One Foot In The Grave Page 3

  That was a momentary silence before John replied. “Not necessarily a bad thing. Witches and wizards can be a little stuffy. Not necessarily the best conversationalists.”

  “It's not just that,” Kasey replied. “I didn't finish at the Academy. Most of the kids I knew there didn't keep in touch, so when it comes to our kind, I only know a handful of people in New York and most of them are my family. I'd rather not burden them with everything that's been going on.”

  “I get it,” John replied. “I don't have a ton of wizard friends either. Being the son of an Arcane Counselor is akin to being the teacher’s pet at school. It comes with its perks and privileges, but no one really wants to get that close to you. I'd be happy to catch up and have a chat. I imagine it's not the kind of thing you want to talk about on the phone.”

  Kasey laughed. “Not really, no. I'm in hot enough water with the ADI as it is.”

  “Of course,” John said. “When were you thinking?”

  Kasey took a deep breath. In for a penny in for a pound. “My caseload is pretty light at the moment, so I'm free any time.”

  “You lucky duck,” John answered. “Things are a little crazy here right now, but how would dinner tonight suit?”

  Kasey bit her lip. Dinner was more then she had anticipated.

  John added in a rush, “It's not like that, Kasey. I didn't mean to...”

  His previous attempt to ask Kasey out had ended with a trip to the hospital and three broken ribs. Clearly, his memory of the incident hadn't faded.

  “It's okay,” she said with a grin. “Dinner would be great. What were you thinking?”

  John breathed a sigh of relief. “It's a long story, but I'm kind of under house arrest. Do you mind coming round for dinner? It will just be the two of us though. You won't have to put up with dad. I know it sounds weird, but I'm not allowed out of the house.”

  “Have you been grounded?” Kasey asked.

  John laughed. “Fortunately not. There was an incident this morning and our security detail is being a little over zealous. Things should have simmered down a little by then.”

  Makes sense.

  With one of their closest staff members being interrogated and killed, the ADI had clearly stepped up its protective detail for the Arcane Council and their families. It was likely John’s house arrest would continue until Theo’s murderer had been apprehended.

  “Sure thing, sounds great.” Kasey heard the sincerity in her own voice, and it surprised her.

  “Awesome. I'll see you then. About six?”

  “Sounds good to me,” Kasey replied. “Just one more question.”

  “Yeah what's that?”

  “Could you give me your address? I have no idea where you live.”

  “We’re staying in the suburbs at the moment. Let me make it easier. I'll send a car for you. What if I was to have you picked up at five-thirty? Is that okay? Where shall I send the driver?”

  “The station is fine. I'll just be getting off work.”

  “Awesome,” John replied, making no effort to conceal his delight. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Yeah, thanks again, John. See you soon.”

  Kasey hung up and tried to process the call. John's understanding and empathy surprised her, but what was causing her even greater discomfort was how she felt about the whole thing. Part of her was genuinely looking forward to seeing him. She didn't know why.

  “Kasey, get in here!” Vida called from his office, startling her from her thoughts.

  She leapt out of her chair and hurried into the adjoining office.

  “What have you got?” she asked, leaning over him.

  Vida zoomed in on a video clip. “I think I found our man.”

  Kasey studied the computer screen as Vida punched play on the video. The picture came to life and she found herself looking at the front entrance from the murder scene. A man in a suit appeared, leaving the building. Something about the man seemed familiar but Kasey couldn't place it.

  Maybe he just has one of those faces.

  “Here is our friend leaving the building yesterday afternoon,” Vida began. “And here he is returning a few hours later. See if you can spot what is wrong with this picture.”

  Vida’s fingers danced across his keyboard and the video scrolled forward to ten pm. From the right most portion of the video feed, a man appeared, pushing a wheelchair.

  Kasey recognized him as the man who had left earlier only now, he had company.

  The man pushed the wheelchair to the front door of the building. As he opened the door, he had to turn the wheelchair around so that he could lift it backwards over the raised step of the doorway.

  As Kasey's gaze settled on the occupant of the chair, she recognized him immediately.

  “That's Theo Getz!” She pointed at the screen. “That's our victim.”

  “I figured,” Vida replied.

  Theo was slumped sideways in the wheelchair, a suit coat draped over him as if he were asleep. The camera image was a little grainy but there was no mistaking the Arcane Counselor’s secretary.

  “It looks like he has been drugged. Wherever our killer is, he went to a lot of effort to get Theo there. I’m pretty sure that’s our man.” Kasey stared at the screen. “Now I just need to work out where I've seen him before.”

  “What?” Vida glanced at her. “You’ve seen him before?”

  “Yeah, but for the life of me, I can't place where. If I can work that out, we’ll be one step ahead of the ADI.” She patted Vida on the shoulder. “Great work. I’ll let Bishop know.”

  She made for the door. No sooner had she passed through the doorway than her phone rang. She lifted her cell out of her pocket and checked the caller ID.

  Blocked number.

  She answered the call. “Hello?”

  “Miss Chase, it’s Agent Clarke. It appears you have misunderstood me once again. Bring the footage and any other evidence you smuggled off my crime scene to the office of the Arcane Council now.”

  “Ah, but I—” Kasey stammered.

  He cut her off. “Don't even think about lying to me, Miss Chase. The gas attendant caved like a wet paper bag. If you aren't here in twenty minutes, we'll be coming for you and we’ll be charging you for obstruction of justice.”

  Kasey was speechless. She’d hoped for more of a head start.

  “Twenty minutes, Miss Chase,” Agent Clarke said.

  He hung up.

  Kasey reversed course and headed back into Vida’s office. “Hey Vida, I’m going to need that footage.”

  “What for?” Vida asked.

  “It's probably better that I don't answer that. Just give me the flash drive and make sure you've made a copy.”

  Vida withdrew the flash drive from his computer and tossed it to her. “What hornet’s nest have you kicked this time?” He raised his hand. “Wait. You’re probably right—I don't want to know.”

  He turned back to his screen.

  Kasey didn't bother trying to explain. She slipped the flash drive into her pocket, all the while struggling to answer the question for herself.

  As she ran for the door of the Ninth Precinct, one thought filled her mind.

  What have I done?

  Chapter 3

  Kasey entered the bank, her heart racing. The downtown financial institution served as a convenient cover for the Arcane Council.

  She tried in vain to calm her nerves but even her palms were sweating. Inside the bank, customers stood in line, impatiently waiting for the tellers to serve them. Kasey realized she hadn't given any thought as to how she would access the Council Chambers. On her previous visit, Agent Clarke had entered a code to get them inside.

  Kasey blew past the lines. After all, she had no need for the bank's services.

  Bypassing the waiting customers, she headed straight for the back hallway. There a heavy steel door and its security panel kept out any unwanted visitors.

  A casual observer would think it simply the entry poi
nt for the bank's administrative offices.

  Rounding the corner, two men in suits flanked the doorway. The one on the left was short and stocky; his dark hair was flecked with gray and swept to one side. The one on the right was over six feet tall, with a crewcut.

  As she approached, the suited man on the right reached forward to stop her. “Are you Miss Chase?”

  “Yes,” Kasey replied, her voice cracking.

  “Excellent,” The man replied. “Come with us. Agent Clarke is expecting you.”

  Kasey slowed to a halt. Reaching into her pocket, she drew out the flash drive. “No need, gents. Here is the drive. You can give it to Agent Clarke. Let him know that I hope it helps his investigation.”

  The agent on the left reached out and took the offered flash drive.

  Kasey turned and made for the door.

  A heavy hand grabbed her shoulder. “Miss Chase, Agent Clarke's instructions were clear. I'm going to need you to come with us. He is expecting you.”

  Kasey let out a deep breath as she examined the meaty hand on her shoulder. She had no desire to see Agent Clarke again. Nor did she wish to give him any opportunity to make good on the threat he’d made at the crime scene.

  Kasey grabbed the agent’s wrist, ducked, and twisted.

  The agent groaned as Kasey almost dislocated his shoulder.

  Kasey shoved the agent up against the wall. “Don't ever put your hands on me.”

  The agent struggled against the grip, but Kasey's hold was firm. Behind and beside her, cloth rustled against cloth; the thickset agent was on the move.

  She spun, ready to greet him, only to find the agent had anticipated her move. He had stepped back, and Kasey was looking down the business end of a compact Glock 9mm pistol.

  The agent's eyes were narrowed on her, as his finger tightened against the trigger. “Kasey, I'm going to need you to release my partner, now.”

  Kasey released her grip and the ADI agent spun free. With his good hand, the agent rubbed at his shoulder while trying to suppress his embarrassment.

  “He started it,” Kasey said. “Clarke asked for the drive, I brought you the drive, now I’ve got work to do. Let me out of here.”

  “Not today, Miss Chase,” the agent replied, not lowering his weapon. “In the past, the ADI has given you a wide berth and great latitude on account of your unfortunate experiences. But as Agent Clarke has already made abundantly clear to you this morning, this case is of the utmost importance to the ADI and Agent Clarke needs to debrief you personally. He would prefer you came of your own volition, but if not, we will detain you. I urge you to not make a scene.”

  Kasey thought of the lobby full of bank patrons, waiting just around the corner. She glanced at the gun still pointed at her.

  She began to summon her energy. With the right spell, she might disarm them and be able to make a break for it. If she could make it to the lobby, she might get free. What would the ADI be willing to risk in front of so many spectators? Would it even matter? The ADI knew far more about her than she did about them. She wouldn’t be able to outrun them forever.

  The thickset agent continued. “Don't even think about it, Miss Chase. Your martial prowess is impressive, but we aren’t simple street thugs. I've been a combat mage for the ADI for over thirty years. For most of that time, I've been using my magic to put away criminals and protect our people. I’ve been at this for longer than you've been alive. If you figure I can’t detect you gathering your powers, you are wildly mistaken. Using them here and now would be the greatest, and perhaps last, mistake you will ever make. The ADI has no tolerance for those who attack its agents.”

  Kasey exhaled, releasing the energy she had been subconsciously gathering.

  “Wise choice, Miss Chase. Agent Clarke simply wants to debrief you. There is no need to turn this into something it isn't. Come with us.”

  The agent slid his suit coat open and returned the weapon to it holster.

  Reaching for the keypad, he punched in an eight-digit code. There was a metallic click as the door released. The agent pulled open the door and gestured for Kasey and his partner to pass through.

  With no other option, Kasey did as she was told.

  What have I got myself into?

  The ADI agents steered her toward the elevator. The towering agent with the crewcut punched the button and the aluminum doors slid open. Kasey followed the two men inside. The stocky agent drew his ID and held it over the scanner. The LED display flashed green, and another series of buttons materialized to the right of the existing buttons.

  The stocky agent pressed the button for the twenty-fourth floor and Kasey knew they were headed back down into the subbasements. On her previous trip, she had been grilled by the Arcane Council on the twenty-fifth floor. She’d never been that far underground in her life.

  As if in answer to her unasked question, the agent spoke, “The twenty-fifth floor is made up of the Arcane Council’s sitting chambers. We are located directly above them as a quick response measure, in case we are required.”

  The elevator lurched downward, increasing in speed until it came to an abrupt halt. The doors parted and Kasey found herself in a room not unlike the Ninth Precinct. An information desk faced the elevator. Behind it, she could see a bullpen where dozens of agents worked at desks. Several halls branched off from the bullpen, leading deeper into the ADI's headquarters.

  Kasey and her escort passed the front desk, without challenge. The agents shepherded Kasey through the bullpen and down the hall.

  They came to a halt outside an office.

  “Here we are,” the agent said, opening the door.

  Kasey peered past the door and found herself staring at an interrogation room. It was not unlike the ones where Bishop and she had grilled suspects at the Ninth Precinct.

  “Oh, hell no,” Kasey said, backing up.

  The taller agent raised his hands but took care not to touch her again. Obviously, he still remembered her earlier response.

  “It's not like that, Miss Chase. All debriefings occur here. You aren't under arrest and no charges are being pressed—not yet anyway.”

  Kasey shuffled into the room and sat down. The agents didn't join her.

  The thickset agent simply reached for the door knob. “Agent Clarke will be here momentarily. Make yourself comfortable.”

  He closed the door, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

  She drummed her fingers on the steel desk.

  “Come on, Agent Clarke, I don't have all day,” Kasey muttered.

  She and Bishop had done the same thing to suspects many times: leaving them in an interrogation room to stew. The maneuver tended to unsettle the suspect and make them impatient. Often, they would reveal details they might have otherwise tried to conceal.

  Recognizing the tactic didn't bring Kasey any comfort. No matter what the agents had said, it certainly felt like she was being detained. Not for the first time, Kasey wondered exactly what laws governed the ADI’s actions. They seemed to act with impunity in enforcing the council's direction.

  Were the ADI even subject to due process? Not having an answer certainly didn't bring her any comfort.

  She leaned back against the chair and tried to relax.

  The door opened and Agent Clarke entered. He closed the door behind him. Under his arm he carried a laptop. Without a glance at her, he walked over to the table, and set down the computer. Kasey clamped her mouth shut, willing herself not to say anything that would get in her in more trouble.

  He drew out the chair across from her and sat.

  Clasping his hands together, he leaned forward and leveled his gaze at her. “Miss Chase, did you assault one of my agents?”

  Given where the incident had occurred, Kasey was confident it had been caught on camera. Lying wouldn't serve her now.

  “I wouldn't say that, Agent Clarke. I'd say that one of your agents laid his hands on me without cause and I defended myself. Any court in the land would see it as s
elf-defense.”

  Clarke leaned back in his chair, never taking his eyes off her. “Be careful in presuming how your actions might be received. We both know your experience with the Arcane Council is limited, and while you have previously enjoyed a great deal of latitude, rest assured the Council’s patience with you and your blatant disregard for our directives and laws has worn thin.

  “The Council will not tolerate having its enforcement officials manhandled by the same individuals who show flagrant disregard for its other laws. If you lay hands on one of my agents again, I assure you the consequences will be severe.”

  Kasey opened her mouth to interject but Clarke raised his hand for silence. “Since you have showed no regard for my previous warnings, let me be explicit. If you attack another one of my agents, we will throw you in a dark hole for five years. There will be no court, no lawyers, and no plea bargaining. Your life will simply consist of living in a pit. Your cell will have but one door through which you will receive your three meals a day, until the days blur together and you lose track of time. Your days will turn into months, which will turn into years. All the while you'll have nothing to do but to use your abundance of time to reconsider your poor decision-making process. Do I make myself clear?”

  Kasey nodded as she tapped away on the steel table top. “Yes. Now you summoned me here. What do you want?”

  Agent Clarke opened the laptop and lifted the flash drive out of his pocket. “First, I want to know if you stole any other evidence from my crime scene.”

  “I didn't steal anything, Agent Clarke. In the course of our investigation we received that security footage. It simply slipped my mind when we met earlier.”

  “You realize the same camera that took the footage you stole, also captured when you entered the gas station right?” he asked. “We both know you took that recording after we spoke. You seem to constantly underestimate how thorough we are, Miss Chase. I told you that this case is of the gravest import to the Arcane Council. No resources are being spared in the apprehension of this killer.”