Lethal Beauty

XXXVI - Treachery

Delbert Northwood with his partner Judiel Nyman landed in a small town on the lake shore of Lake Vattern, called Vadstena. This town was known for its medieval castles, abbey, churches, and old houses. This was also the place chosen by the department heads of the EHPU to have their annual gathering. Pretty convenient since they have a case waiting for them in Trollhättan.

"Carlisle said we'll meet the agents assigned specifically in this case that might be linked to a killing spree in Rome," Judy reminded him as they went inside the vehicle assigned to take them to their hotel. "God, I hope this isn't a waste of time."

"Like with Dr. Bernadette Harris?" Delbert grinned at her and she scowled in return. "Hey, it wasn't a complete waste of time. We know she's working on a project for the government prior to getting murdered. Possibly a big one involving the House of Elders."

"You're the one who told me not to point fingers."

"I wasn't pointing fingers, I said POSSIBLY. I'm not ruling out anything. Why do you always have the wrong perception of me?"

"I don't know. Maybe because you're an asshole?"

Delbert was bemused as he stared at her. "No one has ever said that to me before."

"Maybe not in your face."

The hotel location where they would stay and where the gathering would be held offered a view of the lake just outside the front door and the famous abbey adjacent to the hotel. Both agents were tired but they realized the moment they arrived that before they could rest in their rooms, they had to meet the agents working on a case in Trollhättan.

Stell Lundgren was taller than the two with blonde hair and vibrant hazel eyes while Leif Alström was more solemn, brunette with dark brown eyes and a little rough on the edge. Both were young, lively, and new to the force.

"Delbert Northwood, I've heard so much about you. Delighted to meet you." Stell gestured to the older detective with his hand extended. Although he had a firm handshake, they had also taken note of his almost childish enthusiasm and could tell that he was more interested in the history behind the case.

"I hope it's all nice," Delbert said and the younger laughed.

"You must be the beautiful Judiel Sheila Nyman?"

"Call me Judy," she answered with a smile. If she was any flattered by the praise, she played it coolly.

"Judy. Pleased to meet you. This is my partner, Leif."

Leif only nodded his head and smiled at the two senior detectives. Between the two, one needs to work extra hard to elicit a longer response from this man.

The two younger detectives were more than eager to accompany them to the banquet hall where agents of the EHPU gathered to have their breakfast. Delbert saw Carlisle but didn't approach their superior when he found him socializing with high-ranking officers.

Their table was served the usual traditional breakfast meal in the country consisting of cereal or muesli with a buttermilk-like product and yogurt, mixed with dried fruits and nuts. Delbert had always welcomed fine cuisine from other parts of the world while Judy couldn't have breakfast without her white wine in the morning.

As soon as they were settled and started eating their food, they didn't waste time discussing the case. The young agents were fine with this and informed both the senior officers about their findings from the beginning.

"You sent us the photos from the crime lab the other day," Delbert dabbed his mouth with a napkin, then took a sip of his brewed coffee. "Fascinating case."