“Here you go.” She slid a container across the floor, the grating sound rising into the quiet morning and joining the chatter of birds.
He took pictures of the basic electronics the terrorists woulduse to create a timed device. One of the bags held a switching device. He studied it, his gut knotting. Cellphones were often used to detonate a device, but this switch enabled the bomber to send a signal over Wi-Fi to detonate the explosives.
Evan photographed the switch and went back to the container, but his gut wouldn’t let go of his growing unease over the impending attack. The level of sophistication and organization here was very disturbing.
A swab in hand, Philips looked up from the same spot. “You get a look at the electronics?”
Evan nodded and left it at that. There was no point in worrying this tech. “What else do you have?”
“I found two handguns. Makarovs. And several boxes of 9.27mm caliber ammo.”
“Russian,” Evan stated, as he was familiar with the semi-automatic pistol still widely used by Russian police, military, and security forces. They were also often found in the hands of militants in Iraq and Syria. “Odd that they left them behind.”
“Serial numbers were filed off.”
“We can’t trace them.”
“Didn’t say that.” Philips grinned, revealing a gold tooth. “Our firearms people can probably recover at least part of the number. I don’t think the guns will be found in any U.S. database, but Interpol might have them. We’ll be working this scene for some time, so the weapons can go out with our agent to Quantico too.”
“Great work, Philips,” Evan said enthusiastically. “I’m glad they called you in to lead this team.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You weren’t at first.”
“Honestly, no, but you’ve proven your abilities.” Evan backed down the ladder and wondered if the RED team would be the same way—that he’d dread their taking over at first, yet in the end he would be glad of their presence.
CHAPTER 6
THE MASSIVE AIR FORCE TRANSFER JETtouched down with a solid thump, and Kiley exited past airmen who’d already gotten to work removing and stacking the RED team’s equipment containers while their lieutenant handed her the keys to a black SUV. She should probably be impressed with the service they were receiving, but this red-carpet treatment wasn’t unusual. The team’s logistics coordinator was excellent at her job, and even at a moment’s notice in the middle of the night, they received special treatment.
She put her backpack in the SUV and looked at her teammates. “Would you guys get the gear loaded while I make a few calls?”
They didn’t question her request but headed toward the airmen stacking the crates.
She got out her phone and called Agent Harrison in D.C. “I wanted to be sure you’ve got Firearms working the slugs and casing and that you took the notepad over to forensics.”
“Turned them over the minute the lab opened,” she replied with her usual enthusiasm. “We’re in luck on the ballistics. I was able to convince Adam Garvin to run the tests.” Though Adam was tops in his field, as the department manager now, he rarely ran tests.
“How’d you manage that?” Kiley asked.
“I told him we’re hunting terrorists and we needed it immediately. He didn’t have a free tech so he agreed to handle it.”
The rookie’s persuasive skills impressed Kiley. “Did Adam say when to expect results?”
“Late today or first thing tomorrow. I gave him your phone number, and he’ll call you directly.”
“I owe you,” Kiley said sincerely. “A month’s lattes on me.”
“Not necessary. Just glad to be of help.”
“You were. And thanks.” As Kiley disconnected the call and phoned Taylor, she vowed to find tasks for Harrison to do in the future that weren’t all bottom-of-the-barrel jobs rookie agents were frequently saddled with.
“How are the Abeds holding up?” Kiley asked after Taylor answered.
“As well as can be expected, but the shock has worn off and grief is taking a toll.” Taylor sighed. “I wish I could do more for them, but it’s just going to take time.”
Kiley remembered the ever-changing stages of grief from losing her father. Nothing comforted her. Not even prayer.
“I was just getting ready to take Raheem to their store so he can train their worker,” Taylor continued, “and he said something about looking up the name and contact details for one of their mailboxes for you.”
