Free The Runaway Reporter (A Police Procedural Mystery Series of Crime and Suspense, Hyder Ali #3) by Thomas Fincham Page B

surprised.
    “We received an anonymous tip.”
    “I thought I was the only one working that angle,” Nolan said.  “So far, I’ve found no direct proof that the victims’ involvement in the study had anything to with what happened to them, but I would appreciate if you don’t mention the study in your column yet.  It might be pertinent to the investigation down the road. But again, it’s your call. You don’t tell me how to do my job, and I won’t tell you how to do yours.”
    Suddenly, Nolan’s phone buzzed.  He checked it and then said, “I gotta go.” He got up. “Nice seeing you again, Hyder.”
    “You too, Tom.”
     
    TWENTY-SIX
     
    When Nolan reached the department, he found Lopez by the elevators.  “What’s going on?” he asked.
    “You’ll see. Follow me.”
    They went to the briefing room. There was already a large group gathered inside.
    Ross and Halton were standing by the front, with everyone else either seated or standing by the walls.
    Once he saw Lopez and Nolan, Captain Ross quickly got down to business.  “I would like to thank you all for coming to this impromptu meeting.  As you already know, my family has suffered a great tragedy, and I thank you all for your condolences and support at this difficult time.  Three young people have died, including my son, and the department is doing an exemplary job in finding out what exactly happened.  I would like to thank Sergeant Halton and his unit for understanding the sensitivity of this case.  They have been put in a difficult situation and they are doing their best work with it.  Having said that, I feel it is in the best interest of the force that I take some time off to spend with my wife and our remaining children.”
    Ross choked up, quickly controlled himself.
    “Therefore, after seeking approval from the board, I have decided to appoint Sergeant Doug Halton as Interim Captain until my return.”
    Nolan looked around the room, saw no signs of disapproval on anyone’s faces.   Halton was second in command. The opportunity should rightly be given to him.  Nolan wondered what would happen to him once Ross wasn’t there to watch his back. Halton would surely enjoy making his life miserable from this point on.
    “I now hand it over to Doug,” Ross finished.
    Halton shook Ross’s hand and said, “Thank you, Captain.  I am only occupying this position until your return, sir.”
    Nolan wanted to scoff.  It was a known fact that Halton had been eyeing that position from the moment he had made sergeant.  Now that he was Interim Captain, he would do everything in his power to make a mark for himself.  This way the board would never forget his accomplishments, in case a permanent position opened up in the future.
    Halton turned to address the room. “In my place, I have decided to appoint someone who is both respected and admired and who will fully dedicate themselves to the position.  I call on Detective Angelo Pascale to come forward.”
    Moans and groans greeted his announcement.
    Pascale walked up to the front, grinning from ear to ear.
    Nolan couldn’t say he was surprised.  Pascale got along well with Halton, but Nolan knew that Lopez should have been given the position.  She was respected and admired. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind about her dedication.   She lived and breathed her job.
    Nolan knew Halton had nothing against Lopez, but he was punishing her for being with him.
    Nolan looked over at her.  Her face didn’t betray what she was feeling.
    “I expect everyone to give their full support to Detective Pascale.” Halton continued.  We have a lot of work to do and we need to continue to work together in order to do it.  You are all dismissed.”
     
    TWENTY-SEVEN
     
    The moment Hyder returned to the Daily Times , Felix quickly asked, “So what do we do?”
    “We’ll print the victims’ names, but right now let’s not mention the link to Devon Pharma.”
    “Are you sure?” Felix replied.