Page 143 of Devoted in Death

“Now fry them up, kid.”

Roarke watched that hard grin flash on her face, and thought: There’s my cop.

Revved and ready, Eve marched toward Homicide.

“You already know how you’ll work them,” Roarke commented.

“Got a plan.” She slowed her pace when she spotted Zweck. “May have to adjust it. Special Agent.”

“Lieutenant. We need to talk.”

“Sure. My office.” She gave Roarke a glance, led the way into the bull pen where every cop in the room gave Zweck the fish-eye.

She gestured Zweck back as Roarke wandered across the room, perhaps to admire Jenkinson’s latest neckwear.

“Have a seat,” she invited, but Zweck just shook his head.

Reading him, Eve shut the door, then opted to edge down on the corner of her desk. “Parsens and James are in custody.”

“I heard.”

“Clean op, no officers injured. The suspects are now being or have been treated by medical for minor injuries sustained during the op. Both Campbell and Mulligan were taken to Clinton Hospital. The medicals on scene indicated Campbell’s chances are rocky.”

His mouth tightened, just for an instant. “I know who balled things up on our end.”

Recognizing barely suppressed rage when it was steaming barely a foot away, Eve only nodded.

“They’re both superiors, but I intend to use your work on this, your reports and this morning’s results to have them both reprimanded. They have superiors, too, and I’ll go as far up the chain as it takes. My report on this morning’s NYPSD operation will be delayed while I... assess the details and make a determination.”

She nodded again. “Okay. Understand, I want my shot at them, and Deputy Banner sure as hell deserves his, but I don’t give a single cold damn who gets the media on it, or which jurisdiction locks them up for the rest of their sick, twisted lives.”

“The federal government will insist on hosting them for the rest of their sick, twisted lives, but in the meantime, take your shot. I’ll make sure you have the time you need.”

“Good enough. Do you want a seat in Interview?”

“I’ll observe for now.”

“Good enough. I’ll set you up. Come,” she called out at the knock. Peabody poked her head in.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I thought you’d want to know the suspects have been cleared medically. Word is Whitney’s on his way down, and Dr. Mira is on her way.”

“Have them brought up, separate boxes. They can simmer awhile.”

Peabody flicked a glance at Zweck. “Our boxes?”

“Yes, our boxes. Keep them separated.”

“I’ll get out of your way,” Zweck said. “Just let me know when you’re ready to start on them.”

“I will.”

Peabody edged aside to let him out. “He’s not taking over?”

“Pissed at his own people, so he’s flipping them the bird. He’ll observe for now, give us first crack. So let’s make it good. We’ll switch off between you and Banner. I want to take James first, with Banner, move to Parsens, with you, back to James, probably you, back to James, Banner. But we’ll see how it plays.”

“I’ll set it up. Whitney,” Peabody added under her breath, but Eve had already heard his authoritative stride. “Commander.”

“Detective. Good work. Lieutenant,” he said as he stepped into the doorway.