Page 13 of Whispers in the Night

“Cooling off.” Holloway sat across from her, his expression serious but not unkind. “Agent Sinclair, I owe you an apology. Kane’s behavior was unprofessional and unacceptable. I’ve made it clear that if he can’t work with you respectfully, he’ll be removed from the case.”

She was already shaking her head. “Captain, I don’t want to cause problems—”

“You’re not causing problems. You’re doing your job.” Holloway leaned forward, his stare earnest. “I read the report from Chicago. I know what happened. And I also know that in your fifteen years with the Bureau, you’ve successfully closed over a hundred cases. Your solve rate is exceptional. Your colleagues speak highly of your skills. One tragedy—one mistake—doesn’t erase that record.”

Harper felt her throat tighten. “Thank you.”

“That said, I need to know if you’re ready for this. It’s only been six months. If you need more time—”

“I don’t.” The words came out more forceful than she intended. Harper swallowed, paused, modulated her tone. “I need to work. I need to do something useful. And I need to catch this bastard, Captain. I’ve been hunting him for five years. I can’t let him get away again.”

Holloway studied her for a long moment. Then he nodded. “All right. You’re on the case. Full consultant status. You’ll have access to all evidence, all reports, all interviews. You’ll work directly with Detective Kane. Assuming he can keep his personal opinions to himself.”

“And if he can’t?”

“Then he’s off the case and you work with someone else.” Holloway’s voice was firm. “This investigation is bigger than any one person’s ego. Including mine.”

The door opened again. Silas stepped inside, and Harper could see the effort it took him to keep his expression neutral. He didn’t look at her as he sat down.

“Detective Kane has agreed to work with you professionally,” Holloway said. “Any issues going forward come directly to me. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” Silas said.

“Agent Sinclair?”

“Understood.”

“Good.” Holloway pulled up a new document on the laptop. “Now let’s talk about next steps. Silas, where are we on the canvass?”

“Morris and Holt are interviewing residents near the paper mill. So far, no witnesses. The security guard who found the body didn’t see anyone suspicious, and the surrounding area is pretty isolated at night.”

“Victim’s apartment?”

“Crime scene team is there now. I’m heading over after this meeting.”

“I’d like to come,” Harper said.

Silas’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Fine.”

“What about The Daily Grind?” Holloway asked. “That’s where she worked, right?”

“I’ve got an interview scheduled with the manager at ten,” Silas said. “Coworkers will be available this afternoon.”

Harper made notes. “We should also pull her financials, phone records, social media activity. Look for any stalking behavior, unusual contacts, changes in routine. Serial killers often surveil their victims before abduction.”

“Already requested the phone records,” Silas said. “Financials will take longer. Social media we can access immediately.”

“I can help with that,” Harper offered. “I have tools through the Bureau for social media analysis.”

Silas looked like he wanted to refuse, but Holloway spoke first. “Good. Coordinate with Detective Kane on access. Anything else we need to cover?”

“The press,” Harper said. “They’re going to be all over this once word gets out about the ritualistic nature of the murder.We need a unified message. No details about the symbols, the positioning, or the connection to the Nevada cases.”

“Agreed,” Holloway said. “I’ll handle press relations. You two focus on the investigation.” He stood. “Silas, Agent Sinclair, I expect you to work together like professionals. Put aside personal feelings and catch this killer. Can you do that?”

“Yes, sir,” they said in unison.

Holloway looked between them, clearly not entirely convinced. “I’ll be checking in regularly. Daily briefings at six p.m. unless something breaks earlier.” He gathered his laptop. “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re both excellent at what you do. Try to remember you’re on the same team.”