“Payment upon delivery.” Drew mumbled to himself. He started pacing, a finger tapping his chin as he though. “For someone like Sykes not to take payment up front meant he knew they were good for the money.”
“He didn’t trust them that much if Sykes was doing an auction behind their back.” Jack scoffed then looked at Shay and sobered. “But someone that doesn’t want to risk being caught on camera.” Jack said. “Which means they won’t give up.”
“The police station was proof of that.” Drew touched the side of his rib. The spot was still tender but healing nicely.
“What if I used myself as bait?” Shay suggested looking around at everyone. “My kidnapper would reveal themselves and you guys would apprehend them.” She smiled like it was a brilliant plan.
“Absolutely not.” Drew denied. She would not allow herself within one hundred feet of her kidnapper.
“It’s my decision to make.” Her eyes narrowed on him showing her irritation of being told what to do. “It’s my life.”
She could be angry at him all she liked. He preferred her anger over being dead. “It is, but after what these guys just went through, no. You don’t know they wouldn’t have their own trap just waiting for you.” He strove to keep his voice calm. When it came to Shay though he couldn’t be calm. He cared about her, more than just a witness. It wasn’t just the fact they’d be intimate. He cared about her on a deeper level. The thought of any harm coming to her made him see red.
“I have to agree with Drew on this.” Greg spoke up. Shay’s head whipped around, her eyes full of hurt and betrayal. They weren’t trying to be mean. They wanted to keep her safe.
“He’s right, Shay.” Jack added. Barry didn’t say anything but nodded his agreement. At least they all had his back on this.Not that he should have expected different. They’d always had his back. Ever since this team was formed. Everyone had each other’s back. No matter what.
“But I want to help.” Shay’s voice cracked like she was holding back a sob. Her eyes beseeched his. Trying to get him to relent. Not on this he wouldn’t.
“And you are.” He quickly assured her. More than she realized she already was. Identifying targets had been a tremendous help. It would have taken longer for them to analyze everyone’s face and cross reference with staff rosters and known drug personnel. “Making yourself bait isn’t the way to do it. Finding Billy and Sykes would help. You figured out the property tonight was Sykes’. I’m sure you could find him too.”
The man had to own multiple properties and he most likely anagrammed his name again. Shay would be able to find it.
Shay blossomed like a flower in spring. “I can do that.”
“How did you do that?” Greg inquired as Shay turned back to the tablet.
Shay licked her lips before answering. “I studied property law in school. So I looked up who owned the land. It’s listed under Flamkeyes Industry.” Drew could see his teammates didn’t connect the dots like him either. So Shay had to further explain. “Flam is part of the name of his club. Flamingo Club. Keyes is an anagram of Sykes.”
“Well I’ll be.” Jack whistled leaning back in his seat. “I never would have put two and two together.”
“None of us would have.” He said looking pointedly at Shay. If it hadn’t been for her research and quick thinking tonight would have ended much differently.
Shay met his gaze. A blush stained her cheeks but she didn’t look away. If they didn’t have an audience, he might be tempted to kiss her.
Someone cleared their throat and the moment was broken.
Shay blinked several times then turned to address Barry. “Do you have the list of staff members?”
“Yeah,” He pulled out his phone from his side pant pocket. He hit a couple of buttons and slid it across the table to her. Her head darted back and forth from the phone screen and the tablet.
“This might take me awhile.” Shay admitted. Her eyes darted to the screen and the long list of names and properties.
Drew knew it was going to be like finding a needle in a haystack, but he had every confidence she would find him. “Just do what you can.”
“You know, finding where Sykes is, is only half the problem. We’re still no closer to figuring out who’s behind all of this.” Jack said standing up and started pacing.
“Well, the police are out and everyone at the auction.” Barry said standing up to go to the kitchen and get himself a glass of water.
It didn’t exactly narrow down the suspect list but it helped. The kidnapper hadn’t been there when the fire started because the cameras had still been rolling.
“What about the cameras outside? There had to be something on during the blanks.” Drew asked, desperate for answers. Frustration was clawing at him from the inside. This wasn’t the first difficult case he’d ever worked, but he couldn’t shake the feeling time was against them.
“Like I said all the cameras were off.” Jack reiterated, throwing his hands up in frustration. He didn’t look happy about the missing footage.
“What about nearby buildings?” Shay suggested stopping her typing to look up at them. “There are several businesses nearby. Someone is sure to have a security camera outside.There’s also a traffic light not far away.” Her voice trailed off when everyone stopped and stared at her. She bit her lip as if she were afraid, she’d said something wrong. “Never mind, sorry I said anything.”
Jack’s eyes widened in surprise. Drew knew the feeling. He hadn’t even thought of that. Drew could kiss her, she was a genius. “No, that’s great. I’ll look into it.” Jack got that giddy look on his face again. “I’ll head home to look. I’ll be in touch.” He didn’t spare them another glance as he walked out the front door.
