Page 155 of Power
“I might be able to help. Hang two seconds.”
While Simone waited, she reviewed Providence’s list of potential suspects. Her attention was diverted when her phone buzzed with a text from Peter Hirzog.
Call me
“Thanks for waiting,” Providence said. “Call Nikki Cardoso. She’s a branch commander in homicide with the MDP. She and Emerson worked together at Arlington Homicide. Emerson’s texting you her number.”
“Perfect. Thanks for your help.” Simone hung up as her phone buzzed with a text from Emerson with Nikki’s number.
Thanks for the help. When I call Nikki, I’m Joelle James, FBI
No worries. I texted her that a LEO I’ve worked with would be following up on a DC homicide
She returned Peter Hirzog’s call, and he answered right away.
“Red, thanks for calling me back. Any chance I can take you to lunch today?”
Though she doubted he was behind the bombings, she had to pursue the lead. Z had fired him. He had a long-standing grudge against Luciano. Did he have one against ALPHA too?
“Sure,” she replied.
He suggested a restaurant, and she agreed to meet him. After hanging up, she called Nikki Cardoso with the Metropolitan Police Department.
“Homicide, Commander Cardoso,” Nikki answered.
“Commander Cardoso, this is Joelle James, FBI.” Simone said.
“Emerson just texted me and told me to be nice.” Nikki laughed. “Please call me Nikki. What can I help with?”
“I’m following up on the murder of Guy Chenkus in Georgetown. I’m hoping there was something your detectives found at the scene.”
“I’m curious,” Nikki said. “What’s the Bureau doing with this?”
“I can’t discuss the case. I’m sorry.”
“Playing hardball.”
Dammit.
“I’m just messing with you,” Nikki said. “My detective doesn’t have much to go on. He was shot in his vehicle leaving the parking lot at Develin and Associates. Mr. Develin can’t disclose the purpose of his visit. There were no eye witnesses. My detective talked to his wife, but I don’t know the details. If we learn anything, I’ll let you know.”
Simone thanked her, provided her contact info, and hung up.
She spent the next two hours doing a high-level search on Z and Providence’s potential suspects. Of the seven, one had died,three had moved out of state. Former Op Karen Woodside was in prison. That left Nina Roy, a former ALPHA OP now with ATF, and Peter Hirzog.
After spending a few minutes coming up with a believable reason to talk with Nina Roy, she called her.
“Good morning, Nina Roy.”
“Ms. Roy, this is Joelle James, Special Agent, FBI. I got your name from a few agents I know at the Bureau. I’m considering a position with ATF and was hoping you’d have ten minutes for an informational interview.”
“I’ve got a short break between meetings in an hour. Can you call me back then?”
“Any chance we could chat in person?”
“Sure. Call me when you’re in the lobby.”
Simone thanked her and hung up. She slipped her FBI badge into her handbag, shouldered into her jacket, and left through her garage.
