The grin Maverick had waiting in the wings flashed across his face. Elated by their decision, he rocketed out of his chair, kissed his wife, bear-hugged his dad and brother. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Together, they exited the room and faced the media. Phones and mics were shoved in Maverick’s direction. Soaking up the moment, he basked in the spotlight.
“Maverick, how do you feel now that you’ve been vindicated?” asked a reporter.
“I’m indebted to private investigator Carly Stone of Stone Investigations, who worked tirelessly to clear my name. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my ThunderStrike team for their brave efforts every day.”
“Rumor has it that your brother, Sinclair Develin, had a hand in this,” said a journalist. “What can you tell us about his role in how this went down?”
Maverick regarded his brother. “Let’s just say Sinclair has his finger on the pulse of this great city and we’ll leave it at that. I’m grateful justice was served. It’s time to get back to what we love doing…our jobs.”
“What’s next for ThunderStrike?” asked another journalist.
“That information is classified, darlin’,” Maverick said with a wink. He thanked the press and, flanked by those he loved, left the building.
Once outside, he slid on his sunglasses, captured Carly in his arms and spun her around. Her melodious laughter was music to his soul.
“Congratulations, Ashton,” said his dad. “I’m thrilled you’ve been exonerated.”
“Thanks for everything, Dad.”
“I’ve got to get to a meeting.” Warren aimed his finger at each of them. “You three…stay out of trouble.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Sinclair flashed his devil-may-care smile and sauntered toward his car, his driver waiting at the curb.
Shaking his head, Warren headed down the street.
“We owe Sinclair big time for our fake marriage,” Carly said.
Maverick dropped his arm over her shoulder and kissed her temple. “We sure as hell do.”
On the way to ThunderStrike, Carly checked her email. “The report from the congressional motor pool came in. Internado checked out a car on February 22. At 11:08 PM that evening, he drove to the Lincoln Memorial. The GPS tracker clocked him there for forty-two minutes. It’s a five-minute walk from the memorial to the Watergate Steps.”
“Great news, babe.”
“I’m forwarding this to your dad and Mark Rodriguez.”
A minute later, FBI Agent Rodriguez called her.
Carly answered. “Hi, Mark, you’re on speaker. Ash is with me.”
“Hey, guys. How’s everyone doing?”
“I guess you saw my email about the motor pool,” she said.
“Not yet, but thanks for sending it over. I have some info for you. We tested the skin cells collected from under Rose Aurora’s fingernails. Unfortunately, the DNA wasn’t a match with Internado. Neither was the hair found at the crime scene.”
Hairs on the back of her neck prickled. God, no. “Does that mean Internado will get released on bond?”
“No way,” Mark said. “We’ve got a solid case based on the kidnapping and attempted murder charges. Our challenge is the missing link in the Rose Aurora case. He had motivation to kill Rose, but the evidence says otherwise. If anything develops, I’ll let you guys know.”
“Thanks for the call.” Surprised and disappointed by the news, Carly hung up. “If Internado didn’t kill Rose, then who did?”
“He could have hired someone.” Ashton pulled up to ThunderStrike. The newly installed gate glided open and he drove inside.
Maverick was talking, but Carly was obsessing over Rose Aurora’s killer. “I was certain Internado killed Rose,” she said.
“Carly.”
