Page 101 of The Devoted Game
The street was oddly deserted. Most of the reporters had flocked to Fincher’s and Worth’s homes, though a few still circled the morgue, hoping to learn more about Fincher’s mummified wife. Coming back here would have been a waste of time in any case, since Birmingham PD wouldn’t let the media anywhere near the building.
Pierce and Talley had called an all-hands staff meeting. Inside the conference room, the first thing Ryan noticed was Agent Schaffer’s bright-yellow boots. When this was over, he was going to ask her about the boot fetish.
“Before we move into the next phase of this operation,” Pierce said, “there’s a matter that needs to be cleared up.”
Ryan tried to pay attention, but the man just got under his skin. Mainly because of the way he looked at Grace. Ryan didn’t like it one little bit.
“Forensics has gotten back to us on the pulley and cable line used to suspend Agent Worth inside the elevator shaft.” His gaze settled on Grace, and then he added, “The pulley was defective. That defect caused Agent Worth’s death.”
Ryan saw Grace flinch. She wasn’t going to let herself off the hook so easily.
Time to move on. Ryan asked Pierce, “What does Fincher have to say?” Might as well get to the point of why they were all here.
“He’s not happy with you, McBride.”
Ryan didn’t take the satisfaction he heard in Pierce’s voice personally, even though it was meant exactly that way.
Pierce picked up a stack of pages and passed one to each agent in the room. “This, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “is trouble we need to head off. The state, county, and city police are providing assistance. Our top priority at this moment is finding Fincher and getting him into custody.”
“Or on a slab,” Schaffer added, setting off a rumble of agreement from her colleagues.
Ryan would have added his concurrence, but he was focused on the email.
McBride,
It is clear that you are no better than the others. I am completely disappointed in you. We believed in you despite the fact that no one else did, and you let us down. You pretended to be a hero when you were no such thing. I tried to save you as my Deirdre wanted, and you could not be saved.
Now you will regret your actions. Allowing Worth to die was unspeakable. Taking my dear sweet Deirdrewas an unpardonable betrayal. I am not a murderer, and your failure has made the world believe I am. I have nothing now ... because of you. No son, no wife, no honor.
The next communication you receive from me will be your worst nightmare. And this time, there will be no clues.
The rules have changed. You think you have suffered, but you have not suffered at all. Not yet. Though you are about to learn what true suffering feels like.
Pray for death, McBride ... it will be your only escape from the pain.
Martin Fincher
“He’s out for revenge now, McBride,” Pierce said, stating the obvious. “We’re going to need to keep you in protective custody until we nail this guy.”
“You know he’s not going to play with anyone but me,” Ryan countered. “So let’s not even go there. This started because of me, it’ll end the same way.”
Pierce looked frustrated, but he kept any additional comments on the matter to himself. “Okay, let’s get on with this, then. Birmingham PD’s providing surveillance on Fincher’s home and at the morgue where his wife and her various parts are being held for an autopsy. Pratt, you and Davis go back to Fincher’s home and see what you can find. We’re looking for someone he knows or a relative—someone that he might be staying with. He has to be hanging out somewhere. Does he own any other property or vehicles?
“Talley, you and Aldridge keep things moving with local law enforcement. We don’t need any bottlenecks. Grace, you and McBride dig deeper into Fincher’s son’s death. Make sure there isn’t anyone else connected to that tragedy that he could use as a victim.” Pierce’s fullattention moved to Ryan then. “I want a list of anyone close to you he might try to hurt to cause you pain.
“Schaffer,” Pierce said lastly, “stay on top of the ME’s office about reports. We need to know anything and everything as it’s available.”
The roomful of agents jumped to action the second the final order was issued. Every last one of them wanted Fincher badly.
Grace pushed back her chair. “Why don’t you get started on that list, and I’ll get coffee. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”
Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. I could use a cup.”
No sooner had Grace walked away than he’d forgotten the list. His mind had shifted to the timeline board. Schaffer had updated it thoroughly.
What did this bastard have up his sleeve now? He wanted to hurt Ryan; that part was clear. But how did he plan to do it? He was damned original in his scheming. That worried Ryan the most. As fairly simple as most of his challenges had been, Ryan was certain he could be a master at this if he wanted.
That list Pierce suggested, and Grace had reminded him about, nudged its way into his thoughts. It would be damned short. There was his mother and father, whom he barely knew anymore. And there was Grace. Fincher had mentioned her in a couple of his emails. Fear coiled in Ryan’s gut, constricted his chest. That was where Fincher would strike. Even the idea of it made Ryan sick to his stomach.