“That’s more proof Dorland’s involved, though,” Ken said. “Right? Russians abducted you both? He’s working with Russians? That’s gotta be more than a coincidence. I mean, abducting anyone during the search for Faegan obviously derails that. Dorland could be feeding the Russians info to help Faegan.”
“We don’t know for certain if the Russians were the abductors or if that’s a convenient location for their lab,” Peyton said. “Yes, it’s strong circumstantial evidence, but I don’t want to make a rash decision and later learn we didn’t decapitate the snake.”
“We need out-of-the-box thinking,” Trevor said.
Ken, who sat cross-legged on the floor, leaned back and closed his eyes. “I have an idea, but I’m not sure anyone will like it.”
“Spill it,” Peyton said.
He didn’t open his eyes, trying to picture each part as a gear to fit into place in the larger plan. “We’re assuming Ray and Faegan are working together. We’re assuming Faegan has a direct connection with the lab operation. We’re assuming at least two disappearances—including Jake—are tied directly to Ray. And we now know Ray is involved with Russians. You were abducted after a fake tip was called in about Faegan. Meaning likely Ray orchestrated that. We also have someone in the Segura cartel’s orbit who won’t stop poking around the circumstances surrounding Manuel’s disappearance.”
“And?” Peyton asked.
Ken opened his eyes. “I say we bait Miranda Segura to meet with a Russian. See what she has to pitch. If it’s info about us, then we know and can deal accordingly. If she’s trying to offload the cartel, we can use that as an inroad to Ray Dorland.”
Trevor scrubbed his face. “I’m sorry, Ken, but I’m not following. How do we get one of the Russians to work with us?”
“We don’t,” Peyton said, pointing at Jake. “We bring our own.”
“Exactly,” Ken said.
Jake finally processed what they were saying and nodded. “You tell me what to do and I’ll do it. Whatever you need so we can get these goddamned fuckers.”
Finally, Peyton ordered everyone to call it quits for the night. Those who arrived in the helo departed in it for Trevor’s home.
Jake had spoken very little since the discovery of the note and the revelation about the bank account in Australia.
When they reached Trevor’s, Jake didn’t speak to anyone. He snagged a bottle of scotch off the wet bar on his way upstairs to his room, where he closed the door.
Ken turned to Peyton, who looked grim. “I shouldn’t have said anything to him. What if I’m wrong?”
Peyton laid a hand on his shoulder. “Ken, what if you’re right? Unfortunately, I have a strong suspicion that maybe you are. Maybe you don’t understand, but that was a huge break.”
“How?”
“Because it gives us a concrete tie between Faegan and Ray Dorland,” Trevor wearily said. He headed for the wet bar and poured himself a glass of sherry. “My people are running down the details now, but I suspect we’ll find a transfer was made from a business holding of Faegan’s to a business holding of Dorland’s.”
Trevor’s mobile rang and he groaned before looking at the screen and answering it. “Trevor Clarke.” He rubbed his forehead with his free hand as he listened to the caller. “Right,” he said after a moment. “Forward me all of that, please. Thanks.” He hung up and set his phone on the bar, picked up his glass, and downed the contents in one gulp while reaching for the sherry bottle.
“Confirmation of the transaction?” Hamish asked.
Trevor shook his head. “No. My people tracked down the most likely suspect for Frannie.” He looked at Hamish. “Rather, her family. They all ‘died’ at the same time in a bombing blamed on Irish separatists at the time. Coincidentally, it corresponds with the time period Hyacinth’s, I mean Frannie’s, memories begin. Frannie was listed as one of the deceased, but the damage was so great, they buried the family in a mass grave because… Well, because.” He refilled his glass. “There were no survivors in the house.” He tossed back that glassful, too.
“Fuuuuck me,” Ken said.
“What are the chances that some of the violence the British government blamed on the IRA and others in the past was actually Faegan’s bullshit?” Peyton asked.
Trevor looked grim. “I’m starting to suspect quite a bit.”
Chapter Sixty-Two
Trevor
He still tried to wrap his head around the fact that Aisling had a mate bond with Tamsin and yet refused to claim her.
Not only that, but wanted the secret kept from her and them.
That blessedly thick-headed child.
