“Eric Dana doesn't know me, and neither does Steven Millard, but you do. You know what I can get done. I don't have to prove that to you, do I?” A large department seal loomed over us in the hall. I took a step to the side so Tunney wouldn't be looking up at it.

    “Very funny,” he said.

    “Come on, Al. Two families have died already. Doesn't that mean anything?”

    Then Tunney said a really odd thing. “Not as much as you might think. There are other monsters.”

    My escort called over from the intersection in the corridor. “Detective Cross? This way?”

    “One second.” I turned back to Tunney again. “Ellie Cox was a dear friend. Nicole Cox was thirteen. Clara was six. James ten. The four Ahmed kids? All younger than twelve. They didn't just die, Al. Their heads were cut off. Whoever did it is on a par with Hannibal Lecter. Only this is real.”

    “I know the case by heart,” he said. “I've got it.”

    “You have kids, right? I've got three. Damon, Jannie, and Ali. What about you?”

    “Jesus.” Tunney shook his head at me. “You got mean somewhere along the way.”

    “Not mean, Al. I'm trying to solve some horrific murders. Something tells me the trail might go to Africa. Is that true?”

    I could tell he was close to giving me something. I put a hand on his shoulder and ratcheted down my tone a little. “I'm not asking for any deep agency secrets. I'm talking about existing police business. In my own jurisdiction. At least for now.”

    Tunney looked down at the floor tile for a few seconds, then over at my escort, then back at the floor. Without looking up, he said, “There's been some talk about a deal going down. We got this from the FBI. Service Plaza in Virginia. Chantilly, Virginia. Might be your guy. You'd be within your rights to intercept.”

    “What kind of deal?”

    Tunney didn't answer. He put out his hand, with a smile broad enough for the escort to see. His voice rose just a notch. “It was good seeing you again, Alex. And say hello to Bree for me. Like I said, I know this case by heart. It is horrific. Boy shot your friend. And please remember this, we're still the good guys, Alex. No matter what you might read or see in the movies.”