Page 81 of Under Fire in Big Sky

Chapter Eighteen

If they were correct, and Governor Arlo Forrester was the target, then Sean had his people in place, prepared for the signal to act. Provided they weren’t already too late.

After Olivia had been locked inside the ballroom when the hotel was set on fire, she’d been determined to see every single person responsible brought to justice. Then it became a crusade to get Shepherd. She never would’ve suspected the man she’d once considered a brother would become her greatest enemy.

If Sean hadn’t crossed the line yesterday, nearly killing Eli, she might not have the resolve for what needed to be done. In the truck, she glanced over at Eli, at his bruised and beaten face. But now she did. Sean was a threat to everything she held dear.

They pulled up to the Buckthorn Club, wearing ballistic vests, prepared for the unexpected. At almost the same time, Agent Trujillo and three of his field agents raced into the lot.

They converged at the entrance.

“We thought you would’ve brought an army with you,” Olivia said to Trujillo.

“No need. The governor already has the state police here as security for his event and I notified the officer in charge about the potential threat.”

They hurried up the grand staircase inside. The Buckthorn Club was practically empty, aside from a few staff members in black slacks and gold polo shirts.

Chance hurried to the registration table. “Has the tournament started?”

“Yes,” an older woman with gray hair said, seated alone at a table. “It started about thirty minutes ago.”

Everyone was on the golf course already.

“What’s the governor’s tee time?” Eli asked.

The woman leaned back in her chair, looking flustered. “It’s a shotgun scramble.”

“What does that mean?” Trujillo asked.

“All teams begin their rounds simultaneously, but from different holes on the course.” The woman glanced around the group. “That way everyone finishes about the same time.”

Trujillo flashed his badge. “What hole did the governor start on?”

The woman’s eyes widened. “The governor hasn’t started. His team began without him because he isn’t feeling well.”

Did Sean intercept the governor before he even arrived? Olivia hoped that wasn’t the case. If it was, they wouldn’t know where to look for him and wouldn’t be able to reach him in time. “Is Governor Forrester at the club?”

“Yes. He’s resting upstairs, in the library.”

Chance turned to the group. “It’s for members only. Somewhat isolated away from everything when this place is jam-packed. A good location to hold someone discreetly.”

“I’m sure his security thought it might be easier to safeguard him there,” Trujillo said. “Where is it?”

“This way.” Hurrying down the corridor, Chance led them through the club, winding toward the back part of the building.

“There’s no reason for Shepherd to go to this extreme if his goal is to put an end to the governor’s corruption,” Trujillo said. “I questioned Reggie Purdom and Fred Lloyd at Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Purdom was the first to break, and after I offered Lloyd immunity, he confessed to Forrester’s scheme to clear the way for eminent domain so the resort could be built. The governor is already finished.”

“Shepherd wants more than to end the governor’s career.” Olivia met the agent’s eyes. “He wants his life. For his execution to be a lesson and a warning to others.”

As they reached an open set of double doors, Olivia spotted two state troopers standing guard at the bottom of a staircase. One had a goatee and the other a distinct mustache. They were unmistakable.

“Wait a minute.” Olivia quietly stopped everyone, gathering them off to the side, out of the line of sight from the stairs. “Those two men in uniform aren’t state troopers. They’re with Sean.”

“Are you sure?” Trujillo asked.

“I recognize them. They were on the farm, where Sean held me captive.”

Trujillo’s lips flattened into a tight line. The agent still appeared frustrated over being left out of the loop more than once.