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“I have to go in to work for a meeting.”
“The shooting?”
“Probably. Two shootings in a career is bad. Two in a year is worse, and two in a month has to be about the worst there is.” I squeezed her tight as I restarted the show. I had Kelly back, and nothing else mattered.
* * *
A little while later,Rylie showed up to keep Kelly company, and I left to be at the entrance to the J. Edgar Hoover Building at five as ordered.
I arrived in time to cool my heels for a few minutes before anyone else arrived.
“What’s this about?” I asked Dempsey when he walked up.
“Yesterday’s shooting is all I know. Your ass is grass this time, Cartwright. The AD wants to talk to us.”
I blew out a breath and followed him in. So long and goodbye, career.
Upstairs we were escorted directly to AD Donnelly’s office.
He met us at the door.
Dempsey offered his hand.
The AD ignored him. Instead, Donnelly offered to shake my hand. “Cartwright, welcome. Gentlemen, have a seat.”
“If this is about yesterday—” Dempsey started.
Donnelly waved him off. “Just hold it, Jarvis.” He got situated behind his desk. “I’m recommending Cartwright for the Medal of Valor.”
Dempsey’s face fell.
Words failed me. This was the same guy who’d reamed me a month ago for asking about Uncle Jack.
Dempsey held up a hand. “But the shooting investigation is still open.”
Donnelly ignored him and turned to me. “I hear you want to be posted to the New York Organized Crime Task Force. Is that right?”
“No, sir.” I shook my head. “Not any longer.”
Donnelly’s brow raised. “No?”
“I don’t want to leave DC.” No way was I leaving my Kelly. “I still have a lot to learn from the ASAC,” I added.
Dempsey straightened in his chair with a smile.
“DC it is, then,” Donnelly said. “I wanted to personally thank you for taking down the SMK killers.” He paused and the hint of a tear came to his eye. “She’s been missing four years now, but I just learned my daughter was one of the bodies found in that backyard.” He wiped his eye. “I appreciate you bringing us closure.”
“Yes, sir,” was all I could think to say.
He sniffed, blinked back the tear, and straightened up. “That’ll be all.”
I got another handshake on the way out, as did the ASAC.
Dempsey turned to me as soon as the elevator closed. “Just because you’re today’s golden boy, don’t think I’m going to go easy on you, Cartwright.”
I nodded. “Yes, boss.” And I didn’t smile until he looked away.
* * *
