“I’m calling Griff,” he said, rising to his feet.
“Who?” Lauren frowned.
“Griffin Flannery, he’s an FBI agent from Wyoming.” He lifted a hand when she started to speak. “I know he probably doesn’t know much about the FBI agents from Chicago, I just want to talk to him.”
“Okay, lunch will be ready soon.”
He stepped into the living room to make the call. He had to think for a moment about the number. He knew the Sullivans memorized each other’s phone numbers for situations just like this. After a moment, he heard Griff’s voice on the other end of the line. “Hello?”
“Griff, it’s Grady McFarland. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”
“Absolutely. What’s going on? I don’t think anyone has damaged your house since before Christmas.”
“I wouldn’t know, I’m doing a job in Chicago, but am currently in the small town of Fullerton, Wisconsin.”
“That’s interesting. What do you need from me?”
He was impressed Griff didn’t push for details. He quickly filled Griff in on the kidnapping attempt of Ariel Turner, then the multiple shootings that had sent them out of state. “Our problem now is that I’m not sure who we can trust. How easy is it to track a car through the tollway system? It’s the only way I can think of that anyone could have found our location so quickly.”
“The tollway system is accessible by law enforcement, not private citizens. Although having worked now for the past two months with Kendra’s new husband, Dominic, I’m sure a hacker could get in easily enough,” Griff said. “That doesn’t fit the profile of your typical kidnapper.”
“Yeah, I agree, they don’t typically shoot at penthouse windows and cars either.” Grady paused, then added, “I need help tracking a few names.”
“I can do that.” When Grady gave him the names of their current suspect, Joe O’Neil along with the names of Nelson and Bobby to expand on his ability to search for additional family members, Griff spelled them out to make sure he had them correct. “Do you also want me to touch base with the FBI in Chicago?”
“That would be great.” Grady searched his memory for a moment. “I believe Lauren spoke to a David Braun. We’ve also been in contact with Detective Kramer and a Lieutenant Olson from the Chicago PD. Nobody knows we’re in Fullerton, though. So don’t let that information out.”
“I’ll keep your location confidential,” Griff promised. “And let me see what I can do with these names. Are they all from Chicago?”
“As far as I know, yes. Nelson and Bobby were in a fraternity together at Loyola University.”
“That will help me narrow it down.” Griff sounded thoughtful. “Anything else I can do?”
“When you reach out to the FBI agent from Chicago, ask if he’s been kept informed of the recent shooting attempts against Lauren and Lucy. I want to be sure the local police are doing their part in this.”
“Not a problem,” Griff said. “If this David Braun wants to talk to you and Lauren, can I give him this number?”
“Yes, that works. And thanks, Griff. I owe you one.”
“Nope, you’ve helped the Sullivans over the past year when they were in trouble. This is the least I can do. I’ll be in touch.” With that, Griff ended the call.
Feeling better, Grady pocketed his phone and headed into the kitchen. Seeing the black electrical tape sitting on the counter, he remembered he needed to head outside to alter the license plates.
“Are you ready to eat?” Lauren set a plate of sandwiches to the table.
“Sure.” He reached over to close the laptop, pushing it aside to make room. When Lauren and Lucy were both seated, he dropped into his chair, cleared his throat, and said, “I, um, would like to say grace.”
Lauren flashed a startled glance at him, but then she nodded. “Of course. Lucy, fold your hands together like this.” She demonstrated for her daughter.
“Why?” Lucy asked, doing what she was told.
“Because we’re going to thank God for our blessings.” He wasn’t used to praying out loud, but having been around the Sullivans for years, he was no stranger to how it was done. “Dear Lord Jesus, we ask You to bless this food we are about to eat. We also ask that You keep us all safe in Your care as we seek the truth. Amen.”
“Amen,” Lauren echoed. She looked pointedly at Lucy until her daughter added, “Amen.”
“There, now that we’ve said grace, we can dig into our meal.” He grinned and took a big bite of his sandwich. He was glad Lauren and Lucy had participated in the prayer.
With the danger surrounding them, he knew they needed God’s protection now more than ever.
