Question J

[Jonetta]

Nolasco sidelines Tracy, sets up the Cowboy investigation to allow him to take credit for capturing the killer and leaks the “arrest” to Van Pelt. It ends up being a colossal failure and almost got Tracy killed. She says he has lots of cat lives remaining. What say you? Is Van Pelt gone for good?

[Robin]

Sooner or later the top brass will have to figure out that Nolasco is behind the leaks to Van Pelt. All it would take it some of the cops going over his head and mentioning it to Nolasco's boss. I think they would start watching to see what happens next.

I think Van Pelt will do whatever she can to get the story, whether getting information from Nolasco or actually working for a story. I think we'll see more of her.

[Jonetta]

Nolasco does seem untouchable and I’m beginning to believe he’s got something on someone or they fear him for some reason. His actions often fly in the face of the interests of the department and there aren’t any repercussions. He’s experiencing it now because his stupidity made everything public. But, I do believe this cat has more lives.

Van Pelt may be gone for good. They replaced her on her show and reporters don’t seem to get do overs when they screw up their credibility. She damaged the station. That fool claimed to have helped identify the Cowboy! She and Nolasco deserve each other.

[Sharon]

I can't explain how Nolasco is still in charge or even on the force. It doesn't make sense because he is blatant with his abuse of power.

Van Pelt is gone. I can see her fighting back with a blog, but I don't see her returning to the local news station. Although, I remember a Baltimore reporter was fired from one station and picked up by another after the "wait time" in most reporters' contracts.

[Jonetta]

Yeah, Nolasco has a godfather somewhere on the force.

Even if Van Pelt gets another gig, do you think her days covering the crime beat are done? I can’t imagine anyone believing any cop would talk to her again.

[Sharon]

If she came back it would be on a soft news beat.

[~Melissa~]

Fingers crossed her higher ups aren't as blind (stupid or poss crooked) as Nolasco's. I'm thinking she is gone for good. I don't think any of the cops trust her - she only seems to get her stories when Nolasco gives them to her.

[Robin]

I think you're right, Jonetta. Someone high up must be protecting Nolasco for some reason. I can't wait to find out what that reason would be.

[Sharon]

I'm looking forward to finding out the reason too, Robin. Something is fishy.

[Charlene]

Yes, something in the background is definitely fishy; how many lives does the catty Nolasko have left? I'm looking forward to the next book for sure.