Read Online The Rainy Day Killer by Michael J. McCann - Free Book Online
Authors: Michael J. McCann
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Commander Martinez has turned over her board room to the team for the duration of this investigation, and I’ve told her I’ll authorize any expenditure within reason to make sure it meets your requirements while it serves as your war room. I’ve also told her that while you’re occupying hers, she can have the use of mine on the second floor for her meetings. During off-hours, of course.”
Another wave of polite laughter rippled around the room. “A special welcome not only to SSA Griffin but also to FBI Special Agent in Charge Marie -Louise Roubidoux and Special Agent John Alexander. On my left, going down the GPD side of the table, is Deputy Chief Alonzo Philbin, Officer Eleanor Montgomery, Commander Ann Martinez, Detectives Horvath and Stainer, and at the end of the table Lieutenant Donaghue, the lead investigator. To his left, on the FBI side of the table, Captain Michael Turcotte, who’s in charge of our Criminalistics section. Mike, I hope you’re not thinking of defecting because, believe me, after eighteen years with the Bureau I can tell you personally that the grass is definitely not greener on the other side of the table.”
When the laughter had run its course, he said, “I’m about to sit down and shut my mouth, but before I do, I just wanted to thank you all for giving up such a beautiful Saturday morning to attend this meeting. For most of us, it’ll be very brief, but I think you’ll agree, very necessary. In a case like this, it’s essential to straighten out the respective roles and responsibilities vis-à-vis local law enforcement and the Bureau, and I think it’s very important to take a few minutes right up front to make sure we’re all on the same page. With that in mind, I’ll ask SAC Roubidoux to say a few words.”
Barkley dropped his bulk into his chair and grabbed his cup of coffee as Roubidoux, a small, precise woman in her mid-forties, got to her feet and removed her reading glasses.
“Thanks, Deputy Chief. We’re very glad you asked us over this morning. I’ll let SSA Griffin speak for himself, of course, but as far as the Glendale city field office is concerned, we’re more than happy to provide whatever advice and guidance we can to your investigative team. Special Agent Alexander will be your primary point of contact, but I’m also available at any time if Sandy can’t be reached.”
She touched the back of her carefully-styled dark hair. “Ha ving said that, I can’t spare Sandy or any other agent from their current workload for active participation in this investigation. There’s a possibility you may want to set up a joint task force with police departments in other cities who have open cases on this UNSUB. If so, Sandy can help you and SSA Griffin set it up, but beyond that, he really won’t be able to give you any assistance in terms of the investigation itself.”
She put a hand on her hip and turned to Hank. “Lieutenant Donaghue, this is your case. We’re here to help, but the burden of responsibility for calling the shots lies on your shoulders. I know that’s what you want to hear, so I’m making it clear up front. Regardless of whether your UNSUB turns out to be the Rainy Day Killer or someone entirely different, it’s up to you to investigate, identify, and arrest.”
She shifted her eyes to Turcotte. “I ’ll say one more thing. Captain, our laboratory facilities are completely at your disposal during this investigation. I understand your difficulties in terms of backlogs and priorities. Sandy’s empowered to facilitate the processing of any evidence on this case on a highest-priority basis. We can have one of our evidence response teams work with your people, if it’ll help. You have our business cards: don’t hesitate to call.”
Turcotte nodded briefly. His expression was guarded, but his lack of trust was obvious to everyone in the room. It was his understanding that when an FBI evidence response team went out to a crime scene, they
Another wave of polite laughter rippled around the room. “A special welcome not only to SSA Griffin but also to FBI Special Agent in Charge Marie -Louise Roubidoux and Special Agent John Alexander. On my left, going down the GPD side of the table, is Deputy Chief Alonzo Philbin, Officer Eleanor Montgomery, Commander Ann Martinez, Detectives Horvath and Stainer, and at the end of the table Lieutenant Donaghue, the lead investigator. To his left, on the FBI side of the table, Captain Michael Turcotte, who’s in charge of our Criminalistics section. Mike, I hope you’re not thinking of defecting because, believe me, after eighteen years with the Bureau I can tell you personally that the grass is definitely not greener on the other side of the table.”
When the laughter had run its course, he said, “I’m about to sit down and shut my mouth, but before I do, I just wanted to thank you all for giving up such a beautiful Saturday morning to attend this meeting. For most of us, it’ll be very brief, but I think you’ll agree, very necessary. In a case like this, it’s essential to straighten out the respective roles and responsibilities vis-à-vis local law enforcement and the Bureau, and I think it’s very important to take a few minutes right up front to make sure we’re all on the same page. With that in mind, I’ll ask SAC Roubidoux to say a few words.”
Barkley dropped his bulk into his chair and grabbed his cup of coffee as Roubidoux, a small, precise woman in her mid-forties, got to her feet and removed her reading glasses.
“Thanks, Deputy Chief. We’re very glad you asked us over this morning. I’ll let SSA Griffin speak for himself, of course, but as far as the Glendale city field office is concerned, we’re more than happy to provide whatever advice and guidance we can to your investigative team. Special Agent Alexander will be your primary point of contact, but I’m also available at any time if Sandy can’t be reached.”
She touched the back of her carefully-styled dark hair. “Ha ving said that, I can’t spare Sandy or any other agent from their current workload for active participation in this investigation. There’s a possibility you may want to set up a joint task force with police departments in other cities who have open cases on this UNSUB. If so, Sandy can help you and SSA Griffin set it up, but beyond that, he really won’t be able to give you any assistance in terms of the investigation itself.”
She put a hand on her hip and turned to Hank. “Lieutenant Donaghue, this is your case. We’re here to help, but the burden of responsibility for calling the shots lies on your shoulders. I know that’s what you want to hear, so I’m making it clear up front. Regardless of whether your UNSUB turns out to be the Rainy Day Killer or someone entirely different, it’s up to you to investigate, identify, and arrest.”
She shifted her eyes to Turcotte. “I ’ll say one more thing. Captain, our laboratory facilities are completely at your disposal during this investigation. I understand your difficulties in terms of backlogs and priorities. Sandy’s empowered to facilitate the processing of any evidence on this case on a highest-priority basis. We can have one of our evidence response teams work with your people, if it’ll help. You have our business cards: don’t hesitate to call.”
Turcotte nodded briefly. His expression was guarded, but his lack of trust was obvious to everyone in the room. It was his understanding that when an FBI evidence response team went out to a crime scene, they
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