“It wouldn’t matter at this point with so many in circulation,” Archie said. “I’ve heard of cases where they have a phone for each kind of drug they deal, so they can keep their customers separated. I’ve also heard of dealers selling their burners for top dollar when they want out of the business. They’re a hot commodity to the next dealer, looking to step into an already established business.”

“Isn’t it bad for all of them when someone sells something that kills people?” Sam directed the question to no one in particular.

“I would think so,” Archie said. “It makes all their customers hesitant, because how do they know their guy isn’t the one selling the laced pills?”

“Sergeant Merrick mentioned how death is a badge of honor to some of them,” O’Brien said.

“Which is sick,” Archie said.

“Wouldn’t it be in all of their best interest to help us find the one who’s selling the lethal stuff?” Sam said. “Maybe we can work that angle.”

Freddie came into the room, catching the tail end of that comment. “Which angle?”

“Turning them against each other,” Sam said. “It’s bad for business for someone to be selling lethal drugs, so we ask them to help us figure out who’s doing it.”

“We might have something from the tip line,” Freddie said. “A caller said to look at a guy named Sal Vincent.”

“Did they say anything else?”

“No, only that.”

DEA Agent Kevin Kavanaugh came to the door. Sam noted his resemblance to his brother, Derek, with the same coloring, but Kevin had a hard edge to him that Derek lacked.

“Come in, Agent Kavanaugh.” Sam stood to shake his hand and introduced him to the other officers in the room. “Thanks for coming in.”

“No problem.”

To Freddie, she said, “Will you see what’s keeping Lieutenant Cooper?”

“I’m here,” Cooper said, entering the room with a large cup of coffee and what looked to be an egg sandwich.

For fuck’s sake.

“What’d I miss?” Cooper asked. “Other than Lawton offing himself in our custody.”

“Does the name Sal Vincent mean anything to either of you?” Sam asked.

Cooper nodded since his mouth was full.

“He’s well known to us,” Kevin said. “We’ve been after him for years.”

Nodding, Cooper pointed to Kevin. “What he said.”

Sam wanted to tell him to chew with his mouth closed. “Freddie, can you do a run on him?”

“Already did, and nothing popped on a Sal Vincent or a Salvador Vincent or an S. Vincent.”

“I’m not surprised,” Kevin said. “He flies well below the radar.”

“Where do we begin to look for a dealer who isn’t in our system?” Sam asked.

“You take to the street and talk to your informants,” Kevin said. “Someone will know him.”

“We’re shorthanded today,” Sam said to Cooper. “Can we get your team on that for us?”

“Yep.” A piece of egg fell out of his mouth and landed on the conference table. He gave a sheepish grin and scooped up the egg and popped it back into his mouth.