Page 55 of No Quarter

“Doubtful,” Valerie said. “Now we’re left to keep going through Elmwood’s records to see if we find another suspect that fits the profile.”

“We need more manpower,” Charlie said. “It could take months to look through all those files.”

“Agreed,” said Valerie. “Charlie, you contact the Buford Police Department, see if they can spare anyone to help. Maybe that young Officer Teller we met at the front desk.”

“I didn’t think he was your type, Valerie,” Will joked.

“He was extremely keen about being around the FBI. He said he might even want to sign up one day. We could use some of that youthful energy on this case.” Valerie walked toward the exit.

“And what about resources from Quantico?” Charlie asked.

“I’ll contact Jackson right now,” Valerie added.

Will and Charlie headed over to Charlie’s car outside in the parking lot of the hospital. Valerie breathed in the cold air and tried to forget the pressures of telling Tom’s father about their engagement.

She had enough pressure for now.

Taking out her phone, Valerie dialed the direct line to Jackson’s office.

It rang a few times before he answered.

“Hello?” Jackson said.

Valerie thought it was strange that he didn’t identify himself on the phone as department head of the Criminal Psychopathy Unit.

“Jackson?”

“Agent Law, is that you?” He sounded tired.

“Yes, Sir. Is everything all right?”

Jackson sighed. “I’m just preparing for an interview with the higher ups tomorrow. They’re really going after us.”

Valerie felt despondent. She felt like it was her fault, all because she wanted access to the Clawstitch Killer files, should he ever start killing again.

“I’m sorry, Chief,” she offered.

“It’s not your fault,” Jackson said with a tired voice. “As I told you before, Heinlein has it in for me. But I think if I prepare my arguments, hopefully the other higher ups will go along with me and not him.”

“And if they don’t?” Valerie dreaded the answer.

“I’ll be replaced, and who knows what will happen to the Criminal Psychopathy Unit after that.”

The line buzzed slightly. Then Jackson changed tone. “In any case, try not to worry. How are things over in Buford? Any breaks in the case?”

“We have to review thousands of case files from Elmwood to try and close in on suspects, but they haven’t been digitized. It’s a manual search job. We need more manpower, if you can spare it.”

“I’m sorry, Agent Law,” Jackson replied. “Unfortunately, resource allocation is difficult while I’m under review. They don’t want a department head burning through money and time, especially when they might replace him.”

“Oh,” was all Valerie could say. Without several more agents to trawl through Elmwood’s antiquated file system, it could take several days to identify ex-patients who fit their profile.

“I might have a way around this,” Jackson offered. “Unofficially of course. I could speak with a different department head who owes me a favor. If she has the resources free, she might be able allocate a couple of her agents to help at Elmwood. But I can’t promise.”

“Thanks, Chief,” Valerie said. “But I don’t want to get you into any more trouble trying to get us help under the radar. Notwhile the review is underway. I’m sorry if we’ve done anything to put you in this position.”

“Valerie,” Jackson always used her first name when he was trying to connect the most. “Youhaven’t caused any of this. I need you to know that. But thank you for understanding how difficult things are at the moment. Now, focus on your case. Bring this guy in, and if needs be, I’ll still do whatever I can for you on my end, regardless of the consequences.”

“Thanks, Jackson. I appreciate it.”

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