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Matthew. Her voice gave away nothing of what she may have been feeling, but there was something behind her eyes that betrayed her for a split second. To her credit, she recovered quickly. He acknowledged her with a stiff nod, feeling awkward as hell at the unexpected reunion. Shed never show it, but he suspected she was just as uncomfortable, and he wasnt surprised when she didnt waste time chewing the fat over old times. That was just fine by him. The less time they had to spend in each others company the better. This is my partner Dillon McIntyre.
Were part of the Child Abduction Rapid Deployment TeamCARD for shortassigned to the Babysitter cases, she explained as she handed Matthew a business card as a matter of protocol.
A pleasure, her partner, Dillon, said, his clipped tone accentuated by the subtle British accent that only made his pretty-boy good looks all the more suspect in Matthews opinion. Its like tromping around in a meat locker around here. Worse than San Francisco with its infernal fog, he commented darkly. He pulled the lapels of his black wool topcoat a little closer around his neck before muttering, Im going to freeze my bollocks off in this place. If Id enjoyed this kind of weather Id have stayed in England.
Kara spared her partner a look that said shut it, and he stalked off to talk with the officers canvassing the area.
I apologize for my partner. Hes a little on edge, she said. Then added, He quit smoking a few days ago and he feels its only fair that everyone around him is suffering as much as he is.
Matthew offered a curt nod. He couldnt really care less about her partner. He was too busy wondering why, of all the agents in the bureau, it had to be her assigned to this case. Hed rather eat nails than sit and play nice with Kara. It wasnt as if shed left on the best of terms. But even as anger banked over the years started to flare bright again, he knew now was not the time for what he wanted to say to her. Snuffing his feelings until he could talk without snarling, he focused on the case. What do you mean by Babysitter cases? Are you saying theres been more than one abduction?
Kara paused, then answered with caution. Its possible there have been other cases connected to this one. Has anyone else been down here since you made the call to the bureau?
No. Just my team of investigators.
Good. Hold on, guys. I want to take a look, she said, gesturing to the officers who were preparing the body bag. Matthew was seemingly forgotten for the moment.
Oh, hell no. He didnt like being dismissed. Not by her, not by anyone. Matthew quickly followed. What are you looking for? he asked, noting the way her stare slowly perused the body, missing nothing and stopping for long moments on the garish ligature marks marring the childs bone-white skin at her neck and wrists.
She didnt answer right away. Instead, she met her partners stare and said in a grim tone, Call the CARD Team. Let them know we found the Linney girl. And then call the task force. We need them here ASAP. She rose. To Matthew she said, Thanks for making the call. The bureau appreciates your diligence.
He didnt need a pat on the head. Thanks arent necessary. Just doing my job.
You have our appreciation, just the same. Kara flashed a brief smile, devoid of anything aside from professional courtesy and Matthew had to suppress a shiver that didnt come from the weather. Then, for a moment, he could have sworn hed seen disappointment cross her features when she said with a sigh, We were hoping for a different outcome this time. But it was gone in a heartbeat when she spoke again. This is a sensitive case. High profile. The press is all over it. It wont be long before they catch wind that another body has been found. You might want to brief your Public Information Officer on what is acceptable to release and what is notwhich is just about everything. My partner will go over the protocol with you, if youre unsure.
That wont be necessary, Matthew said, annoyed at what he perceived was implied incompetence on their part. We know how to play with the press.
This isnt a game. She looked at him sharply. Id prefer if you didnt use analogies that belittle the situation.
Calm down, he said gruffly. Im not belittling anything. Im just saying were not idiots and I dont appreciate you coming here and implying that we are just because were not overpaid government employees.
She stiffened and looked to her partner, who had pulled his North Face beanie down low to cover his ears and flipped the collar of his jacket up to ward off the wind. Im heading back to the car. Call in the troops. You coming? McIntyre asked, the look in his eyes plainly communicating it was time to stop nettling the locals.
In a minute, she said.
Suit yourself, McIntyre replied, and wasted little time in returning to the heat of the car. But Matthew distinctly heard him say something about someone being a stubborn ass and he wondered if he was referring to him or Kara.
Kara turned, her eyes sparking with contained irritation but before she could say whatever was on her mind, Oren walked over.