Last Word

by Robin Mahle

  “And?”

  “And that suggests the person was taller than both of these women. That we know this person must be at least 5’10” to 6 feet tall?”

  “Sounds about right. I’m sorry, am I missing something here? This adds nothing new to your assumptions. You already suggest the killer is male. One would assume the male to be taller than his female victims.”

  “Yes, but now it appears conclusive. And now we can narrow down the field when talking to the people in their circles. Don’t you think this is something I would find important to my profile?”

  “Yes. Which is why I invited you here this afternoon. Look, I’m starting to feel as though it’s you who has the problem here, not me. You’re defensive, overbearing, and frankly, you don’t have nearly enough experience to be doing this sort of work. I was doing this job when you were still in braces.”

  The argument was about to escalate, and he had a point. He was the one who invited her to view the report. She was in the wrong in this instance, as much as she didn’t want to admit it. Her prejudice against him had become transparent and she was about to jeopardize everything. What she was saying was not new and yet she wanted desperately to find something he was withholding from her. “I apologize. I will add this information and, hopefully, we’ll get DNA back on the skin samples, which I’m sure you’ll pass along to me as soon as you get them. That could be the answer to everything.”

  “You think I’m not well aware of that?” But before he could finish, the arrival of a woman standing in the doorway drew both of their attention away from the current circle jerk of conversation and prevented Kate from digging a deeper hole.

  “Mrs. Copeland?” Phelps approached her. “What are you doing here, ma’am? Is everything okay?”

  She cast a glance to Kate and then back to Phelps. “I was hoping for an update on the investigation into Janine Atherton.”

  “Come inside, please.” He took her gently by the arm. “I’m not sure you should be here, ma’am. I had promised your husband’s chief of staff I would do everything in my power to keep him out of the papers while we’re investigating these terrible crimes. Your being here could threaten that.”

  Kate wondered what power he had wielded to do such a thing and how much it had cost Copeland.

  “I’m not trying to jeopardize anything. I just—I just need to know.” She looked at Kate. “I’m sorry, but who are you?”

  “Agent Kate Reid. FBI.” She stood and offered her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Copeland.”

  “Are you helping the detective?”

  “Yes. My team and I are working with Detective Phelps and the authorities in Baltimore in a connected investigation.”

  “I see. Yes, I—I had heard there were others.” She turned back to Phelps. “Detective, this has begun to take its toll on my husband. He doesn’t know I’m here and I would appreciate it if you didn’t tell him. Are you any closer to finding the person responsible for killing those women?”

  “We are getting closer, yes.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help? Anything you need at all?”

  “No, ma’am. Just keep doing what you’re doing. Your support for the congressman is what’s needed most right now. I appreciate your offer, but you should really go. Reporters are always hanging around and for them to spot you, well, it would not do us any good.”

  “Of course. I understand. I’m sorry to have bothered you.” She again looked at Kate.

  “Why don’t I walk you out? I was just leaving anyway.” Kate approached her, noting a sideways glare from the detective. “Thank you for the information, detective. I’ll be in touch.” Kate ushered Mrs. Copeland away.

  As they walked outside, Kate considered if Mrs. Copeland had wanted to reveal something and that on noticing an FBI agent, she opted to hold her tongue, doubtful of the impact on her husband. This could be a blessing in disguise. Revealing something about her husband might fall on deaf ears if it had been only Phelps in the room and she might not have had this chance. The time was now to ask the question proposed by Quinn and convince Mrs. Copeland that Kate was there to help her. “Ma’am, can I ask you a couple of questions regarding your husband?”

  “Of course.”

  Just as they reached the end of the walkway, Kate stopped her. “I can see that you want answers as it relates to the tragic deaths of those who knew the congressman.”

  “Yes. Of course I do.”

  “That said, I’d like to ask you something very personal and I, in no way, mean any offense.” She waited a moment for any objections and when none came, Kate continued. “Were you aware of any transgressions made on the part of your husband in the recent past?”

  “You mean do I know if my husband cheated on me?”

  Kate nodded. “I’m sorry to ask, but it’s relevant to the investigation because I believe…”

  “You believe he was sleeping with Janine Atherton.”

  This wasn’t exactly as Quinn proposed, but Kate had to run with it now. “I do, ma’am. Evidence suggests...”

  “My husband is a good father, I’ll say that about him. But our kids are almost grown and well, were he not in the public eye, I doubt we would still be married. Not that that’s what I would want, but Grant has and always has had a wandering eye. I believe he was having an affair with Ms. Atherton and I also believe she was not the only one.”

  “Do you have any proof of their relationship?”

  “No. I don’t. Do you?”

  Kate couldn’t reveal the facts of the DNA report as it could threaten the investigation. “What about the others?”

  “The other victims? I can’t say because I don’t know who they are. That’s one of the reasons why I was here. I’d hoped to get clarity on that issue.”

  “Is there anyone on your husband’s staff who might know anything? A confidant?”

  Mrs. Copeland turned away. “I can’t remember where I parked.”

  “I’m sorry to have to ask you these things. I’m sure it’s difficult to hear.”

  “Are you married, Agent Reid? Do you have children?”

  “No—on both counts.”

  “Well, let me just tell you that it’s far more difficult than you might think. Especially being married to a politician. I’ve stood by my husband for many years, watched his career soar, and I’ve been willing to overlook certain character flaws. But if he is in any way responsible or caused the deaths of those girls, I’ll be the first to make sure he’s held accountable. So, as far as a close staff member, yes. His chief of staff, Phil Vega. In fact, Phil came to see me earlier today, another prompting for my visit here.”

  “What did he want?”

  “To look at Grant’s computer.”

  “And did he?”

  She nodded. “He said he didn’t find anything, so after he left, I decided to have a look. I’ve done it before, though not in a while. I guess I thought I was past that stage. I was wrong. I’d seen an email from a woman who didn’t want anything to do with Grant. And the real reason why I came today is that I believe that woman should be warned that those who’ve crossed paths with Grant seem to be paying a high price for their association.”

  “Can you tell me the name of this woman? Mrs. Copeland, if you think someone is in danger, please—let me get word to her. Let me protect her.”

  “Isn’t that a little outside your wheelhouse? I was planning on saying something to Detective Phelps, but I get the feeling Grant may have gotten to him already. I’ve seen it before. But I don’t see that in you.”

  “I can help this woman, whoever she is.”

  Mrs. Copeland reached into her handbag and retrieved a slip of paper. “This is who the email came from. I’m afraid I don’t know who she is or where she lives, but I suppose you’d be able to find that out somehow.”

  “Thank you. Yes, I’ll be able to track her down. Mrs. Copeland, you might have just saved this woman’s life.”

  “I don’t know if she was invol
ved with my husband or not, but she doesn’t deserve to die, if that’s what’s happening here. God knows what the hell is going on.” She raised her hand to shield her eyes. “I see my car ahead. I really must go now. You won’t tell anyone it was me who gave you the name?”

  “I don’t know what’s going on either, Mrs. Copeland. I wish I did. But this will remain between us. Thank you again. And if you need anything at all. If you feel as though you are no longer safe, please call me. I mean that.” She handed her a business card. “Any time. Day or night.”

  “I will. But I don’t believe for one second Grant killed those women and I don’t believe I am in any danger. If I did, I would’ve packed up my children and left already. Goodbye, Agent Reid.”

  Kate watched as she headed toward her car and drove away. She retrieved her cell phone. “Hey, it’s me. Can you run a name for me? Karen Hildebrand. I have an email address. I’ll text it to you. If you can’t track down a location or phone number, we might have to email her.” She paused. “It’s possible she’s the next target. We have to act quickly.”

  Agent Vasquez turned away from her desk at the arrival of her partner. “Karen Hildebrand. 28, single, no kids, lives in Alexandria in a two-bedroom brownstone. Should we go talk to her?”

  “Absolutely.” Kate nodded. “We should swing by Jameson’s office and let him know.” She led the way.

  “Afternoon. By the look on your faces, something’s happened. What’s going on?”

  “I ran into Mrs. Copeland while I was meeting with Phelps at the station. He received additional forensics information, though no DNA yet. Anyway, to our surprise, the congressman’s wife appeared in his doorway. Phelps tried to get her to leave and after a somewhat tactless effort on his part, I offered to walk her out and she was more than willing to discuss her husband’s history.”

  “Reid called me a short time ago and gave me a name. Said it came from Mrs. Copeland and that it’s possible this woman might be in danger. I ran the name and got her address. We wanted to head there now.”

  “Where is she?”

  “Alexandria.”

  Dwight grabbed his keys and phone. “Good. I’m coming with you. You can fill me in on the drive.”

  Kate peered through the windshield as they approached the home. “I think this is it.”

  “Do we know if she’s there?” Vasquez leaned forward from the back seat. “It’s after six. She might be.”

  “If she’s not, you got a cell phone number, right?” Dwight asked.

  “No. Just email, but I do have a work number. We can try that.” Vasquez stepped out. “We’re here now, so might as well give it a shot and hope for the best.”

  Kate stepped out of her car and waited for the team to join her on the sidewalk. “So, are we just going to tell her that her life’s in danger?”

  “First thing we need to understand is how she knows Copeland and gain insight into what’s been going on between them in recent days and we’ll go from there.” Dwight started up the steps to the door and pressed the intercom. Several moments passed when he looked to his team and tried again.

  “Yes?”

  “Ms. Hildebrand, I’m Agent Jameson with the FBI. We’d like to have a few words with you regarding Grant Copeland.”

  Another span of silence and then the door clicked open.

  “Let’s go.” Dwight led the way into the entrance where another door awaited. He knocked.

  “Can I see some ID, please?” The voice of Ms. Hildebrand sounded through the door.

  “Of course.” Dwight pulled out his badge and held it in front of the security lens. “Agent Dwight Jameson. I’m here with Agents Reid and Vasquez. It’s very important we speak to you, Ms. Hildebrand.”

  She opened the door. “Come in. What is it that you want?”

  Kate wasn’t expecting the curt response. “We won’t take up much of your time. We just need to ask you some questions, Ms. Hildebrand.”

  “Of course. I’m sorry. It’s Karen. Please, have a seat in the living room. You’ll have to forgive me. I’ve been somewhat stressed out today. And, my house is a mess.”

  “It’s fine. I understand.” Kate sat down next to Vasquez. “We’d like to speak with you regarding an ongoing investigation.”

  “Somehow I expected you would show. You or the cops. This is about Grant Copeland?” She appeared frail and shaken.

  “It is, yes. Have you been in contact with the congressman recently?” Kate was cautious of just how much to reveal at the moment.

  “Unfortunately, yes. Though it sort of came out of the blue. I hadn’t heard from him in quite some time. Then he just sends me an email about…” She looked uncertain.

  “Karen, please continue. We’d like to understand your relationship with Mr. Copeland,” Dwight replied.

  “Relationship? That ended long ago, which was why his email was such a surprise to me.”

  “What was in the email?” Vasquez urged her.

  “I guess you could say it was a warning. I don’t know how else to take it.”

  “A warning? What was he warning you about?” she added.

  “Well, he said I could be in danger. I assume that’s why you’re here? He must’ve said something to you? You did mention an investigation involving him?”

  “There is, but no. He was not the one who referred us to you. In fact, it was Mrs. Copeland who’d seen the email exchange earlier today.”

  “Oh my God.”

  “Before we get too far ahead of ourselves,” Kate began, “can you tell me when your relationship with the congressman ended?”

  “It was, geez, more than a year ago. Around the time he began his bid for re-election. He was the one who ended it. Cleaning up his little messes before hitting the trail. He’s always the one who ends it. I guess that’s the way it works with a married man.” She turned away. “I can’t imagine what you must think of me.”

  “You’ll get no judgment from us, Karen. How did you meet him?” Dwight asked.

  “We travel in the same circles; well, we used to until I got out.”

  “Got out?”

  “I quit politics after he and I split up. It’s all such bullshit, you know? Full of games and lies and deceit. I thought I could make a difference, but I was wrong.”

  “And when it ended, there were no hard feelings?” Kate continued her line of questioning.

  “No. I was pissed for a while, but I never threatened to tell his wife or anyone he knew, for that matter. I just wanted to be done with it and move on with my life. And I had until I got that email. Freaked me out.”

  “I’m sure it did.” Kate looked to Dwight for permission to tell her why they were there. When he nodded, she continued, “There’ve been some developments regarding women who had crossed paths with Mr. Copeland.”

  “You mean others who he had affairs with?”

  “Mainly, yes, with one exception. But, my point is that three of these women have died.”

  “Jesus. Like murdered?”

  “Yes.”

  “And what? You think I’m next? Oh my God. Are you serious? So his email was right? He told me to get out of town. I thought it was some political mess he was trying to cover up or something. What am I supposed to do?”

  “That’s why we’re here,” Dwight added. “I think we should get you someplace safe until we know more.”

  “You don’t know who killed them, do you?”

  Kate shook her head. “With your help, you could get us a step closer, but we do ask that you come with us tonight so that we can keep you safe.” She noticed the woman, who was only a few years younger than her, tremble with fear like a child. “I’m sure this must be a shock to you and I’m sorry for that. But, Karen, it’s important we get you out of here—tonight.”

  18

  An old-fashioned gas-style lamppost was the only illumination in an otherwise shadowy area near Lincoln Park where Phelps waited for Copeland to arrive. The time had come to warn him of what was abo
ut to happen. No amount of money was going to keep this out of the press any longer, nor would it offer protection from scrutiny, a fact that had emerged the moment Copeland’s wife decided to visit the station earlier in the day, while a reporter who often loitered in search of a story noticed her arrival.

  Phelps spotted headlights approach in the distance and when the car pulled alongside his own on the quiet road, he knew it was the congressman. Upon approach to the driver’s side window, he rapped the knuckle of his index finger against the glass. Copeland rolled down his window in response and Phelps began, “‘Bout time you showed up.”

  “Sorry. I got held up at the office. As I’m sure you can imagine, it’s been a difficult time for my staff. We aren’t getting much work done at the moment.” He opened his door and placed one foot on the sidewalk.

  “Don’t. There are cameras around here. Best to keep your face hidden. You know your wife came to see me today?”

  As he closed the door again, Copeland replied, “I didn’t know that. Why?”

  “Asking questions about the investigation. And her timing couldn’t have been worse. Agent Reid was with me reviewing the Bowen file.”

  “Shit.”

  “Shit is right.”

  “What’d you do?”

  “I tried to calm her nerves. Then Agent Reid showed her out. I spotted them talking outside for a few minutes. Don’t have any idea what they talked about because Reid left right after that.”

  “Damn it. You summoned me just to tell me that? What is it I’m supposed to do? Jesus. I don’t even know why the hell they went after Meredith. I never slept with her. I’m starting to lose my shit, Phelps. And now this?”

  “What are you supposed to do? You’re going to get your wife in line because I’ll tell you what, Agent Reid isn’t your only problem. A bottom-feeder was hanging out at the station, spotted her, and came to me and started asking questions.”

  “You mean a reporter?”

  “Yes, a goddamn reporter. This isn’t going away, Copeland, and the time’s come for you to get a handle on it. I’ve done everything I can do, but your wife just screwed us, big time.” Phelps surveyed the area for any bystanders. “Look, be ready ‘cause shit’s about to hit the fan.”