I felt goose bumps crimp the flesh on my arms. The moment passed. Ryan smiled, returned to cop flippant.
“I’ll give Galiano a heads-up on the Todos Santos,” said Ryan.
“I also suggest you get down and dirty on Specter while I finish my facial reproduction. Then we’ll play the disc, read Nordstern’s notebook, and get some sense of what he was up to.”
Ryan’s grin broadened.
“Damn. The rumors are right.”
“What rumors?” I asked.
“You are the brains of the operation.”
I resisted the urge to kick his ankle.
The call came as I was still shaking rain from my umbrella. The voice on the other end was the last I wanted to hear. I invited its owner to my office with an enthusiasm I reserve for IRS auditors, Klansmen, and Islamic fundamentalists.
Sergeant-detective Luc Claudel appeared within minutes, back rigid, face pinched into its usual look of disdain. I rose but remained behind my desk.
I did not expect a greeting. I was not disappointed.
“I must pose a few questions.”
Claudel viewed me as an unfortunate necessity, a status grudgingly granted following my input into the successful resolution of a number of CUM homicide cases. Claudel’s demeanor toward me was always cool, reserved, and rigidly francophone. His use of English surprised me.
“Please have a seat,” I said.
Claudel sat.
I sat.
Claudel placed a tape recorder on my desk.
“This conversation will be recorded.”
Of course I have no objection, you arrogant, hawk-faced prick.
“No problem,” I said.
Claudel activated the recorder, gave the time and date, and identified those present at the interview.
“I am heading the inquiry into last night’s shooting.”
Oh happy day. I waited.
“You were present?”
“Yes.”
“Did you have an unobstructed view of the events that transpired?”
“I did.”
“Were you able to hear words exchanged between Lieutenant-detective Andrew Ryan and his target?”
Target?
“I was.”
Claudel kept his eyes on a point halfway between us.
“Was the man armed?”
“He had a Luger nine-millimeter.”
“Did the man indicate that he intended to discharge his firearm?”
“The sonovabitch shot Nordstern then turned the gun on Ryan.”
“Please. Do not get ahead of me.”
The air space between my molars reduced to zero.
“Following the shooting of Olaf Nordstern, did Lieutenant-detective Ryan instruct the gunman to relinquish his weapon?”
“More than once.”
“Did the gunman comply?”
“He grabbed a woman cowering on the sidewalk. She asked to be excused because of parental responsibility, but I believe the request was about to be denied.”
Claudel’s eyebrows formed a V above his eyes.
“Dr. Brennan, I am going to ask you once again to allow me to do this in my own manner.”
Steady.
“Did the gunman attempt to take a hostage?”
