The Sweetest Summer(96)

            He got silence in response.

            It was agreed that everyone would meet at the Bayberry Police Department at six p.m., and if there were enough media outlets present to warrant it, the FBI would conduct a short news conference at that time. Before then, local cops were instructed to respond to any inquiries in the usual way: “We cannot comment on an ongoing FBI investigation.”

            The agents split into two groups and set out in the borrowed Jeeps, Richard accompanying Apodaca and her second fiddle. He had to say that after a few minutes, he began to enjoy the view of the pretty little island as it zipped past the open passenger window.

            “Strange place,” the agent in the backseat said.

            Apodaca laughed. “I’ve seen much stranger.”

            “It appears they’re annoyed we’re here, though,” Richard said.

            “Yeah, it happens.” Apodaca took a hard left onto something called Shoreline Road without even slowing down. “Locals can get a little territorial when we show up. They think we’re questioning their abilities, or stealing their thunder. You know—stepping on their toes.”

            Richard decided he would let that analysis go without comment. In this case, he knew it was more than that. The police chief’s demeanor had gone far beyond territorial. When he looked Richard in the eye, his dislike felt personal.

            It felt like a warning.





Chapter Thirteen


            The police station’s front door flew open with such force that it cracked the plaster wall behind it. Clancy, Deon, Jake, and Cam automatically reached for their weapons, then put them away as soon as they saw who it was.

            “I know her! The criminal! She was my mystery guest!”

            Deon leaned toward Clancy. “The motel dude, right?”

            Clancy sighed like this was just another tedious encounter with Cosmo Katsakis, but his heart raced and his palms began to sweat. Shit. Katsakis was a loose end—he’d given Clancy a copy of Evie’s fake ID. Somehow, Clancy had to convince him to keep his mouth shut.

            Cam smiled at their visitor. “Why don’t you come on in and we’ll get you a cup of coffee?”

            “I don’t want your bad coffee! I know her, that’s what I’m trying to tell you! That kidnapper girl! And she broke into my computer system!”

            Cosmo was so out of breath Clancy worried he was having a heart attack. Did he run all the way from the motel? He peeked out the window. No—Cosmo ran all the way from his golf cart, now illegally parked directly in front of the station.

            “Mr. Katsakis, you need to relax.” Clancy took a step toward him. “Maybe some water would be better.” Deon headed off to the break room.

            “I don’t need no coffee, no water, no treatment like I’m a crazy man! I need to talk to the FBI! It’s a conspiracy, I tell you, and I don’t trust you chowderheads to take my testimony!”

            Cam let go with a long and low whistle.

            “Get me the FBI on the phone!”

            “We can do better than that, sir.” Jake gave him a pleasant smile. “The FBI is here on the island. They will be back to the station within the hour. You can talk to them personally.”

            “Good!” Cosmo crossed his arms over his stained shirt. “’Cause I’m not gonna move nowhere until I speak to them!”

            “Here’s your water, sir.” Deon handed him a paper cup, which he did not accept.

            Deon set it down, looked at Clancy, and rolled his eyes.