Then there was other equipment including various communication systems from satellite to video conferencing. What he’d set up inside his house was a war room for a military operation. The only indication the oversized space was a home, which had to be at minimum thirty by thirty in dimension, was the bar in the corner.
I stood in the doorway, shifting a slow gaze from one corner of operations to another.
“I never fully appreciated the fact you enjoy playing with fire. Here I thought you were Mr. Goody-two-shoes.”
Kendrick laughed first. “Then you truly don’t know what he’s capable of, Chase. He’s like a volcano under that cool exterior.”
“I guess I don’t know you,” he confirmed. “However, I don’t think being a volcano is a bad attribute to have. Make yourself a drink. At this point, I think we all need one.”
He wasn’t wrong. While Jacob’s visit had been unexpected, it certainly had pushed me further into accepting what Raven Intel was prepared to do could save lives.
“Did you hear about the juror?” I asked.
“I heard the news on the way over.” Kendrick groaned. “Terrible thing, but exactly what we anticipated.”
“It certainly didn’t take the bastard long.” Chase rolled his eyes. “How long has he been out, days?”
“Doesn’t take them long to begin acting on their need for revenge,” I gritted out. “Did the press connect the dots?”
Kendrick shook his head. “Not yet, but with the notoriety Jones’ release has received, they will soon. Before you ask, Jones is being brought in for questioning. That much I heard from a buddy of mine on the police department.”
“Nothing will stick. There was no evidence found. There won’t be.” I allowed the information to sink in.
“If that goddamn list hadn’t been leaked, maybe the juror would still be alive,” Chase muttered, swearing under his breath.
“What the fuck?” Maverick huffed. “Are you kidding me?”
“No, the DA admitted that himself. There’s a mole in his operation that needs to be found.”
“Why don’t you let me see what I can find,” Gabriel suggested from across the room. “I can fly under the radar given my position as a judge.”
“Good,” I told him. At this point, I could use all the help I could get if I wanted to try to send Jones back to prison.
“Now, what happened today?” he continued.
“Our boy here had a visit from the Undertaker and decided to keep him on a short leash instead of contacting the police.” Chase headed to one of the computers while I moved toward the bar.
“What the fuck did he want?” Kendrick pushed.
“To warn me.” I glanced at Maverick, who was hiding a grin behind his glass of scotch.
“You mean threaten,” Gabriel corrected.
“He did so eloquently, at least for a cockroach.” I poured a double shot of whiskey as I mulled over what if anything of real substance Jones had said during his visit.
“I am curious. Why hone in on you? I would think the prosecuting attorney or the witness you’re so fond of would be tops on his agenda.” Kendrick asked, chiding me just as I turned away from the bar.
“I have a theory he was sent by James Worthington.” I glanced at Maverick, lifting my eyebrows.
“Well, shit,” Chase said. “Good thought.”
“Fascinating and I bet you’re right. Killing a judge would bring the level of heat down that could expose Worthington’s corruption. Plus, given our escapade last night, all the evil parties involved likely wanted a confirmation you’ve crossed the line,” Maverick stated in a way that had both Gabriel and Kendrick confused.
Gabriel huffed. “Worthington has been lording his authority over everyone the last few years. Time to dump his ass in a vatof acid. However, do one of the three of you want to fill Kendrick and me in on what the fuck are you two cooking up over there? You’re not sharing everything.”
“Are you going to tell them, or should I?” Chase was having way too much fun with this.
“Valentina Sciascia, aka Jane Smith, the lone witness paid me a visit. She was terrified because she’d had several incidents where she felt threatened.”
