Chapter 7: Part 3

Bill picked up the line on the first ring, not even checking the caller id. The cringe was automatic, "Agent Rowland, this is Roger Wainright over at the state department." Bill relaxed when he realized it wasn't his wife. "A girl was found in international waters. They just flew her to a hospital in Nassau."



"One of the missing?"



"Not sure yet. She's in bad shape."



"I'll get there as soon as I can. Email me the details."



Bill hung up the phone, his fingers taped on the desk for five seconds as he thought through his options. He stood up, making his decision. After pulling together the files on the case Baker had assigned him, he moved towards his boss's office.



Midway down the hall he stopped. Barging in on Baker wouldn't get him the cooperation he needed. No, first he needed to take care of the paperwork his boss expected him to do.



A few hours wouldn't make that big of a difference going into the Bahamas since it wasn't official. Realistically going down there was a stupid move, but he couldn't ignore the extreme likeness each victim held to his aunt. Really the woman had been more like his mother than his mother's sister. Aunt Rene had been his nanny and then his favorite playmate as he grew older. She'd transitioned easily into friend as he aged, never once disproving of him like his own mother had. No, he couldn't let another man kill off innocent women like the Riverside Killer had picked off his beautiful aunt Rene.



By the time Bill finished the legwork and background paper pushing on the case Baker had forced him to work, the office was quiet. Shana would be pissed, not that she would be happy if he behaved properly. It would take a miracle for her to change her attitude.



After searching for Baker on his floor he climbed the steps, sliding his card in the security slot to gain entrance to the sixth floor. The lights were dimmed, few people huddled at their desks, eking out the last of their energy to solve the unsolvable and help the weak. He understood why they toiled late into the night, burning the midnight oil.



Baker was nowhere to be found. Bill pulled his phone out of his pocket and punched in his boss's number, wishing he wouldn't answer. Luck wasn't with him.



"Baker here."



"I've finished the legwork on that case you gave me. I've left it on your desk."



"What? That should take you three day, minimum."



"I work fast. I'm done. Call the forensic bean counters, they should be able to document the money trail. You should have this wrapped with the bad guy in the clink by the end of the week."



"Stop trying to be funny, it doesn't work on you," Baker said.



"I'm leaving for the islands as soon as I can catch a flight."



"I don't think you should go."



"They found someone."



"One of the missing girls."



"Don't know, but she's alive."



"Damn it, Bill. Seriously, you are a pain in the ass."



"Yes sir, I know. I'll call you when I get down there. I'll only stay a week. Even if I don't find the guy, I'll come back."



"I'm counting on it. Don't do anything stupid, well anything else stupid, I can't bail you out if their police don't like you."



"I'll turn on the charm."



"You'll need more than charm."



"We own property down there. They'll at least welcome me somewhat."



"Damn, I hate you Rowland."



"Heard it before, but I know what I want and how to get it. So hate me all you want. I'm going to get this guy and shut him down."



"You fuck up, it's Idaho for you."



"Thanks, and I won't mess this up."

Copyright Sara Thacker 2011