“Totally.”
“Abigail will take care of Salvador Torres for me. I have no doubt about it.”
“Even if she dies?”
“You underestimate your lover, Sergeant David.”
“She’s good, but even those who are good can get caught in circumstances beyond their control.”
“Her problem, then.”
More anger flashed through him. He started to rise once more.
Pain opened up along his throat.
Nabeelah dug her knee into his chest again. “Do you wish to die here on your parents’ property?”
He groaned. “No. Get off me. I thought we were friends!”
“You and Sergeant Jonathan will help Frisco apprehend Jedidiah Stone. And when we do, I will turn everything over to DEA. Once the head is chopped off the snake, Los Jaguares will tear itself apart.”
“Why should I care? I’m done with this.” Oh, brave words to say with one very sharp blade at his throat.
Her lips curled, and she removed the knife.
He’d blundered. Big time.
“Do you remember our conversation last night?”
It felt like a hundred years ago. Stalling, he replied, “Which one?”
“The one where I said I had protection over your sister. Let me tell you a short story, Sergeant David. When I was growing up, there was a neighboring village with four main clans. An unmarried daughter of one clan vanished one day. They found her in an isolated cave in the arms of her lover, who happened to be in another clan of the village. Do I need to tell you what happened to the other clan?”
“Annihilation.”
“Very much so. Then they killed their own daughter to restore their honor. The difference between the daughter’s clan and the cartels is that the clan made it quick. But no one remained.”
Chills ran up and down David’s spine, and it had nothing to do with the cold of the morning. He knew what she insinuated. “I don’t help, you withdraw from my sister.”
“Exactly. Even now, I know she worries after the three of you. And Los Jaguares assumes you are dead. The one who brought me here is on his way to assure her of your safety. And he will oversee the safety of your family.”
David stared at her. That smirk still remained. Her amber eyes glittered. Oh, she knew she had him exactly where she needed him.
The thought galled him.
“If you help me, they stay in place. If you refuse, then your family will be at the mercy of the cartels. What will happen when they discover you are alive? Let’s just say their deaths will not be pleasant.”
Pure, raw fear filled him as he imagined Little Bit screaming. The feeling of defeat nearly crushed him.
Nabeelah straightened. “Do we have an understanding?”
Yeah, one that he’d never expected from her. “I thought we were allies.”
“Oh, we are.” Another half-smile crossed her face. “Let’s just say the level of being allies has shifted.”
David sat up. He felt blood trickling down the skin of his throat. He pushed to his feet. “We saved your life eight years ago, Jonathan especially. If we have friends like you, who needs enemies?”
She looked away as the corner of her mouth twitched.
Maybe he’d gotten through to her.
He stalked toward the jeep. “I see your point. You guarantee protection for Kyra, Jonathan and I will help you guys. But after this is all said and done, I don’t want to see you again unless you’ve done some heavy-duty soul-searching. Now get in.”
With that, he swung into the driver’s seat. The sooner he got underway with the wind to cool his temper, the better.
22
Friday, April 21, 2017, 1700 hours EDT, Raleigh, NC
“You must think I’m crazy,” Abigail said into her burner phone as she guided her government Ford Explorer down the airport road toward the interstate and Raleigh.
An inhale from Nick’s end answered, then an audible exhale, undoubtedly accompanied by a stream of smoke. “Need I say how crazy?”
“Nick.”
“Seriously. You really need my help?”
Abigail rolled her eyes as she jammed on her brakes to avoid rear-ending a dawdling Toyota Corolla in front of her. “Didn’t you talk to Marti?”
“Yeah. She’s crazy too.”
“Nick!”
“Sorry. Just feeling a bit feisty right now.”
“Well, how about it?”
“Consider it done. I’m supposed to meet Marti at five thirty. Where are you?”
“Stuck on I-40. I should have gotten in late this morning, but the plane had mechanical issues and had to land for repairs.” Abigail checked over her shoulder and merged into traffic that moved like thick sludge. With luck, she’d be there by six. “I’ll be there as soon as I can be. Just make me a promise.”
“Which is?”
“Don’t hit on Marti. She’s engaged.”
“Abigail.”
“Hey, I’m in a feisty mood too. See you soon.” She disconnected and dropped her phone into the cup holder. Traffic remained slow as she headed into Raleigh proper. Great. Just great. Five thirty, and she still was halfway there. Time to put her hometown knowledge to work. She pulled off the main drag and onto side streets as she wound her way through town.
Finally, she arrived downtown and located a street parking spot a couple of blocks west of the Ball and Dart. She found Nick and Marti at the bar chatting over drinks, both iced tea. No beer for Nick. He was all business right now.
He swiveled on his chair. “Good to see you, Abigail. Marti briefed me, and you came to the right place.”
She hopped onto the chair beside her sergeant. “Why’s that?”
He nodded toward the hefty bartender standing at the other end. “Joel’s a former cop. He worked over in Greensboro for thirty years. Got remarried and came to Raleigh to open his bar. He keeps a back room expressly for this purpose.”
“You’ve met people here before?”
“Hey, my interrogation room’s wherever I choose. You know people are more comfortable away from the police station. Not to mention, it reduces the chances of a defense lawyer questioning whether the subject is under arrest and Mirandized.” Nick glanced toward the Judas gate, then at her. “You look frazzled. Go ahead and get settled. We’ll bring her back.”
For once, Abigail didn’t argue. After getting an iced tea from Joel, she let him show her a room down a narrow hall beside the kitchen and past his office. It was quiet with the air carrying the stale smell of beer and grease. One of the recessed lights flickered sporadically. The only other light came from the dim glow of the exit sign at the back of the room. She noted it just in case she needed a quick escape. Four tables occupied the corners of the room, which could obviously host private parties—or interrogations. She pulled one of the tables out of the way and settled on its chair. Tina and Marti could take the benches.
If only the tension would drain from her shoulders! She’d interview Tina, then head to the house to retrieve Jonathan’s recollections. Then write up the interview with Tina. That—and Jonathan’s writings—would determine her next steps. Like picking up the pieces after Sal was arrested. She took a deep breath to quiet her thoughts.
David.
Almost unbidden, his name popped into her mind. Why? He’d made his choice to stay safe in his hometown. He’d made that clear yesterday.
Or was it that you told him you didn’t love him anymore? The career’s more exciting. Is that it?
She pushed away the thought.
Her phone pinged.
For a brief, insane moment, she hoped it was David.
Nope. Just Nick.
She’s here. Marti’s getting her a drink. I’ll keep watch out front.
Her thumbs flew across the screen. You don’t have to be our guardian angel.
His reply flashed up a moment later. Yes, I do. We’re in this together now.
She let it rest. As she doodled on her notepad,
she recalled the notes she’d made regarding Tina.
The door opened, and Nick stepped inside.
A blonde hesitated in the doorway.
He nodded, and she came all the way into the room.
He caught Abigail’s eye and with a wink reassured her. Then he left them alone.
Abigail studied her subject. Leggings. Heels. A tunic top of silky fabric. Hair up in a twist and makeup on. Was that perfume she smelled? Maybe she was going on a date later.
Abigail rose. “Tina Delaney?”
“Th-that’s me.” She held out her hand, which trembled slightly.
Abigail took it. Weak. Moist. Not surprising. “Major Abigail Ward.”
“Wait. You’re...” She squinted. “Are you related to Jonathan Ward?”
“His sister. I was also the CID officer who investigated what happened to the Mighty Men eight years ago. Please, have a seat.” Abigail glanced up as Marti slipped into the room. The sergeant wordlessly handed their subject an icy glass of tea before sliding onto a bench perpendicular to Abigail.
Tina settled on the bench across from her.
“Thanks for being willing to meet with us.”
Tina tensed. “Where’s your recorder? Isn’t that what all cops do? Record interrogations?”
Abigail offered what she hoped was a placating smile. “Sometimes. Marti and I,” she nodded to her sergeant, “are good listeners. If we were out in the restaurant, it’d look like three women having girl time.”
“But you’ll write things up.”
Slowly, Abigail nodded. “Correct.”
“I’m not ready for this.”
Abigail leaned forward. “I know this is hard stuff, but I’d like your input. I’m trying to resolve some things related to what happened eight years ago.”
“When... Jessie died?”
“Right. The case got reopened this week, and I’m investigating it.”
“Why?”
“Why am I investigating?”
Tina grasped her drink. “No. Why did it get reopened?”
“As I was sending some things to cold storage, I discovered an old report. I ran across some notes made by my sergeant at the time. He thought the whole thing had actually been a well-planned ambush.”
Tina’s gaze darkened. “And you think Jessie was the turncoat.”
Breathe. She’s defensive. Understandable. “We’re concerned Jessie may have been coerced into handing over sensitive information. I spoke with David Shepherd and my brother about this.”
Tina muttered under her breath.
Abigail’s eyes narrowed. “What was that?”
“David Shepherd let them all get killed.”
What nerve! She wanted to tell her off.
Marti shook her head as if to warn her.
Nope. She’d not let this one rest, not when Tina’s harsh words years before had shattered the remains of David’s confidence. Abigail gripped her knees and leaned forward. “David Shepherd did what he could to save them. It was a lose-lose situation, and it was only by a miracle he and Jonathan survived. You understand?”
Tina backed down, but her gaze remained defiant.
I will not let her get to me. She took another breath. “We did some research into the dynamics of the Mighty Men, and it seems you and Jessie were having some marital difficulties.”
Tina’s mouth turned downward. “An understatement.”
“Tell me about you two.”
She huffed out a sigh. “We were high school sweethearts. Jessie had no desire to go into the Army—at least until Nine-Eleven. By then, we were both seniors in college, so he was too late for ROTC and decided to enlist. Let’s just say we spent the first year of our married lives in crappy Army housing as he went through basic and the rest of his training. Then we spent another year in crappy Army housing when he got into Special Forces.”
Abigail saw vestiges of haughtiness. Princess. “While he trained, what did you do?”
“I got a job at a doctor’s office, then another one babysitting.”
“Why?”
Tina didn’t answer, but Abigail sensed the reason why. She’d circle back around later. “Before we go any further, tell me a little about your background.”
“Huh?”
“Where you grew up. Went to high school and college.”
“We grew up in Florida near Tampa. I met Jessie when we were both working at the country club as tennis instructors. His daddy had it all mapped out for him. College at University of Florida. Business degree. Join him working at the bank. And then Jessie blew that all out of the water with his patriotism.”
She spat that last word as if it were a horrible thing.
Oh, this little interview was requiring great restraint. Abigail stabbed her pen onto the paper of her notepad and began doodling as she reframed her plan of attack. “I take it you both were from well-to-do backgrounds.”
“My dad’s a lawyer, so yeah.”
“Yet you didn’t go back to Florida when Jessie died. Why?”
“I hated Florida. I moved up here instead. Better job.”
Abigail’s pen formed lines. “Tell me something.”
“I thought you weren’t taking notes.”
“I’m not.” A cat formed as did a thought. She held up the pad. “I doodle when I talk. Tell her, Marti.”
Marti offered a strained smile. “She does. All the time.”
Abigail set the pad on her knee. “Enlisted Army salaries aren’t that great.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Nor are officer salaries, I might add.” The cat got whiskers. And a couple of fangs. Back to her initial line of questioning. “From what I understand, you drove an Acura, had manicures on a regular basis, and wore some of the best names in clothing. How on earth did you afford that on two smallish salaries plus a little bit of money from babysitting?’
Red spots appeared on Tina’s cheeks. “You know, I can leave.”
Abigail set her pen down and leaned forward. “I know. Tina, this is good for you, okay? I know you’ve probably got a lot weighing on you that you didn’t realize. I’m here to help you unburden.”
Tina’s shoulders squared, and she lifted her chin. “Whatever. I don’t need your help.”
Hmmm. Could that had been the root of the marital disharmony David had talked about and Leann had confirmed? “But you couldn’t give up your lifestyle.”
“Look, if this is criticizing the way we lived—”
“No, this is getting to the truth of what really happened.” Abigail clasped her hands together and stared her down. “Your husband and nine of his friends died very brutal deaths. They died honorably, and we who are left can ensure the truth about what really happened comes out. I’m not blaming Jessie, especially since he is one of the dead. But if there was a crime involved—and it sounds like there might have been—I want to find the people behind it and bring them to justice. Period. Got it?”
Tina gave a small nod.
Abigail leaned back. “I know these are uncomfortable questions. I’m not judging you. I’m only after information. Now. I assume you were living at least somewhat beyond your means.”
“I had to take that babysitting job. I mean, I knew we needed to start getting out of debt. It’s just so hard to give up that lifestyle.”
Time to go deep. Abigail glanced at Marti for confirmation.
Ever so slightly, her sergeant nodded.
Abigail made another doodle, this one of a dog. “No kids?”
Tina’s eyes filled. “N-no. We’d been trying ever since Jessie finished his training.” Her lips twisted in a grimace. “It’s hard when you’re already having difficulties. And then even harder when your man’s barely around. Jessie finally agreed to try IVF.”
“When?”
“We started in 2007.” She shook her head and swiped at the corner of her eye. “I had no idea how expensive those treatments were. We were soon right back to where we were, which was juggling credit card
balances. I just wanted kids so badly!”
“Enter Sal Torres, right?”
Tina’s head jerked upright. “How did you know?”
“People talk.”
“I’d heard through the grapevine that they needed a sitter. My current client was moving, so I signed up.”
Abigail added two more dogs to form a pack. “Keep going.”
“They were a great family. I truly adored their girls. Rita is a teacher, and she was so swamped at times.” A vein began throbbing at her temple. “It was hard on her, especially when Sal went out of town. A lot of nights, I wound up helping out even though she was there. We became pretty good friends.” Her nose began running.
Marti handed her a napkin.
She dabbed at it and continued, “One time I was over there. It was the night right after we’d found out one of the treatments had failed. We couldn’t go on because we didn’t have money. I guess I totally dumped on her. Then a couple of days later, Sal called and invited us for coffee. That’s when he generously offered to pay for further treatments.”
And nothing from Sal Torres was free. Ever.
“We did some more. I remember it felt so rushed because Jessie was getting ready to leave for Afghanistan.”
“And you got pregnant.”
Red started creeping up Tina’s shoulders and neck. “I... did.”
“Let me see.” She added cute, perky ears to one of the dogs before spearing Tina with her gaze. “Not from Jessie, right?”
Tina’s nostrils flared, and her eyes widened. “H-how did you know?”
“Because rumors had it that you two were barely on speaking terms by that point. I imagine opportunities for intimacy were few and far between.”
Tina glared at her. “I’m not talking about our sex life.”
“I don’t expect you to because I think it’s a pretty safe assumption that by that point, there was none.”
“What difference would it have made?” Tina’s foot began jiggling. “I knew Jessie was doing steroids. He made himself sterile. I found that out right before he deployed.”
A marriage killer, for sure. Abigail began the final push. “What happened? Did Sal make you promises? Did he flirt with you? Come on to you?”
A tear trickled down Tina’s cheek. Most women might have backed off. Not Abigail. She couldn’t. Too much was at stake tonight. “I’m just trying to understand. Remember your information will help put this all the way in the past.”
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