Roston got up and politely took her leave.
As soon as she was gone, Meredith said, It looks like weve got a new serial case in Southern California. Someone has murdered three drill sergeants at Fort Nash Mowat. They were shot at long range by a skilled marksman. The most recent victim was killed early this morning.
Riley was intrigued, but also a little surprised.
Isnt this more of a case for the Army Criminal Investigation Command? she asked, noting the other name for the Armys Criminal Investigation Division. She knew the CID typically investigated felony crimes that were committed within the US Army.
Meredith nodded.
The CID is already working on it, he said. Theres a CID office in Fort Mowat, so theyre up and running. But as you know, Provost Marshal General Boyle is in charge of the CID. He called me a little while ago to ask the FBI to pitch in. This is looking to be an especially nasty case, with all kinds of negative PR repercussions. Theres going to be a lot of bad press and political pressure. The sooner it gets solved, the better for everybody.
Riley wondered if this was a good idea. Shed never heard of the FBI and CID working together on a case. She worried that they might wind up stepping on each others toes, doing more harm than good.
But she didnt raise any objection. It wasnt up to her.
So when do we head out? Bill asked.
ASAP, Meredith said. Do you have your go-bags here?
No, Riley said. Im afraid I wasnt expecting this so soon.
Then as soon as you can pack your things.
Riley felt a sudden burst of alarm.
Jillys play is tonight! she thought.
If Riley left right now, shed miss it.
Chief Meredith she began.
Yes, Agent Paige?
Riley stopped short. After all, the FBI had just given her an award and a raise. How could she back out of this now?
Orders are orders, she told herself firmly.
There was nothing she could do.
Nothing, she said.
OK, then, Meredith said, rising to his feet. The three of you get moving. And solve this thing fast. Other cases are waiting.
CHAPTER FOUR
Colonel Dutch Adams stood staring out his office window. He had a good view of Fort Nash Mowat from here. He could even see the field where Sergeant Worthing had been killed only this morning.
Damn it to hell, he muttered under his breath.
Less than two weeks ago Sergeant Rolsky had been killed in exactly the same way.
Then a week ago it was Sergeant Fraser.
And now it was Worthing.
Three good drill sergeants.
Such a stupid waste, he thought.
And so far, the agents from the Criminal Investigation Command hadnt been able to crack the case.
Adams stood wondering
How the hell did I wind up in charge of this place?
Hed had a good career overall. He wore his medals proudly the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a hefty batch of others.
He looked back over his life as he stared out the window.
What were his best memories?
Surely his wartime service in Iraq, both in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom.
What were his worst memories?
Possibly the academic grind of piling up enough degrees to get a commission.
Or maybe standing in front of classrooms giving lectures.
But even those werent as bad as running this place.
Driving a desk and filing reports and presiding over meetings all that was the worst of it as far as he was concerned.
Still, at least hed had the good times.
His career had come at a personal cost, though three divorces and seven grown children who scarcely spoke to him anymore. He wasnt even sure how many grandchildren he might have.
That was just how it had to be.
The Army had always been his true family.
But now, after all those years, he was feeling estranged even from the Army.
So how was his parting from military service going to feel in the end like a happy retirement, or just another ugly divorce?
He breathed a bitter sigh.
If he achieved his final ambition, hed retire as a brigadier general. Even so, hed be all alone after he retired. But maybe it was just as well.
Maybe he could just quietly disappear fade away like one of Douglas MacArthurs proverbial old soldiers.
Or like some wild animal, he thought.
Hed been a hunter all his life, but couldnt remember ever having run across the carcass of a bear or a deer or any other wild animal that had died of natural causes. Other hunters had told him the same thing.
What a mystery that had always been! Where did those wild creatures go to die and rot away?
He wished he knew, so he could go where they did when his time came.
Meanwhile, he had a hankering for a cigarette. It was a hell of a thing, not being able to smoke in his own office.
Just then his desk phone buzzed. It was his secretary in the outer office.
The woman said, Colonel, Ive got the provost marshal general on the line. He wants to talk to you.
Colonel Adams felt a jolt of surprise.
He knew that the provost marshal general was Brigadier General Malcolm Boyle. Adams had never talked to him as far as he could remember.
Whats it about? Adams asked.
The murders, I believe, the secretary said.
Adams growled under his breath.
Of course, he thought.
The provost marshal general in Washington was in charge of all Army criminal investigations. Doubtless hed gotten word that the investigation here was lagging.
OK, Ill talk to him, Adams said.
He took the call.
Adams immediately disliked the sound of the mans voice. It was too soft for his taste, didnt have the proper bark for a high-ranking officer. Nevertheless, the man vastly outranked Adams. He had to at least feign respect.
Boyle said, Colonel Adams, I just wanted to give you a heads-up. Three FBI agents from Quantico will be arriving there soon to help with the murder investigation.
Adams felt a surge of irritation. As far as he was concerned, he already had too many agents working on it. But he managed to keep his voice calm.
Sir, Im not sure I understand why. Weve got our own Criminal Investigation Command office right here at Fort Mowat. Theyre on the case.
Boyles voice sounded a little tougher now.
Adams, youve had three murders in less than three weeks. It sure sounds to me like you folks could use a little help.
Adamss frustration was growing by the second. But he knew he mustnt show it.
He said, Respectfully, sir, I dont know why youre calling me with this news. Colonel Dana Larson is the CID commander here at Fort Mowat. Why arent you calling her first?
Boyles reply took Adams completely aback.
Colonel Larson contacted me. She asked for me to call in the BAU to help. So I put in a call and arranged it.
Adams was aghast.
That bitch, he thought.
Colonel Dana Larson seemed to do everything she could to annoy him at every opportunity.
And what was a woman doing in charge of a CID office anyway?
Adams did his best to swallow down his disgust.
I understand, sir, he said.
Then he ended the call.
Colonel Adams was seething now. He banged his fist against his desk. Didnt he have any say in what went on in this place?