27
Griffin waited to see what the sheriff would do. Bodine looked like his guts were twisting, looked ready to spit nails, but he managed to say calmly enough, “I have known Rafer all his life. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“We’re not accusing him of hurting a fly, Sheriff,” Kraus said patiently, “but of kidnapping and the attempted murder of Dr. DeSilva. And he’s going to be a major suspect. I have received a nod from Agent Hammersmith, so now it’s up to you. Will you give Agent Hammersmith your full cooperation? Or leave?”
Booker yelled, “You want me to actually work with this prick? This puffed-up pretty boy who doesn’t know anything, doesn’t know this town or anyone in it?”
Kraus said nothing, merely stared at him, no expression on her face. Bodine stopped, looked back and forth from her to Griffin. Griffin saw the moment he believed her. The moment he realized he could and would lose his job and be charged with the crime of impeding a federal agent, that he’d be a laughingstock when word got out, and it would. He looked at Griffin, and for a moment Griffin felt sorry for him. For Bodine to have to take orders from him, it had to gall him but good.
Griffin watched him slowly nod.
“Say your agreement out loud, Sheriff Bodine.”
“I agree to work with Agent Hammersmith.”
“To be specific, you’ll do exactly what Agent Hammersmith asks, follow his instructions and his timeline expeditiously, and give him your full cooperation. You will guarantee to provide him with unbiased information, you will not obstruct justice in any way. State your agreement aloud.”
It looked like it was gutting him to say the words, but he got them out. “Yes, I agree to work for Agent Hammersmith, do everything he says, my deputies as well.”
Kraus nodded. “If I hear you are trying to sabotage Agent Hammersmith in any way, I will have a warrant for your arrest from a federal judge this fast—” And she snapped her fingers. “Do you understand me, Sheriff?”
He nodded.
“Out loud, please.”
“Yes, I understand you.”
“Good. So now it’s up to you. I’ll have two of my agents available to Agent Hammersmith if he needs them. You will provide him with any office space he requires. You will now return Agent Hammersmith’s and Dr. DeSilva’s cell phones, all their identification and personal belongings. Rafer Bodine’s house is out of bounds to you until our FBI forensic team is through.”
Bodine said, “Your forensic team won’t find anything at Rafer’s house. It’s her word against his and they’ll see there’s no proof.”
In that moment, Griffin knew the sheriff had already seen to removing evidence, including the most damning, the duct tape. On his own initiative? Griffin didn’t know. He did know he wanted to meet Rafer’s parents, Cyndia and Quint Bodine.
Kraus ignored him. “The forensic team will be at Rafer Bodine’s house tomorrow morning to go over the basement where Dr. DeSilva was held. Special Agent Higgins will be staying there tonight to avoid any more disruption of the scene than has already happened.
“You may now release Deputies Brewster and Jewel and your dispatcher. Let me warn you, Sheriff, your deputies’ behavior reflects directly on you. One sneer from any of them, one act of insubordination, they’ll be visiting your jail cell and you will be the one to turn the key.”
The AC was on high but Bodine was sweating, two huge circles beneath his arms. Carson was very pleased. They watched him walk to Fayreen’s desk, stiff anger in every step. He took their belongings out of one of the drawers. “Rafer’s gun is in the evidence locker, if you want it. It was his granddaddy’s gun. Old Ansel taught him how to shoot when Rafer was twelve, taught him how to use the gun in self-defense, and only in self-defense.” He took the keys and disappeared through the door to the cell.
“Stand down, guys. Good show.” Kraus turned to Griffin. “You sure you’re all right with this plan?”
Griffin thought asking the sheriff to actually cooperate would be a near-perfect minefield. “Yes, but the fact is I doubt we can trust him, even though we do need him for the moment. He knows the people and the area.”
Kraus said, “Agreed. And arresting him now might cause more trouble than it’s worth.” She patted Griffin’s arm. “I’ve always believed in keeping your enemies close, Agent Hammersmith.”
“I’ll bet the duct tape from Rafer’s basement is long gone. And yes, he’ll try to sabotage me, both he and the other real power in the station, Fayreen. I think we’ll know soon enough what tack they’ll take. I imagine he’ll be on his cell phone to every one of his deputies, the wounded hero with The Man’s heel on his neck.
“Is everyone hungry? If so, I’ll call Jenny, see about that dinner she promised. Carson and I already ate something, but not much. We could force down a bite or two.”
“Sounds good to me,” Kraus said, “as soon as we get everything secure. Vickie, you can take some food to DeAndre and Slick later or I’ll never hear the end to it. Oh, and don’t forget DeAndre likes lots of Parmesan on his spaghetti. Lead the way, Griffin.”
Griffin said, “We’ll meet you at Jenny’s house—it’s 201 Cedar Lane. I think Carson and I will walk, enjoy the evening now that we’re out of the slammer.”
“You convicts are all the same,” Kraus said, and grinned at him. “See you shortly. Ah, thanks for the change of pace, Griffin. You know this story will make the rounds.”