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“I take it he doesn’t know about Jespers?” the agent prompts.
I shake my head. “Not from me. But he’s right, there has to be a third one.”
“Do we even know what they’re supposed to be voting on yet?” Tessa brings up.
“Likely the rezoning of the quarry. It’s currently zoned as industrial, but I imagine that will likely need to be changed to mixed-use, which would leave the broadest allowances for either commercial, residential, or both. It’s the type of zoning that gives developers a lot of flexibility, which tends to make the public a little nervous. There’d have to be a clear plan in place for it to pass muster.”
“Which we don’t seem to have here,” Savvy points out.
“That’s why they intend on forcing the vote,” Tessa concludes.
“Which, according to Carlos, will likely be scheduled for this coming Thursday,” I provide. “He says either the county clerk or the chairperson is supposed to send them the agenda and supporting materials forty-eight hours prior. So on Tuesday.”
Mancuso shoots me a sharp glance. “Suddenly that Monday deadline on your girlfriend’s property makes a hell of a lot more sense.”
I nod; I’d considered that as well.
“Where did you leave it with Garza?”
“I told him to lay low until I can get back to him, but I can’t guarantee he won’t be poking around on his own,” I volunteer. “He’s pissed.”
“Understandably,” Savvy comments. “Any of us would be if someone threatened our loved ones.”
“Fair enough, but we need to rein him in before he blows our cover,” the agent cautions. “I’d like to talk to him in person.”
That turns out to be a bit of a challenge. The diner is busiest on the weekends, and it’s clear Carlos is being closely watched, so getting close to him poses a problem.
In the end, it’s Carlos himself who comes up with a solution when I connect with him via text. He suggests showing up as a supplier, since most of his deliveries come in on Saturday mornings, and he often settles up with his suppliers in person in his office.
“Since things are likely to be ramping up—with this vote taking place on Thursday—and bringing in too many more federal agents would stand out like a sore thumb, I’m going to need to tap into your manpower, Sheriff,” Mancuso addresses Savvy. “I’ll make sure my team covers Jespers and Garza, but we’re going to need eyes on the remaining three commissioners as well. Do you have a couple of deputies we can entrust with some covert surveillance?”
“KC would be good,” I propose.
Savvy nods, “Yes, and I think Kim Torres and Sal DiVecchio. They’re still fairly new to the department and to town, but are reliable and level-headed.”
I agree with her. A few of the younger deputies are hotshots, but those two seem solid.
“Good. Then if you wouldn’t mind making sure Tim Saunders, Martin Crombie, and Edward Wilson have eyes on them as soon as possible,” Mancuso directs at Savvy before turning to me. “I think you should probably get back to sticking close to Ms. Kerrigan, just in case.”
He’s right, I should get back to Dana.
The feeling things are starting to come to a head has been building, so on my way out the door, I grab a handheld radio from the charger by the front desk. With cell service being a little temperamental in the mountains, I figure I’d rather have the extra security knowing I have an alternate means of communication, should the need arise.
Let’s fucking hope not.
Dana
* * *
Good God, the smells in this house have my mouth watering.
I’m not sure what Theresa is cooking right now, but it’s making me hungry again, despite the delicious and very filling breakfast sandwich she made me earlier.
I’ve been busy emptying out the main floor office space and hauling everything I’d stored there to the spare bedroom upstairs. I have to get the room empty so I can fill it again with the living room furniture, which I have to move to get to the plank floors.
The floors need sanding and staining. Then they have to dry so I can tape down cardboard before I can start painting the walls, which is going to be easier as well if I don’t have to work around furniture. My dinette set will fit in the kitchen, and for the time being, we can use that space or the smaller room to hang out, while I work on getting the big rooms done.
“Wanna taste, cariño?” Theresa calls out, just as I’m coming down the stairs from taking up the last bin.
