by Becky Harmon
He looked convincingly surprised. “No. No. I’ve known Robbie for over ten years and I’ve never known him to mess with explosives or to do anything against the law. Are you sure about this?”
“Yes, we’re sure.” Sheldon glanced at Wallace approaching and inclined her head toward him. “Agent Wallace can go over the search warrant with you while we get started here. Please ask your employees to remain outside the building unless we call for them.”
Clayton Thomas motioned for his employees to return to their vehicles while he turned his attention to Wallace.
Heather tossed Sheldon and Jamison a pair of gloves and the three women approached the huge building to begin their search. The other agents joined them and Sheldon separated them into two-person teams, assigning them to specific areas of the warehouse. Jamison followed Heather and Sheldon into the first of two offices. Careful not to touch or open anything that wasn’t covered in the search warrant, she combed through every drawer in the desk and read all paperwork left in plain view.
She didn’t send any more texts to Shea but checked her phone often to see if Shea had responded to her earlier messages. She refused to allow herself to ponder the what-ifs of Shea’s silence. Though the search was much more civilized than anyone would have expected, she still needed to keep her mind on her task. If Shea was giving her the brush-off, she would have plenty of time to mourn her loss later. She was relieved to see Heather approaching with bottled water and gladly accepted one.
“Has anyone found anything?” Jamison asked.
“Nothing yet, but the bomb dogs are still about twenty minutes out.”
Heather passed Sheldon a bottle of water as she approached them.
“Part of me didn’t expect to find anything but the other part is very disappointed,” Sheldon said, taking a large drink.
Jamison stared over Sheldon’s shoulder, studying the layout of both offices. They were positioned against the outer wall to the right of the main floor. Both had glass windows covering the side so they could look out onto the warehouse floor.
Jamison took a step closer. “The wall is too thick.”
“What?” Sheldon asked.
“Look through the window at the interior size of the offices. The wall in between the two offices is several feet thick.” Jamison went back into the first office.
“Is there a bathroom in there, maybe?” Heather asked.
“If there is I didn’t notice it.” Sheldon walked toward the open office door and Heather followed.
Jamison tapped on the wall and it sounded solid. She stepped back and surveyed it again. There were no seams where a door might be so she felt around the edges of the bookshelf mounted to the wall. Nothing there either. She left the office and stared through both glass windows into each room. The wall was definitely too thick. It wasn’t something you could tell at first glance because the glass window stopped a few feet before the wall, giving the impression the room was larger than it actually was. Heather and Sheldon watched her through the window.
She went back into the first office again. The mounted bookshelf had a thick braided rug covering the floor in front of it. When Jamison rolled back the rug she could see scuff marks on the floor in front of the bookshelf. Her excitement building, she began touching everything on the bookshelf, looking for a trigger. She pulled a bowling trophy toward her and stepped back in surprise as a hum filled the room. The base of the trophy was mounted to the shelf and when Jamison pulled it only the top had swung toward her. Like something out of a movie, Jamison watched one side of the bookshelf move toward her as it opened to reveal a small room. Flipping on the light inside, it only took her a moment to find the door switch for the other side. She pressed it and smiled into the surprised faces of Sheldon and Heather.
“Cool!” Heather exclaimed as she stepped out of the way of the moving shelf.
The three women stared at the contents of the room.
Sheldon took a breath. “What the hell?”
It was loaded floor to ceiling with explosives.
* * *
Jamison slid into Sheldon’s car and collapsed onto the backseat. She was exhausted but they had managed to search every corner of the warehouse. Throughout the night the search had continued to broaden as they uncovered first explosives and then drugs. After they found the secret room, Jamison had begun referring to it as the wall of honor. Pictures of famous women in sports and politics with targets drawn over each face covered every inch.
“That was amazing,” Heather exclaimed, climbing into the front seat.
“Your first drug bust?” Jamison asked.
“Not my first but certainly the biggest. Between the explosives and the drugs, we should get a Pulitzer.”
“Personally, my favorite was the pictures of Shea,” Jamison said sarcastically.
“I didn’t realize she’d been on the cover of Sports Illustrated so many times. Impressive.”
“Where’s Sheldon, anyway? I thought she was right behind us.”
“Wallace stopped her when we were leaving. I think he wants her to start the interrogations when we get back,” Heather explained.
“I wish I could join you but I have a brunch date.”
“Did we have fun, ladies?” Sheldon joked, jumping behind the wheel.
Agent Wallace rested his arms on the open window. “Thank you all for the assistance. That was a good catch, Agent Krews. I didn’t think we’d be able to make Clayton Thomas squirm let alone arrest him.”
“Is he under arrest?” Jamison asked.
“Well, he’s being detained and I’m hoping for the best.”
“Is any of this property in his name?” Heather asked.
Wallace shook his head. “It’s not, but where he screwed up was claiming residence here. This has been his address of record for the last ten years. If the person listed as owner has not claimed this as his residence, then it won’t be a leap to prove everything confiscated belongs to Thomas. His lawyer has already started pushing the blame off on Sullivan but with what we found today everyone that claims residence here will be facing jail time.”
“I think Skip Mason just lost his supplier,” Heather said, grinning.
“We’ll definitely shut this place down but depending on the tests on the produce the farmers market might remain open,” Wallace explained. He glanced at Jamison. “We’ll follow the path as far as it takes us. At the very least I expect the Atlanta Wildcats will have a round of drug testing before the game in two weeks.”
“Thanks. Keep me in the loop if you uncover anything on the threats to Shea.”
“The news media is all over this so I think Sullivan will be framed as the bigot he is and most likely take the fall for all of that.” Wallace tapped the window frame. “I better get back in there. Sheldon, keep in touch with me.”
Sheldon nodded, dropping the car in gear.
The women remained silent while Sheldon cleared them past the FBI agents who were controlling access at the entrance gate. The crowd of television cameras parted as Sheldon maneuvered the Charger through the middle of them.
Jamison was fairly sure no one could see them through the darkened windows of the Charger. “I guess the media is aware of something going on.”
* * *
Shea rolled over and instantly grabbed her cell phone, forgetting that the battery had died the previous night. She groaned and tossed it back on the nightstand. Her body ached from yesterday’s game but she knew movement would make her feel better. Pushing herself to get out of bed to find out what time it was, she stumbled to the living room still in her pajamas.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” her mother crooned as she ran over to kiss her on the cheek.
“Morning, Mom,” Shea grumbled. “Can I get a cup of whatever you guys are having?” She motioned to the cups on the table in front of Mel and Nikki.
“Sure.” Nikki got up and went to the kitchen.
Shea followed her speaking softly, “Can I borrow your phone?”
“Sure.” Nikki handed her a cup of coffee. “Accoutrements are on the table.” She pulled her phone from her pocket.
Finding Nikki’s address book empty, Shea handed it back to her.
“Something I can help you with?” Nikki asked.
“Do you have Jamison’s number?”
“I do but she’ll be here shortly.”
“She will?” Shea looked around confused. “What time is it?”
“Almost nine thirty. She called Mel about an hour ago and got directions.” Nikki leaned against the counter and watched Shea. “She did mention not being able to reach you.”
“Yeah, my phone died last night and neither of your chargers worked.”
Nikki grimaced, then nudged her shoulder. “You should’ve come and asked me.”
She followed Nikki back to the dining room table and dropped into a chair beside her mother.
“That was a great game, sweetie.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Shea positioned her head directly above her coffee and breathed in the aroma. She listened to Mel and Nikki analyze and argue about the football game while her mother joined in occasionally. Even after all these years, she knew her mother still barely knew the rules of the game.
“It works better if you drink it, little sister.”
Shea looked up to find Mel watching her. “I’m just letting it permeate my body.” Shea raised her head and sniffed. “Do I smell muffins?”
“You do.” Nikki smiled at her. “Chocolate chip.”
“Oh yum.” Shea stood, picking up her coffee cup. “I’m going to shower.”
* * *
Shea stopped at the entrance to the kitchen and watched Jamison leaning against the wall, cradling a coffee cup in her hands.
“Then I pulled this stupid bowling trophy and the entire bookshelf swung open. It was crazy,” Jamison was saying with excitement.
Her face was flushed as she shared her adventure from the night before. She was dressed in all black clothing with black boots and the dark circles under her eyes gave away her lack of sleep. Shea couldn’t pull her eyes away. She waited until Jamison had finished her story before stepping into the kitchen, and drawing attention to herself.
“I’m starving,” Shea said, hiding her thrill of seeing Jamison.
“Next time try getting up before noon, little sister,” Mel teased.
“Everything’s ready.” Nikki pushed Mel out of the way and carried a full plate of muffins to the table.
Shea followed the muffins and noticed the table for the first time. There was also a full plate of steaming pancakes, one of scrambled eggs and a bowl of fresh cut fruit. She glanced at Nikki. “Wow, this looks great. Is there anything left I can help with?”
Nikki smiled. “Nope. Take a seat and dig in.”
She sat down across the table from Jamison and smiled. “Long night?”
“Yeah.” Jamison returned her smile. “I tagged along with Sheldon and the FBI while they visited the militia compound.”
Shea raised her eyebrows.
“I didn’t get to tell you before the bullets started raining down on us yesterday but we took down one of the militia’s board members during the game as well as locating more explosives.”
“Wow,” Shea said, glancing around the table.
She wanted to hear everything but she knew Mel would put a stop to it if she asked so she settled for filling her plate and watching Jamison.
The conversation around the table turned to light topics as they talked about yesterday’s game and the upcoming championship game. Shea listened to the comments and participated when necessary but her mind was on Jamison and what their future might be. Jamison seemed a little shy and reserved but Shea blamed that on Mel and her mother.
When Jamison asked the location of the bathroom, Shea followed, waiting in the hallway. She pushed Jamison back inside and closed the door behind them.
“My phone died last night,” she offered before Jamison could speak.
“Oh.”
“Just oh?”
“That was a relieved oh. I tried to call and I’m glad you weren’t avoiding me.” Jamison smiled.
She smiled back. “We’re okay, then?”
Jamison pulled her into her arms. “We’re definitely okay.” Jamison kissed her.
They both jumped apart when someone knocked on the door. “Are you both in there?” Shea’s mother asked.
“Shit,” Jamison choked out.
“Yes, Mom. Just a minute,” she called before kissing Jamison again. She took Jamison’s hand and pulled open the bathroom door. Sliding past her mother, she headed for the kitchen and her sister.
She stopped, making eye contact with Nikki. Mel was putting dishes in the dishwasher and looked up when Nikki touched her shoulder. Giving Shea an encouraging nod, Nikki put an arm around Mel.
Jamison immediately stepped in front of Shea. “Mel, I’m dating your sister. I really hope you’re going to be okay with it since I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”
Nikki spoke first. “We’re very happy for you both. Aren’t we, Mel?”
“Yes,” Mel croaked.
Shea dropped Jamison’s hand and hugged Nikki. “Thank you so much,” she whispered into her ear.
“You’re welcome,” Nikki whispered back. “She is happy for you.”
“What’s all the hugging about?” Shea’s mother asked as she entered the kitchen.
“I’ve decided to pursue a professional football career after I graduate,” Shea announced.
“What?” Mel exclaimed. “Where did this come from?”
“The owner of an NFL team visited the sidelines during yesterday’s game and she made me an offer.” Shea held up her hands to stop the flow of questions about to be hurled from Mel’s mouth. “I told her I was a lesbian and if she was still interested then I was definitely willing to talk.”
Shea tried to read Jamison’s face and hoped she would be open to the idea. She wasn’t willing to choose between her future in football and Jamison.
“What team?” Nikki asked, her steadying arm back around Mel’s waist.
“There’s only one team with a female owner,” Mel cut in. “Since her husband died last fall, she hasn’t relinquished the reins yet and some say she won’t.” She smiled at Shea. “That’s really awesome, little sister.”
“We’re all so proud of you, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Shea said, giving her mother a quick smile before looking at Jamison.
“We have a lot to celebrate today.” Nikki smiled at them all and began passing around drinks.
When everyone had a beverage in her hand, Mel raised her glass. “To Shea’s future.”
“To Shea’s future,” everyone echoed Mel’s toast.
Jamison wrapped an arm around Shea’s waist pulling her tight against her. Leaning her head close, she whispered. “To the cub’s future.”
Shea laughed and tapped her glass to Jamison’s. “I look forward it. Can we go now?”
“Absolutely.”
“I’ll need to swing by the duplex and pick up some clothes before we go home.”
“Home?” Jamison smiled. “That sounds nice.”
Bella Books, Inc.
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