Walking Shadows

“Nothing.” Decker waited a beat. “Do I sound worried?”

“You don’t usually start out a call with ‘Do you have a moment?’”

“You’re right. Hi, princess, I love you. Do you have a moment?”

Cindy laughed over the line. “Around five minutes. What’s up?”

“We found a body here in Greenbury, but it’s possible that the murder took place in Hamilton—”

“You want to know if you should cede jurisdiction?”

“Does that sound like me?”

Another laugh. “Go on.”

“Of course, I’d like full access to Hamilton’s files. The police chief was willing, but he had an arm-twisting request.”

“Which is?”

“Introduce his officer daughter into the wonderful world of Homicide—”

“Oh, wait. I know where this is heading. Hamilton Police. Lenora Baccus.”

“Yes. Apparently, she worked with you.”

“She did. Did she tell you why she left the department?”

“Sexual harassment. I’m not calling to debate the validity of the charge, but I would like your opinion of her. She told me she was on your team that took down a major GTA ring.”

“That is true.”

“What did you think of her?”

“Hard worker, very diligent, willing to learn, good firearm skills, good skills with people, and a great team player.”

“That’s an endorsement. Anything to add?”

“Like is there anything negative?”

“Whatever you want to add.”

“As an original thinker? Not so much. And, truthfully, not the most robust personality on the force. No woman should have to take any kind of sexual harassment, including rude comments, but there are realities of life. She’s very good-looking. I would have thought she might have been a bit more prepared. The constant comments were obnoxious, but they seemed to blindside her. Like she’s never had unwanted male attention.”

“Maybe she was sheltered.”

“Could be, but c’mon. Like I said, we women shouldn’t have to put up with this crap, but it helps if you’re the type of person who can ignore the shit and just get on with the job. Life is not one big safe space.”

“I’m surprised about that, especially since Baccus came from a police family.”

“I don’t think her father was Mr. Supportive about her career choice.”

“Sounds like someone else we know,” Decker said.

“Daddy, once you were reconciled to my stubbornness, you were not only supportive, you were a wonderful source of information and knowledge. You were tough on me at times, but I always knew where the criticism came from. Whenever these jerks get to me, I hear your voice in my head. Just do the friggin’ job.”

“You’re still having to deal with jerks?”

“All the time, Dad. But the good news is, I’m starting to outrank all of them.”

Decker beamed. “What do you think my approach with Baccus should be?”

“Give her specific assignments—look up this, call that person, check out this alibi.”

“Questioning a suspect?”

“Never seen her do it. My intuition is it’s not her natural forte. But you’re a great teacher. She’s lucky to have you as a mentor.” A pause. “I’ve got to go.”

“Thank you, princess. I love you to death.”

“Right back at you, Daddy.”

DECKER DECIDED TO try Brandy’s number again. This time, the line clicked in with a human voice. He said, “Brandy Neil?”

“Who is this?”

“Detective Peter Decker, Greenbury Police. Is it possible that we could meet in person?”

“Why? What’s this about? How’d you get my number?”

“From your mother.”

“Why?”

“It’s about your brother, Brady.” A long pause over the line. Then a longer pause. “Ms. Neil?”

“It has to be bad news.”

“Could we meet?”

“Is he dead?”

“I’m afraid so, yes.”

“Murdered?”

“It looks that way.”

“Ah, Jesus!” Swearing over the line. “How?”