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The website, which O’Hara had developed with the backing of communications giant KeyCom, was what he described as “a clearinghouse of all things related to reducing crime in the city.” It aggregated articles and more—everything from lists of the Most Wanted to sending out crime news alerts—making it easier for the local citizenry to stay informed and involved. With CrimeFreeLA and CrimeFreeNYC in development, O’Hara, ever the enterprising journalist, also had recently launched PhillyNewsNow.com, which covered not just cops and criminals but all news in the city.

Washington pointed at the computer screen. “It’s now the lead article.”

Matt, reading over his shoulder, saw that CrimeFreePhilly had picked up Mickey’s story from the new website:

BREAKING NEWS FROM PHILLY NEWS NOW

Update: Society Hill Home Invasion

By Michael J. O’Hara

A Philadelphia Police Department source has confirmed that the Society Hill townhome invaded last Saturday night and set on fire is the residence of Margaret McCain, the twenty-five-year-old scion of one of Philadelphia’s founding families.

The police source also confirmed that a nineteen-year-old, Krystal Angel Gonzalez, had been killed in the kitchen. She was the only person found in the burning home. The cause of her death was a gunshot to the head.

The police, who do not consider Ms. McCain a person of interest, are asking anyone with information on the crime to call 215-686-TIPS (8477) or send a text message to PPDTIP (773847).

Click here for the original news report. And check back for further updates on this developing story.

Payne, looking from the screen to Washington, then noticed a familiar face in a corner of the room. The tall, muscular thirty-one-year-old was at the far end of a T-shaped conference table and talking on one of the multiline telephones.

Washington followed his eyes.

“That was the other item of note,” Washington said. “We have a visitor.”

Jim Byrth wore a navy blazer, white dress shirt, and dark necktie. Upside down on the seat of the chair on the other side of him was his white Stetson.

Matt knew that, under the blazer, Jim wore a silver badge, a star within a circle engraved with TEXAS RANGERS, pinned just above his shirt pocket.

“He asked if I minded him having a look at what we were doing,” Washington said.

Payne nodded appreciatively.

“I have to admit that I hoped that would happen. He’s one helluva cop. And with murders up and budgets slashed, we can’t afford to turn down free help.”

Byrth looked their way, noticed Payne was with Washington, and nodded. He stood while still on his call, then hung up and headed their way.

Matt turned as Jim approached. More than a few sets of eyes followed the two men as they shook hands and then patted each other on the back.

“Nice tan, Marshal.”

“Not nice enough. But I’m here now. Good to see you, Jim.” He glanced at Washington, and added, “I hear you’re earning your keep.”

Byrth shook his head as he looked at the big wall of monitors. “I don’t think so. There is a lot of solid information.” He looked back to Matt. “But I’m just a simple country boy. I’m not coming up with what to make of it.”

“Welcome to the club, country boy,” Payne said, then turned to Washington.

“What else are you going to give Mickey?” Matt said. “That other scoop?”

“The names of Emily Quan and Jocelyn Spencer,” Washington said.

Payne considered that, then said, “You don’t think it will trigger serial killer headlines? Mickey won’t sensationalize it, but others will jump to conclusions.”

“All we can do is stress that the women are missing, not dead. And then Mickey, and the others, can run with ‘Police need your help in locating . . .’”

Payne nodded.

“And giving him the names would be a good time to pick his brains on CPS,” Washington said. “He really knows it well, the good and the bad.”