‘Maybe you could start reading the updates we put on the system?’

They broke off, both turning away. Hawkins chewed a nail, trying to calm down.

At last she broke the silence. ‘Look, we are where we are, so at least let’s help each other out. I was going to charge Kask in the morning, but if it helps, I’ll give him a heavy slap on the wrist and let him go for now. That should take the pressure off, minimize impact on your investigation, quid pro quo.’

‘Quid pro quo,’ Mike repeated with a frown. ‘What do you want?’

‘Names,’ she said lightly. ‘I wanted details from Kask about his employers, so I can ask them politely if they killed our three victims. But I don’t need him any more, because you already know who these people are.’

‘You’re kidding, right?’ Maguire half-laughed. ‘You blunder in, trash a year-long operation, but instead of backing the hell off so we can try to fix it, you want me to give you Mr Big’s name and address, so you can go accuse him of murder on a hunch?’

She stood her ground. ‘You know multiple homicide trumps dealing. Anyway, if I’m right, your bad guys go down for a lot longer.’

‘Yeah. And if you’re wrong?’

They locked eyes across the kitchen, neither prepared to yield.

‘You’re unbelievable.’ Mike stormed out of the room.

‘Hey.’ Hawkins followed. ‘You don’t get to hide in the spare room this time. For once we’re going to deal with this like actual grown-ups.’

‘Who said shit about the spare room?’ Maguire stomped into the hallway, grabbing his jacket.

‘Oh, so this is about you making a better job of running away.’

‘No.’ He rounded on her. ‘This is about you. You not caring who you trample over, so long as Toni gets what Toni wants.’

‘I get results,’ she said. ‘Good luck making me apologize for that.’

‘You know what?’ Mike yanked the front door open. ‘I’m not sure I care what you do right now.’

He was halfway outside when Hawkins called after him. ‘We’re not done. I still need those names.’

Maguire spun, fury clear on his face despite the darkness. ‘Listening ain’t your strong suit, now is it?’ He leaned closer, emphasizing the words. ‘I’m – not – telling you.’

She felt the anger rise in her throat. ‘Don’t make me go over your head.’

They glared at each other for a moment before Mike turned again, moved outside.

And slammed the door.

14

He tore at the package.

The thick cardboard bent, but resisted.

Irritated, he began hacking at the joints with scissors, breathing hard.