[MD1, NYC field office]

"There isn't much I can tell you that isn't in the case file," AD Alexander said after Agent Williams and Dr. Hollister had left the office. "Except that Col. Martini's wife is anxious to talk to someone."

"No one from your office has talked to her?" Anne asked.

The AD shook his head. "She was interviewed by the police before your team was called in. According to what I've seen of the report, she had nothing to say to them. But she's called the office twice today to find out when she should expect you."

"We'll contact her right away then. Maybe she's remembered something," Anne commented.

*****

"I'd like to check out the area where the body was found," Anne said as the team left the office and stepped out onto the street. "Any volunteers to go see the widow Martini?"

"Vynce and I will handle that," Emily said.

Anne nodded. "Good. Agent Hunt, you're with me, then."

"What are we looking for," Cody asked. They started for the cars.

Anne shrugged. "If we find something, then we'll know."

*****

[along the bank of the Hudson]

A very charitable person might call the area where Col. Martini's body was found a park. In reality, it was just a strip of struggling grass that served as a buffer between the city and the river. There was a tiny parking area near the park, but although the park was deserted, the lot was full. Agent Hunt pulled into the lot and double parked, doing his best to block as few cars as possible. Another car pulled in behind them and idled nearby.

"How long have they been behind us," Anne asked, watching the other car suspiciously.

"We picked them up a few blocks from the field office," Cody replied.

They sat for a moment in silence, watching the car. Then the back passenger side door opened. The man who got out was decked out in full military regalia. He closed the door and leaned against the car.

"Well," Anne said, reaching for the door handle, "let's see what he wants."




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