“Yeah. Robby wanted Cassie to invest in a project. She blew him off, told him the idea wasn’t sound.”
“Thanks, boys.” Mike dropped cash on the table for the tab.
Martin scowled. “Fourth and Atlantic is a shithole. Do you think she’s there?”
Mike hit the Bluetooth as the security team initiated the tail on Burt and Kevin. “Go,” Kieran answered.
“Bynum Jr. has a place at Fourth and Atlantic. Want us to head there?” Martin asked.
A white flash ignited the sky, followed by the rumble of the ground. Martin and Mike jumped in their seats. “Patrol 1, target vehicle just exploded. No survivors. Multiple collateral injuries. Police and fire notified,” the report from the car following Burt and Kevin came.
“Base, did you hear that?” Mike stared at the smoky sky.
Kieran’s voice sounded shaky. “Roger, head to Fourth and Atlantic. We will acquire the exact address.”
* * *
Ian was more alert after his fifth cup of coffee. Brock Carpenter, head of the Chase legal department, sat beside him scanning paperwork. “Ian, she’s in a lot of trouble. EAF made at least one large overseas purchase per month or sponsored a show of new artists. Cassie authorized every customs tag. It also looks like millions of dollars were skimmed from EAF and deposited into foreign accounts—all at her behest.”
“She didn’t do it, Brock.”
“I need to ask: how well do you know her?”
Ian’s nostrils flared. “Brock, I hired you because you’re damn good at what you do. That is why I’m not going to rip your head off. Keep digging. Cassie didn’t do this. She was used.”
“My team will keep digging, but, as it stands, the evidence against Cassie is compelling,” Brock cautioned.
Javier walked in. “We just got a notification: Mark Devereaux reported a break-in at EAF, and a security guard admitted Cassie was in the building. Devereaux said she stole files and custom tags. He searched her office and provided the police with proof of multiple fraudulent transactions. He is pressing charges.”
“We need to get to her first. What was she driving?” Ian hung his head.
Javier said, “Two detectives and FBI are pulling the film. We know Cassie would never do what Devereaux is accusing her of, but combined with her faked death, a warrant was issued for her arrest.”
“Detective, I’d like to see the warrant when you get it.” Brock stood and opened the office door.
Kieran circled his finger in the air to catch his brother’s attention. “Excuse me.” Ian stepped from the room.
Kieran grasped Ian by the shoulders. “Don’t say another word. Caleb and Christian are going with Troy and Rich to pick up Devereaux. Just stay cool.”
Andy Blake joined them in the hall. “We heard from Fairfax PD. Noah’s car was found in Reston. No sign of Cassie. Javi and I are gonna take a look as guests. You and Noah can ride along if…”
“I know the deal. Touch nothing. Keep my mouth shut,” Ian promised. Kieran sent Tate, Julian, and Lincoln to follow the detectives in case they needed to get Ian out of there.
* * *
Cassie’s eyes were growing heavy. She needed to sleep. Outside again, she found the Jeep was gone. The neighborhood revealed the seedy underbelly of DC—drugs and prostitution.Stay safe.She shut out the discomfort to pay attention to her surroundings, remembering passing a motel about six blocks away.
Keeping to the shadows, she made it, out of breath and soaked with sweat, her leg throbbing and swollen. The threadbare room was clean and air-conditioned. After locking the door, she shoved a chair under the knob. The cold air combined with her wet clothing made her shiver.
Her stomach woke up again. The few fries she managed to eat fled her system. She broke her last pill in half, and after stripping off her sweaty clothes, she crawled into bed.
* * *
The Metro detectives entered a well-kept Reston neighborhood where Fairfax police officers had the area secured. Ian walked the perimeter of the car, praying for a clue. On his second circle, he spotted a piece of ignition wire. “She’s in another vehicle. Find out who is missing a car.” He was about to call Kieran when Tate pulled up in a Navigator.
“Get in.” Tate handed Ian his weapon. “We have a lead on a building—it’s a shitty neighborhood. The gun is for your protection. If you start acting crazy, Noah and I will take you out.”
Thirty minutes later, Ian cringed at the sight of the most dangerous area in DC. The thought of Cassie being there made him ill. Martin and Mike paced, waiting for their arrival, while Julian and Lincoln had found evidence of a break-in. After a fast search of the first floor, the seven men headed upstairs.
