“What’s going on?”
Jane glanced around before quietly filling in Grace on Dan Simmons’ death and why she thought it might have something to do with some of the people she worked with. She kept her voice low. “It doesn’t make any sense. Anyone with half a brain has to know our target alertedsomeonewhen they left, yet no one reported it until we found Dan. The task force is looking into it now, but it makes no sense.” She puzzled over it. “It has to be someone in the know.”
Grace understood. She nodded. “So you want a background check on some of your buddies. Especially the big boss, am I right?”
“Exactly. He’s fishy. Which is great if you’re at J J’s Fishhouse, but not so great in the office.” She was suddenly reminded of SSA Scott’s fancy cologne.
She much preferred the smell of fish.
The server dropped off their food, and Grace dug into her fish and chips while Jane inhaled her clam chowder. They ate in silence, both apparently famished.
Grace glanced up, looking serious. “I’ll do some digging. Carefully. I’ll let you know if I find anything.”
Jane nodded. She grabbed a list of names from her pocket and slid it across the table. “These in particular. I don’t want to think it’s any of them, but after what happened, and with any one of them being able to access my computer to send those emails, I can’t be sure.”
Grace tucked the note into her jacket and cleaned her plate of the last fry. “Man. Wait until I tell Ralph I ate here today. He’s going to lose his mind.”
“Because he’s jealous you ate with me and not him?” Grace’s husband had always treated her like a little sister.
“Because he knows he can cook anyone under the table when it comes to seafood. And now he’ll be dying to prove it again to me.” Grace’s eyes sparkled. “This is guaranteeing me some fine meals for the next week at least.” She paused. “And speaking of losing their minds, how is that finer than fine uncle of yours? And his friends? Any of them in town and planning to visit us at the office? Chris can stop by for any reason. Any at all.”
“Aren’t you married?” Jane’s uncle had a way about him. A hard-case, but a handsome one…according to every woman he’d ever met.
“Married, honey, not dead.” Grace wiped her lips with her napkin. “So, any of them back in town?”
“A few are coming back for the holidays. But I don’t think I’ll be seeing my uncle until the new year.”
“Pity. I used to love when he’d come to visit.”
“Yeah, because he’d always get me in trouble with my superiors—you especially—for one reason or another.”
Grace chuckled. “That man has a gift.” Her smile faded. “But Jane, your situation is no joke. You need to clear your name. OPR will do their best, but when it comes to a solid defense, there’s no one who knows you better than you.”
“Scott told me to stay out of the investigation.” At Grace’s knowing silence, Jane nodded. “But of course I won’t.”
Grace’s phone buzzed, and she took it out of her pocket to glance at it. “Shoot. I need to head back.”
Jane waved her away. “Go on. I’ve got lunch. I appreciate your help.” She stood to hug her friend then watched her walk away. She sat and finished her meal, contemplating her next steps.
She’d contacted her Poulsbo connection for help, so the investigation into the Seattle field office was underway. Nowwhere should she go? Back to Seattle to talk to her CIs again? Or maybe return to the surveillance area? The Mazzucas hadn’t just vanished into thin air.
Maybe a discussion with one of her CIs she hadn’t yet tapped might help. Her guy always knew what was going on around him. If anyone knew where the Mazzucas had gone, he would know. But his help wasn’t cheap.
Her phone buzzed, distracting her.
She chuckled at the text.Destruction and the Toy have returned. Hide the women and children. But get your sorry self home, brat.
Team Ten was in the house. And just in time for the holidays.
Time to make merry and bright…and hide the good silver before the terrifying duo destroyed it during shooting practice.
CHAPTER FOUR
On the ranch,the main home, a six-thousand square foot house, had been professionally decorated to soothe men needing a break from a grueling, dangerous job. Riverstone and steel covered the exterior, the curb appeal ideal for anyone wanting a rustic escape from city life.
Inside, appointed with rich, leather furniture, hardwood floors, and stainless-steel appliances, the mansion could easily have belonged to some millionaire bachelor fond of dark wood and cowhide.
The backyard held a gated pool with a hot tub, as well as a large outbuilding, in which a weapons range had been stationed. The range’s basement held a mini-armory, ballistic-resistant concrete walls, protected ceilings, and several five-foot wide lanes a good seventy-five feet long or more. The true jewel of the compound, according to their weapons expert.
