THIRTY-SIX
The following morning Special Agent Derek Tripp phoned Brandon.
“I thought after what happened to you in that jail cell, you deserve to know where the investigation stands.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“Where can we meet?”
“We’re staying at the Broadmoor. Why don’t you come up to the suite?” Bran gave him the room number and directions.
Half an hour later Special Agent Tripp walked into the living room.
“Nice place.” His gaze took in the warm amber sofa and chairs, the manteled fireplace, ornate mahogany writing desk, and views of the mountains.
“Special Agent Tripp, this is Jason Maddox,” Jessie said. “A friend from Dallas.”
“Jase was marine spec ops,” Bran said. “He’s up to speed on what’s been going on. You don’t have to worry about what you say in front of him.” The men shook hands, then they all sat down.
Tripp jumped right in. “To begin with, the guard who opened your cell last night has been arrested. He’s been charged as an accessory in the murder of Wayne Conrad Coffman and also the attempted murder of Captain Brandon Garrett, retired.”
“Good to hear,” Bran said.
“He did it for money. So did the two men who attacked you. They, however, are members of the Aryan Brotherhood, which fits your suspicion they were following Edgar Weaver’s orders. Unfortunately, so far they aren’t talking.”
“If they do, they’ll be as dead as Coffman.”
“I’ve also had our computer team looking deeper into the offshore account in Colonel Kegan’s name. There’s a chance we’ll be able to find the person or persons who opened the account.”
Bran slid a look at Jessie.
“What about Mara Ramos and Ahmed Malik?” she asked.
“Out of my hands. They’re being interrogated by Counter-Terrorism.”
“And Holloway?” Bran asked.
“I shouldn’t tell you this, but we’re trying to get a warrant to search General Holloway’s office and residence.” He rose from the sofa. “I’m afraid that’s all I have for now.”
“Thank you, Special Agent Tripp,” Jessie said, walking the agent to the door. “We really appreciate everything you’re doing.”
“I’ll be in touch.” Tripp walked out and Jessie closed the door.
“This is starting to move pretty fast,” Bran said.
“About damn time,” Jessie said, making him smile.
He checked his watch. The afternoon had slipped away, and there was something he needed to do.
“Once this is over, Hawk and I will be heading back to Texas. I was hoping maybe you and I could talk about a few things before that happens.”
Jessie’s gaze met his. “Like what?”
Bran looked over her head to Maddox. “You won’t feel left out if I take Jessie to dinner at that fancy restaurant downstairs, will you?”
Maddox chuckled. “I’ll manage to console myself with a big steak dinner and an on demand movie right here.”
“We won’t be gone too long,” Bran said.
