Corktown Read Online Free PDF Page A

across the table. I was used to it. So long as I wasn’t publically denied any ride at an amusement park, my height never bothered me.
    Reed cleared his throat and then shifted in his seat for the third time. “I’m sure you have questions. I can start by answering the ones I know you’ll ask.”
    This should be good.
    Reed looked to be in his fifties—still young, but the worry lines across his forehead told another story. He clasped his weathered hands together and looked around the room before settling on Wilkinson and I.
    “We are facing a grave situation—one we all would like to resolve quickly and quietly. What we discuss today must not leave this room. Is that understood, Agent Kane and Agent Wilkinson?”
    We both nodded. “It’s my understanding that we’re here to consult on a possible serial killer,” I said. “I’m not sure what’s so secretive about that. You’ve only had your third body last night, which officially qualifies it.”
    Reed didn’t blink, didn’t move… but only stared until he spoke again. “About seven years ago, we had a serial killer terrorize the city of Detroit and many of the surrounding towns. This went on for five… long… years.” Both hands helped him emphasize his point. “Forty-five victims, most of them in Detroit. Do you know what that does to a city, to the people?”
    I wasn’t sure I wanted to speak up. The seriousness with which Reed had delivered the information only filled my head with more questions seeking answers. “Our understanding is you caught him.”
    Some of the chiefs shifted in their chairs as they looked toward Reed.
    “We don’t want a repeat. Every chief of police you see here today represents a city that had victims the last go round. Some of them, including me, even have the pleasure of participating in the second go round. We’re all in agreement; we don’t want this to turn into another massacre. We believe we have a copycat on our hands.”
    “Well, if you think it’s just a copycat, seems like you could throw enough manpower at it to put this to bed quickly.”
    “Agent Kane, we were told by your superiors we would have your full cooperation. Did I misunderstand this?”
    Note to self: Check with Special Agent Reilly on why we were sent. “You do have our cooperation. I’m sorry if I led you to believe something else.” Why is he so sensitive?
    “We’re giving you and your partner full authority on this case. No matter what city a body pops up in, if it has the same M.O., you two will be the senior investigators on it.”
    Take on every case? Oh, that sounds like fun. What else can I do around here? Hand jobs for the table? “What about the other detectives?” I asked.
    “They’ll still work the case. Look at them as extra pairs of eyes and hands. Don’t be afraid to use them. Everyone here is behind this. Any resource you need, case files, access to evidence—Lieutenant White is your go-to guy, but feel free to reach out to any of us. Agent Kane, you come highly recommended. We’re looking to you to nip this in the bud.”
    Don’t forget about the white male I walked into the room with; he’s helping too. I never thought I would see a room full of chiefs so scared of their own shadows. It worried me a bit. It’s not normal. Something isn’t right here.
    As usual with briefings like that one, I had been thrown into a situation where I had the full support of everyone, so long as I stuck to the support they were comfortable giving. I also had complete control, so long as I stuck within the parameters of what they felt warranted enough control. Lastly, I had access to all the information they thought I needed to solve the case, not a file more. I knew the routine. It was bull, but I had never let it get in the way in the past and I wouldn’t this time.
    Wilkinson and I thanked them with smiles long enough to carry us out of the room, not a step further. My partner leaned in and whispered, “What sort of