. Thank you, though.” No sooner had Kate answered the question did the councilwoman appear from her office. “Ms. McManus? I’m Agent Reid. Can I speak to you for a moment?”
The councilwoman eyed her assistant before turning to Kate. “Certainly. Please, come in. This is rather unexpected. How can I help the FBI?”
Kate stepped inside and waited for her to close the door. “I’m investigating the death of a woman by the name of Meredith Bowen. And by the look on your face, you knew her?”
“I did. I haven’t spoken to her in some time. Not since she went to work on the Hill. What happened to her?”
“She was shot in her apartment a few nights ago.”
“Oh my God.” She turned away. “How can I help?”
“I’ve been looking into Ms. Bowen’s friends and contacts and it appears she had met or in some way had known Representative Grant Copeland. Are you familiar with him? I believe he served as a member of council here until 2011.”
“That’s right, he did. And yes, I know him. May I ask, is he a suspect?”
“No. Not at all, ma’am. I’m just looking to see who Ms. Bowen socialized with to get a fuller picture.”
“Well, I can tell you, she wouldn’t have socialized with the congressman.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Is this off the record?”
“Of course.”
“Grant Copeland is an egotistical, womanizing son of a bitch and most of the women, in this office at least, stayed as far away from him as possible.”
“I see. So, did Ms. Bowen know him?”
“Oh, yes. I haven’t spoken to her since she left here, but she and I shared more than a few lunches where Grant Copeland was the main topic of conversation.”
“In what way?”
“Well, I’ll tell you,” She shook her head. “He tried to get his tentacles around her—and me, for that matter, but I held more power over him as a council member than she did as a staffer. The harassment lasted for some time and, in fact, I know it was the reason she left.”
“Did she ever file a complaint? Did you?”
“Oh no. That’s not how it works here. You deal with it and either move on or accept it. After a while, he stopped going after me because I think he knew what was at stake. But he kept on with Meredith. I guess I should’ve said something, but you know, well, I didn’t. I guess there’s no excuse for that.”
“I understand that situation can be difficult to handle.” Kate tried to empathize, but really, had never faced that sort of problem. Plenty of others, but sexual harassment wasn’t one of them.
“I think once Grant decided to run for the House, things changed. She stayed on a while longer, but left about 18 months or so ago, working somewhere, I don’t know, but we kept in touch via email and the occasional call. In fact, a member of the press approached her during his first campaign. Someone she’d known back in her journalism days, I guess. But he point-blank asked her if Grant had ever made unwanted sexual advances.”
“And she said no?”
“That’s right. I guess the reporter sort of let it go after that. I don’t really know, but I figure he must’ve because I never saw anything about it in the papers. My God. Just doesn’t seem real. I can’t believe she’s gone.” She peered at Kate. “Does Grant know?”
“We have talked to him regarding other concerns. I can’t say if he’s aware of this or not.”
“I bet he’s not been very forthcoming with information on whatever it is you’re looking for.”
“Not exactly. In fact, I’m only here because I was speaking to Congresswoman Carter. Ms. Bowen worked for her after she left here. And through a series of contacts, I ended up here.”
“I can say with a fair amount of confidence that Grant Copeland is not capable of murder.”
“I don’t believe he is either, Ms. McManus.”
“Please, call me Jen.”
“Jen. But in order for me to find the killer, I need to have a full understanding of Meredith’s life. Her friends, her social life. I need to know who she was.” Kate was hesitant to mention the other women because, as it was, she would likely see a letter of censure come her way if word got out about her inquiry, especially without Metro PD’s knowledge.
“No, Grant’s not a killer. He’s an arrogant misogynist, but not a killer.”
“Are you aware of any other of these types of relationships Mr. Copeland had like this? Any other staffers that you know of?”
“I’m not aware of any. However, I’d be fooling myself if I didn’t believe there were plenty of other women out there who faced the same thing from him during his illustrious political career. I suspect if any of them came forward, he wouldn’t have a political career to speak of.”
“Sounds like that would be the case.” It was the light-bulb moment she was waiting for. That was the key. Someone was either working to expose that side of the congressman, or working to keep it quiet.
“Agent Reid? Are you okay?”
“Yes, sorry. I was just thinking about something else.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have much else to tell you on the matter. I wish I did. I wish I’d kept in closer contact with Meredith.” She teared up. “I’m so sorry she’s gone.”
“Can I ask you a final question?”
“Shoot.”
“Given what you know about the congressman, do you feel he aspires to higher offic
e?”
“Grant Copeland? Absolutely. If that man thought he could be president, he would go after it with everything he had. Hell, for all I know, he will.”
Kate stood. “Thank you for your time, Jen. I can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me. And Meredith.”
“Oh, okay.” She stood and walked toward the door. “If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.” Kate was heading through the door when she continued. “Agent Reid, will you let me know when you find whoever was responsible for taking Meredith’s life?”
“Of course I will. Goodbye, Ms. McManus—Jen.”
16
Sue Copeland peered into her back garden while she washed her coffee mug in the sink. The afternoon caffeine pick-me-up was necessary in order for her to see the day through. Since the troubles began for her husband, she hadn’t been sleeping well and in fact considered making an appointment to see her doctor. But for now, the coffee helped, but it did nothing to silence the thoughts in her mind. Her concern for Grant and his future weighed heavily on her shoulders—his too, she could see it. It seemed as though he was keeping the worst of it from her and had been playing down the potential damage this would cause when the story broke.
The familiar tone of the doorbell reached her ears and pulled her attention to the moment. Placing the cup in the drying rack, Sue wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and began walking toward the foyer. No butler or housemaid in this home. She preferred to see to the daily running of her own home and was a fan of solitude. That was due, in part, to Grant’s job, which often found him in the public eye. And in part to her own personality trait. With the children almost grown, it was her time to reclaim herself and she preferred to do that alone.
Upon reaching the door, she peered through the side window draped with a sheer curtain panel. She opened the door, her face masked in concern. “Phil? What are you doing here? Grant’s at the office.”
“I came here to see you. Do you have a minute?”
