Sophie went on, emotion excised from her tone.“It’s likely the burglaries are connected to a succession dispute within the organization.Someone is trying to prove their worthiness to lead by acquiring artifacts of power.”
“Power?”Marcus’s skepticism was evident even through the digital connection.“We talking symbolic or literal?”
“Both,” Sophie said.“The stolen items aren’t random selections.It seems their strategy has been to pull me in, using the plumerias as a message.It’s possible the pieces may have significance to the organization’s mythology.”
Marcella straightened.“If this is confirmed Yam Khûmk?n activity, then this case now falls under federal jurisdiction.Specifically, the Terrorism Organization Incursion protocols.”
“Wait.”Marcus’s voice rose.“Marcella, this is my case.I’ve been working?—”
“Had been working,” his wife corrected gently.“Marcus, you know how this goes.The moment international terrorism organizations are confirmed as operating on U.S.soil, the FBI takes lead.This is no longer a burglary investigation.It’s a national security matter.”
“Message received,” Marcus said.“I’ll send my work product to the FBI office when you send confirmation.See you all later.”He disconnected abruptly, his window going dark as abruptly as a slammed door.
The silence that followed was awkward.“I’ll need access to all your files, too,” Marcella addressed Sophie.“And your source.We’ll need to verify?—”
“My source’s identity remains confidential,” Sophie said; of course she wanted to keep Connor’s name out of any FBI investigation.The enigmatic leader of the Yam Khûmk?n had tangled with all the federal agencies in the past.“But I can provide corroborating intel through secure channels.”
Lisette chose that moment to stand, stretch luxuriously, and resettle in Pierre’s lap, her tail flicking across the screen and drawing the women’s gazes.The feline interruption provided a distraction.
“I see you’ve got some feminine company,” Sophie said, her smile genuine for the first time.“Hullo, Lisette.”
The cat disappeared as she lay back down.Pierre stroked her silken fur, grateful for the excuse to look away from his screen.“Perhaps,” he suggested, “if these criminals are seeking specific artifacts, we can predict their next targets,non?What else might they make a play for?Perhaps set up a trap for them?”
He was offering Sophie an escape route from the direction of Marcella’s questioning, and from the flash of gratitude in her eyes, she knew it.“I’m working on that.There are several possibilities, both in private collections and public institutions.I’ll work with the curator of the Bishop who has been helping us and have a list of possible targets ready by tomorrow.”
“Good.”Marcella was typing, probably drafting the paperwork to process the case.The rapid click of her keys carried through the connection like hail hitting a window.“I’ll need a full briefing with our Special Agent in Charge once I’m officially assigned.I’ll have my office reach out to schedule it.”
Federal involvement meant more resources but also more scrutiny.More questions about Sophie’s role in the case.That was bound to be uncomfortable, given Connor’s history of operating in the shadows between legal and otherwise.
“One more thing,” Sophie said.“We need to consider protective details.Not just for the artifacts, but for people who might be leveraged.”The words carried weight beyond their surface meaning.
“You thinking the thief might escalate to kidnapping?”Marcella asked.
“The Yam Khûmk?n doesn’t hesitate to use any means necessary to reach its goals.If someone is desperate enough to challenge the current leadership, they won’t stop at theft,” Sophie said.
Current leadership.The lime in Pierre’s Perrier had gone bitter and the ice had melted to nothing as he finished the drink and filed that comment away.Another careful phrase that danced around Connor’s name like a waltz around a land mine.
“I’ll include threat assessments, then,” Marcella said.“I’m aware of the attempted breach at your house, Sophie.You must be thinking of your father, too, now that he’s retired and no longer has a Secret Service detail.”She made eye contact with each of them.“Pierre, I’m not sure we’ll have a role for you once I have official jurisdiction, but we’ll reconvene another time at least.Thank you both.”
The FBI agent’s window went dark, leaving Pierre and Sophie alone in the digital space.
“Well,” Pierre said after a moment, setting his empty glass on the coaster—always a coaster, small civilities—“that was illuminating.”
“Was it?”Sophie shook her head, and he could see her stress now that the official meeting was over.“I worry we’ll be squeezed out of the investigation entirely.Just when I’ve confirmed the faction is targeting me because it’s after Connor.”She sighed.“I can say his name now, but I’m going to do my best to keep it out of Marcella’s files.She’s my friend, but she’s ambitious.She might see this as a career-making case and bringing in someone like Connor would be ...”she didn’t finish.“Anyway, she’s never liked him.”
“Meanwhile, Marcus sees it as his wife stealing his investigation.”Pierre absently scratched behind Lisette’s ears, finding comfort in the simple pleasure of making another creature happy.“I hope their dynamic won’t complicate things.”
“I’ve dealt with complicated before.”Her smile was rueful.“The FBI has resources we’ll need.Marcella is competent.I trust her.”
“But?”He could hear a reservation she hadn’t voiced.
“But trust has limits when national security is involved.”She looked directly at him, and he felt the weight of her gaze.“Pierre, I may need ...help.If things go wrong.“
“You have it,” he said simply.“Always.”
“Thank you,mon ami.”Something had shifted in her expression—surprise, perhaps, or recognition.Of what, he couldn’t guess—because he didn’t want to wish for more.
After she ended the call, Pierre sat back, staring at the monitor.The apartment felt larger in the silence, empty in ways that had nothing to do with minimalist décor.Outside, someone was grilling on a hibachi, the smell of teriyaki mixing with charcoal—the perfume of urban Hawaii.
