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“About testifying and having things come out? No. I don’t think we do, but we’re talking months, if not years, before it all gets put together, and I for one am not staying in a grubby little State-owned house. I’ll give the State two choices. We can either hole up at Addison House here in town, or my family owns a winter home in the Florida Keys. All the State will be responsible for is the cost of their agents; I’ll take care of everything else.”
Thorn smiled. “I’m pretty sure I can make that happen.”
Thorn excused himself to make phone calls to get protection in place.
“Your little small-town murder has turned into a major blackmail and sex trafficking case?” said Andrew Mills. “What do you need?”
“Immediately, I need Rafferty up here and if we can spare them, a couple of other guys from MCU. If we can’t, I’m going to move Kenny and Randy off of forensics to help guard.”
“Do you think they’ll be safe at Ms. Addison’s house?”
“I’m not willing to risk it, but I can take them to Jessica’s. She has an excellent security system and there’s no way for anyone to know they’re there. They have no close ties to anyone.”
“What about the local cops?”
“Until we know who all is listed in that ledger, I’m somewhat reluctant to involve any of them.”
“Probably best to stick with our own people. I’ll see who’s out in the bullpen and get at least two people and Rafferty on a chopper up to you.”
“Have them land at the closest place that isn’t in or right outside Badger’s Drift. Rent an SUV and come in that way.”
“Again, good thinking. Let Rafferty run the security side. You stick to the investigation. What’s the deal with you and Jessica Murdoch? I was unaware she was consulting with us.”
“I know it’s unorthodox, but she has a keen mind for murder and knows everybody and all the rumors. She’s been of immeasurable help. I also know she will never bill the State or accept any money.”
“Good to know. And your personal relationship?”
One of the forensic guys must have talked. “I had her cleared as a suspect before we got involved. I’ll be honest with you; it’s serious. This is not some one-night stand. I’ll most likely want to get a dispensation to work from Badger’s Drift.”
“That’s good to hear. If you break her heart, my wife and her book club will be gunning for you. I don’t know about the rest of them, but my wife is a crackerjack shot.”
Thorn laughed. “Tell her I’m pretty sure when this is done if they want Jessica to visit with them, she’d be happy to do it. The woman truly loves and appreciates her readers.”
Thorn rejoined Jessica, who was alone in the great room. Without being asked, Jessica said, “Barbie’s gone out to the attached garage where her car is parked to get her bag, and Selma’s gone upstairs. I told them I didn’t think you’d want them here until you could get some security in place.”
“Smart girl,” he said, kissing her forehead. “I volunteered your place to stash them. We’re going to drive around to the back service entrance and put them in the back of the Range Rover. Chief Mills is sending a security detachment to be headed up by Slade Rafferty. I trust him. We’ll figure the rest out when we catch the killer. I hope I didn’t overstep.”
“Not at all. I should probably call Sudie to let her know to get prepared and get additional food in.”
“Tell her to hold off on the food. I’d like to keep this as low key as possible. Tell her to send me a comprehensive grocery list, and I’ll get the detail to bring it with them. They’re coming by chopper but will land outside of Badger’s Drift’s sphere of influence. Again, low key.”
“Got it. Low key and off the books.”
Jessica picked up her phone and started texting someone. He could see her caller ID and it was Sudie.
Selma rejoined them with her bags. “I’ll go see what’s keeping Barbie. I know I wasn’t very gracious before—here or at my office—but Barbie is right. These people are dangerous, and we’re both grateful for your help.”
“If we can break up the sex trafficking ring, you will have more than paid your debt. We might even be willing to spin it like you were working undercover the whole time.”
“That would be great, but bringing these bastards down is more important.”
“Babe, can I have your keys? I’m going to move the Range Rover around to the back entrance.”
Jessica tossed him the keys and he headed out to move the vehicle into place. He’d noticed Selma’s driveway split off and he was sure the one that didn’t lead you to the front of her house, led you to the back.
He was just starting the engine when his cell rang. It was Kenny.
“What do you know?” Thorn asked.
