Ice Cold: A Rizzoli & Isles Novel

you’ll have to ask
him,”
snapped Cathy.
    “Yeah, well, you tell us where to find him and we’ll do that.”
    “Actually,” said Pasternak, “we do know where to find him.” The detective was standing in the doorway, cell phone in hand. “I just got a call from the Idaho State Police. Their contact inside The Gathering reports that Jeremiah Goode has just been spotted inside the Plain of Angels compound. Idaho’s mobilizing for a raid at first light.”
    “That’s at least seven hours from now,” said Jane. “Why are they waiting so long to do it?”
    “They need enough manpower. Not just law enforcement, but also child protective services and social workers, to deal with the women and children. If they meet up with resistance, it could get dangerous.” Pasternak looked at Cathy. “And that’s where you come in, Ms. Weiss.”
    Cathy frowned. “What do you mean?”
    “You seem to know more about The Gathering than anyone else does.”
    “And I’ve been trying to warn people about them for years.”
    “Well, now we’re listening. I need to know how they might respond. Whether they’ll react with violence. I need to know exactly what to expect.” He glanced around the room. “Idaho is requesting our assistance. They want us to be mobilized before sunrise.”
    “I can be ready to leave within the hour,” said Cathy.
    “Good,” said Pasternak. “You’ll ride with me. Tonight, Ms. Weiss, you are my new best friend.”
    T HEY DROVE through the night, Pasternak at the wheel, Cathy riding beside him. In the backseat, Jane sat alone. This was to be a police operation, one that Maura could not be part of, and Cathy was the only civilian invited to participate.
    As they journeyed west, Cathy predicted what they would face at Plain of Angels. “The women won’t talk to you. Nor will the children. They’ve been conditioned to be silent around outsiders. So don’t expect cooperation from any of them, even when you get them away from the compound.”
    “What about the men?”
    “They’ll have designated spokesmen, handpicked by Jeremiah to deal with the outside world. In return for their loyalty, they enjoy special privileges in the cult.”
    “Privileges?”
    “Girls, Detective. The more trusted you are, the more young brides you get as your reward.”
    “Jesus.”
    “All cults work in similar ways. It’s a system of reward and punishment. Make the Prophet happy, and he’ll let you take another new wife. Piss him off, and you’re banished from the sect. These spokesmen are men he trusts, and they’re not stupid. They know the law, and they’ll try to snow you with legalese. They’ll hold us at the gate forever while they examine the warrant with a fine-tooth comb.”
    “Will they be armed?”
    “Yes.”
    “And probably dangerous,” Jane muttered in the backseat.
    Cathy turned to look at her. “When they’re facing years in prison for raping underage girls? Yeah, I’d say that makes them dangerous. So I hope you’re all prepared.”
    “How big a team is moving in?” asked Jane.
    Pasternak said, “Idaho’s pulling in law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions, both state and federal. The team lead is Lieutenant David MacAfee, with the Idaho State Police. He guarantees there will be a massive show of force.”
    Cathy released a deep sigh. “Finally, it’s going to end,” she whispered.
    “Sounds like you’ve been waiting for this a long time,” observed Pasternak.
    “Yes,” Cathy said. “A very long time. I’m just glad I’ll be there to see it happen.”
    “You do know, Ms. Weiss, that you’re not to take an active role in this operation. I don’t want you in danger.” He glanced over his shoulder at Jane. “And it might be better if you remain an observer as well.”
    “But I’m law enforcement,” said Jane.
    “From Boston.”
    “I was working this case before you stepped in.”
    “Don’t get all women’s libber on me. I’m just saying this is Idaho’s show. You’ve been invited to advise and assist where necessary. If they want to keep you on the sidelines, that’s their decision. That’s just the way it works, Rizzoli.”
    Jane sank back against the seat. “Okay. But just to let you know, I
am
carrying.”
    “Then keep it holstered. If this is handled right, there’ll be no need for weapons. Our objective is to move the women and children into protective custody, and do it with a minimum of force.”
    “Wait. What about Jeremiah?”