"Something they're frankly not too thrilled about. And while you're at it, make sure you tell them that you

neglected to inform the suspect of her rights, failed to book her, denied her legal counsel, failed to follow

proper interrogation procedures, and violated her constitutional rights. But then, I guess all that will be in

my report, so you probably don't need to bother."

"Something they're frankly not too thrilled about. And while you're at it, make sure you tell them that you

neglected to inform the suspect of her rights, failed to book her, denied her legal counsel, failed to follow

proper interrogation procedures, and violated her constitutional rights. But then, I guess all that will be in

my report, so you probably don't need to bother."

Loomis interrupted her. "Lady, I was a lieutenant of detectives in Chicago while you were still wearing a

training bra, so don't give me that provincial big-city crap, okay? You came into the game late and you

went off half-cocked and made a total ass of yourself. Now you want to pull strings at the Bureau and try

to make life tough for me, you go right ahead. But I have a feeling that the Bureau district chief, Paul

Ramirez, who happens to be a friend of mine, won't take too kindly to your treatment of the woman he

shares his home with. Now he's going to be calling here and I can either tell him that it was all an honest

mistake, or that some hot-shot field agent from New York exceeded her authority, jumped the gun, and

made a false arrest before she even bothered to find out all the details. And then threatened to put a spell

on the woman he happens to be in love with. If you're lucky, you may wind up a records clerk in

someplace like Barstow or Altoona. Now it's up to you, Ms. Leary. I either try to cover your ass or I sit

back and watch it burn."

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "All right. Maybe I made a mistake," she said, sounding as

if she were going to choke on the words. "I guess we got off on the wrong foot."

"I guess we did," said Loomis. He stood up. "Why don't we start all over?" He offered her his hand.

"My name's Joe Loomis."

"Megan Leary," she said, taking his hand, stify.

"I'll get you a chair," said Loomis, coming around the desk.

"Don't trouble yourself."

"Oh, it's no trouble." He went outside and came back a moment later with the chair he'd taken out of his

office before. He held it for her as she sat down.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Would you like some coffee?"

"No. Thank you just the same. I'd rather get right down to the case at hand. I heard two of your men

were killed last night. I'm sorry."

Loomis nodded.

"What happened?"

"Well, I imagine Paul Ramirez will want to brief you himself and I'm sure you're anxious to touch base

with him, but we've been up all night working on this case and he went home to get some sleep. He's

exhausted and I wouldn't want you to disturb him just now. In the meantime, I can give you a quick

rundown on what we're up against here . . ."