Marx studied me with his mouth folded into a hard crease, then put his hands on his hips.

You're a pathetic excuse, Cole. You should be ashamed of yourself.

For doing your job?

His jaw clenched, but he kept going.

For destroying what little peace of mind the Repkos have. Mrs. Repko told me you assaulted her sons. What in hell is wrong with you?

Speak to Mr. Repko. He might tell a different story.

What's your endgame here? You trying to drum up a fee by getting the families to hire you?

I'm trying to drum up votes so I can run for office. I need the money to hire Leverage Associates. Would you recommend their work?

Bastilla said, Take it easy, Cole.

C'mon, Marx, I'm asking if they're any good. I know you work with them. Did they tell you to close the case on Byrd so you could make a big splash on the news?

Marx turned bright red.

You arrogant prick.

Do the Repkos know you interfered with their daughter's investigation to protect your handlers?

Bastilla said, Cole, get back in the car.

I should have gotten back into the car, but I was angry and looking for a reason to knock Marx on his ass.

The driveway and the front of the house were crawling with police. Neighbors in the surrounding houses had come out to see what was going on, and a reporter from the Times had shown up. Marx took one step back, then looked around until he spotted Crimmens in the driveway.

Detective, get over here.

Crimmens trotted over.

This man is a suspect in the murder of Angel Tomaso. Place him under arrest and take him to your station for questioning.

I said, Fuck you, Marx.

Crimmens broke into a ragged smile, but Bastilla took Marx by the upper arm.

Chief, a word, please.

Marx pulled away and stalked over to Munson, and Bastilla went after him. Crimmens stepped into my face and stood with his nose less than two inches away, still with the ragged grin.

Resist. I'm begging you. Resist.

I know what you told the Repkos, Crimmens. When this is over, we're going to talk.

Crimmens laughed as he spun me around. He whispered in my ear as he clipped on the cuffs.

This is better than sex. I'm getting off right now, Cole.

They put me back in the patrol car. Crimmens left to find his partner while Giardi and Silbermann logged my possessions into a plastic bag.

Silbermann said, I knew you did it.

Bastilla spoke with Marx and Munson privately by their command car, then Bastilla called over Giardi. They spoke for a few minutes, then Munson drove away. Marx got into his command car and Bastilla came back to me.

She said, Just take it easy.

This is bullshit. You people don't have a goddamned thing.

She made a shushing gesture.

I'm handling it, Cole. Take a breath.

Talk to Casik.