“Looks like we’re clear,” she said, but remained unsettled, her heartbeat still faster than normal as adrenaline continued to course through her body.
The infotainment system announced a text from Eisenhower.“Sacramento Police Department chopper in the air soon. Contact Lieutenant Jamison.”
The message ended with a phone number, and Kiley quickly called Jamison via the car’s Bluetooth so Evan could hear the conversation while he drove. “Agent Kiley Dawson checking in on the helicopter.”
“We’ll need a description of the boat and passengers.” Jamison’s deep baritone sounded over the speakers.
“I can send you a picture.”
“I’m on my cell. Send it now.”
Evan handed his phone to her before she had to ask him for the photos, and she sent the text. “Text is coming from a different phone number.”
“Okay, got it,” Jamison said. “And they put in where?”
She gave him the location.
“Okay. We’re cleared for takeoff. I’ll contact you when we’re over the lake. Should be about fifteen minutes.”
“Hurry,” she said, the adrenaline still gushing through her body and making her hand shake.
“You were right, Kiley.” Mack’s voice came through her earbud. “We’re at Oroville Lake. Goldilocks climbed into a boat. Sean’s commandeering a boat, and we’re going after him.”
“Keep in touch.” Kiley released her mic and swiveled to face Evan. “Do think this is really about the Waleeds losing us, or do you think it still has something to do with the dam?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. These guys are clever, so maybe itisabout losing us so they can meet up with Bilal or the container guys.”
“Do they even know that Gadi’s dead? Or maybe the Waleeds didn’t plan to connect with the Amaris and they have nothing to do with the threat.”
“Or they could simply be decoys to keep us from looking for Nabi and Shah,” Evan said. “The Waleeds know Quinn had them under surveillance, so maybe they’re meant to pull him and us off course.”
“We don’t know enough to take any action.” She sighed and worried her fingers together.
“Still waiting on rental contracts.” Cam’s voice cut in on her thoughts. “Evan’s pictures sent off for facial recognition too. Now, if you all don’t need me, I’ll get started on the hack.”
“Be sure you don’t get lost in your own world and don’t respond if wedoneed you again,” Kiley warned.
“Me?” He chuckled. “Seriously, I got your backs.”
“See that you do,” Kiley said with force to make sure he got the point, or maybe because she needed to blow off some of this pent-up worry.
Evan pulled over and looked at her. “Sounds like the pressure’s getting to you.”
“Don’t tell me you’re not feeling it too.”
He shifted into park. “Oh, I am. I just wish I could do something to help.”
“The only thing that will help now is for this to start making some sense and we can at least figure out the target.”
He opened his mouth as if to reply, but a call came in from Jamison. He quickly tapped a button on the steering wheel to answer the call.
“Found the boat anchored in the middle of the lake.” Jamison’s voice could barely be heard above the helicopter rotors. “Guy’s just sitting there.”
Evan shot Kiley a questioning look.
She shrugged. “Lieutenant, can you get closer and take pictures of the suspects and boat for us?”
“Will do.” The screen went dark.
