Kate bit her lip, taking in the house as she drove by slowly, knowing the cop was likely recording her plate. No, this wasnt going to work. Kate rolled down the street for a few blocks, coming to a gas station.
Maybe somebody at the station can tell me about Nelson and point me to people he worked with at the call center.
When Kate stopped and signaled at the intersection, she spotted another Rampart patrol car parked on the street.
Reddick again.
Hed been watching her.
Un-freaking-believable. Okay. She got the message.
Kate headed for the interstate and Syracuse.
As she put Rampart behind her she refused to be knocked off her feet. There were other ways she could pursue this. It took about sixty miles for her to calm down. She stopped in Watertown at a Sunoco to fill up then went to a Burger King for a coffee and a muffin. She sent Reeka and Chuck a message.
Worked it out with Rampart PD. Not going to be charged. Heading home.
After sending it, Kate looked at Graces face, the background image on her phone, and checked the time. She should be home with Nancy.
Kate pressed her number.
Hi, Nancy, its Kate.
Hi, howre things going up there? Did you have success?
Nancy was aware of Kates tragedy and her lifelong search for answers.
Hi, howre things going up there? Did you have success?
Nancy was aware of Kates tragedy and her lifelong search for answers.
A bit, but its complicated. Ill tell you about it when I get back.
Would you like to talk to Grace-shes right here?
Yes, thanks. And, Nancy, thank you for doing this.
No need to thank me, here she is.
Hi, Mom!
Hi, sweetie, how did school go today?
It was fun. We learned about butterflies, it was so cool.
Kate cut a lonely figure in the corner of the restaurant. Listening to her daughter tell her about her day was a balm, briefly pulling her mind from Rampart, the death scene and the questions that troubled her.
The flight to La Guardia was delayed.
Kate waited in pre-boarding, too tired to think or do much else but look at her phone and older photos of herself with Vanessa when they were children. There they were, sisters, hugging at Christmas. There was Vanessa on the sofa, looking so small and smiling so big. Her new angel necklace glinted in the flash. Kate blinked at the memories before closing the images.
Later, as the jet finally lifted off, Kate contended with the aftershocks of self-reproach for messing up. Then she considered Brennan and his reluctance to escort her to the scene.
Why wouldnt he do it?
Seasoned detectives shed known wouldve had no trouble with her request, which indicated to her that Brennan was either a rookie or being overly cautious, or that something more was going on.
Well, theres no way Im letting this go.
When the plane leveled she shut her eyes for a few tranquil minutes.
When Kate got home, Grace was asleep in Nancys guest room, which smelled of lavender and loneliness.
You can let her spend the night, if you like.
Thank you, Nancy, but weve imposed all day.
Kate caressed Graces cheek, kissed her softly. She stirred and groaned, Hi, Mommylove you, as Kate hefted her into her arms.
Oh, youre getting so heavy.
Nancy got the door, carrying Graces backpack, and followed Kate back to their apartment. After Kate put Grace into bed, she returned to her living room and put five crumpled twenties into Nancys hand.
Whatre you doing, Kate? I cant take money from you.
Youre always helping. Take it. Please.
Now, listen to me. Nancy put the money into Kates hand, closed it and held her hands firmly around it. Ever since my Burt died, I lost my way. We have no children, no family, well-you know. You and Grace arrived in my life like an answered prayer. Im here to help you whenever you need it. You mean more to me than youll ever know.
Kate found a depth of warmth and love in Nancys kind face that came as close to a mother figure as shed ever known. Kate hugged the older woman, holding on for a moment.
Thank you. Id be lost, too, without you.
Okay, good night. Now you get some rest and let me know if I can help with anything.
Kate took a hot shower and made a cup of raspberry tea, glad that shed have another day off to recover. Still, something was niggling at her.
Im forgetting something.
Before going to bed, she went through her unopened emails. Most were routine and could wait. Then she came to one from Reeka, sent only minutes before.
Be in the office tomorrow for an important meeting at 10 a.m.
11
New York City
Newsleads world headquarters took up an entire floor near the top of a fifty-story office tower on Manhattans far West Side.
Kate waited alone in a corner meeting room. It offered sweeping views of midtown, the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, but Kate only saw trouble in front of her. Being summoned as she was after what had happened upstate was not a good sign, especially on a day off.
At least she had gotten Grace to school before coming in.
The large room was cold. Kate used her phone for a quick check for updates out of Rampart. Nothing. She listened to traffic on the streets below and the hum of the ventilation system until the door clicked open.
Three people filed in.
First, Chuck. His tie was already loosened, his shirt sleeves rolled up and his hair mussed. He dropped a folder on the table and sat without looking at Kate.
Next was Morris Chambers, from Human Resources. He was the antithesis to Chuck. He wore a suit, button-down shirt and bow tie. He opened a leather-bound executive notebook and clicked his pen.
Reeka followed, dressed to kill in a dark power blazer that wouldve worked for a funeral. Her face was in her phone, thumbs pausing when she shut the door and started the inquisition.
Kate, this meeting is a result of what happened yesterday.
Kate threw a questioning look to each of them. She thought this had been resolved, that Reeka had updated Chuck upon his return.
I admit that what I did was stupid, but I was not charged.
This goes to your breach of Newslead policy.
But I worked it out with Rampart PD-this was a personal matter.
Yes, Chuck informed us of your sisters tragedy. Its heartbreaking. Still, it doesnt excuse the violation, Kate.
Reeka turned to Morris, cuing him to step in.
Yes Morris cleared his throat. The policy forbids Newslead staff from using their position for any form of personal gain.
But I didnt gain anything.
You went to Rampart on a personal, private matter, Morris read from his notebook. But you represented yourself as a Newslead reporter on assignment, to New York trooper Len Reddick in an attempt to gain access to a crime scene. After you were refused access, you trespassed.
That led to possible charges. Reeka stared at her.
Sensing a noose being tightened, Kate turned to Chuck, who was just sitting there. She couldnt believe it. She and Chuck had been through hell together. Hed begged her to come to New York and work for him at Newslead. He knew about her sister and had been supportive. He was the most powerful manager in the room and, she thought, her friend. But there he was staring at the skyline. Leaving Kate alone.
Quite frankly, Kate, Reeka said, examining her own glossed nails. I fail to comprehend why you went up there and did what you did.
What?
My read on this is that its a regional story, a rural domestic, a murder-suicide. Didnt you lose your sister in western Canada?
What the hell do you-
Kate, Chuck intervened.
I was called by Rampart police, Kate said. They requested my help and I cooperated. There are strong indications my sister, whos been feared dead for twenty years, was a victim!
Kate, take it down, Chuck cautioned.
But identities in Rampart have not been confirmed, have they? Reeka lifted her eyebrows to punctuate her point.
What? Reeka, how can you sit there and-
Kate, hold off, Chuck said. This is a difficult, complicated situation. Its put you under stress and strained your judgment. The best action here is for you to take two weeks off, Kate, starting now.
Are you suspending me?
No, youre taking time off with pay. Ive approved it.
Chuck signaled an end to the meeting.
Chuck signaled an end to the meeting.
We have counseling services available, if you need it. Morris clicked his pen and closed his notebook.
I suggest you look into that, Kate. Its for the best, Reeka said.
They walked out of the room, leaving Kate alone with Chuck.
Several beats after the door had closed she turned to him.
What happened?
You lost control in Rampart, Kate. The organization will not tolerate that. I cautioned you before you went there to avoid any conflict. You were on your own and could not represent yourself as a Newslead reporter.
Yes, but the indication my sister had been there was so strong.
Youve followed similar leads over the years and unfortunately each one has dead-ended. Didnt you tell me that yourself, Kate?
I know, Chuck, but this time its different.
I appreciate what youre going through. Take time off, for your own peace of mind. See how your Rampart lead plays out, but if you pursue this, for Gods sake, do it on your own. Is that understood?
Kate nodded.
Listen, Chuck added, the rumors of more layoffs looming may come true. Were not breaking big stories. Were losing subscribers. Everyones on edge. He ran a hand over his face. Kate, youre a good reporter, an asset to the company.
Thank you.
Morris had your termination papers in his notebook. Reeka wanted you fired. I put a stop to that.
12
New York City
Kate was still reeling when she returned to her empty apartment.
She splashed warm water on her face, then buried it into a towel as a million thoughts swirled through her mind.
I was that close to being fired.
She shut her eyes tight, then opened them.
Thank God, Chuck had my back.
And the rumors of layoffs were true.
If Id lost my job Calm down.
She had a nest egg, built from the freelance pieces shed done, like the big one for Vanity Fair on the Dallas story. And, because of her sublet deal and having gotten rid of her car, shed saved more money.
Grace and I have been through hard times before-well make it.
Eclipsing everything was the reality that Kate had never been this close to finding out what had happened to her sister. She had to use these next two weeks to go full throttle in her search for the truth.