He studied her face, and because he could see hints of fatigue, grief, anger, knew she was running thin. “The badge doesn’t make the man, Eve, it’s the other way around.”
She blinked, off balance by his use of her first name. “Yes, sir. I know.”
“You’re high-profile, professionally and personally. That kind of exposure and shine causes jealousy and resentment in certain types. Renfrew’s a prime example.”
“He doesn’t concern me, personally, Commander.”
“Glad to hear it. You have Kevin Morano’s confession.”
“Yes, sir.” She started to rise, to give her oral, but Whitney gestured her back down.
“I don’t require a formal report at this time. I got the gist from your rant. Has the warrant for Lucias Dunwood been issued?”
“Requested. It should be waiting for me in my office.”
“Then go get him, Lieutenant.” Whitney sipped his coffee as she got to her feet. “Contact me when you’ve wrapped him up. We’ll need to schedule a press conference after which you’re ordered to go home and use whatever method you choose to guarantee you eight full hours’ sleep.”
When she left, Whitney picked up the disc, turned it in his hand. Light glinted from it.
An untarnished badge, he thought. It was a good description of her. Watching the light play, he contacted Chief Tibble to make his own report.
•••
It was tempting to blow the doors on the brownstone and blast in with a full squad of cops armed with riot guns and body armor. The circumstances of the case and the weight of the charges gave her the option to do just that.
It would make a splash, a blistering statement.
And it would be completely self-indulgent.
Eve let the fantasy fly away, and with only Peabody beside her, approached the door.
“All stations manned and ready?”
“That’s affirmative,” Feeney said through her earpiece. “He tries to rabbit and gets past you, we’ll scoop him up.”
“Copy that.” She glanced at Peabody. “He’s not getting past us.”
“Not in this life.”
Eve pressed the bell, counted off seconds as she rocked on the balls of her feet. She’d reached ten when the house droid opened the door.
“Remember me?” She gave him a toothy smile. “I need to speak with Mr. Dunwood.”
>
“Yes, Lieutenant. Please come in. I’ll tell Mr. Dunwood you’re here. May I offer you some refreshment while you wait?”
“No, we’re set, thanks.”
“Very well. Please make yourself comfortable.”
He walked away, stiff and formal in his classic black uniform.
“Now if Roarke would ditch Summerset and get a droid, I could be treated politely like that every day.”
“Yeah.” Peabody grinned. “You’d really hate it.”
“Who says?”