Mad Mouse

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Clever bastards,” Dr. McDaniels says with just a hint of admiration. “Handed us one guy on a silver platter so the other guy could run free, ready to rock.”

We're in the empty office with the evidence. McDaniels just finished on the phone with the state ballistics expert who did the tests on the M-24 found in Weese's duffel bag.

“Is it our weapon?” Ceepak asks.

“Of course,” McDaniels says. “But that only means Dude Number Two has Rifle Number Two. Probably another M-24. They gave us the gun from the first attacks, plastered Weese's prints all over it, made us think our work was done, that we could go pig out on the beach. Bastards.” Again, just a touch of grudging respect.

I also notice that the good doctor is wearing shorts and a tee shirt with some kind of Save the Dolphins art airbrushed on the front, like she was thinking about hitting the big boardwalk shindig herself since her work here was basically done.

“So, Ceepak,” she says, “what do the bastards want?”

“Not knowing, can't say. However, I suspect we'll learn more at noon.”

“You're gonna talk to Weese again?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Good. Poke him in the eye once or twice for me.”

“Will do.”

“How can I help?”

“The van.”

“It's secure in the garage.”

“Let's take a second look. It might be the only place where our two shooters were together. Perhaps there's something inside we didn't catch on the first pass. Something outside.”

McDaniels nods. “We'll double-check every nook and cranny. Might find some fibers. A stray hair. Something that'll help identify Bastard Number Two.”

“Thanks. We'll join you the minute we're done with Mr. Weese.”

“Right.” McDaniels shakes her head. “Two shooters. One on the paintball gun, the other on the M-24. One to plaster the trading cards all over the place, another to do the serious shooting. Good thing they had a van. Sounds crowded.”