“I should go with them too,” Mack said. “Check in on the murder investigation and see if Lancaster uncovered any leads. Then get a murder board set up.”
She’d planned to keep him here as a buffer between her and Evan. Mack likely figured out her plan, and he was leaving so she would have to face her demons with Evan before the investigation got going. She wanted to insist Mack stay, but she couldn’t find fault in his logic. A murder board with their leads, scene photos, et cetera would be of great value, so she nodded. “I’ll need a car to head over to Golden Lion.”
Evan frowned. “I can drive you.”
She might not want to work with him, but he was a real go-getter and independent thinker. That was what she needed on her team, and she would do her best not to stifle his efforts. Besides, he knew the city and it would be faster for him to chauffeur her.
“Okay, thanks.” She turned back to her team. “Keep me posted on any developments. Otherwise I’ll see you back at the office.”
She watched the trio of men whom she’d become close to these past six years exit the command center and felt Evan’s gaze on her. His presence seemed to grow, to take over the space, and she didn’t know what to say to him.
His phone dinged, and thankfully he turned his attention to the screen. “Warrant’s in for the dock video. We can serve it to Gadsden on the way to Golden Lion.”
He tapped his screen, and the printer in the corner started whirring. Without speaking, he grabbed the pages and headed for the door.
She stepped out after him to find a large crane hovering over the container. The crane’s motor churned and groaned as it swiveled away with the last container that had been situated on top of their suspects’ home. Philips was climbing up a ladder leaning against the wall.
Evan cupped his hands around his mouth. “Philips! Any solar panels?”
The forensic tech looked over his shoulder and nodded. “Under doors cut into the container just like we suspected.”
Evan nodded his understanding and looked at Kiley. “To power the place.”
She shook her head. “They really thought of everything.”
“And that should tell us the skill level of the men we’re up against.” Frowning, Evan spun to lead the way to a black Chevy Tahoe and opened the passenger door for her. He didn’t wait for her to get in but rushed around front and slid behind the wheel.
She’d barely gotten her seat belt clicked in place when he peeled out, spitting loose gravel behind the tires.
“There a fire I don’t know about?” she asked, taking a look around his immaculately clean vehicle. She was organized at work. Her car and personal life not so much, and she’d always appreciated his neatness.
He glanced at her. “No fire. Just five days and two or more terrorists wandering free in our country hell-bent on hurting millions of people.”
She appreciated his sense of urgency, but his comment tightened her stomach into a ball of worry. He could’ve also pointed out that she was in charge of ensuring the country’s safety, a thought that made her stomach contract more.
He parked in front of the port’s security office, and they headed for the door together. He jerked it open and stepped back to allow her access. She’d forgotten what a true gentleman he was. Or maybe after Olin died, she’d purposefully wiped that bit out as it didn’t fit with the blame she was heaping on Evan’s head.
She looked around the small reception area with a tall desk, worn chairs, and a nautical-themed décor that looked as tired as the chairs.
“Mr. Gadsden,” she called out and resisted tapping her foot as she waited.
A man with curly black hair, a large nose, and wide jaw stepped into the room. His blue security uniform was worn and needed a good pressing. “And you are?”
“Special Agent Kiley Dawson with the FBI.” She extended her hand.
He paused a moment before grasping her hand in a punishing grip. She had no idea if this was an intentional thing, showing his irritation at being called in on a weekend, or if he just had a firm grip. Either way, she worked hard to keep from yelping in pain.
Evan introduced himself and held out the warrant. “We’ll take the security video now.”
Gadsden glared at Evan. “’Bout time you got here. I been cooling my jets for hours when I coulda been home watching the game.”
“It’s not always easy to find a judge on the weekend,” Evansaid, holding back obvious frustration over this man’s lack of cooperation.
Gadsden scratched a heavy five o’clock shadow but didn’t take the warrant from Evan. “You do realize how many gates we have at this place, right? Gonna be a huge file.”
Kiley pulled a flash drive from her pocket and plastered a smile on her face. “If you’ll show me to your computer, I can help you compress the files, and they’ll fit very nicely on my drive.”
Gadsden glanced at Evan for permission.
