Rounding out the team’s assignments, Agent Morales will go with the SSA to question the victim’s next of kin.
Before dismissing us, Chase raises one finger in the air. “One last thing. No matter where your questioning takes you this morning, nobody steps foot onto that casino boat.”
I exchange bewildered looks with my peers. Seems like a huge ass lead for us to ignore. To be honest, I expected a few of us would start there.
Anticipating our reactions, she puts her palms up to cut off any bellyaching. “Yet. Before we go into another damn casino to question anyone—even witnesses—we need to iron out a strategy and have a backup plan. Preferably, a stack of warrants too. This murder changes things.”
Romero fans out his empty hands. “So we just pretend it isn’t relevant?”
Sheesh. He’s on a roll this morning. Or as Dad used to say, he’scruisin’ for a bruisin’.
The boss skewers Romero with a sharp glare. “This isn’t preschool, it’s the damn FBI. We don’t play pretend here. Do I need to find an assignment for you on the playground?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Good.” Her eyes flash with vindication. “We don’t ignore leads, especially this one. This is all about timing. Anything we do to tip off the crime ring could have big consequences for everyone involved in this shit. Innocent or not, lives are on the line.”
Chase shifts her death stare off Romero, letting her expression soften as she addresses us collectively. “This morning, I’ll touch base with our casino contacts for a status on their investigations. I expect their findings will direct us to the right people. Otherwise, we’re waiting to get more intel first so we can strategize. Cornered dogs bite. And the closer we get, the more heat they’ll feel. If we go in too soon, they’ll flee. Or kill someone else.” She looks around the room, her face cast in a stern warning that matches her words. “Anyone else unclear on the no-casino decree?”
Nobody speaks. FBI agents have a strong sense of self-preservation. With the exception of Hemsley and Romero, apparently, who seem to be a-okay with smarting off to our badass boss this morning. Their funeral.
“Good. Everyone, stay paired up for safety. You’re dismissed.”
As we all spring into action, SSA Chase blocks my path. “Hayes, hang back a minute.”
My gut sinks. I know what’s coming. She’s no doubt concerned I might have already tipped them off through my undercover-esqueassignment with Lila.
As soon as the trailer clears out with the exception of Hemsley and Carson, I jump in with my defense at the ready. “In my dealings with Ms. Kent, I didn’t imply we were getting especially close or have any firm suspects.”
“Good. I know her background and finances were clear when we checked earlier. It’s still entirely possible thisSilasguy tried to get close to her, but she rejected him, so he moved on to other targets like Dana Ross.” She shrugs, clicking her tongue. “But I trust your gut more since you have a history with her.”
Ironic. That’s exactly why Idon’ttrust my gut about Lila.Our history.
She presses on. “I understand you saw her again last night. How are you coming on determining her level of involvement? Can we clear her, or do we need to dig deeper?”
Fuck.
Thisis the question I’ve been dreading since I dropped Lila off last night. There’s no way I can give an honest answer and protect Lila.
“I haven’t confirmed either way yet.” After pausing for a mind-clearing breath, I add, “My gut says she’s using me to find out information about our investigation. Could be innocuous curiosity about a friend’s job or... something more.”
Her brows raise dramatically, deepening her forehead lines. “And have you told her anything I need to know about?”
“No. Nothing she can use. Just the number of cases and the fact that they’re spread across multiple states. Shit that’s already public. I did mention avaguecasino connection.Ifshe’s involved, I don’t think anything in our interactions would be a cue for the ring to close up shop and flee.”
“I hope you’re right. If she runs, you’ll be hunting her down.”
That order is unnecessary. If Lila runs, of course, I’ll chase her. Just like I’ve always been doing in one way or another.
Rather than saying any of that, I give my SSA a clipped nod. “Yes, ma’am.”
She pats my shoulder and starts moving us toward the door. “I’ll ask Oak Winds what they have on her today. Last I heard, they already knew blackjack profits were declining at an alarming rate, along with baccarat and craps. I’ll let you know what I find out. You do the same.”
“Will do.”
Before stepping out of the trailer, she tucks a pair of sunglasses on top of her head and says, “Be careful out there.”
On the job, I’m always careful.
