by Terry Spear
Dan was frowning.
“He said he had an army obligation, but he’d think on it. I followed his career, and that of his friends, Stryker, Hal, and Chase, who joined him at the booth, telling him he’d look good with an agent’s badge. They were all cougars, strapping young men, already weapons trained, and they were going into the military. Then I had the idea of setting you up with a faux husband for some of your missions, to watch your back, not trusting just any agent to watch out for you. And you picked him.”
“The first dozen were human.”
“Exactly. You don’t think I could have found that many cougars who were qualified, do you? I only knew about the four men because they all came to my booth and I took their cards and handed them mine.”
Addie looked up at Dan. He nodded, as if he recalled the incident.
“And see? I was right. He’s protected you when no one else in the Bureau could.”
“Leyton Hill was listed too.”
“I met him later. Tell Mrs. Fitz I want her to watch out for you.”
“She told me you weren’t my real mother.”
“I told her to tell you, but privately, so you could decide who to share the information with. And the Muellers? They can stop searching into my background. Concentrate on Paris and Dirk. I think you know they’re involved in this.”
“And Briggs?”
“I’d be careful around him. I can’t believe he didn’t know what was going on with regards to you. I’m in charge of several task forces. I can’t be everywhere at once. He’s got half the number I have, and, well, suffice it to say, I’m not at all happy with his job performance.”
“He’s taken away my badge and gun.”
“I told him to.”
Addie frowned, still not sure she trusted Alicia. “If you know I’m telling the truth—“
“You’re a target, Addie. And I don’t want you murdered like your parents were. We’ll learn the truth and take these people down. You settle down with that sheriff and stay out of trouble.”
“What if they keep coming for me here? I’m endangering everyone’s lives that I touch.”
“As soon as Briggs and I spread the word that you’re no longer working for the FBI, whoever’s responsible will believe you’re no longer a threat.”
Addie had a hard time believing that. She also wanted to learn who had put out the hit on her mother and father, and her now. She wasn’t going to sit back and pretend none of it had occurred.
“I’ve got a call I’ve got to take. If you need to call me, just use this number. We’ll talk later.”
Addie didn’t believe Alicia really meant it. She had told her all she was going to say on the matter and Addie was done with being involved. But Addie wasn’t.
She handed the phone to Dan and said, “Do you believe she intends to talk to me later?”
“No.”
“Do you remember meeting her earlier?”
“Yeah, I sure do, but I never paid attention to her name. Stryker, Hal, Chase, and I joked about being FBI agents later. As cougars. Once we finished our army obligations, we were returning here, though Chase ended up being a sheriff in Oklahoma for a while and lost his wife and child, and returned here finally after I convinced him to come home.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah, he was out on a call, and his family was murdered. He was really broken up over it.”
“That’s horrible. I’m glad he returned here to be among family and friends.”
“Just like you.”
“I’m sorry about mentioning Carl being hired to take the video recordings.”
“You recovered nicely on that one. As long as they don’t ask to see Carl’s body.”
“You don’t think it’s a mistake to turn the hitmen’s bodies over to the feds?”
“No. And good riddance. We have all the records on them in duplicate. Of course, we’ll only give them the two we had to shoot. The two we killed as cougars are already buried.”
“Good. I didn’t even think of that.”
“They don’t know how many were here, unless they were involved. I’d love to hear them ask where the other bodies are.”
“Let’s talk with Mrs. Fitz,” Addie said. “I want to see if she knows more about my parents’ deaths, and her take on what Alicia said as far as everything else goes.”
“I take it you don’t trust Alicia.”
“Do you? I don’t trust anyone that I worked with there any longer.”
“All right. Let’s take Bridget back to the safe house and I need to have Stryker return Carl to his cell.”
“He told us everything.”
“He still needs to have someone take him in.”
“Us?” Addie asked.
“Not in a million years.” Dan walked Addie back to the breakroom and said to Carl, “Stryker will return you to your cell when he needs to. There’s no rush. If he can behave out here with you guys, he can stay out. If he shifts, he has to go into the cell. Or if one of you has to run out, he returns to the cell.”
“I told you everything I know,” Carl said, fuming.
As if that earned him the right to get out of jail free. “Right. We still have to find a family who will take you in,” Dan said.
“What do I have to do to get out of here?”
“Whatever it takes.”
“I’ll help you investigate this business. You said yourself I’m good at this.”
Dan agreed. He wouldn’t turn down anyone’s help with this, if he thought they might really be of assistance. “You can use one of our computers, if you think you can help with this case, as long as someone’s watching everything you’re doing.”
“I can stay here,” Bridget said. “Your deputies can do whatever work they need to do, and I’ll monitor Carl. I’m really good at research too. And I’m just as armed and dangerous as the rest of you.” She patted her gun.
And she could read minds. As far as Dan knew, she rarely used her talent, careful not to intrude on what others were thinking, but in a case where they didn’t trust the person, she was handy to have around, if she could read the person’s mind.
“In a couple of hours, we have some men coming over to pick up the assassin’s bodies at the morgue. Do you think you might be able to talk to them and learn who they really are?” he asked Bridget.
Bridget smiled. “Sure thing, Dan.”
He was never sure about asking her to do anything with her ability because she wasn’t his asset, though as a cougar, she was willing to help anyone out who needed the aid. Also, he knew she hadn’t told everyone about what she could do. Not everyone would feel comfortable about knowing she could read their minds. He wondered if she had already known what was up with Addie when she’d come to his house six months ago. As a cat, she had to be curious, and he wouldn’t blame her if she had tried to learn for herself the truth of the matter from reading his thoughts. If she had, she’d never let on, and no one seemed to know about it, and for that, he was grateful.
“Where will you be?” Stryker asked Dan.
“Picking up some pastries at Mrs. Fitz’s place since we’ve already run out,” Addie said.
Stryker nodded, knowing they had business other than pastries in mind.
“I thought we could get Ricky a pastry too, and drop it off and check on him,” Addie said, walking out with Dan to the Jeep.
“You know that kid crushes on every new she-wolf he sees in town.”
Addie slipped her arm through Dan’s. “I’m already taken.”
“That’s for damn sure.” He got her door.
“We don’t have to get him a sweet treat. I just thought it would be nice because he and his brother were trying to help us out.”
“Of course, we can. No problem there. I just wanted you to know as soon as you give it to him, he’s going to see more into it than you mean.”
She chuckled. “I’m way older than him.”
“He likes the older cougar
s.”
She laughed.
When they arrived at the bakery, Dan swore he could pack on the pounds just smelling the sweetness emanating from the place. Mrs. Fitz had all kinds of fall and Halloween candy on display in the windows, from pumpkin to Frankenstein petite fours, and cakes.
“Omigod, this place is so cute and just heavenly.” Addie hurried into the shop where a dozen people were sitting at round tables big enough for four people, giant lollipops hanging down from ribbons tied to white trees. The whole place was washed in white showing off the bright candies. “I want to buy out the whole store.”
Mrs. Fitz heard the bell jingle their arrival and came out wiping her hands on a hand towel, all smiles, until she saw them.
Dan swore it was the first time he’d ever seen her smile visibly slip. She knew they were here for business. “We came to pick up something for Ricky to cheer him up.”
“And for Kolby for helping save his brother,” Addie added.
“Right.”
“And we ate all the goodies you brought earlier, so we wanted to get more for tomorrow.” Addie smiled and leaned down to look at all the sweets under glass.
“Why don’t you come back here while I finish pulling some things out of the oven. I’ve got a couple of girls working for me who can man the front while you pick out what you’d like.” Then, all smiles, Mrs. Fitz walked them back into the kitchen.
When they were in the kitchen, Dan noticed nothing was baking, that everything was clean.
She had them sit at a small table, and she said, “What is it you want to know?”
“What was my real mother, Cecilia, involved in that got her killed? And then my father knew about and ended up the same way as my mother? I’d like to know what it is that they think I know that has put me at risk,” Addie said.
“I don’t know. Really, I don’t, or I would have told you before this. I want this resolved as much as you do. I love it here and everyone in the town. I’d protect anyone, if I knew any more than that.”
Dan said, “You knew who I was seeing—that I was undercover as her husband.”
“I knew Addie, yes. I knew the situation with her parents. No more than that. Alicia was my friend and she often told me how hard it was to maintain her objectivity where you were concerned. She and your father were no match, but you were a darling. I have to admit I wanted to take you home with me instead. Alicia couldn’t believe it when you applied to the academy and joined the Bureau.”
“So, she didn’t have anything to do with me getting where I did in the organization?”
“Are you kidding? You were top of your class because you were that good. Of course, as cougars, we pride ourselves in doing better. Our enhanced cat abilities really help give us the edge. Other than that, you did it all on your own.”
Addie looked visibly relieved to know that someone hadn’t helped her get through the training or score so well based on family ties.
“Is there anything you can tell us, even if you don’t think it’s relevant to the case?” Addie asked.
“I said that Alicia and your father’s agreement was terminated and that’s why she left, but the truth is—and I hadn’t wanted to mention it—but your father was seeing another woman. It’s understandable since Alicia and he only had a Bureau marriage. That meant the end of the contract between them though and Alicia was recalled.”
Addie frowned. “He never married anyone after Alicia left.”
“No, but he was seeing a number of other women. The truth of the matter is, they were Bureau plants, all of them investigating him to learn if he was involved with whatever your mother had gotten herself into. They had no intention of marrying him. A couple of male agents befriended him for the same purpose—to learn if he knew anything.”
“Does Alicia know what it was my mother was involved in?” Addie asked.
“Alicia was your mother’s handler. Even though she and I were best of friends, we didn’t discuss the particulars of the job. We worked for different agencies, and we wanted to continue working for them. All I know is that she was your mother’s handler before your mother died. And she was your dad’s wife for Bureau purposes. Beyond that, you would have to ask Alicia, but I highly doubt she will tell you anything that’s classified.”
“What about the Muellers digging into this?” Addie asked, sounding concerned.
“They will understand the risks.”
“In other words, if they learn what my mother knew, they could be targeted too.”
“Yes.”
“Thanks, Flo, for sharing with us.” Addie turned to Dan. “Are you ready to pick up some treats and see Ricky?”
“Yeah, sure.” Dan suspected Addie believed Mrs. Fitz truly didn’t know any more than she said she did, but Addie was worried about the Muellers. Sure enough, as soon as they bought two boxes of pastries from Mrs. Fitz and were headed over to the clinic, Addie said, “I want you to tell Rick and Yvonne that they don’t need to dig into this any further.”
“Are you sure? You know they’re capable of dealing with any fallout, particularly since the whole town is on high alert.”
“Yes, I’m sure. They’re retired. They’ve left that cloak and dagger business behind. These are their golden years, and they shouldn’t have to spend it fearing for their lives.”
“Not only are they glad to help, they feel they have a greater purpose in life by taking part in this venture. Not to mention they wouldn’t want to feel left out because they’re older cats. If you insist, I’ll tell them to call their search off.”
She frowned at Dan. “You’re making me sound like I’m putting them out to pasture.”
He shook his head. “I just know them, and I know what it would be like for me if I were retired and the new sheriff asked if I could help. Just like Calvin, the retired highway patrolman, got involved. I don’t think I’ve seen him more eager and willing to take part in anything as much recently as when he thought he could help take down the bad guys.”
“All right, but just warn them, okay? Tell them I said not to keep looking if it’s too dangerous.”
“Will do.” Dan knew they’d continue to look into it. Not only had they felt more alive than they had since the last time they had helped on a case, but working as a team with each other, always brought them closer together again. Dan got on his phone after he parked at the clinic. “Hey, Yvonne, Addie’s worried about you digging into this case and wants you to call it off.” He put the phone on speaker so Addie could hear what she had to say.
“Tell her we’re fine. Oh, you have this on speaker. Addie, we’re fine. And we’ve got some news.” Yvonne paused. “She’s listening in, right?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“Okay, Addie’s mother learned the assistant director was corrupt, involved in money laundering, off-shore accounts, racketeering, and murder. She was gathering evidence while working her real job. She told Briggs, who was working with her and he said he’d tell his boss. Then she was quickly dispatched.”
“And nothing was done about her allegations,” Addie said.
“No. It was swept under the carpet, but a couple of people had overheard what was said and they kept quiet.”
“And Addie’s dad?” Dan asked.
“He didn’t seem to know anything about it, but then he was with an agent, female, posing as his girlfriend, and they were out drinking, and he spilled the beans to her. And he was murdered.”
“What has this got to do with Addie?” Dan asked.
“Within the past six months, someone got word she had the critical information that would put several people in jail. The assistant director has retired and is in his seventies now, but some of the fledgling agents who were involved in the cover-up still work for the Bureau. They’d all go down if she shared the information.”
“I don’t know where any of this information could be. I didn’t know any of this, not until people started trying to kill me.”
“This all happened, starting
six months ago,” Dan said. “What happened differently for you?”
“I was supposed to get information from a courier about bank robbers who had hit several banks in the area.”
“The job could have been a means to send a hit on her,” Yvonne said, “and have nothing to do with any real mission.”
“True. Did anything happen to you that makes you suspect something triggered this?”
“My apartment was broken into. Several other places had been broken into also. I didn’t feel I’d been targeted.”
“Possibly, they were random, or the others were done to make it appear as though the same people broke into all the places. Was anything missing?”
“A set of keys. They were just a bunch of old keys I had that I kept meaning to go through and get rid of. You know, like suitcase keys to luggage I no longer owned. A safety deposit key that I found that I’d lost, and had to pay for. They had to change out the lock on the box, so the key would no longer work on it. Stuff that I should have tossed a long time ago.”
“Why did you notice it was missing?” Yvonne asked.
“It was sitting in a desk drawer and was on a dragon key ring, something my dad had given me when I had a fascination for everything dragon. It was heavy, so I just used it for all the random keys I’d gathered up and meant to toss.”
“Nothing that could be important to the investigation?”
“No. Except for being irritated at losing the dragon key chain, I figured the thieves would have a fun time figuring out what anything belonged to, and they would be worthless to anyone.”
13
Dan was at a loss to figure out what was going on. Then Bridget called him while he and Addie were at the clinic and he was hopeful it would be good news.
“Okay, we have some news. We dug up some information about what Addie’s mom, Cecilia, had been working on. Now, if we could find the evidence wherever she might have hidden it, or Addie’s dad had hidden it, maybe we could get somewhere with this,” Bridget said. “Does Addie have any idea where he might have had the information she’d gathered and then stored it that no one would know of?”
