Page 56 of Fatal Mistake
Max laid the paper facedown on the table and sat back. “Odds aren’t good that a judge would sign off on a warrant based on such limited information and circumstantial connection. Do we have anything beyond a Middle Eastern woman looking a bit suspicious outside a restaurant near the bombing site?”
“Other than she lives here in D.C. and has an ISIS affiliation, no,” Kaci said.
“You’ll need to run a stakeout on her or find another connection to Keeler if you hope to get that warrant.”
“We all get that, Max,” Cal said. “But we were hoping due to the exigent circumstances you could work your magic with a judge.”
Max pushed to his feet. “Magic is one thing, but even the great David Copperfield couldn’t pull this one off.” He strode to the door. “Call me when you have more.”
“That went well,” Kaci grumbled the moment the door closed behind Max.
“Did you expect more from the master of ‘give me cold, hard facts and nothing more’?” Cal asked.
“No, but…”
Rick picked up the paper Max had left behind. “Let me confirm that she still lives at this address, and then I’ll stake out her house.”
“And I’ll burn up my keyboard looking for additional information online,” Kaci added.
“I’ll get started on reviewing the victims’ files like I promised last night,” Shane said. “But is there anything else you’d like me to do first?”
“Two things,” Cal replied, “but they’re not related to this woman. Can you follow up with the analysts to see where they stand on Tannerite purchases in Oregon and track down any leads?”
“Got it, and what else?”
“Before you get started on the Tannerite, can you go to evidence and bring up the items recovered from Keeler’s rental house so Tara can review them?”
Shane didn’t respond right away, but sat in contemplative thought. “You’re hoping her history with Keeler will reveal something we’ve missed.”
Cal nodded and stood. “If any new information comes to light, you’ll find me here with Tara. We’ll review the evidence, and I’ll be playing the audio from her call to the hotline. If that doesn’t bring back any memories, we’ll visit the pump house. I’ll let you know if and when I need your help on that detail.”
The team might as well have smacked hands together and shouted “break” like football players in a huddle, as they got up in unison, gathered their items, and moved to the exit without a word.
Cal’s focus remained on the door until it closed. His gaze switched to Tara. “Would you like a cup of coffee or some water?”
“Water, please.”
He crossed the room to a small refrigerator in the corner, retrieved two bottles of water, and set one in front of her.
“We spend a lot of time in this room, so we keep drinks and snacks handy. Let me know if you want anything else.” He sat next to her and pulled a computer close. “Are you ready to hear your hotline call?”
She nodded, but in all honesty, she’d never be ready to hear the details of that night.
“Perhaps you’ll want to close your eyes so you can focus.”
She didn’t know if she wanted to do that either, but it would at least keep her from looking at the horrific pictures on the wall, so she clamped her eyes closed.
“Okay, here we go.”
The computer speakers crackled, and she took a deep breath.
“Hotline, this is Special Agent Cal Riggins.” Cal’s rumbling voice replaced the crackling.
“My aunt’s tenant, Oren Keeler.” Her words came pouring out, each one trying to step on the prior one. Even with vague memories of the incident, the terror in her own voice brought a wave of fear crashing over her. She focused on drawing air and blowing it out while continuing to listen carefully. Soon a hint of a memory danced on the edge of her mind, but actual visions of the night remained shrouded.
She clenched her hands in frustration and listened to the recorded conversation as Cal tried to calm her down and told her how to overpower Oren. Muffled sounds followed, making no sense to her. A gunshot cracked through the speakers.
“I remember him shooting at me. Right there by the pump house.” She opened her eyes and found Cal’s focus fixed on her.
