He and Callen were going to standout like two sore thumbs.
It looked like the Blackhawk boys were going to have a bit of trouble in Kentucky. He doubted it was going to have anything to do with the killers, and everything to do with their heritage.
Well, shit!
“Are you ready, sir?” asked Davvy.
God, he really hoped so.
Where was his wife when he needed her?
This mess was right up her alley.
~ Chapter Three ~
If anything, the FBI tech team was efficient. It didn't take them long to get the bodies out of the clay and housed safely in the black body bags. While they hustled about, avoiding the interference from the university dig team, Callen could see that Tony Magnus was going to have his hands full.
If the attitude of the academic staff was any indicator, the man would be settling ruffled feathers for a while.
When he approached, Callen lowered his voice. “Can I make a suggestion, Doctor?”
Tony was up for anything at that point. He could tell that the people working the site were edgy and anxious. “Sure, Director,” he replied.
“Close down the dig for today and give your people a night off. I can tell they’re jumpy and riled up. There’s no point having them here working. You know how it is when you’re not focused. You’re more prone to miss things.”
Thinking about it, Tony weighed his options.
Callen knew how to convince him.
“The killer is going to hear about this or stumble back here. Do you really want Jaxon here as a sitting duck?” Callen asked, lowering his voice.
The man looked worried. “Good point.”
“The safest place for her,” and you, he thought, “is with the FBI. If you shut it down for the day, and possibly tomorrow, you can help the FBI when Ethan procures us a lab.”
Tony liked that idea. Jaxon would be safe, and he could be back in the lab with Chris, doing what they did best.
Raising some hell.
“You’re good at this mediation thing, Callen. You easily manipulated me into doing what you wanted,” Tony stated, laughing.
“I try. I think Elizabeth and Ethan are rubbing off on me.” It made Callen proud that he was learning from the two people he thought were awesome at their job.
He’d come a long way.
Just then, Callen’s phone began chirping. He knew who it was without looking. “What’s up, bro?”
“Cal, we have the morgue, but it’s in the middle of nowhere. I need you to load up the team and head to the highway. I’ll meet you at the turnoff, and we’ll arrive at the location together. Without meeting me, you’ll never find this place. We’re so far back woods that Wyler couldn’t find this place.”
Callen laughed.
It had to be bad since their father could track a flea through a forest.
“I’ll get them ready to roll. We’ll be on our way shortly.”
Disconnecting the call, Callen gave a shrill whistle. When he did it, his heart quivered. It reminded him of his girl. “Load up our new victims, team. We have a location and Director Blackhawk is going to meet us there.”
The ants began scattering, anticipating a new hive to call their own. As they worked frantically to be out of there in the time allotted, Tony headed over to his own team.
They were watching him cautiously. When he first arrived on the site, he’d had to earn their trust. They didn't want someone from the FBI. Initially, they wanted someone who was deeply entrenched in academia.
That was definitely not him.
The first few weeks had been a hard fight, as he struggled to find a way for him and Jaxon to fit in.
Now, he was going to be battling even more. His allegiance would be split between the university staff and the FBI. In the end, he was a Fed to the core.
“You’re all off duty for tonight and tomorrow.”
There were groans.
Tony expected nothing less. They were damn close to wrapping this up, but now they had to wait. With these anthropologists and students roaming around, they were going to get in the FBI’s way.
“You’re kidding!” blurted Jeffery Whilton. “We’re just about done. Now we’re going to have to sit around and wait? I need this in order to graduate in a couple weeks.”
It wasn’t like he didn't know what that felt like. Tony had done a few digs in his time. He was well aware that the man wanted out of there. Jeffery Whilton was a spoiled rich kid who wouldn’t ever step foot into a dusty, dirty grave ever again. He was destined for tenure and to sit in a hallowed university hall. Tony would bet money on that. Jeffery’s father would make sure of it.
He’d seen their types.
That’s why Tony went the opposite way.
“Think of it this way, Jeffery,” Jaxon said, stepping in to take some of the heat off her fiancé. “You can hang out in your nice air conditioned apartment and relax for the next two days. All the beer and babes will keep you busy.”
Her words cheered him up.
“Good point. Want to come over, Doctor?”
Tony’s body went tense. Yeah, he wanted to slap the piss out of the man-child.
“Thanks, but I’m busy.”
“I can help the FBI out,” offered one of the team members.
Tony glanced over at Donald Hooper. He was a smart young man who reminded Tony of himself at that age. Donald was serious about his education. He was ambitious, and wanted to do something with his life.
He was the ideal student.
“I’ll pass that on to the director and let you know.”
As the team disbursed, one of the doctors remained behind to talk to them.
“Tony, can I talk to you?” asked Doctor Bridget Seston.
“Sure. Jax, honey, I’ll be right there.” He waited until his fiancée was walking off. He knew that there was tension between the two, and part of his duties over the last few weeks, was to keep them apart.
Whoever said a chic fight was hot, obviously never had to deal with the ramifications after the fact. Tony was cutting this one off at the pass.
“I’ll be more than happy to help you out,” she practically purred. “What can I do for you?”
Tony had become a pro at avoiding the woman’s advances. It started on day one and was still ongoing. That was just one more reason to keep Jaxon far away.
He didn't want to hurt her.
Unfortunately for him, he had bigger issues. At that moment, he couldn’t get rid of the other doctor.
“We’re good. I’ll tell the director you’re interested in helping us with the details. I wouldn’t hold your breath. To work in the FBI lab, you have to have clearance.”
“Can you get it for me?” she asked, moving closer to his body. When her fingers trailed down his chest, Tony didn't even flinch. He had news for the woman. He was really good at accepting or deflecting passes. Before Jaxon, he was the self-proclaimed king of one night stands.
“I don’t think that will be possible.”
She moved even closer still. “I’d do anything you asked.”
Tony knew what she was talking about, and he wasn’t having anything to do with it. He’d found the woman meant to be his wife. There was no way in hell he was falling down this hole.
“Thanks for the offer. At this time, it’s best if you just head back to your place and wait for the next assignment.”
Tony hoped that the tone in his voice conveyed it all. It lacked warmth and willingness to humor her. Maybe she’d get the picture.
Bridget wasn’t giving up quite yet.
“Sure thing, Doctor. I’ll see you later.”
With that, Tony watched her strut away, and he couldn’t wait until this entire dig was done and over with. It was getting to be a pain in his ass. Tony wanted to head home and back to his real job.
God!
He missed the FBI in the worst way!
* * *
On the ride there, Callen and Tony were silent. Jaxo
n sat in the back of the vehicle watching them both. Neither man had said a word since they left the dig site, and it was making her nervous as hell.
Something was going on.
She was sure of it.
Generally, Tony was warm, affectionate, and loving. Now, he was more troubled than anything else. Even Callen had the same worried look on his face.
Callen spoke, interrupting her thoughts, “There’s Ethan. We’re not far from the site,” he offered, watching his brother pull back onto the road as they headed deep into the thick lushness of the backwoods.
“Holy shit! It’s in the middle of nowhere!” Tony declared, staring out his window.
Yeah, Callen was well aware.
After a five minute drive down windy roads, they stopped at a decent sized cinderblock building.
There was no sign informing them what it was. It was bland and very non-descript.
There was no doubt that the builders wanted it that way for a good reason. This was a morgue, and it housed the dead.
Out here in the middle of nowhere, it was damn creepy, They probably didn't want people nosing around.
Yeah, that was something Callen would never, ever do.
He could bet his life on it.
Callen was the first out of the Denali, and when he saw his brother, suit jacket removed and FBI vest over his dress shirt, the hairs on the back of his neck stood.
“What’s with the gear?” he asked, trying to keep his voice low. There were frown lines on his forehead, and that meant one thing.
Ethan Blackhawk was all stirred up.
“I’ll tell you once we’re inside,” he offered, grabbing some gear to make the transfer even quicker.
It made Callen even more edgy. It was rare that one of the directors would carry things into a site. They were generally too busy coordinating everything.
Ethan looked… impatient.
Freaked out.
Maybe even a little scared.
Yeah, this couldn’t be good.
Callen already hated this case. Maybe being at home and missing their woman wasn’t a bad thing.
It didn't take long to get everything taken care of. Once all the equipment was in, they looked around, checking out their surroundings.
Chris Leonard took inventory of the equipment they had at their disposal, the tools, and the overall quality of the facility.
“Well, it’s not FBI West, but we can make it work. At least it’s clean and sanitary.”
That was what would matter most to him.
Yeah, and Ethan was glad there was one hell of a bolt on the front door. His people would be safe.
“Okay, everyone, here’s the situation,” he began, giving them all the bad news. “Upon meeting with the sheriff, I may, or may not, have given him all the details. He assumes that we’re housing the original remains here. When I got there, I wasn’t comfortable with sharing everything.”
No one questioned it.
They never would. Ethan Blackhawk was their boss and a damn good one at that.
“Why the vest, Director?” Merry asked, knowing that he was usually only in one when Elizabeth pushed the issue.
He paused, trying to find the right words. Finally, he opted to go with the truth. “I’m going to say this, and it’s not meant to offend or point out anything other than the truth.”
They all looked around.
“When I walked into the sheriff’s office, I got the impression that we were walking into a very bad situation.”
“Because we’re the FBI?” asked Agent Seaton.
Ethan focused on him. “That’s part of it. We’re deep in the woods here, and there’s another issue that may trump the killer being the biggest problem we encounter.”
Jaxon got it immediately, but didn't want to point it out. She was the last person who wanted to throw out anything derogatory. She hadn’t worked with Ethan and Callen long enough to feel comfortable with pointing out the obvious.
Chris Leonard, on the other hand, went there. “Is yours and Callen’s heritage going to be an issue on this case?”
Blackhawk wanted to grin. He could hear the anger in the man’s voice, and rightfully so.
Ethan was pissed too.
“Yes. Callen and I are going to be the focus of everyone here who isn't a minority. The team should be safe, but just in case, I want everyone here to suit up the second you plan on leaving this building. I know I sound like Elizabeth, but your vest will save your life. Put them under your clothes and wear them like you would your gun and badge. We’re sitting ducks here.”
He left out that he had a really bad feeling. It was reminiscent of the ones he used to get when the shit was about to hit the fan.
They all got it, and there were murmurs of discontent, only not because of the mandatory vests, but because they all loved their bosses. Ethan and Callen were great to work for, and being Native American didn't even matter to them.
They’d follow them into hell and back.
It was a testament to their leadership skills.
“If I may, Director?” Tony asked. “I have my own personal assessment to add.”
Blackhawk gave him the opportunity to say what was on his mind.
“We’re deep in hillbilly land here,” Tony stated. Where his boss wouldn’t say it, he would. “Don’t wander the woods. Don’t touch anything outside this building, and don’t start a confrontation with anyone named Bubba. The inhabitants here are fond of moonshining, and they get plenty pissed off when their stills are found. In fact, they can be pushed toward violence. If you piss Bubba off, he and his family will come lookin’ for you,” he said, in his best southern accent.
Callen laughed. “Ah, it’s like having Elizabeth right here with us. Quick! Someone salute.”
They all did, and it even made the directors laugh.
Ethan appreciated their support. He was well aware they had a damn fine team and no one there had a bigoted bone in their bodies. Now, if only he could say that about the outside world, life would be so much easier.
“What do you want us to do?” Chris asked, leaning on his silver skull head cane. It had been a present from Elizabeth.
Ethan saw him favoring his one leg, so he glanced down at his watch.
“We’re going to do something totally different tonight. We’re going to lock up the bodies and head to the hotel as a group. I suggest you order pizza and stay in. Tomorrow, we’ll hit this up with fresh eyes. Callen and I will be out in the field the majority of the day. That’s going to mean that Agents Madden and Seaton will be doing paperwork in-house, as they act as your babysitters.”
When Ethan looked over at the two agents, they both nodded. He liked working with them because they generally did their jobs well, didn't cause any commotion, and blended in with the rest of the team.
Next, he glanced over at Jaxon.
“You’re going to have two choices, Doctor. You can play with the bodies, or you can help with the paperwork. I know that you’re not into the fleshy, so I’ll leave that up to you.”
She was grateful that he was giving her the choice.
“I’m hell on paperwork.”
Agent Seaton grinned. “Thank God someone is, because my current paperwork partner is cranky.”
Johanna Madden elbowed him.
“See?” he teased.
Ethan shook his head. “Since I opted to keep the sheriff in the dark, we’re going to have to scour the internet to find anything we can on the three victims. I’d start with the local papers, news stations, or local college sites. See if anything mentions a person who disappeared. Somewhere, there may be a reference to one of them. I can’t ask for the missing person reports, or he’s going to know something is up. We’re going in blind and with both hands tied behind our backs.”
Callen reassuringly patted him on the shoulder. “We’ll manage. We always do.”
He appreciated his brother’s optimism. Callen was definitely the team cheerleader.
Tony and Chris took over, making sure everything was secured, including the bodies. When Meredith offered up some locks, like the ones they would use to contain the evidence locker, it made everyone feel a little more secure.
Granted, they could be cut through, but at least local people might think twice about messing with the victims to get a sneak peek.
When everything was secure, only then did they head out.
In the Denali, Callen touched his brother on the arm, getting his attention. “It’s going to be okay, bro. Don’t worry about it.”
That was easier said than done.
Ethan Blackhawk thrived on control, and at that moment, he had none.
“Time will tell, Cal. Time will tell.”
* * *
Tuesday Night
She was a party girl.
An out of control, live on the edge, get drunk, get high kind of girl, and God help him, but he wanted her. The minute he saw her in town, he knew.
She was perfect.
Petite.
Black wavy hair.
Sweet blue eyes.
She had to be the one. He was going to take it as his sign and swoop her up before some other man did. She was wandering around just asking to be brought home to be a wife.
He could see it now.
She’d be the ideal woman for him.
Taking her was easy. All it took was creeping up to her under the cover of darkness as she stumbled back to her house. Once at the steps, she fell, passing out.
Luckily for him, no one was home.
Here, fate had delivered him the woman who would be his bride. How lucky could he get?
Tossing her over his shoulder, he gently placed her in the front seat. He didn't take the time to belt her in because he wanted her head in his lap.
It felt more…intimate.
It made their first moments together special.
This was almost like something two lovers would do after a night out on a date.
“Oh, Magdalene, I’ve wanted you for a long time. I can’t believe that you agreed to be my wife. I promise that you’ll have a good life, and I’ll keep you locked away and safe. No one will ever bother you again,” he vowed. “You’re going to be my secret treasure and the mother of our children.”
Dead Shall Speak (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 10) Page 10
