With that, the captain and Parker got up and left. Jessie and Hannah waited two minutes before doing the same. As they walked out, it occurred to Jessie that after seating them, no one from the diner had approached them, even to offer coffee. Apparently Captain Decker had trained the staff here well.

A few minutes later, they pulled up at the station entrance. Marie, the undercover cop, was scrolling disinterestedly through her phone. Jessie was amazed at how young the girl looked in person. She had to be in her early twenties but with her floral dress, sneakers, and high ponytail, she could easily pass for sixteen.

Remember, dont acknowledge her in any way, just in case youre being watched, Jessie said. Ill be in touch throughout the day with any relevant updates. Please stay safe.

I will, Mom, Hannah said playfully, dramatically rolling her eyes.

Jessie knew her sister was attempting to puncture the intensity of the situation and decided it was best to just play along.

In that case, have a nice day, dear, she said, adopting her best June Cleaver tone.

Hannah got out and walked to the escalator, impressively not even glancing in the cops direction. For a few seconds, the officer didnt move, making Jessie worry that she truly hadnt seen Hannah. But then she casually got up, never taking her eyes off her phone screen, and ambled toward the escalator. Only when she disappeared from sight did Jessie finally, reluctantly pull out.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

Decker was waiting anxiously when Jessie got back.

When she stepped into the bullpen, he was wandering among different units, ostensibly checking in with all the detective teams. But she could tell he was antsy. When she caught his eye, he motioned for her to follow him out to the courtyard. Despite her apprehension that it might not be secure, she did. But just as he was about to open the exterior door, he suddenly changed directions and headed for a maintenance closet a little ways down the hall. He stepped in and she followed a few moments later.

Ill be brief, he whispered, locking the door after her. First, I just got word that the stay will be lifted at one p.m. Ill receive a copy of the order at one oh-one and send it to you and Bray immediately. You should probably be outside the Otis Estate gate waiting.

We will be, Jessie assured him.

Despite her best efforts to stay cool and collected, she felt a surge of excitement course through her. It was finally happening.

As to our other concern about leaks, Ive got good and bad news, Decker continued. As I feared, all the footage from the time Parkers secure locker was infiltrated was wiped clean. A generic access card, untraceable to any particular individual, was used to gain admittance to different areas.

Im hoping thats the bad news, Jessie said.