Paranoia (Michael Bennett #17)

CHAPTER 111

DENNIS WU WAS rightfully skeptical about Kevin Doyle’s motives for helping us. Hell, I was too.

Wu took me aside in the office. “I’m a little concerned about the scope of this thing. This sort of operation should have a lot more detectives on it.”

“I’m worried about a bigger operation getting back to Inspector Cantor. Do you want to call in some more of your people from IA?”

Wu thought about it, then said, “Most of them are tied up on something else. Besides, I go by the old saying: The fewer men, the greater the glory .” He looked pleased with himself.

“Are you paraphrasing Shakespeare’s Henry V ? Or just looking to score some points for the next promotional exams?”

“Why can’t it be both?”

I had to give him that one. I even chuckled out loud. Wu grinned.

Then he got serious. “You really think Inspector Cantor was out here having her cousin clean up her history just for a goddamn City Council job?”

“No, I don’t. I think she has higher aspirations. Something like mayor.”

Wu shrugged. “I guess it’s not that far-fetched. She’s smart, telegenic, and, apparently, ruthless.”

Wu wanted to interview Kevin Doyle himself to satisfy his concerns about Doyle’s credibility. I sat in the conference room while they spoke. I hated to admit it, but Wu was professional and efficient.

As they were wrapping up, Wu leaned in closer to Doyle. “This should go smoothly. But I want you to understand that I will do anything I have to if you try to escape. I’m not going to have a confessed murderer running around in public. I want to be straight with you right from the start.”

Doyle looked past Wu to me. He said in a calm voice, “I’ve already explained to Detective Bennett why I’m doing this.” Then he looked back at Wu. “You do what you think your duty dictates. I’m doing what I feel I need to do, to clear at least some of my conscience.”

Wu slapped the top of the conference table. “We’ve got a rodeo.”

That sounded like Wu approved of our plan.