Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Lena Diaz

him. Those phones ensured no one could
     pick up their conversation off the airwaves. Since he wasn’t calling from one of those
     phones, Cyprian wouldn’t recognize the number on caller ID. Devlin would have to identify
     himself by punching in a special code. And even then, they’d both have to be careful
     what they said, knowing the line wasn’t secure.
    When the line clicked, he typed in his code.
    “Devlin,” Cyprian’s smooth, cultured voice came on the line. “You’re supposed to be
     taking it easy for a few days between tours. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
    So far, so good. Cyprian didn’t sound upset. Maybe news of this afternoon’s incident
     hadn’t reached him.
    “There’ve been a few hiccups here. I was a witness to a crime. Had to answer a few
     questions. But that’s over now. It’s handled.”
    A pause, then, “Hiccups. Pesky little things. But as long as you’re certain it’s handled,
     I’ve got no cause to worry. Correct?”
    “Correct. No cause at all, sir. Detective Emily O’Malley may call EXIT to verify details
     of the Montana tour with the Rands. But that’s the end of it.”
    “I’m sure human resources will take care of the call, or forward her to one of our
     public relations specialists. Shouldn’t be a problem. Anything else I should be aware
     of?”
    This was where it got tricky. Cyprian wouldn’t want Devlin looking into Carolyn’s
     murder. He wouldn’t want anyone from EXIT Inc. caught up in a police investigation.
     Devlin understood the concerns. It was necessary to insulate EXIT Inc. from all suspicion.
     But this was something Devlin couldn’t let go. He wanted closure for his father. And
     he didn’t have time to wait for the police to methodically cross and dot their t’s
     and i’s on their way to solving the case. He needed those autopsy notes. They might
     give him a clue, a starting place to search for Carolyn’s killer.
    “No, sir, there’s nothing else you need to be aware of. That’s it. Oh, wait, there
     is one more thing; a request, actually,” he added, trying to sound nonchalant. “It’s
     been quite a while since I’ve had any real time to spend with my family, and I’ve
     got a young niece I’ve hardly seen since she was born. Is there any chance I could
     take a week of vacation before reporting in for another assignment?”
    Another pause. “Of course, of course. You’ve got plenty of time built up. I’ve got
     a sweet, midwestern couple with a bucket list, and they insist on the best guide I’ve
     got. Naturally, I recommended you. But I can reassign them. No worries.”
    Midwestern couple. More likely a Middle-Eastern contact with something far different
     than a bucket list in mind. “Sounds great, sir. I appreciate it.”
    “Hold on a second. My assistant is trying to call me on the other line.” A few moments
     later, he came back on the line. “Sorry about that. Looks like your detective already
     tracked me down through human resources. She must be a real bulldog to have gotten
     through several departments and then to get my secretary to put her through directly
     to the top.”
    The blood drained from Devlin’s face, leaving him cold. “You’re going to speak to
     her yourself?”
    “I’m always happy to assist law enforcement. She wants to speak to the CEO, she’ll
     speak to him. She’s on the other line. I don’t want to keep her waiting. Enjoy your
     vacation.”
    The line clicked. Devlin lowered his phone and stared at the brick wall of the police
     station. O’Malley was speaking to his boss, the man who ran the public side of the
     organization, as well as the secret side. That wasn’t something Devlin had expected.
     He’d figured she would be schmoozed by one of the lower-level assistants and that
     would be the end of it. Once again, she’d surprised him.
    And not in a good way.
    What would she say to Cyprian? She wouldn’t say something crazy, like bringing up
     her assassin theory.