Page 54 of Under Fire in Big Sky

The paramedic put a bandage over the cut on Eli’s head. “Well, if you do, go to the hospital to be further examined.”

“Okay, thanks.” Eli climbed down from the back of the ambulance, where Trujillo was waiting for him.

“You and Lane haven’t given me much to go on,” Trujillo said. “You claim you were on your way to your truck when it exploded. Then a black SUV with tinted windows sped off.”

“Yep.”

Trujillo glanced at their luggage that was set off to the side. “Then what prompted you two to pack up and leave the motel in the middle of the night?”

To protect Trujillo and avoid endangering others, Eli agreed to withhold information about the note card from all law enforcement.

But that didn’t include Ironside Protection Services. He called them before the ambulance arrived at the scene. Explained the essentials. They were going to come and would get back to him with specifics.

“There was a weird smell in the room. Somebody must’ve cooked something nearby. It bothered Olivia. Made her nauseous.”

Trujillo nodded, but his expression was skeptical. “Pregnancy can heighten and affect the sense of smell. No fish or coffee in the house when my wife is expecting. It’s a real hassle swinging by a coffee shop every day for nine months.”

“I can imagine.” There was something Eli needed to discuss with the FBI agent and it was best not to do it while Olivia was around. Besides, he needed to give her more time to finish searching the room for any surveillance gear. “Have you looked into the claims made by the NDR? That the eminent domain never should’ve been approved because there was an endangered species on the land.”

“No.” Trujillo shook his head. “There hasn’t been any time. Besides, the EPA would’ve investigated. I think those fanatics were just looking for an excuse to torch a ritzy resort,” he said.

“The EPA didn’t investigate. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks did. If the eminent domain was approved based on a fraudulent report by FWP, that would be a big deal, the kind of case that could make the right agent’s career. I bet there’s much more to this story. If so, don’t you want to know what it is?”

Narrowing his eyes, Trujillo sipped coffee from a takeaway cup. “Speaking of stories, any idea where Lane disappeared to?” he asked, glancing around.

Eli caught sight of her leaving the motel room. She gave a subtle nod, indicating that she’d found something in the room, and it made Eli’s blood boil. Not only had Shepherd been in their room, but he’d left some kind of surveillance device and planted a bomb in his truck.

He just paid off that Ram, too.

“There she is,” Eli said as Olivia came down the stairs.

Trujillo stepped toward her. “I’m surprised you went back up inside the room.”

Her gaze bounced from the FBI agent to Eli.

Standing behind Trujillo, Eli patted his stomach. “Because of the lingering smell.”

“It was hard to be in there,” Olivia said, “but I left something behind. A family heirloom. Worth dealing with a little nausea to get it.”

“May I see it?” Trujillo asked. “The heirloom.”

“Sure,” Olivia said, not missing a beat. She unzipped the back pocket of her handbag and pulled out diamond stud earrings. Holding them in her palm, she said, “Classic and timeless. Not to mention the sentimental value.”

Giving a slow nod, Trujillo stuffed one of his hands in his pocket. “Are you sure you two can’t think of anything else? I get the feeling I’m missing something. Would either of you care to shed any light on what that might be?”

“Actually, I was thinking about how Shepherd may have found us,” Olivia said. “The only thing I can think of is Audrey Carter spoke to him before she was arrested, and he knew precisely who to look for. Or perhaps Maben is involved somehow. I think we need to speak to them as soon as possible.” She flicked a glance at Eli.

It was as good a way as any to handle the situation.

“That’s going to be hard to do,” Trujillo said. “They’re both dead. I got the call about them on my way over here.” The agent looked between them. “Neither of you seem surprised by the news. Why is that?”

“Shock,” Eli offered as an explanation. “From the explosion.”

“Must be.” Olivia gave a slight nod. “How did they die?”

“Maben, hit-and-run as he was walking to work. Carter hung herself in the county jail. Supposedly. Two minutes are missing from the security cameras. A glitch,” Trujillo said. “I can’t deny it’s been a tough day. Now, an attempt on your lives.”

They hoped the agent wouldn’t be next and agreed to keep him out of the loop for his protection.