The two-way went silent for a few minutes. Neither Douglas nor the ranger made small talk.

A crackle of static, then, “Wave him through. Tell him to park at the end of the lot opposite the crime scene.”

“What’s happened?” Douglas asked.

The man just motioned for him to drive ahead. A second ranger directed him to a back corner where several marked and unmarked vehicles stood. He got out and started walking. Strands of fog drifted across the open lot, probably part of the morning mist that often hung over the nearby Potomac. He saw that a black Tahoe was partially covered by a white tent. The forensics team buzzed around the scene like bees around a hive.

Bradshaw stood to one side. As Douglas drew closer, he noted that the director was in his dark suit, white shirt, and red tie. Did the man sleep in those clothes? Douglas was conscious of his wrinkled fleece and jeans. Well, the choice had been to come suited or come fast.

Bradshaw walked toward him, his face grim as an executioner’s. “Agent Gray, thanks for coming so quickly.”

“Yes, sir. Ready to help any way I can.”

Bradshaw studied the rookie agent. Douglas was tempted to fill the silence but realized it would be nothing more than prattle.

“All right,” Bradshaw said. “I’ve had a chance to review the reports of the New York counterfeit bust. It looks like Agent Norwood was the person who signed the evidence in and out. Does that square with you?”

“I don’t know, sir. I was there for the sting, but I had no dealings beyond that. Norwood and others on the team worked with the prosecutors.”

Bradshaw nodded. “And unofficially?”

Douglas shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “Unofficially what, sir?”

“Did you see Norwood or the other team members?”

“Yes, sir. We met a couple of times for beers at the Dubliner.”

“Social gathering?”

“Yes, but you know how it is. We’d rehash the operation. Try to reconstruct what happened. Norwood, and maybe some of the more senior team members, would be called to testify.”

“As the new guy, did they always include you?”

“I wouldn’t know. But I wouldn’t expect so. And I went over to protective detail, where those hours and locations fluctuate. That’s why I took a room with Miss Crestwater.” Douglas took a deep breath and looked at the Tahoe. “May I ask what’s going on?”

“Come see for yourself.” Bradshaw led him to the driver’s side and pushed aside the tent flap. He kept his eyes on the young agent.