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“After our unfortunate run in on the highway,” he said, “I had a contact of mine hack into the city’s CCTV cameras. I wanted to see if we could track our assailants back to their home base.”
“And?” Adam urged. He had an arm slung over Sam’s shoulder, his fingers gently twirling a lock of her hair.
The video was grainy and in black and white. It was hard to distinguish what was what, but I could make out the clear outline of a black SUV peeling away before the police could arrive.
“There were three of them in the car,” Charlie continued. “They knew practically every blind spot in the city, which would explain how they were able to escape the authorities.”
“So, they’re prepared,” Liam muttered. “Professionals.”
Charlie nodded. “It took me a while, but we found this…” He scrolled to the next image. It was of the same SUV, parked out in an abandoned lot.
“Where is that?” I asked. “The harbor?”
“Yes. Abandoned, wiped clean inside and out. No prints to be found. Not even a hair.”
Liam looked as tense as I felt. “You said something about Terrance, though.”
“That’s because…” Charlie swiped to the next and final slide. “We managed to pull this from a camera outside a nearby bar. It’s only a few blocks away from where the car was found.”
I studied the image in all its blurry glory. There was a silhouette of a built man in the center, dressed in a black jacket and pants. Half of his face was obscured in shadow, but the other half…
“It’s him,” Liam said, his voice a low growl.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“I’d recognize my brother anywhere. It’s him.”
I remained as calm as possible. Our situation was fragile. Managing a positive ID certainly made a few things easier. We all knew the sort of training that Terrance had because we were trained exactly the same. Physical conditioning, combat diving, land warfare. But that was then, and this was now. There was no telling how much Terrance had changed and what he had been doing in the time he’d gone MIA.
“Do we know if he’s working alone or if he’s on someone’s payroll?” I asked.
Charlie shook his head. “I’m still looking into it.”
“Regardless, this is great work. We can plan accordingly.” I rose from my seat and gave Sam an apologetic smile. “I need to speak with the duchess and give her a debrief of our findings. Don’t wait up.”
She nodded understandingly, though I could tell she was a tad disappointed. “Don’t work too hard,” she teased lightly.
Adam laughed. “That’s like telling a fish not to swim.”
I rolled my eyes. “Meeting adjourned. Everybody stay on their toes.”
“Copy,” came the team’s chorus.
21
Sam
When I stepped into the boutique, it was like walking into what I imagined was a princess’ closet. Gorgeous gowns hung off the racks, beautifully arranged beneath mini spotlights to highlight their gorgeous beadwork and lace designs. The floors were polished white tile, the walls a soft cream color, and the scent of fresh floral arrangements lingered in the air.
In a word,expensive.
I’d expect nothing less for Duchess Arianna.
Adam and Charlie followed me in. It was hard not to notice the way they stayed close, always within arm’s reach. They didn’t have to tell me they were on alert I already knew. Adam kept patting his hidden flask more than usual and Charlie was clearly agitated. Now that they’d confirmed Terrance’s presence in Macau, they seemed keen on staying at my side, literally, like two loyal guard dogs protecting what was theirs.
The boutique’s owner was very sweet. Maybe a littletoosweet.
“I’ve set aside a variety of dresses for you to try on behalf of Duchess Arianna,” she explained, showing me to a private room in the back of the shop. “Would you and your friends like some champagne? Anything to eat? I want you to get the most out of your experience with us today, Miss Lindale.”
