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Chapter 10
Gunner’s date with Lori couldn’t come soon enough. In every spare minute, he had been busy investigating her situation. A recent call with Rip had been enlightening, so he went to the boss’s office to fill him in.
Travis was just finishing up with Cooper from the data section.
“Should I come back later?” Gunner said.
Travis waved him in.
“I’ll have more data for you by the end of the day,” Cooper said, then headed for the door.
“What’s on your mind?” Travis said.
“I’d like to talk over the situation with Lori.”
“What have you got?”
“Well, I just had feedback from Rip after he took a closer look at that clinic in Houston,” Gunner said. “I may need more backup for Lori, depending on how this goes.”
“Sounds serious.”
“There were numerous indictments in Houston related to the pain clinic there,” Gunner said. “A few months ago, a drug-trafficking network was busted. Doctors, clinic owners, pharmacists, and drug dealers were involved.”
“What does that have to do with Lori?”
“The operation was responsible for distributing millions of opioid pills,” Gunner said. “Pill mills are magnets for crime, which leads me to believe that the Italian mob is involved in something similar out here.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m starting to put the pieces together,” Gunner said. “The attorney for the mob had been to that clinic to meet with a client. Lori had been there to give a talk. The two connect, and not long after, the mob approaches her to suggest that she go into the drug distribution business with them.”
Travis steepled his fingers under his chin. “I’m catching your drift. The mob wanted Lori to cooperate and she refused, which might have put her in danger. Lorenzo Cambio is not used to being denied, so isn’t likely to let the matter go.”
“Exactly, and that means Lori is involved whether she wants to be or not,” Gunner said. “The indictment alleged that the drug dealers involved diverted and distributed drugs to the street.”
“I’m sure we’re talking about a sizable amount of money,” Travis said.
“The Department of Justice stated that over twenty-three million pills were distributed from Houston to the East Coast,” Gunner said.
Travis let out a breath. “That’s a ton of cash. And the market for painkillers isn’t limited to certain areas; the demand is countrywide.”
“It would be to the mob’s advantage to gain the cooperation of the largest pain clinic in L.A.”
“Lori needs protection until the danger is handled. I’ll give Tessa the word, so she can reassign the bulk of your work and take you off the roster for new cases—at least for a week or so.”
“I’ll stay close to Lori,” Gunner said. “The mob won’t get their hands on her on my watch.”
Travis assured him that he had the team’s backup, then Gunner left, anxious to see Lori. She had texted that he should pick her up at the clinic, because she had to work later than anticipated. She wouldn’t have a chance to go home before dinner.
That was just as well, since Gunner didn’t want her leaving the safety of the clinic. He finished the paperwork on a couple of clients, then informed Tessa that he was out for the day. She was focused on her computer screen, so just waved at him without looking up.
It was about time for the clinic to close, but the door was still unlocked. Gunner strode through the lobby and the receptionist waved toward the hallway. “She’s at the nurses’ station.”
Gunner nodded. “Thanks.” He spotted Lori talking with Adam Reed. The doctor seemed like a decent guy, and Lori had mentioned that she considered him a friend.
“Hey,” Adam said, lifting his hand.
“Good to see you, Adam. I’m here to whisk Lori off to dinner, once you’re finished.”
