Connor took one step after him, but Stacy tugged him back toward the road. “Let’s go,” she said.
This time, Connor ended up in the front passenger seat with George in the back. No one said anything until they were on the main road leading back toward the resort. “That was certainly interesting,” Stacy said.
“How about criminal?” Connor asked. “Or even terrifying. He practically admitted he needed me to help with those explosives.”
“He implied a lot, but he didn’t admit anything,” George said.
“He’s certainly interested in you,” Stacy said. “I was right to think you would be the perfect way to get close to these people.”
“Why can’t you arrest him now?” Connor asked. “Before he does something to hurt people. I mean, the whole plot to impede skiers during one of the busiest weekends of the season ought to be enough to file criminal charges. People could be seriously hurt, even killed, by such a reckless plan.”
“He was careful not to give specific instructions,” Stacy said. “And he emphasized they don’t want to hurt anyone. And asking about your work experience is a long way from saying he has the explosives or that he wants to use them.”
“He said he couldn’t say anything about the theft of those cast boosters,” Connor said. “That’s not the same as being surprised or alarmed by the theft. Maybe he can’t say because doing so could land him in jail.”
“It definitely sounds like they’re aiming to make a big splash for MLK weekend,” Stacy said.
“Doesn’t he realize he’s going to be the prime suspect in anything that goes wrong?” Connor asked.
“We can suspect people all day long,” Stacy said. “But without proof that will stand up in a court of law, we can’t do anything to stop them. Maybe Shane thinks he’s so clever he won’t leave any evidence behind.”
“Or maybe his belief that he’s right and the resort is wrong overrides everything else,” George said.
“I don’t really care what he believes or doesn’t believe,” Stacy said. “We’ve got to find out his plans and put a stop to them.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem with Shane so keen to enlist Connor.” George leaned forward from the back seat. “All youhave to do is agree to a meeting when Shane calls. We’ll wire you up, get the conversation on tape, and we’ll know everything.”
“Dad, how long were you with the Bureau?” Stacy asked.
“Thirty years, eight months and thirteen days,” George said.
“In all that time, did you ever know a case to be resolved that easily?” she asked.
“No. And I didn’t say this one would be easy, either. That’s what we can hope will happen, but in reality, when Connor meets with Shane, you and I will be lurking somewhere nearby, listening in and ready to intervene if necessary.”
“Who says I’m even going to meet with this guy?” Connor asked. “I don’t want anything to do with a possible terrorist. I’m not the federal agent here. I’m not even a retired federal agent.”
“You’re the one with the expertise Shane wants,” Stacy said. “You’re the one he wants to talk to. If you didn’t plan to help me, why did you even come tonight? And don’t give me that throwaway line about watching me argue with Dad.”
“Stacy and I don’t argue,” George said. “She may object to what she sees as interference, but she eventually realizes I’m her best ally in any situation.”
“Inthissituation, Connor is my best ally,” Stacy said.
“I’m a ski patroller,” Connor said. “I just want to do that job and leave the skullduggery to other people.”
“If you don’t help us, a lot of people might end up hurt or killed,” Stacy said.
“It’s your job to stop them,” he said. “I reported the theft of the explosives—the rest is up to you.”
“Shane already knows who you are and what you do,” George said. “If you don’t help him, he might decide to target you.”
Connor turned to scowl at him. “Why would he?”
“Because he’s already said enough to make you suspicious. He was pretty sure he could convert you to the cause or he wouldn’t have said that much.”
Connor folded his arms across his chest. “I don’t know how he would have gotten that idea.”
“Probably from your little speech about your dislike of corporate politics,” Stacy said. “You made a believer out of me.”
