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Kane frowned. “How did you know they had a chopper?”
“Y’all have a fault in your security we’ve never considered.” Wolfe met his gaze. “While Jenna was tending the horses early this morning, they dropped a chopper into your front yard, broke down your door, and took Tauri.”
“I told you, Daddy.” Tauri rubbed at his eyes and then dropped his head on Jenna’s shoulder and closed his eyes.
“I was expecting Styles and was hurrying to finish up and didn’t head out to meet him right away. I heard a smashing sound and ran out of the barn. As I came out of the barn I came under fire and couldn’t stop them taking Tauri.” She shook her head. “I’m never doing anything without carrying a weapon from now on. Dammit. In my own home, I should be safe.”
Hating to see Jenna so distressed, Kane rubbed her back. “All this is my fault. I’ve become so comfortable here. I honestly never expected the cartel would find me.” He shook his head. “No one spoke my name. I was in disguise and spoke Spanish the entire time. Not one person was suspicious of me. The sting went down perfectly. Everything was caught on film, with the audio from my nosepiece. I drove away with the cash. The FBI apprehended the dealers after I’d left. They couldn’t know I was involved. Carter and three other agents made the plans, and I went over them with Shane before I decided to take the mission. It was a few hours out of my day, is all. I couldn’t tell you the plan beforehand, Jenna. It was classified.”
“Do they know who you are? I mean your job before you came here?” She indicated to Tauri and raised both eyebrows in warning not to say anything that could be repeated.
“Not one hope in hell.” Wolfe shook his head. “Dave was there because he could pass as an arms dealer. He was set up with a cover story, creds, and he fooled them. Nope, for something to go wrong, one of the men in the team is a mole. When we eventually find Carter, we’ll get an investigation underway.”
Kane indicated with his chin to where Styles had gone. “Could Styles be the mole?”
“Nope.” Wolfe narrowed his gaze. “He’s solid. Former MP, high-ranking Army. You can trust him.”
“He speaks Spanish and would have a knowledge of arms. Why didn’t they use him?” Jenna narrowed her gaze. “Why when everyone wants someone to do something life-threatening do they call Dave? Why can’t they just leave us be? We’ve paid our dues. They owe it to us.”
Holding Jenna closer and more concerned about her trembling, Kane nodded. “They didn’t use an FBI agent because they’d have their ID in a second. They took pictures of me the moment I stepped out of the truck. No doubt, they ran my image through their database to make sure I wasn’t a fed before they allowed me to meet anyone. I had a choice this time and made the wrong choice, is all. It happens, but I’ll be more careful next time.”
“Next time?” Jenna twisted to look at him. “You’re batshit crazy, you know that?”
Blowing out a breath, Kane shook his head slowly. “I’m still active, Jenna. When and if a call comes, I have no choice but to go. One in five years isn’t so bad, is it?” He touched her cheek. “I’ll keep clear of the FBI missions from now on, but I figured I owed Carter for everything he’s done for us.”
“It’s his job.” Jenna’s eyes flashed with anger. “And right now, when we needed him most, he didn’t pick up his darn phone.”
Beside him, Wolfe’s phone chimed, and he frowned. “My satellite phone is working.” He took the call. “We have Kane and Tauri. Yeah, just found them. They’ll be fine. I’ll give you the details when I get back to the office.” He listened for a time and frowned. “Upload all the information to the server and I’ll inform Jenna. Our phones have been out. Yeah, Tauri is right here. I’ll give him your love when he wakes. He’s asleep right now.” He disconnected.
Kane looked at him. “Bad news?”
“First up, Emily sends her love and she’s very happy you’re okay.” Wolfe pushed a lock of hair from Tauri’s face and smiled at the sleeping child. “The stun gun matter we discussed yesterday? There’s been another incident. Rio and Rowley are handling it just fine. Emily and Norrell have done a forensic sweep and are on their way back to the office. She mentioned that Rio has everything under control and they’re heading out to interview a suspect known to the three women. All the current files are on the server.”
“I need to be in the office.” Jenna stepped away, swallowing hard. “He’s escalating.” She looked at Kane. “We must stop this killer before he takes another life.”
“There’s no way I’m passing either of you fit for work.” Wolfe looked from one to the other. “You’re in shock, Jenna, and y’all need to be at home with your son to reassure him. Dave is bruised all over and could have delayed concussion. Y’all have two very capable deputies investigating the case. Take the rest of the day and come back fresh in the morning. By then Rio and Rowley might have hunted down a few suspects or arrested the killer.”
“Uh-huh.” Jenna shook her head and looked at him. “I asked for a miracle. I guess I can’t expect two in one day.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
Rain fell in icy sheets as Rowley turned into Main and headed to Chase Holden’s store. As he drove, Rio dictated some of the rave reviews Holden had received for his artwork. He lived above the store and had built a workshop out back. The store was open seven days a week, nine until three, and the front door held a sign: i’m creating magic. ring the bell and i’ll be right along.
Bending against the rain, he looked at Rio. “Now that’s a guy who is super confident at what he does. Let’s go around back. It’s better to speak to him away from prying eyes. We’ll be noticed inside the store, and if he’s innocent, seeing us will ruin his business.”
“I doubt it.” Rio pulled down his hat, allowing the rain to pour off the rim. “From what I see, his customer service is as good as his product.” He frowned. “What a unique way to meet women, and think about it, it’s also a great excuse to get inside their homes if he delivers his artwork.”
Rowley nodded. “True.”
The sound of a chainsaw came from a shed out back, and Rowley followed Rio to the open door. The smell of freshly cut wood came from inside. Holden was busy creating a magnificent eagle in full flight and hadn’t heard them approach. His workbench was covered in tools, and a counter along on one side of the room held a variety of sculptures, all different but incredible. Some depicted animals and birds, others leaves, fruit, and vines. Not just statues but intricately crafted mantel pieces and bed ends, all polished to a high shine. This guy was talented, and Rowley could imagine some of the pieces in his home. I hope this guy isn’t a psychopath.
He waited for Holden to pause and look at his work before he raised his voice. “Mr. Holden. Can we have a word with you?” As the man turned, he noticed he did indeed resemble Carter. He had the same untidy blond hair and his build was identical. They could have been brothers.
“Come in out of the rain.” Holden turned off the chainsaw and removed his safety goggles, earmuffs, and face mask. After brushing wood shavings from his clothes and hair, he sat on a stool beside the bench. “What can I do for you?”
“We’re investigating the deaths of Dakota Slade, Jennifer Kriss, and Johanna Worth.” Rio crunched over the wood curls on the floor and took out a notebook and pen. “We’re working down a list of anyone who came into contact with them so we can get a timeline of their movements prior to their deaths.”
“Okay.” Holden shook his head. “Those women are all dead? That’s terrible news. How did that happen? Were they in a wreck?”
