Page 86 of Four Cards Exposed

Then, finally, a question.

You want her back?

James’s hand shook against the phone. Finally, it was Natalie who took the phone from him and typed a reply. Four simple words.

I want her back.

Once again, the three little dots appeared. James’s world became those three little dots. It went on for so long, James knew whoever was writing wanted to torture him.

San Jeronimo.

Come alone or she dies.

“San Jeronimo? What the hell is that?”

Lorraine was already on the phone, speaking with someone. She barked a few answers before hanging up.

“That was the tech team. They’re trying to track the phone.”

Something unexpected settled in James’s stomach, bobbing side by side with the fear that had long since made its home in his belly.

He knew what it was.

Hope.

He knew also that it was much more dangerous than fear.

In his career with the FBI, he’d seen the hopes of entire families dashed—people who’d dared to hope, because that was the only thing they could do.

Soon enough, Lorraine’s phone rang again. His partner’s words were clipped. Most people wouldn’t have known, just by looking at her, whether it was good news or bad news. But James wasn’t most people. He and Lorraine knew each other too well.

“They can’t track it,” he said. A statement, rather than a question.

Beside them, Natalie made a small, strangled sound.

Lorraine shook her head. “I’m sorry. The signal was jumping around. And it’s off now. Maybe if they turn it on again. Our people are ready.”

“What’s San Jeronimo?”

“A small town in Mexico,” Natalie said, looking up from her own phone. “Hardly even a dot on the map. Slap bang in the middle of cartel country.”

James nodded. There wasn’t really a decision to be made. That’s where he was going.

“No,” said Lorraine, reading his mind. James smiled wryly. He wasn’t the only one who knew his partner well.

She was the senior agent, though, so he needed her help to make this happen.

“Tell the pilots to get the plane ready for me, Lorraine.”

“It’s going to take some time to clear this, James. I’m not saying it can’t be done—this case has the highest priority.“

“Lorraine. Please. He has her in a box.” James pinched his nose, willing the anguish back. He couldn’t afford tears.

Lorraine spoke in the tone that had earned her the reputation of being one of the toughest women in law enforcement. “We’ll do this together, James. We have to do this right. The FBI has worked with Mexican authorities in the past. It’s just going to take time to—”

“Lorraine. We’re not going anywhere. I’m going.” He raised his hand. “No. Let me finish. Whoever this is, it’s Jay he wants. He asked me to come alone.”

“He knows your fucking name, James. I don’t know how he learned your name, but he’s not going to shake your hand and let you both go when you get there. Don’t be a fool.”