The Speed of Sound by Eric Bernt

Author:Eric Bernt [Bernt, Eric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781503950153
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Published: 2018-06-01T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 45

Williamsburg Bridge, New York City, May 27, 2:47 p.m.

Butler’s cell phone rang as he drove across the bridge toward Manhattan. It was his boss, Lieutenant Victoria Daniels. “What the hell is going on?” She sounded more tense than usual. Butler would soon learn that it was because the highest-ranking officer of the Sixth Precinct, Deputy Inspector Anthony Nataro, was beside her.

“Good afternoon to you, too, Detective Lieutenant.” He glanced over to Skylar, sitting next to him. She was keeping an eye on Eddie in the rearview mirror. He had tissue paper sticking out of his ears, but otherwise seemed to be doing okay. He clutched the echo box, which was now contained in a weathered old backpack Skylar correctly guessed was Butler’s from his school days. Eddie held the backpack tightly, like a security blanket, as he looked out the windows. He slowly rotated his head back and forth, trying to make himself feel comfortable.

Daniels wasn’t amused. “You’re on speakerphone with Deputy Inspector Nataro. We would both like to know why a federal warrant has been issued for your arrest.”

Butler realized he should have anticipated this. “I can explain.”

“I’m listening.”

“I have the first solid lead on the subway gas attack, with evidence to back it up.”

“How did you come by this evidence?” The detective lieutenant sounded surprised. Clearly, this was the last thing she expected to hear.

“It walked in the door of my favorite sports bar.”

Nataro and Daniels could be heard whispering. “You’re telling me it just walked in the door?”

“Yes, that is exactly what I’m telling you. I have a dozen witnesses who will confirm it.”

Anthony Nataro chimed in. “Detective, this is Deputy Inspector Nataro. What kind of evidence?”

Butler was glad he asked. “It’s something I’d like you both to hear.”

“A recording?”

“Something like that.”

“Bring it to the station.”

“I’m on my way to you now. I’m crossing the Williamsburg as we speak.”

Again, Nataro and Daniels whispered to each other before he asked, “Are Skylar Drummond and Edward Parks with you?”

“They are. Would you like to speak with them?”

Eddie shook his head as he continued looking out the windows. “She is a stranger. I don’t talk to strangers.”

The lieutenant could hear him. “Was that Edward Parks?”

“He prefers to be called Eddie.”

“Were you aware he and Dr. Drummond are in possession of stolen classified technology?”

“I was not aware that it was considered stolen.”

Eddie made his BUZZER sound. The statement wasn’t true.

Lieutenant Daniels was not amused. “What the hell was that?”

“That was Eddie, who can shut up now.”

“Detective, why are you helping these people?”

“It’s not like that. I’m working the subway attack.”

“I’m not following.”

“You will when you hear what I have to play for you.”

Daniels hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s going to be possible.”

Butler stared through the windshield, thinking. “They’re waiting for us, aren’t they?”

The deputy inspector didn’t hesitate. “With the promise of a whole lot more of them if we don’t provide full cooperation.”

Butler spoke clearly and concisely, so there was no chance of misunderstanding. “Sir, the subway gas attack was not random, and it wasn’t some nutjob.

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