Free Blackwaters: A Kate Reid Novel (The Kate Reid Series Book 4) by Robin Mahle Page B

lead.”
    “Okay, let’s get started, then.” He pulled out the physical files they’d received from Lyons yesterday. “I’d say we need to run a check on the middle schools and junior high schools in the state. Let’s cast a wider net right now and see how many of them are a hit.”
    “Is there a chance the school is no longer open?” Kate considered that this could be a dead end and it wouldn’t be the first time.
    “I suppose it’s possible. Nevertheless, we should still find records of whether or not a school existed. There would have to be something there.” Dwight stopped and held her gaze for a moment.
    “What?” she asked.
    “You might turn out to be better than I am at this job.” Dwight smiled.
     
     
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    The meeting with BAU headquarters meant that Nick was officially reinstated. It also meant that he now had a letter of censure on his record, but all things considered, that was the best of all possible outcomes. Campbell could have made things worse for him, but in the end, Nick believed Campbell understood that he was a good agent and while he might have circumvented certain protocols, it was only in the interest of ensuring the best for Kate. It was officially over and he would return on Monday. The question remained, however: would he be working on the Blackwater investigation or would Campbell make him suffer a little longer?
    Nick pulled out of the parking garage and headed back toward D.C. He’d wanted to go to the office and see how things were progressing with Kate and Dwight, but Georgia’s words reverberated in his mind. He needed to let her spread her wings, just like she said. But he would be faced with a fair amount of spare time on his hands until his return. Maybe he could just go back to the office and get his desk reorganized? Naturally, anyone who knew him would see through that excuse in a heartbeat. There would be no denying that his objective was to find a reason to go in. He wanted in on the investigation, but he didn’t want to step on Dwight’s toes. Knowing his partner’s personality, Nick figured he’d bow out of command and offer Nick whatever assistance he needed. That was just the kind of man Dwight was. The thought made Nick feel worse for even considering the idea.
    As he drove along the busy streets, a quick call to ensure Georgia had arrived at the airport would offer distraction. A few rings sounded through the speakers and she answered. “Hi. Are you at the airport yet?”
    “I just got here. My flight’s been delayed a little.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. You want me to come down there and we can grab some lunch or something?”
    “No, no. Thank you, honey, but I’ll be fine. Besides, it’ll give me time to take a look at what Jameson sent over.”
    “What do you mean?” Nick merged onto the 95. “Sent what over?”
    “He and Kate asked me to take a look at the two victims’ profiles and see what I can come up with. They don’t have much yet, but I might be able to shed some light on the unsub. He’s left a hell of a calling card on his victims.”
    That was putting it mildly. “No doubt. So, Jameson’s got you looking into it? And what about Lyons? Is he onboard?”
    “So far as I know. Jameson put a call in to him this morning and the four of us had a brief chat. They were still waiting on some of the forensics, but he seemed to be happy to have me take a look and offer an opinion.”
    “Great.” Nick fell silent for a moment.
    “You okay?” Georgia asked after too long of a pause.
    “Oh yeah. I just left headquarters. Got everything organized over there. I was just debating on whether or not to head into the office—make sure I still have one.”
    “That’s not a bad idea, Nick.” It apparently was not lost on her that he’d had far too much time on his hands lately and getting back into the swing of things was probably best. “I won’t be back until Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on how things go in