She heard him pause, knew something was going on, waited. He said, “Sean is fine. Actually, I have something interesting involving a CIA operative and the CIA brass. And yes, I won the first round. The operative, Olivia’s her name, is up to her neck in trouble. I’ll know more when we speak tonight. Is it as frigid in New York as here?”

“More so, I’ll bet, given the cold air whooshing down the long canyons between the tall buildings. I’m bundled to my eyebrows, don’t worry.”

“I can’t imagine Brickson, New York, is a hotbed of crime, but New York certainly is. You be careful, all right? And call me when you figure out what happened or if you need any help on my end.”

She grinned into her cell. “Of course I’ll be careful and I’ll keep you posted. Here’s Kelly. Brickson’s roughly an hour east, depending on traffic, so she can give me all the details. Miss me. Talk to you later. Make sure Sean brushes his teeth.”

Savich laughed and disconnected.

“Hey, Sherlock! Bless you for coming.”

After Sherlock stowed her go-bag in Baby’s back seat and quickly climbed in, Kelly fired her up, turned the heat on high. “You ready? Baby loves to let it rip, but since this is business, I’ll keep her law-abiding. There won’t be much traffic, since it’s freezing and only crazy people are out today. And cops. And we don’t need that embarrassment. Listen to that wind, it’s howling louder than a chorus of witches.”

Once they were out of the worst of Manhattan traffic, of which there wasn’t much, Kelly turned, gave Sherlock a smile. “Thank you again for coming. My SAC, Mr. Zachery—well, of course you know him. He sends his thanks, said to tell Savich hello for him. He, ah, wanted me to tell you you weren’t to feel pressured to find answers to solve this mess.”

Sherlock groaned. “Thanks loads.”