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Rip picked up the hotel phone. “You got it.” He ordered a pitcher of margaritas. That should do it. It was best to stay in for the rest of the night. Later on, room service could provide dinner. It would give him an opportunity to consider the situation, and come up with a way to get a jump on the enemy.
*****
The next morning, Rip decided it was time to connect with his brother. He was up early, but let Lela sleep a little. The margaritas had relaxed her, and miraculously, Rip had refrained from kissing her last night. She’d been more worn out than she’d let on.
Rip had watched a couple of movies with her, some of which she’d slept through. It had been good to see her get some rest. While mindlessly watching the tube, Rip’s mind hadn’t stopped. The trial was still months away, and keeping Lela out of harm’s way had proven to be a challenge.
He needed better insight into the enemy camp, and Axel might be a decent source. Information that flowed in police circles wasn’t necessarily revealed to the public. There might be a few clues that would be of use.
But he couldn’t show up at the police station with Lela. And it wasn’t smart to call, either. Rip’s phone was safe, but the police lines might not be. He considered the options, and ruled out going to his brother’s home and dragging him into this mess.
The best plan was to meet in neutral territory, and Rip had an idea. He texted Axel’s cell phone number to Travis. Track that number and keep me informed of the owner’s location throughout today.
Lela stirred in the other room. “Are you awake?”
“I’m getting our day set up. Get dressed and I’ll fill you in,” Rip said. Then he arranged for a rental car to be delivered to the hotel. He’d need transportation in order to show up at a specific location on short notice.
Rip ordered hot coffees and food to go. Once Lela was ready, he waited for the call that the car was downstairs. She sipped her coffee from the Styrofoam cup, while he filled her in on the plan.
It wasn’t long before Rip was in the car en route to his brother’s first stop. Lela had worn her disguise without any reminders. She hadn’t complained.
Although the scheme was a bit elaborate, Rip expected it would work. He didn’t approach Axel yet, but stayed close enough. It might be a long day. His brother had been at the station, then out on his beat. After work, he stopped by the gym.
A good opportunity didn’t present itself until Axel headed over to the park for a jog, still suited up from the gym. Rip parked up ahead. “You stay in the car,” he said to Lela. “Keep the doors locked. You’ll be able to see me, and I can be here in a flash if you need me.”
Rip jogged over to the path and leaned against a tree. Axel kept his dark hair short, but otherwise the similarity was striking. There was no question they were brothers.
Axel came by, breathing hard, but slowed when he spotted Rip.
“What the hell? You ever heard of calling?” Axel said. “I didn’t know you were in Houston.”
“It’s kind of a long story. But I need your help. And I don’t have a lot of time.”
“Is this about one of your clients?”
Rip stepped close. “It’s confidential. I don’t want to get you involved any more than I have to. But I’m hoping you’ve heard something.”
“About what?”
“You’re aware of the criminal case against Senator Ortiz?”
Axel considered that then nodded. “That case is a big deal, and I have a feeling that I know where this is going. And I heard something a couple of days ago that might shed some light on things for you.”
Rip watched his brother, pretty sure that he’d guessed who the client was.
“It seems that Ortiz is anxious to learn the whereabouts of his escaped paralegal,” Axel said. “And rumor has it that Morris, an officer at another precinct, hauled Ashlee Vidal in for questioning.”
“What was that about?”
“Ashlee is a paralegal at the senator’s firm, and also good friends with Lela Cabelo. It’s assumed that she knows where her friend is hiding out.” Axel crossed his arms. “But she claimed that Lela hasn’t contacted her.”
“Was the senator there while Ashlee was being interrogated?”
“No one saw him,” Axel said, “but that only means…”
“That no one spotted him.”
“That’s what I think,” Axel said. “The guy’s cagey. Rumor has it that he’s got a couple of dirty cops on his side.” He held up his hand. “I have no idea who they are.”
