In Death 03 - Immortal in Death

minutes later, they were summoned to the office of the chief of police and security.
    Eve liked Chief Tibbie. He was a big man with a bold mind and a heart that was still more cop than politician. After the stench the former chief had left behind, the city and the department had needed the kind of brisk, cold air Tibbie brought with him.
    But she didn't know what the hell they'd been called in for. Not until she was ushered in and saw Casto and his captain.
    "Lieutenant, Officer," Tibbie gestured to chairs. In a strategic move, Eve chose one beside Commander Whitney.
    "We have a little squabble to settle," Tibbie began. "We're going to settle it quickly and finally. Lieutenant Dallas, you are primary on the Johannsen and the Pandora homicides."
    "Yes, sir, I am. I was called in to confirm identification of Johannsen's body, as he was one of my informants. In the Pandora case, I was called to the scene by Mavis Freestone, who has been charged in that case. Both files are still open and under investigation."
    "Officer Peabody is your aide."
    "I requested her as my aide and was authorized to attach her to my caseload by my commander."
    "Very well. Lieutenant Casto, Johannsen was also one of your informants."
    "He was. I was on another case when his body was taken in. I wasn't notified until later."
    "And at that time, the Illegals and Homicide departments agreed to cooperate on the investigation."
    "We did. However, recent information has come to my attention that puts both of these cases under Illegals jurisdiction."
    "They're homicides," Eve interrupted.
    "With the link of illegal substances connecting both." Casto's easy smile flashed. "The latest lab report shows that the substance discovered in Johannsen's room was also found in Pandora's system. This substance contains an unknown, and is not yet rated, which under Article Six, Section Nine, Code B, puts all related cases under the investigative head of Illegals."
    "Exception to which is granted with such cases that are already under investigation by another department." Eve forced herself to take a deep breath. "My report on these matters will be complete within the hour."
    "Exceptions are not automatic, Lieutenant." The Illegals captain tapped his fingertips together. "The simple fact is, Homicide doesn't have the manpower, experience, or the facilities to investigate an unknown. Illegals does. And we don't feel it was in the spirit of cooperation to hold data back from our department."
    "Your department and Lieutenant Casto will be copied when my report is complete. These are my cases -- "
    Whitney lifted a hand before she could spit. "Lieutenant Dallas is primary. If these cases are linked with illegals, they are still homicides, which she has been investigating."
    "With respect, Commander," Casto dimmed his smile, "it's well known at Cop Central that you favor the lieutenant, and rightfully so, given her record. We requested this meeting with Chief Tibbie so as to insure a fair judgment on departmental priority. I have more street contacts, and a relationship with merchants and distributors of chemicals. While working undercover, I've gained access to mills, factories, and chem-houses which the lieutenant simply doesn't have. Added to that is the fact that there is a suspect charged with the Pandora homicide."
    "A suspect who had absolutely no connection with Johannsen," Eve broke in. "They were killed by the same person, Chief Tibbie."
    His eyes remained cool. Any approval or lack thereof was carefully masked. "Is that your opinion, Lieutenant?"
    "That's my professional judgment, sir, which I will show cause for in my report."
    "Chief, it's no secret that Lieutenant Dallas has a personal interest in the suspect charged." The captain spoke tersely. "It would be natural for her to want to cast a cloud over the case. How can her professional judgment remain clear when the suspect is a close friend?"
    Tibbie held up a finger to halt Eve's outburst. "Commander Whitney, your opinion?"
    "I will and have relied without qualification on Lieutenant Dallas's judgment. She'll do her job."
    "I agree. Captain, I don't much care for disloyalty in the ranks." The reprimand was mild, but the aim deadly. "Now, both departments have a valid point here on priority. Exceptions are not automatic, and we are dealing with an unknown which appears to be involved in at least two deaths. Both Lieutenant Dallas and Lieutenant Casto have exemplary records, and each, I believe, are more