It was poor prioritizing. A little subconscious avoidance thrown in as well. Reconnecting with Lila gave me an easy escape, enabling me to avoid the drama with Kenzie for as long as possible.
I don’t regret putting Lila’s safety first. But Idoregret not worrying more about Kenzie.
The only way I can fix it is to save her before the unimaginable happens.
My white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel loosens when Agent Carson’s incoming call rings through. “What do you have for me?”
“To alleviate any misguided worries you may have about leaving the guys in Cocoa, SSA Chase sounded the alarm to bring in reinforcement agents from other field offices. I need you tosafelydrive the rest of the way to Tampa without bringing any guilt with you. Got it?”
“Understood. And thank you.”
That was a good call by Chase, which doesn’t surprise me. She’s revered for a reason. Our SSA never cries wolf. So the bureau knows when she asks for help, they better fucking send it. Fast.
Knowing more agents are inbound helps me keep my panic in check. Our ten-person task force is spread thin. Likefirefighters, we go where the blaze is hottest, which so far, has been the Florida casinos. Our working theory is that STK only laid the foundation in casinos in the other states. Once they finish shutting down the Florida ring, they’ll redirect their efforts elsewhere.
Unless we stop them first. Which we will.
With her attempt to assuage my guilt handled, Carson pivots to tactics. “What’s your plan for Lila? Since they took your sister from the sidewalk in front of your building, they probably know Lila’s there. Should I send PD?”
“Not necessary. I heard back from her bodyguard right before you called. Reinforcements from Redleg are inbound. And they’ll be transporting Lila to the FO in the next few minutes.”
“That was quick.”
“I hate to say it, but they shifted into heightened protection mode and mobilized support faster than we can.”
“Well, I guess that’s why other law enforcement agencies are contracting with them. That’s the beauty of specialization and the lack of red tape. What’s Lila’s ETA?”
“I figured you’d be slammed, so I gave Romero’s number to Kri. She’ll coordinate with him for the handoff.”
“Excellent. Let’s move on. Regarding the DM I sent about your sister. It was two things. First, I planned to inform you about the aggressive manner in which Kenzie was texting and calling Lila. When I spotted her phone’s GPS signal at your condo, it set off alarm bells. However, that’s irrelevant now.”
“And the second thing?”
“Found something problematic about Kenzie’s online communications. In the interest of time, I’ll explain with the larger group. Rather than waiting until eleven, I’m starting an impromptu conference call now so I don’t have to repeat myself.”
I open my mouth to object, ultimately biting my tongue. Carson operates with a mix of compassion and strategy.I’ll trust her judgment on this.
She exhales vigorously, crackling the speaker. “Stay on the line while I round up the troops. For the sake of my hearing, stay on mute unless you’re talking. Your damn siren is deafening.”
Considering how fast I’m speeding down the Beach line, it’s a necessary annoyance.
One by one, agents announce themselves as they join the line.
Andrews takes the call with Hemsley and McBride listening in the background.
Fowler joins on behalf of him and Morales, who are investigating the Tampa murder that Chase mentioned in her message in the team chat.
Romero and SSA Chase are the last to join. They’re with Agent Carson at the Tampa FO, coordinating all the moving parts.
SSA Chase kicks off the call. “This morning, Kenzie Hayes was witnessed being forced into a vehicle by two masked men right outside of Agent Hayes’ condo after visiting our CI, Lila Kent. Recovering her safely is obviously a top priority. Carson will share what we know about that in a minute.”
My grip on the wheel tightens, and I gnash my teeth to the point of pain. After a quick glance at the speedometer reading 95, I lighten up on the gas pedal. While I need to hurry, I shouldn’t set land speed records. Can’t save Kenzie if I’m dead.
Chase clears her throat, then drops a bomb. “Wemighthave uncovered the true identity of Silas Everson. The gang unitsuspectshis real name isJabali Campos, but you’ll recognize him by his STK Brotherhood name.Carnage.”
No. Fucking. Way.
So much for slowing down.
