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Chapter Thirteen:

Nearly two weeks before the trial, West and Darnel reported to Carlota. She was zipping up her blue evening dress when they arrived.

"Hot date?" Darnel asked.

"Mayoral Ball, I hate them," she said. "Where are we on the case?"

"The Texas Ranger won't talk," Darnel said. "He's seen what case is doing to Reid's life and wants no part of it."

Carlota sighed. "What about the other victim we tracked down in Houston?"

"The judge won't talk either for the same reasons," West said.

She noticed the newspaper on her desk. The headline was: "Fellow Agent Doubts Reid's Story."

"I know," Carlota said. "They guy is now claiming they made threats against his family."

"It's hard to tell who to believe in that story," Darnel said.

"Next week Monday, the trial will be two weeks away," Carlota said. "It's time to get our hands a little dirty."

"What are you proposing?" Darnel asked.

"You know Lowell and Corter? She asked.

"The big, scary-looking, detectives in Narcotics?" West said. "Everyone does."

"We know Chris Merrin is our leak in tech," she said. "Merrin is a weasel. It should not take much to break him. Ask Lowell and Corter to take Merrin for a ride in their trunk."

"I love the idea, Captain," Darnel said.

"I don't resort to dirty tricks unless I have to," Carlota said. "We have three victims of this lunatic trio. I have a feeling there are more."

"I like the trunk idea too," West said. "But if we're going to break some rules why not break a few more?"

"I'm listening," she said.

"We clue the weasel in on our investigation and have him hack for us for a lighter sentence."

"I like that idea too," Darnel said.

"I want all this done in two days," she said as she checked her face in a pocket mirror.

"Let's hunt a weasel," West said.

…

Reid adjusted his tie nervously. He was meeting with Director Fickler. It couldn't be good.

"Dr. Reid," the secretary said. "You can head on in."

He stood up and went into Fickler's office.

"Take a seat Dr. Reid," Fickler said.

Reid sat down and Fickler stared at him.

"Did you stage your own rape?" he asked.

"No," he said firmly.

"Did you in any way lie to authorities during your sexual assault investigation?"

"No," he said.

"Did you conceal your drug addiction from your superiors?"

"Briefly."

"Dr. Reid, your lapse in judgement has put a spotlight on the agency in the worst way imaginable."

"I was cleared of any wrong-doing by the previous administration," as his voice grew louder.

"But not mine," Fickler said. "Your little trips to Mexico have revealed a pattern of poor judgement your team has worked hard to conceal. I am sorry, but your services are no longer needed at the FBI."

Reid gasped. "But I went through counseling!"

"Let me be perfectly clear: I have been getting pressure from every direction to terminate you. I can't go outside and get the paper at my house without the media hounding me for your head."

"So, you're bending to them?" he said.

"Watch your tone," he said. "Your personal belongings will be packed and sent to your home address. If you have any further questions you may speak with Jen Stevens from our HR department. Security will escort you out of the building."

The door opened and two agents stepped forward.

"It was a pleasure," he said in a dry tone.

He turned off his phone when he left. There was a huge flock of media waiting for him at the entrance. Reid carefully drove around them, and they pursued him. He managed to lose most of them on the highway and then wove his way around until he found a small discreet strip mall.

"How can I help you?" the hair stylist asked. "Oh, you're that—"

"I'll pay you fifty bucks not to finish that sentence in addition to what you charge. I want my hair cut and died a darker color. Understood?"

The woman nodded.

"Let's get started," she said.

…

"Corter and Lowell are mad that they had to wash out the trunk afterwards," Darnel said.

"Like that's the first time that has happened," Carlota said sarcastically and sat back.

Her eyes lit up and she opened the door to her office. Spencer Reid appeared with shorter dark hair.

"How can I help?" he asked.