“Bo, Loretta, Keith. Obtain what information you can and report back to me immediately. Though I’m indisposed as far as much of the SNB is concerned, I still have sources of my own.” The slight tremble in Walter’s fingers gave away his fatigue, but only those close enough to truly know the man would have noticed.
“What about me, Boss?” Lucky ventured.
Walter’s smile might have frozen fire. “Stay with me a while. We have much to discuss.” To the rest of the group Walter said, “I’ll see to it he gets home.”
While a goodbye kiss might have been nice, Lucky settled for a brief finger squeeze when Bo strode by.
Once the others were out of the house, Walter turned his attention to Lucky. “Someone obviously has discovered that you’re still in town. How about your family? Are they somewhere safe?
“Todd’s on his way to Clemson, Ty’s staying with Mrs. Griggs, and I’ve warned Charlotte to stay away a few more days.”
Walter nodded. “I never thought I’d find myself working outside of proper channels, but it seems that corruption has grown within the SNB ranks. The possible profits from Chastain’s diabetes drug are enough to fuel greed.”
“How much are we talking?”
“Potentially billions.” Walter shuffled the papers in his lap and placed them on an end table. If he didn’t get back to work soon, no doubt every flat surface in his home would be covered by files and paper like the desk in his office.
Lucky let out a low whistle, though he’d figured as much.
“Lucky?” Walter eyed Lucky over the top of his glasses, expression as stern as he’d ever been. “You’re at risk. We already know the driver of the BMW had photos and a gun, all of which were stolen.”
Figured. “I’ll watch my back, Boss, I always do.”
“Be that as it may, you need protection.”
“No, I don’t!” After all, he’d brought both his Glock and his .38 to this meeting.
“If you think that, then you’ve tragically underestimated how badly Forsyth wants that drug. I’m putting you in a safe house for the duration of this investigation.”
“Do what?” Lucky shot to his feet. “Bo’s out there. Johnson too!” As an afterthought he added, “And Keith.”
“None of them have been targeted yet.” Walter swiped a hand across his forehead, sinking down into his chair. Only now did Lucky truly take in the slumped shoulders, the tired eyes. “I cannot risk you. Someone thinks you’ve uncovered something solid. They’re determined that you find out nothing more.”
“How do they know I haven’t told God and everybody what little I’ve found?”
“Lucky, you’re not in this alone. Martin Chastain was also supposed to be in protective custody. He barely missed being the victim in a drive-by shooting a few hours ago.”
Bile burned the back of Lucky’s throat. “Where is he now?”
Walter sucked in a deep breath, letting the air out in a whoosh. “I’m afraid I don’t know. After he reported the incident, he vanished.”
“Oh, shit. I need to find him. I’ve been calling and texting, but no answer.”
“Atlanta PD is looking for him. Let them do their job.” Walter ran his fingers through his graying hair. “I wish I could remember what was in that file. It must be of great importance. I can’t even remember who gave it to me.” Walter stared off at nothing. “I believe I mentioned before that Forsyth’s international operation warranted me involving others.” His voice didn’t boom like it used to, but he’d recovered a good bit of strength.
“Yes.” Which made Lucky’s heart try to escape his chest.
“Someone is coming by to get you and take you someplace safe.”
“Me? What about you?”
“I’ve worked very hard to maintain the illusion of being an invalid who had yet to regain the power of speech. Thus, my new private nurse.” Walter gave a rueful smile. “One with a high security clearance and many years’ experience in law enforcement.”
Oh. Security. That worked.
“When—”
The lights flickered and went out.
