Page 128 of Hush

Their phones rang at the same time.

Mike frowned as he answered his. The number was from headquarters.

“Inspector Lucciano, we have a situation.”

Across the table, Mike watched Tom answer his cell, and then bury his face in one hand as he listened. “When did this happen?”

“What’s going on?”

“Sir, Vadim Kryukov was attacked at the federal detention center. He’s being taken to George Washington University Hospital as we speak.”

Shit. “Do you have any details on the attack?”

A pause.“None.”

That pause said a lot. Mike squinted. “When did this happen?”

“During transfer. It appears Kryukov was left in a holding area. We’re not certain who attacked him.”

“Is the detention center checking prisoners for wounds?”

Another pause.“Of course.”

“Who was on the transfer team? What marshals were assigned?”

Mike cursed again when the headquarters agent read off the names. “Thanks,” he growled. “Keep me updated.” He hung up. Headquarters would never call him back. There’d be nothing to find on the prisoners at the detention center.

Tom ended his call and rested his head in his hands. “This is a disaster.”

“Any word on how he’s doing?”

“Fink says he’s just been admitted into GWU hospital and taken up to surgery. Renner is on his way to the hospital now. How could this have happened?”

“It… was revenge. For today’s testimony.” Tom stared at him. “I know the guys who brought him back to the detention center. They’re all cowboys. Marshals who love the hunt, the chase. Sticking it to anybody they feel deserves it. I guarantee you he was left alone in a little holding room, and the marshals each took a turn on him.”

“Because of today’s testimony?”

“Renner made Barnes look stupid, at the end.”

“Do you think Barnes knew about this? Ordered it?”

“No way. Barnes is squeaky clean. He’s got a solid reputation.” Mike shrugged helplessly. “Some marshals… they’re loaded guns, waiting to go off at the slightest touch.” He frowned. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.” Tom grabbed his phone and started sliding out of the booth. “You didn’t do anything, Mike.”

“I can try and find out more. Bang a few heads together for you.” He stood, holding out his hand for Tom.

“I don’t know how this will play out. I need to talk to Renner. See how Kryukov is. See what he wants to do about this. Whether he’ll file against the marshals or—” Tom squeezed his hand as he stood, and then let go. “It’s going to be a long night.”

“I’ll see what I can do. Right now, let me walk you back to your room.”

“Mr. Renner. This is Judge Brewer. I wanted to check in on you and your client.”

Silence. Renner clearly hadn’t expected a phone call.

“I heard the news this evening. How is Mr. Kryukov?”

“In surgery.” Renner’s voice was flat. He hadn’t decided how to react to the call yet. “I will know more in a few hours.”