Free FORGOTTEN by Gary Hastings Page B

They both offered their support and agreed that Pat was proceeding appropriately.
    “Do you think there’ll be any press on this case, Patty?”
    “Not if I can help it. It needs to be under the radar screen as long as possible. It seems that the incident with Maggie Parker on our trip to DC was directed at me. They found some pictures of me and notes regarding my activities in the suspect’s Charger.”
    “Damn! Keep your head down, we need you, Patty.”
    “I’ll do my best.”
    “I think we should go ahead and give you a protection detail. We can’t be too careful.”
    “I’d rather not, because I don’t want them to know that I realize I was the target. It may help us identify them and make a collar.”
    “I disagree, Patty, but I’ll trust your judgment and experience.”
    “Thanks, I’ll keep you posted.”

     
     
     
     
    Chapter 21
     
     
    Wednesday, February 2 - Day 15
    Chief of Detectives’ Office - One Police Plaza
    Borough of Manhattan, New York
    1600 Hours
     
    P at settled down in his office and signed the order transferring the investigative team to the Chief of Detectives on a temporary basis. He had no idea how long this investigation would take. At 1600 hours his phone rang.
    “Pat O’Connor.”
    “It’s Flannery, Chief. We have Margaret Butelli with us and are headed back to One PP.”
    “Great! How did you do it?” 
    “We lucked up and saw her leaving the house. We waited until we were out of her neighborhood and did a car stop after determining she wasn’t being followed.”
    “I hope she understands the drama.”
    “She’s excited that something is finally happening with her husband’s case.”
    “Great! Just come to my office.”
    “Will do.”
    In 15 minutes, Bryan Flannery and Detective Mary McDonald came into Pat’s office with Margaret Butelli. Mary was an attractive redhead who had been one of the lead detectives in the Rodriguez case. She was tall and shapely and had proven herself to be a meticulous detective.
    Pat stood up and shook hands with Margaret Butelli.
    “Good afternoon, Mrs. Butelli, I’m sorry we’ve had to inconvenience you.”
    “It’s no inconvenience to me, Chief. I’m so pleased you’re looking into Forrest’s death.”
    “We share your concerns and also have some questions. When you and I talked earlier, did you tell anyone else about my trip to Washington, DC?”
    “Not a soul. My children don’t even know about your work yet.”
    “We have reason to believe your home phone or your entire home may be bugged.”
    “Oh my goodness! Why would anyone bug me?”
    Pat shared the story about what was found in the black Charger and also shared some of the inconsistencies and problems with the overall investigation. She was intently interested and wanted to help in any way possible.
    “What do you need me to do, Chief?” Margaret Butelli asked.
    “We need to sweep your house for bugs without tipping our hand. We’ll send an undercover team in disguised as a repair crew to conduct the sweep. If we find a bug we can leave it up and use it to find out who’s behind all of this.”
    “This is a little frightening, but I’ll do anything you say.”
    “We certainly appreciate it.  It could be important.”
    “While you’re here, I think the detectives need to ask you some more questions that may help us with your husband’s case.”
    “I’ll be happy to answer any questions.”
    After shaking hands with Pat, Margaret Butelli was taken to the conference room to be interviewed further by Mary McDonald. Pat suggested that it might be a good time for Dickie Davis to complete the instrument from Dr. Cooper.
    Sitting at his desk with a fresh cup of coffee, Pat reviewed the entire case in his head. Cold cases were often difficult, but a cold case which had never been investigated as a homicide was especially difficult. There were so many unanswered questions. He hoped by tomorrow afternoon’s meeting, they would have more