Page 49 of Always Mine
“Some of them are for kids wanting out of gangs.”
Impatient, Diego said, “What the hell does all this have to do with Annie’s abduction?”
Jackson approached him. “I have intimate knowledge of gangs in Westwood. And I know people. Gang informants. I’m waiting for them to report in.”
“What can they do that the police can’t?”
The chief snorted. “I hope something.”
Will stepped forward and held out his hand. “Special Agent Will Kirkland.”
“Jackson Kane. What agency?”
“The Secret Service.”
“Someone sent you in?”
“No, I grew up with Diego and Annie. I’m from Westwood. I was home on furlough. I was about to leave, and I had a hunch something was wrong back here.”
“Let’s sit,” Maisy said. Her face was drawn and her skin pale.
Diego got up and hugged her before she dropped down in a chair. “You must be frantic.” He knew what good friends she and Annie were.
“I am.”
“Where is her family in all this?” Maisy asked.
“I called them this morning to see if they’d seen her,” Diego said. “I had to explain that she was missing. They came over before you got here. Shit, they even brought food. If you’re hungry.”
Katie stood. “I wouldn’t mind something to eat. Will, help me set it out.”
And so they waited. For two hours.
Then Jackson’s phone rang. “Kane here. Yeah, Lucifer. What do you know? Uh-huh. Okay, send me the location.”
When he disconnected, he said, “The guys asked around. There’s a crib buried underground. Informants don’t breach. They only report.”
The chief bolted to his feet. “Where is it?”
“I’ll text the address to you.” He stood. “Let’s go.”
“You’re a civilian. I can’t allow you to….”
“Chief, stop.” This from Will. “We need all the help we can get.”
“I have a gun. I’m going with you.”
Maisy swallowed hard. “You have a gun?”
“Yeah.” Impulsively Jackson hugged her.
Diego said, “Thank you, Jackson.”
“Let’s find her first.”
Katie and the chief and Will left with him.
When they were alone, Diego sat and stared out the window. Sun. A warm breeze. It was too nice out for what was happening to Annie.
