As they were riding up in the elevator at LAPD headquarters, Sharon said, "Chief Johnson, I don't want to offend you, but I think it's best that we use Chief Taylor's conference room."
"Because you don't want Major Crimes to know I'm in the buildin?"
"Yes. They still miss you and sometimes it makes things rather difficult for them to accept that I'm now the head of the unit."
"That's fine with me. I don't want to undermine your authority."
Sharon picked up the file on Ken Murdock and joined Brenda in Chief Taylor's conference room. Examining the file, they learned that there were no witnesses and only one casing was found at the scene. His wallet was in his pocket which indicated that the shooting had not been a robbery gone bad. The Coroner's report said that one bullet struck him in the neck severing his spinal cord and blood vessels and SID found the casing on the pavement about one hundred feet from the body. The DMV information in the file contained his name, address, and photograph.
"Whoever did this knew what he was doin," Brenda said as she examined the crime scene photos.
"Apparently the investigation stopped just as it was getting started, probably because Agent Howard was ID'd as the killer," Sharon observed.
"There's no juvenile record on him, not even a speedin ticket," Brenda said when she saw the meager report. "Well, I guess we have to start with his widow, then. Hopefully we'll catch her at home. Let's go see what Mrs. Murdock can tell us."
"I'll drive," Sharon said.
They found the house in a run down neighborhood and Brenda rang the bell. It wasn't working so she knocked loudly and the door was answered by a woman that Brenda guessed was in her mid thirties. "Carolyn Murdock?"
"Yes. May I help you?"
"This is Captain Raydor of the LAPD and my name is Brenda Johnson. We're investigatin your husband's murder and we'd like to talk to you."
"But they already caught the man who shot Ken. It was a crooked FBI agent."
"Well, we have some new information on that. May we come in?"
"All right." Mrs. Murdock opened the screen door for them and said, "You'll have to excuse the mess. I just haven't felt like housecleaning since Ken died."
"We understand," Sharon said, "It's all right."
When they were seated in the living room Carolyn Murdock asked, "Officer Johnson, what new information do you have? I was told that an Agent Howard killed my husband."
"I'm not a police officer, Mrs. Murdock. I'm an independent investigator assistin law enforcement with this case," Brenda explained.
"New information has revealed that Agent Howard was framed," Sharon said, "And we need some information from you to find the real killer."
"What information? I don't know anything."
"Mrs. Murdock, did your husband have any enemies? Was he fightin with neighbors or anyone at work?" Brenda asked.
"No. He got along with everyone."
"Where was your husband employed?" Sharon asked.
"He worked for Atkins Asphalt. He supervised a paving crew. Why?"
Brenda didn't answer. Instead she asked, "Was he havin any work problems that you know of?"
"No. The company had some problems last year hiring illegals but my husband had nothing to do with that. He just supervised a road crew and didn't get into the hiring."
"And can you tell us what your husband was doin when he was shot?" Brenda continued.
"He had stopped at Wolf Building Supply after work to pick up a pack of roof shingles to repair a leak and was putting the things in the back of his truck." Mrs. Murdock started to cry. "He was shot in the neck and bled to death before the ambulance could get there. Why? Why would someone do that to Ken? He didn't have an enemy in the world. He was a good husband and father." She broke down sobbing so Sharon handed her a box of tissues from the coffee table.
"I'm so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Murdock," Brenda said. "Unfortunately, we can't answer that question right now. But we're gonna do our best to get to the bottom of this."
Carolyn Murdock nodded and asked, "Are we, my children and me, in any danger? Could whoever did this come after us? I thought we were safe when they said they'd caught the man."
"Do you have anyone you could stay with for the time being?" Sharon asked.
"My mother lives in Anaheim. We could go there, I guess."
"That might be a good idea. But we'd like to get a phone number so we can talk to you again if we need to," Sharon said.
Mrs. Murdock gave them her mother's phone number and they left.
"Let's go back to the Bureau and see if the men have unearthed anythin," Brenda suggested when they were back in the car.
When they entered the conference room they saw Fritz, Dave Martin, and Dir. Walling digging through stacks of case records. The men rose and Fritz asked, "Did you learn anything?"
Sharon shook her head no, but Brenda said, "Maybe. What I learned is that Ken Murdock was a man who had very little money and apparently didn't have any enemies. So I'm inclined to think he was a random victim who was chosen because there was nothin about him that could be traceable back to the shooter. Have you gentlemen found anythin?"
"We've looked through all the gang cases that Fritz investigated and we're starting on the drug cartels," Dave replied.
"This doesn't really feel like cartel to me," Brenda said.
"Why not?" Dir. Walling wanted to know.
"This has a personal feel about it. Like someone is settlin a score." She looked at Fritz and added, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't cartels more commercial, with less bondin among the members?"
"You're right," Fritz replied. "Gangs have more of a familial aspect to them but I haven't worked gangs in several years."
"Did you check to see if anyone got out of prison in the past few months who might be carryin a grudge?"
"Yes, and there really aren't any gang members. But there might be something here," Fritz said as he pulled a case file from a small stack. "It's a long shot, but several years ago I arrested a man for murdering an undercover operative and he vowed to get even. He was given a life sentence without parole and he's still at Atwater."
"Let's see," Brenda said and Fritz handed the file to her.
"Calvin Petrie... This says that he petitioned for a new trial four years ago and that his motion was denied."
"It was denied due to Agent Howard's thorough investigation and testimony at the trial," Dir. Walling said.
"But he's trying again. Another motion for a new trial was filed six weeks ago," Fritz added.
"What are the reasons he's citin in his motion?" Brenda asked.
"Well, now he's alleging ineffective counsel. His first motion alleged judicial error and perjury on my part, though," Fritz answered.
"But the evidence was solid and his lawyer was very competent so he has virtually no chance of a new trial, let alone getting out of prison," Dave interjected.
"Does he have someone on the outside who would kill for him?" Sharon asked.
"He has a son, Cole Petrie, and he's a ruthless man. I have no doubt that he could become violent," Fritz said.
Brenda asked, "How would killin an innocent man and framin you help his father's case?"
"I don't think it would. But I think Cole Petrie is capable of acting purely out of a desire for revenge."
"So his father's application for a new trial could have stirred up his hatred for you," Brenda concluded.
"That's a possibility," Dave agreed.
"Well, I need to talk to Cole, then," Brenda replied.
"Brenda, this man could be dangerous," Fritz cautioned.
"Fritzi, I've been dealin with dangerous men my entire life."
"I know, but just listen to me." When he saw that he had her attention, Fritz continued. "Cole Petrie is one of the most cold blooded men I've ever encountered and he's a skilled marksman – fanatical about guns of all kinds. He is manipulative and absolutely heartless. He's a schemer, but also impulsive, and he's something of a chameleon. He is a real estate lawyer and can appear to be a suave, sophisticated gentleman. But he can also appear to be an ignorant redneck. Do not underestimate him and, for heavens sake, don't believe anything he says."
"Where can I find him?"
It depends on which face he's showing. If he's being the urbane attorney, he's got a home in the Hollywood Hills. If he's being a redneck, he's got a cabin in the hills leading up to Big Bear."
"Does he favor one over the other?"
"If he thinks someone is looking for him, it's likely that he's retreated to his cabin. If he's there you're going to need SIS help. That cabin is in the trees up a long, winding driveway. It's not visible from the road and he's got security cameras everywhere so you won't be able to surprise him. Also, if Cole Petrie is behind this, he's done his homework. He'll know that you're my wife and he'll know all about you."
"What else can you tell me about his family, personality?"
"His mother disappeared several years ago. We always suspected either Calvin or Cole murdered her but we couldn't prove anything. He's an only child, single, and fancies himself a player. He likes to flash a lot of money around. The lawyer Petrie gets himself appointed to the boards of a lot of charities and likes to get his picture in the society section of the paper. It feeds his vanity. The redneck Petrie is somewhat reclusive and will threaten a checkout clerk over an expired ten cent coupon."
"Is he schizophrenic?"
"He might be. I don't know. But I do know that he's someone who has a low flashpoint so don't let your guard down, even for a second."
"You said he's a player so he fancies the ladies. How do you think he'd react to an attractive Latina?" Brenda asked.
"Or an attractive black woman?" Sharon added.
"I have never heard that he's a racist," Dave said. "If she's young and beautiful, chances are he'd flirt with her."
"Ok, if he's at Big Bear we'll have to lure him out. Are these recent photographs of him?" Brenda asked as she studied the photos clipped to the file folder.
"That's a recent photograph of lawyer Petrie. The redneck Petrie picture is about two years old," Dave said.
"If you can interview him, he'll probably invoke," Fritz said.
"Then I'll just have to get him to revoke," Brenda said as if that were a minor detail.
Fritz walked Brenda and Sharon to the elevator. After pushing the button, Fritz put his hands on Brenda's arms and said, "It would be better if you didn't try to see him yourself. He'll spot you a mile away and know exactly who you are and why you're there."
"Don't worry, Fritzi. We'll bring him in for questionin." Brenda gave him a quick kiss before she and Sharon entered the elevator.
In the car on their way back to the LAPD, Brenda asked, "I was thinkin about Mikki Mendoza when I asked about a Latina, but who is the black woman?"
"Detective Amy Sykes. She a new member of Major Crimes with an extensive SIS and weapons background. She's almost as good with automatics as Detective Sanchez. She's also an expert in surveillance."
"I forgot you had a new detective. Lieutenant Provenza told me about her. Can she play a damsel in distress in a tank top and shorts?"
Sharon laughed, "We can ask. I'm sure Detective Mendoza would go along with it, especially if she thinks she's helping you. Detective Sykes is new so I don't know."
"In that case it might be better if Mikki soloed while Detective Sykes ran surveillance. I'd like to find out if there are signs of life at that cabin before we go up there." Brenda then explained her idea and she and Sharon worked together developing it into a finely tuned plan.
"If we can get a line of sight we can set up thermal imaging equipment to give us that information, and a drone too, if we need it to track him. Of course, they're expensive tools so we'll have to get Chief Taylor's approval," Sharon cautioned.
"Ok. Why don't you ask for approval and then we'll head out to the Hollywood Hills?" Brenda suggested.
"Are you sure you want to go there?" Sharon asked, mindful of Agent Howard's warning.
"Yes. If he's wearin his lawyer suit I think we can pick him up more easily than if he heads for the hills. But we might need some backup."
Sharon nodded and picked up the phone. After obtaining approval she then called Amy Sykes and told her what was needed.
"Chief Taylor ok'd the thermal imaging and drone, provided the FBI picks up the tab," Sharon said.
"They'll pony up," Brenda said confidently.
When they drove up to Cole Petrie's mansion two black and whites were waiting just out of sight watching both of the other exits and ready to provide backup if needed.
As they released their seatbelts, Sharon asked, "Are you armed?"
"Yes, I've got my Glock," Brenda replied as she patted her purse.
Brenda and Sharon saw that the front door was ajar. Sharon rang the bell but there was no answer. They heard singing coming from another room so Sharon called out "Hello," but again there was no answer. On the next try, the singing stopped and the housekeeper came into the foyer. When Sharon showed her her badge, they were invited in.
Seated in the living room, Brenda asked, "Is Mr. Petrie here?"
"No, Senora. He packed some clothes and left a few minutes ago. He was in a big hurry."
"Do you know where he was going?" Sharon asked.
"No, Senora, I don't. He didn't say nothing to me."
"That's an unusual perfume you're wearin," Brenda observed. "Kinda spicy."
"Oh, no. That's Mr. Petrie's cologne. Not mine," the housekeeper smiled.
"Well, it's very distinctive."
"Mr. Petrie, he wears it all the time. He loves it."
"It lingers, doesn't it? Well, thank you for your time, ma'am," Brenda said as she and Sharon rose and left the mansion.
"That cologne isn't enough to get us a warrant but he's definitely our guy," Brenda said once they were back in the car.
"I'll call Detective Sykes and tell her to get started setting up the surveillance on the cabin," Sharon replied.
Just as Brenda was telling Fritz about the plan that she and Sharon had devised, the phone rang.
"Hi, Clay. Fine. How are you? That's good. Here she is," and he handed the phone to Brenda.
"Hi, Daddy. I'm glad you called. There's been a change in plans. My boss is sendin me to trainin so I won't be able to fly to Atlanta next month. I'm sorry, Daddy, but it can't be helped. Remember, I'm new at this job so I have to attend a lot of trainin. Yes, I'll let you know when I can come again. I love you too. Bye."
As she hung up the phone and returned to the table she said, "Well, he took that better than I thought he would. I guess that's a good sign."
Fritz raised an eyebrow and asked, "Training?"
"Well, I couldn't tell him you're bein indicted for murder and racketeerin, now could I? Besides, he took it really well. If I had told him the truth he would have been on the first plane out here. And then he would have been demandin our complete attention. Is that what you want?"
Fritz took her hand. "Not now, I don't. But your father still needs you, honey."
"Oh, I know. But right now you need me more," she smiled at him.
"Well, I like this plan," Fritz said turning back to Brenda's notes. "I think it just might work. And I especially like the fact that you won't be on the scene." Fritz was smiling but Brenda could tell that he was still worried.
"No. I think you're right about him recognizin me and I don't want him to realize that I know anythin about his hideout until we have Mr. Petrie in custody."
Later, in bed, Brenda turned to Fritz and kissed him lightly. When there was no response, she kissed him again as she caressed his face.
"Honey, I'm sorry. This whole thing has thrown me for a loop. I'm just not in the mood," he said.
"I know. It's ok. But I want to love on you, anyway. I figure when you're feelin this awful that you need to know how much I love you," she said softly as she continued kissing him.
Finally, he returned her kisses so she whispered, "And if you know how much I love you, you also know that I won't rest until the man doin this to you is caught." She continued her kisses and caresses.
"I know, sweetheart. And do you have any idea how much you mean to me?" he asked softly.
"You show me every day that you love me."
When he heard that, he sighed and said, "I don't know what I would do if you weren't in my life."
As he closed his eyes Brenda was thinking the same thing. She settled her head on his chest and held him tight.