“You might think Tarver is the worst of the worst, but he pales in comparison to the child predators I hunted down. Molesting or pimping out a child is the lowest of the low in my book.”
“Yes, I would agree with that, and I’m sorry you had to deal with it.” She slipped her hand into his and squeezed. “I hope someday you find a way to let it go. A reason to move on and believe in the good this world still has to offer.”
He clutched her hand as if it were a lifeline and stared at her. “I’m starting to think that reason has recently come into my life.”
They got lost in each other’s gazes for a long moment. She heard one of the guys clear his throat, but she didn’t know which one. She jerked apart from Colin.
“One thing that would be good about being an agent,” he said as he started walking again. “I would have access to records and databases right now. We might find Tarver faster if I did.”
She sighed. “I’m beginning to think we might not find him, and this will continue until he finds me again.”
He studied her. “If for some reason we don’t locate him, and I’m not saying we won’t, but if that happens, will you stay on with my mom?”
Brooklyn didn’t even have to think about that. “Absolutely. If you will allow it, that is. The danger and all. You know, with him maybe knowing I’m staying with you. I like her a lot, and it’s more fulfilling than I thought to be able to support her needs.”
He gave her a funny look she couldn’t interpret and picked up his pace. A look almost as if something was strangling him. Maybe he was thinking about his mom’s future and how she could very well go downhill from the lupus until she needed more and more care. Brooklyn hated the disease. All diseases, but the world was filled with them, and all they could do for the ones with no cure was manage the symptoms the best they could and support the person who suffered.
Blake opened the door for them. “Will you want to stay tonight?”
“If it’s okay,” Colin said. “I’d like to be here when the DNA results come in.”
“Of course. I can arrange a dinner meal for you, if you’d tell me what you might like.”
“You’re quite the concierge,” Dev said.
“Meals are simple.” Blake planted his hands on his hips. “You’d be surprised what I’ve had to arrange for other visiting guests.”
“What are our options? Because, a massage would be nice.” Dev laughed. “I mean it would be nice, but kidding, of course. I’ll go make that phone call.”
“Just let me know about dinner.” Shaking his head and chuckling, Blake headed down the hallway.
Brooklyn entered the condo, and Colin paused to secure the door behind Reid.
Dev plopped down on the sofa and called the sheriff with his iPad.
“I’m doing a video call. Helps to see her expressions.” He held out the iPad for others, and they gathered around him.
Abby answered and immediately narrowed her gaze. “You’ve been quiet far too long, so you better have an update for me.”
“I do and as you can see, I’m with my team and Brooklyn.” Dev brought Abby up to speed on today’s top developments. “I was wondering if you’ve had any issues with wildlife trafficking in your county?”
She cocked an eyebrow. “This about the possible big cat in the kennel?”
“Yeah. The scientists here have confirmed it was a jaguar.”
“Oh, wow. Seriously?” She blinked rapidly. “I remember studying them in zoology class in high school, and they aren’t common in the US. Definitely not common in Oregon.”
Brooklyn didn’t know that. “So Kane could’ve bought the cat with the intention of reselling it for more money.”
“Sounds possible, but man, I wouldn’t want to take the risks of having a live cat like that in my custody.” Abby shuddered.
“Organized crime is often involved in wildlife trafficking,” Reid stated.
She tipped her head. “And you’re wondering if Tarver and Matteo Albertelli were working together, and that’s why we found him in the house?”
“We are,” Dev said. “You have any details on the Albertellis?”
“Sure, I’m familiar with the family, as are most law enforcement officers. But they’re out of Portland, so I only know what I’ve heard on the grapevine. But hang on, and I’ll go to my office to look up their rap sheets.” The camera moved away from her face and was pointed down at the floor as she walked. Her booted feet thumped on white tile that was surprisingly clean for a public space.
