“She seemed to be in a hurry.”
He watched the ghost of his reflection smile a little. “She had a sudden change of plans.” He turned now, glanced at his wrist unit. “Well, it’s time for lunch, isn’t it? I’ll go up, greet our guests. I have quite the appetite this afternoon.”
“I imagine,” Caro murmured.
“Oh, and Caro?” he said as he strolled toward his private elevator. “Would you notify Security that neither Ms. Lombard nor her son— I’ll see they have an ID print of him—should be given access to this building?”
“I’ll take care of it right away.”
“One more thing? They’re staying at the West Side Hotel, over on Tenth. I’d like to know when they check out.”
“I’ll see to that, sir.”
He glanced back as the elevator opened. “You’re a treasure, Caro.”
She thought, as the door closed behind him, that at moments like this she was pleased he thought so.
* * *
Chapter 4
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TO KEEP HER MIND BUSY, EVE CONCENTRATED on paperwork and follow-ups. Dealing with the drone work had the added benefit of getting her desk reasonably clear before the holidays snuck up and bit her in the ass.
She was making considerable headway when Peabody came to her office door.
“Tubbs’s tox came back positive for traces of Zeus, and various others. Other vic was clean. The bodies, such as they are, will be released to next of kin tomorrow.”
“Good job.”
“Dallas?”
“Mmm. I’m sending the squad’s expense chits up. Most of them,” she said with a sneer. “Baxter and I are going to have a little chat.”
“Dallas.” Eve glanced up, saw Peabody’s face. “What?”
“I’ve got to go to court. Celina.”
Eve got to her feet. “We’ve already given our testimony.”
“Prosecution called me separately, remember? As one of the victims.”
“Yeah, but… I thought you weren’t coming up for that yet, not for another week or two anyway. With the holidays…”
“It’s moving along pretty fast. I need to go in.”
“When?”
“Sort of now. It shouldn’t take long, but… You’re going with me?” Peabody asked as Eve grabbed her coat.
“What do you think?”
On a long breath, Peabody closed her eyes. “Thanks. Thanks. McNab’s going to meet me there. He’s out in the field, and he’s going to try to… Thanks.”
On the way out, Eve stopped at one of the vending units. “Get yourself some water,” she told Peabody. “Get me the cold caffeine.”
“Good idea. My throat’s already dry. I’m prepped,” Peabody continued as she entered her code, made her choices. “The prosecution team drilled me good. And it’s not like it’s the first time I’ve testified in court.”