Rules of Engagement (Lexi Graves Mysteries, 11)

by Camilla Chafer

  "Did you know where he lived?"

  "He was living in a hotel during that time. He mentioned buying a place, a house. I was surprised, actually."

  "Why was that?" I pressed.

  "I guess I never figured him as someone who would settle down. I read his background file so I knew he was never in any one location long enough to even consider settling during most of his adult life. After that last op, I requested him for another job but found he sought a change of career. That would be the private investigation agency he set up. It was a smart move."

  "Any particular reason you thought that?" I asked.

  Matt nodded slowly. "This job has a habit of taking over your life. At some point, you either have to commit to sacrifice in order to be good at your job, or you have to leave the job and stop making all the sacrifices everywhere else. I've seen marriages fail, kids who barely know their parents, and important events get dropped for a work call. A lot of regrets in that line of work."

  "You spoke to Solomon and me about that one night," said Maddox. "A couple weeks into the Green Hand Insurance sting."

  "I believe I did. Maybe Solomon took that to heart. You don't think about it, Maddox?"

  "I do," said Maddox.

  "Don't leave it too late," said Matt. "Lexi, I'm afraid I might have wasted your time. I'm not sure how anything I said could help you."

  "I appreciate your meeting me. Is there anything you can think of that might help us find the person or persons responsible?"

  "Not really but, now that I think about it… there was someone Solomon mentioned. He had a friend at an Army base not too far from here. Fort Charles, I think. I don't recall the exact name but if you find him, he might be able to tell you more about his background than I can."

  We shook hands and Matt expressed his best wishes to Solomon and me, then he patted Maddox on the arm and took off, quickly disappearing behind the foliage that covered his exit from the park.

  "I thought he would be more helpful," said Maddox. We took the path by the lake, walking slowly back to the car while I digested Matt's comments.

  "Me too, but at least he didn't add anymore names on the list. Maddox, was Solomon really always that alone? I mean, did he really not have anyone around him when you worked together?"

  "I can't answer that. Like Miller said, we didn't talk much about that stuff. We were focused strictly on the job. Obviously, Solomon must have known people here because he had the agency up and running very quickly."

  "He lived here for a little while when he was a kid," I said. He told me about that period of his life a few times, and how much he liked living here. "He already knew everyone he hired to work at the agency."

  "Makes sense that he picked somewhere familiar to settle down. For a long while, I wondered if he picked Montgomery only because of you."

  "Me?"

  "Yeah. I figured he liked you enough to stick around, and then he hired you. Later, I figured he already had the agency set up by the time our case was closed, so that couldn't have been the reason. You were his surprise hire. He made the right choice too. You can do lots of things the other PIs can't."

  "Solomon always says no one ever suspects me."

  "That's right, perky," said Maddox. He nudged me jovially and I laughed. Perky was a pet name that followed me around.

  My phone rang and I reached for it, my heart thumping. Flaherty's name flashed on the screen. "What's the news?" I asked.

  "All good with the junk yard. The cameras were pointed at the road and the only vehicle that exited within an hour of the motorcycle going the other way was a beat-up SUV. We got the plate. Lucas ran it and it's registered to someone with the same surname as Mikey Gibbs so the wallet lead looks solid."

  "Does Garrett know about the camera?"

  "We gave him the nod before we got outta there."

  "Where are you now?"

  "Still in Frederickstown. I'm staking out the address the SUV is registered to. Fletch took the car and drove up to Boston to see if the shooter turns up there; that’s because Lucas found some information that links him to that area. You might want to let Delgado know that no one is coming in to relieve him at the hospital."

  "That's no problem. I'm heading back there now," I told him. "Do you have a vehicle?"

  "No, I'm warming a bench."

  "I'll get Lucas to send someone out with a car. Thanks for keeping me updated."

  "No thanks necessary," grunted Flaherty before he hung up.

  "Fletcher and Flaherty split up to cover more ground," I told Maddox, quickly explaining what they were doing. "I need to get back to the hospital. I've already been gone too long."

  "Let's go," said Maddox. He pointed to the path where we entered the park and we stepped up our pace as we made our way to the car. We got in and Maddox pulled out onto the street. A flash of black in the corner of my eye caught my attention. Realizing it was just another car pulling out behind us, I dismissed it. "You're disappointed," said Maddox.

  "At what Matt Miller said?"

  "No, what he didn't say."

  I thought about it. The meeting wasn't entirely fruitless. He mentioned a friend at Fort Charles and I had a good idea who that friend might be. I worked with both Captain Mitch McAuley and Solomon on a case once, the same case that played a part in my breakup with Maddox, so I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to bring that up right then. Instead, I said, "He gave me a few things to think about."

  "You know you can talk to me about anything," said Maddox. He reached over and squeezed my hand, giving me a boost of both warmth and reassurance. "I'm here for you." He dropped my hand to take the wheel, turning onto Century Street and heading in the direction of the hospital.

  "You glanced in the mirror seven times in the last two minutes," I said, breaking the silence.

  "Someone's following us," said Maddox. "Hey! You didn't turn around!"

  "I'm a pro now," I said smugly. "Is it the black car, two cars back?"

  "Yeah. You noticed it too?"

  "It was parked on the street behind us when we got into your car after we left the park. I dismissed it then, but now that you noticed it too, I'm worried."

  "I'm more curious than worried. I can either confirm this guy is following us, and try and shake them off, or we can let them follow us. It's your call."

  "Assuming it has to do with Solomon, I say we let them follow us to the hospital and then we try and surprise them."

  "How do you propose we do that?"

  I thought about the layout of the parking lot. Although we risked getting too much exposure, and the possibility of being shot, I couldn't figure out why someone would want to. It never seemed like I was anyone’s target so I didn't feel particularly in danger. If someone intended to finish off Solomon by murder, then why would they follow me? If they knew he was still alive, it would be obvious that he was at the hospital under armed guard and there would be no reason to follow me. That left me with another conundrum: did the person following us have some information for me?

  "If we park near the east wing, rather than the front parking lot, there're a lot of shadows where the wing extends and the supporting pillars hide everything underneath. Park as close to that as we can, and we can get directly under the pillars and hide behind them to wait and see who follows us."

  "Works for me," agreed Maddox. "Are you armed?"

  "No. I left my gun at the hospital with Delgado. You?"

  "Always. Stick with me."

  "No problem."

  Maddox turned onto the street where the hospital was situated and then into the parking lot. Fortunately, the front parking lot was filled with the day's patients and visitors so it wasn't strange that we passed it and turned onto the east wing's lesser used lot. It wasn't a very popular area, and a little further to walk to the main entrance, and it had numerous bays marked for hospital employees, marking it harder for visitors to park. Maddox slid the car into a space next to the sidewalk and we both jumped out, aiming for the broad, bri
ck pillars.

  "Do you see the car?" I asked as we slipped behind one close to the hospital and hidden by the deep shadow.

  "It followed us to the parking lot. I can't see without ducking my head around this pillar."

  I reached into my purse and pulled out my compact mirror, flipping the lid and using it to peek around the pillar, angling it so I could see the reflection. The car had pulled in behind Maddox's SUV and a man wearing jeans, a zipped-up jacket and a baseball cap climbed out. He covered his eyes with his hand and searched the area. "Just one man. His face is covered. He's looking around. Now, he's walking forwards." I angled the mirror again, following his progress until he stepped into the pillared area, and I lowered my voice to a whisper. My heart thumped. "He stopped. I think he realized we didn't walk into the entrance."

  "How do you feel about approaching him?" whispered Maddox.

  My stomach roiled. "Not good."

  "I know, but you won't be in any danger. When he gets to that next pillar, you step out. I'll circle around and cover him from the back," said Maddox. He slid his gun from his holster and readied it. "Go," he said.

  I stepped out and the man, who was little more than eight feet away, stopped. "Lexi Graves?" he asked.

  There was something oddly familiar about his voice, but I couldn't quite place it.

  "You've been following us," I said, avoiding his question.

  "I wanted to make sure it was you. It is you?" he said, taking another step forward and reaching behind him. My heart thumped faster.

  "Not another step," said Maddox behind him.

  The man stilled. "What the hell is this?" he asked.

  "Take your hand out your pocket and put it above your head. Both of them," ordered Maddox as I stood there, immobilized.

  "Okay, man," said the stranger. He lifted his hands above his head. One hand held something small and dark, too small and square for a gun.

  "I was just getting my wallet," he said as Maddox approached him and plucked it from his hand. "I'm Damien. Damien Solomon."

  Maddox flipped open the wallet and checked something inside before stepping back and circling around the man, with the gun still pointed at him. He checked again, and looked at the man, then passed the wallet to me. A driver's license was inside a transparent window. I looked at the photo and squinted at the man in the dim light. "Damien?" I said, a sense of utter relief flooding me. He was a little shorter than Solomon, and broader, but there was no mistaking his brown eyes.

  "I spoke with you about John. I came as soon as I... Hey, can I put my hands down now? I'd really like to see my brother. Who are you?" he asked, nodding to Maddox.

  "Sure," said Maddox, holstering his weapon. "Special Agent Maddox. I'm Lexi's..." he stopped, glancing at me before adding, "friend," and smiling at me.

  "That's right," I agreed. My relief made me almost giddy. I was so glad that no one got shot.

  "I'll walk you both up to him, and if you sneak up on Lexi again, I'll also be the one to shoot you first," added Maddox.

  Chapter Twelve

  I awoke with a start, blinking from the daylight in my eyes, and relishing the warmth of Solomon next to me. Sometimes when I awaken, it takes a moment for me to get my bearings, but not today. The hoarse sound of his breathing tube and the beep of the heart monitor reminded me exactly where I was. In a hospital room, shivering and trying not to cry again because I knew it wasn't a bad dream.

  Winding my fingers around Solomon's warm, still hand, I lay my head on his shoulder and matched my breathing to his. "Wake up," I whispered into his ear. "John, wake up."

  Solomon didn't move.

  I rolled my shoulders. My body ached, partly from falling asleep perched precariously on the edge of his hospital bed, and partly from my need for his affection. What would I do if Solomon never woke up again? What if he never ran his hands through my hair again, or pulled me in for a hug? What if he never held my hand? What if the last time we made love was the last time, forever?

  I stroked his hand, then his arm, winding a little trail to his wrist and back again. When my body couldn't take anymore uncomfortable aches, I tipped my chin and kissed his cheek, then slid off the bed, landing on the floor in my stocking feet.

  "I hate this," I muttered to the air.

  "Me, too," said a voice.

  "Arrgh!" I shrieked, leaping almost a thousand feet into the air before I spun around. Someone had set up a cot at the side of the room before I returned yesterday. I tried sleeping in it, but gave up around midnight and crawled onto the bed next to Solomon where I finally slept. Now, it was occupied. Delgado lay on his back, his eyes closed, his face looking restless. The butt of my gun peeked out from under the pillow.

  "Sorry," he said, his eyes still closed. "Didn't mean to startle you."

  The door to the room pulled back and an officer appeared, his weapon drawn. Behind him was a nurse. "Who screamed?" asked the officer.

  "Me," I said, jabbing a thumb at my chest. "I thought I was alone and he surprised me."

  "I need to check my patient," said the nurse. She bustled past the officer who holstered his weapon and nodded to me before stepping aside for the nurse. I stood, frozen and unsure, watching while she did her work, then she smiled at me and left.

  "What are you doing down there?" I asked.

  "I hope you're talking to me," said Delgado.

  "Who else?"

  "I heard you talking to God last night. I figured you might try down there too," he said, pointing to the floor. Thankfully, it didn't open up to reveal a pit of fire.

  "I haven't talked to God."

  "Last night you said 'God, this is shit'."

  "That was more of an observation than a conversation! Why are you still here?"

  "Doing my duty," said Delgado. "Protecting you and Solomon."

  "Didn't you get any sleep?"

  "I'm doing Army Sleep," he said. "One ear and one eye open at all times."

  "That's Mom Sleep," said Lily from the doorway. She held up a tray of takeout coffees and a brown paper bag with a grease stain forming at the bottom.

  "I can't wait for Dad Sleep," said Delgado. His lips curled at the edges. "Stepdad Sleep is the same thing, right?"

  "Absolutely the same," I told him and he smiled wider. Delgado, and Serena's toddler daughter, Victoria, had taken to each other instantly. It was nothing less than charming to watch the hulking ex-soldier being dominated by the frilly-dressed, little girl.

  "I can't wait for normal sleep," said Lily. "I would dream about it if I actually got any sleep. Look, I put mascara on. Achievement unlocked." She pointed to her perfectly made up face and glossy, bouncy curls.

  "Yeah, you look terrible," I teased, looking around her for Poppy and my constant distraction. "Where's my favorite niece, not including my other nieces, especially Victoria," I added hurriedly, in case that question got back to any of my siblings. Each one had a daughter. Delgado mimed zipping his lips. Not so coincidentally, my fear level and the need to avoid all family functions for the next two years, instantly diminished.

  "I know, right?" said Lily, seriously. "I brought coffee and donuts. I brought Solomon some too, just in case," she added, darting a glance at him. "I also gave a box to the police officer outside and I dropped some off at the nurse's station. Can I get anyone a napkin?" she asked, depositing her load on the table and reaching into her purse.

  "You don't have to feed us," I told her, reaching for a coffee.

  "I do. I'm a Jewish mother now. I have to feed everyone. It's the law," she said. "Also, it makes me feel better because I am useless to you right now and I don't know what to do except bring more food."

  "I really appreciate it," said Delgado. "Lily, you're a very thoughtful woman." He eased himself upright on the cot, stretched, and showed no signs of tiredness after sleeping on alert. "Please excuse me for a few minutes, then I'll be back in to vacuum up any leftovers." He grabbed his backpack and stepped out of the room.

  "Our soon-to-be b
rother-in-law is a very nice man," said Lily.

  "I agree. Let's keep him." I reached for a donut and wrapped the hot dough in the napkin Lily handed me.

  "Can you imagine what his kids will look like?" Lily mused.

  "Well-dressed tanks?"

  "With really nice hair," added Lily. "Should I reserve you for babysitting now?"

  "As the only single aunt in the family, you really should."

  "Sorry," said Lily, suddenly hugging me. I tried not to choke on the piece of donut I chewed. Over her shoulder, I shoved in the last piece in case the hug lasted for a while. A hungry rumble would probably ruin the moment.

  "Why are you sorry?" I mumbled. Was now the wrong moment to lick sugar from my lips? What if Lily thought I was trying to lick her? Her hair smelled really nice but I didn't want to actually lick it.

  "In case you thought I don't value you for not having a child, and using you for being the single aunt. I really do value you for many, many things."

  "I don't think that," I assured her as we disentangled. "I don't have a child because it's not my time yet, and I guess I'll know when it's time. When did you know it was time?"

  Lily tapped a finger against her lip. "When I was pregnant," she decided.

  "Hopefully, I'll know before then. Until then, and if I'm available, I'm happy to babysit. I get to squish the sweetest people and watch them grow up and be part of their lives. I get to help the people I love."

  "But reserve your services well in advance, yeah?"

  "Definitely."

  Lily paused, and I felt the weight of an important question bearing down on her. She looked into my eyes, took a deep breath and asked, "You are counting all the favors we owe you, aren't you?"

  "I'm covered for my future children's entire childhoods," I said and she broke into a grin.

  "Now we have that decided, what's happening today? Where's Damien? I thought the mystery brother might be here."

  "He met up with Anastasia last night and my parents insisted he stay with them too. He'll be here soon and you can meet him then."

  "Is he a lot like Solomon?"