Crush - Alan Jacobson [130]
“Sir, we’re closing in on the scumbag. We’ve got a suspect.”
“Fan-fucking-tastic. Then the good men and women of the Napa Major Crimes Task Force can take it from here. I want you on that flight.”
Vail did not reply.
“Karen, I know you heard me. Now, I want to hear you. Tell me you’re going to be on that flight.”
So . . . do I tell him I’ll be on it, when I’m not sure I will be? Or do I level with him? He’s not interested in discussing it. I’d just be wasting my time. “I still have vacation time left. I’m going to spend it with Robby. I deserve it.”
Gifford laughed, a bellicose outburst. “Do you really think you’re gonna be able to shut it out of your mind and relax while your former task force colleagues pursue these leads? I mean, are you thinking you can snow me, or are you deluding yourself?”
Why does everyone think they know me so well? “I think I can shut it down.” Okay, that’s total bullshit. But did I at least sound convincing?
A rustle of papers. “I can’t order you home because you do, in fact, have vacation days left. And you are there on vacation. Or were.” He sighed, audibly. “Karen, you’ve given me an ulcer, you know that?”
“I think you’ve already told me, sir. Again, sorry to hear that.”
“Now that I know is a lie.”
“Actually, in spite of everything, I like you, sir. You’re a good man. And given everything that’s happened recently, you’ve come through for me.”
“I’m glad you realize that. But I wanna be perfectly clear with you so there’ll be no misunderstandings later. You’re there on vacation. This isn’t some wink across the phone line for you to continue working this case. You’re off the task force effective immediately. And I’m going to call Lieutenant Brix and let him know.”
“At least give me until the evening, like our original agreement.”
“I didn’t realize we had an agreement—on anything.”
“Sir, please. Let me see this one lead through.”
There was a moment of silence while Gifford considered. “You have until 7 p.m. Then you’re done.”
Vail bit her lip. “I understand your position.” And she did, though she didn’t agree with it.
“Enjoy the rest of your vacation. Tell Hernandez I wish him luck, ’cause you’re going to be a bear to live with the next few days.”
Vail hung up, then texted Robby and told him the “good” news: that they were going to be able to spend some together on this trip, after all. She would touch base with him later about dinner because she was apparently going to be done by six. She sent the message, then pushed through the wood conference room door. She caught Brix’s attention and motioned him over to the far corner.
“Everything okay?”
“Not really.” Vail scratched at her head. “I’ve been ordered off the task force. Effective 7 p.m. My ASAC is going to call you.”
“What? We’re looking at Guevara, but we’ve still got nothing. He can’t just pull you off. We need you.”
Vail looked down at the carpet. “I tried, Brix. You know I tried.” She turned toward the windows to her left. “I’ll still be in town because I have vacation days left. But he specifically prohibited me from working with you guys.”
Brix’s phone buzzed. He locked eyes with Vail, then she walked away.
“Karen,” Dixon said. “We got another fax from Crystal Dahlia. Board bylaws.” She flipped the sheet and held up another page. “And here’s the info Kevin Cameron had promised.”
“Bad news, Roxx. Just spoke with my ASAC. It’s official. I’m off at 7 p.m.”
“Total bullshit,” Dixon said.
Vail rubbed her eyes. “Maybe it’s for the best. I’m really tired.”
“You don’t believe that.”
Vail yawned. “I am very tired.” She wore a weary smile. “But no, I don’t believe that.”
“Karen,” Brix called out. He held up his phone. “That wasn’t who we thought it was. Everyone, listen up.” He waited for Agbayani, Mann, and Lugo to make eye contact. “Just got off the phone with my wife. I’d told her we were working with a profiler, she loves that show Criminal Minds—anyway, our UNSUB took out an advertisement in today’s Press.” He looked down at his pad. “It says, ‘Karen