Free Night Terrors by Dennis Palumbo Page B

Lyle Barnes left the room. Though Alcott was the agent in charge, the now-retired Barnes’ status and reputation obligated the younger man to keep him in the loop. And with Barnes making little effort to hide his disrespect for Alcott, it couldn’t have been easy.
    Which was probably why, when the TV volume from the master bedroom rose even higher, Alcott was only too happy to stride briskly to the door and close it. The news anchor’s voice fell to an urgent muffle.
    â€œNow we can hear ourselves think,” the agent said to no one in particular. And received no reply.
    Claire Cobb broke the sudden silence by turning to me.
    Her smile was cordial, but wary.
    â€œI understand you work with the Pittsburgh police.”
    â€œAs a consultant, yes. I’m a psychologist, and I specialize in treating crime victims.”
    â€œThen remind me to get your card when this is all over. I’ll probably need it.”
    She looked past me to where Alcott now stood, his back to the wide picture window. His reflection in the glass mingled with the diffused glow of the city’s lights.
    â€œSpeaking of which, Agent Alcott, how long do you plan on keeping me here? And my fellow captive, Agent Barnes?”
    He stirred. “As long as it takes, Ms. Cobb. Unless you think that’s a bad idea…”
    She shivered involuntarily, and I could see the naked fear she was containing under her placid demeanor.
    â€œNo, not at all. Just curious. Being shot at is enough to make a believer out of me.”
    â€œDon’t worry.” Alcott grinned. “We’ll get the bastard. Catching bad guys is kind of a hobby of mine.”
    â€œReally?” She considered this. “Mine are needlepoint and Tantric sex.”
    I enjoyed watching the startled look on Alcott’s face. And realized how much I was growing to like Claire Cobb.
    â€œOne last question.” Claire turned her head, sweeping the room with her glance. “Where are the two detectives who brought me here from the airport?”
    â€œDetectives?” I looked over at Alcott. “I thought your people brought Ms. Cobb in.”
    â€œThey put her on the plane in Cleveland. Pittsburgh PD assigned two dicks to pick her up. Bring her in.”
    â€œWas I that dreadful a passenger?” Claire said wryly. “Did I offend them in some way?”
    His smile was indulgent.
    â€œNo, ma’am. They’re probably working the Loftus killing. Part of an investigation the bureau’s running jointly with the Pittsburgh police.”
    Suddenly, Alcott’s cell phone rang in his jacket pocket. He pulled it out, squinted at the display.
    â€œExcuse me.” He took the call, listened a moment. “Yes. Okay, send them up.”
    He clicked off and favored Claire with another easy smile. “Speak of the devil. They’re on the way up. Looks like we caught a break.”
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Chapter Twelve
    In response to the brisk knock at the door, Alcott strode across the room and answered it.
    I stood up when, to my pleasant surprise, Sergeant Harry Polk and Detective Eleanor Lowrey entered. I felt the smile spread on my face as I approached them.
    Polk’s reaction, I must admit, was slightly less enthusiastic.
    â€œJesus Fucking Christ.” His florid face turned three shades darker. “How’d I know you’d be up to your ass in this mess?”
    â€œMaybe you’re psychic, Harry.”
    â€œOr else goddam unlucky.” He gave a gale-like sigh. “Anybody take a shot at you yet, Rinaldi?”
    â€œNope. Sorry to disappoint you.”
    â€œYeah, well, a guy can dream.”
    Though I hadn’t seen Harry Polk since last summer, we’d known each other since my involvement in the Wingfield investigation a few years back. Never a fan of my work with the department, he’d grudgingly acknowledged on more than one occasion that he didn’t completely hate my guts. Disliked them,