Grave Christmas Secrets, page 5
Heat warmed her cheeks. Perhaps investing in a how-to-not-offend-others communication course would be wise. “My apologies. I only meant that after all the training and commitment the DEA put into molding Patrice, why ignore their missing undercover agent?”
He sighed. “No, you’re correct in that respect. Unfortunately, they’re not sure of her exact date of disappearance. It’s not like we clock in and out every day.”
“I see. Perhaps if I had more information about Patrice, the puzzle would come together faster.”
“No offense, Dr. McGill, but it’s a long story and not one I’m privy to sharing with you.”
His use of her title inserted distance between them again. But she refused to be put off. “That’s weak.”
“It is what it is.”
She softened her tone, reminded of the old adage regarding vinegar, honey and attracting bees. Sweeten up your disposition. “I understand the importance of confidentiality. However, the Antelope County sheriff requested my expertise to excavate the remains. Because I’m not directly involved with the investigation, I am an unbiased outside party.”
He didn’t respond and the mile markers blurred in her peripheral.
Finally, Keegan said, “Our agencies are working a cooperative case involving weapons and drug trafficking. Patrice was new to covert ops. I’d already infiltrated the traffickers and was deep undercover by the time I received word of her disappearance. At that time, the evidence pointed to her abandonment of the DEA.”
“She betrayed the government?”
“That’s what they said.”
“What makes you think she didn’t?”
He sighed and the long pause that followed had her wondering if he’d silently ended their conversation.
“Anything is possible, and maybe she had. But I knew Patrice. Her blood ran blue.”
Taya shifted in the seat. “That’s an enigmatic statement.”
“She was devoted to her job.”
“A poor cliché at best. Isn’t every cop a dedicated member of society?” The comment came out a little sharper than she’d intended. “I apologize. That was uncalled for.”
“Not a fan of law enforcement, I take it.”
“I study people and behaviors. Social mores have little to do with my personal beliefs.” She wouldn’t go into her personal feelings. They needed facts to catch the killer. “Keegan, it stands to reason the person who doesn’t want her identified is the same who benefits from her death.”
“I appreciate your help, Taya, but I need to contact my CO. We have to get you to safety.”
If only she’d reviewed the entire video. For the tenth time, she prayed, Lord, that evidence is crucial in this case. Please hide it until I can get to it. She’d return to the site first thing in the morning and search high and low for it.
But if Keegan turned her over to his boss, they’d haul her away into some kind of protective custody. No. She would identify the bones and get justice for Patrice Nunes. That was her job. Her calling. And it started with finding the SIM card and confessing the truth to enlist Keegan’s help. She took a fortifying breath and exhaled. “I haven’t been entirely forthcoming.”
He glanced over at her a moment too long with what could only be described as aha written in his expression. A smugness reserved for law enforcement? Doubtful. He had no clue what she would confess. The only way she’d get him to take her back to Ashfall was to tell him the truth.
“You were saying?” He quirked a brow at her.
“Focus on the road.” This was it. Her last chess piece to move, but would it anger him? And if Keegan wasn’t who he professed to be...
All the unknowns with large consequences made choosing difficult. She surveyed the inky surroundings. There was no place for her to run to. What irony. She’d have to be truthful to determine whether Keegan was trustworthy. “Patrice had swallowed a SIM card hidden inside a latex balloon.”
“The kind used in cell phones?”
“And cameras. Before you and Skull burst through my motor home, I watched part of the first of two videos on the card. Patrice announced herself as a DEA agent, you and Skull entered her vehicle, and Skull told her Brando wasn’t coming. The video was shot from a dashboard cam.”
“The day Skull and I first met with her.” A statement, not a question. Keegan slammed on the brakes and faced her. His expression dark, tone hard. “What else did you see in the video?”
Why had she told him about it? They were in the middle of nowhere. She had no place to run. She’d lost her advantage.
Keegan leaned closer, eyes drilling into her. “No more secrets. Tell me!”
Taya couldn’t swallow over the rock stuck in her throat. With her back to the door, she worked her hand along the cold plastic, her fingers searching for the handle.
FOUR
Sheer desperation to get Taya talking increased Keegan’s irritation. Her wide blue eyes blinked back at him, but she didn’t respond.
Had Patrice recorded the elusive Brando’s identity? Did the video reveal her killer?
Keegan calmed his voice, hope infusing his veins at the possibility of a new lead. He focused on parking the SUV and turned off the headlights. “We can’t afford to waste any more time. What did you see?”
Taya lifted her chin, exuding confidence, though trepidation danced in her irises. She shifted, and her next words flew out in rapid succession animated by wild hand gestures. “I saw you and Skull enter Patrice’s vehicle, but then I stopped the video. I was sitting outside near the site, but it got so windy. I turned off my camera and planned to finish viewing the footage in my motor home. Then Skull attacked me, you tossed me over your shoulder—”
“Breathe.” He held up his hand.
Taya flinched, back against the door again.
“I wish you’d told me this from the beginning.”
“I’m sorry.” She sat stoic, shoulders visibly stiff, but her prior reaction spoke timidity.
Keegan softened his tone. “Look, I’m sure this has been a nightmare for you. I hope I’ve proven by my actions and my word I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”
He caught a shimmer in her eyes before Taya blinked it away. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
A tenderness for the mysterious doctor filled his chest. His father said a man has the privilege of being a woman’s knight in shining armor, though he’d meant the comment for romantic relationships. Keegan struggled to envision the intellectual Dr. Taya McGill wanting a rescuer.
He shoved away the impromptu thought and returned to the issue at hand. “We need that card. Is it in your motor home?”
Taya fidgeted with her hands; her voice barely audible. “Therein lies the problem.”
Urgency flooded his veins. “Because...”
“I slid the SIM card into my parka pocket and lost it after you threw me over your shoulder. It has to be somewhere between where you parked the getaway car and my Winnebago.”
It was missing? No. Frustration amped but blame wouldn’t help anyone or solve the problem.
Think. “Could Skull have picked it up?” Even as he spoke, a new sense of foreboding came over him.
She shook her head. “No. I checked him at the house.”
When? While Keegan was scrounging for his things? “We have to find it.”
“I agree. Now you understand why you mustn’t transfer me into the care of your boss.”
Keegan considered Taya’s request, unable to dispute her logic. Should he convey the information to Hawkins? Was the video the catalyst for Patrice’s death?
“I need to call Hawk.” Keegan withdrew his phone and hit the contact icon for Special Agent in Charge Otto Hawkins.
He answered on the first ring. “Stryker. What’s wrong?”
“We have a problem.” He continually scanned the area for any approaching danger and scooted away from Taya. With the phone pressed tightly to his left ear, he turned down the volume.
She leaned close in an obvious attempt to eavesdrop.
The road leading to the safe house snaked into the inky abyss where he prayed Skull remained unconscious and imprisoned in the bathroom.
“I’m listening,” Hawk probed.
Keegan launched into an abbreviated synopsis of the evening’s events, starting with Brando’s orders to kill Taya at Ashfall and Keegan’s attempt to fake her death.
Taya visibly shivered, though he doubted she was reacting to the cold temperatures. The SUV’s heater blasted warm air. She hugged herself and nestled deeper into the passenger seat.
Hawk interrupted, “Two questions. Why was Dr. McGill there? And why does Brando want her dead?”
“She’s a forensic anthropologist—”
“Isn’t Ashfall a prehistoric site? A state park?”
If you’d let me finish. Keegan bit his cheek to keep from snapping at his boss. “Yes, sir, she’s excavating recently discovered human remains. I believe Brando’s trying to prevent her from identifying the body.”
He couldn’t say Patrice’s name. She had to be alive. Somewhere. The body might be someone else. He clung to the sliver of hope dangling from a chain of denial.
Keegan continued his explanation and concluded with the final events leading to the unconscious Skull bound at his safe house. “Hawk, Skull can’t get in touch with any of the traffickers or it’ll blow everything.”
“I understand. We’ll detain him until after your meeting, but don’t waste any time. What’s your next move?”
“Returning to Ashfall.”
“Why?”
“Following up on a lead. Dr. McGill advises the site has twenty-four-hour security courtesy of Gunner Folze, a game and parks officer.” Keegan quirked a brow at her, confirming the information. She responded with a jerk of her chin.
“Seems to me if Officer Folze were competent at his job, you and Skull wouldn’t have gotten to Dr. McGill in the first place.”
No argument there. Folze never should’ve left the site. So why had he gone? An orchestrated event with Skull and Brando? “True. Give me a few to investigate, and I’ll be in touch. We might need increased security. Will advise.”
Several seconds ticked by before his boss said, “I’ve got a unit on the way to pick up Skull. They’ll meet you and transfer Dr. McGill.”
“The best course of action is for Dr. McGill to remain with me. Once I’ve met with Brando and delivered the proof of her demise, I’ll contact you for Dr. McGill’s pickup location.”
Taya spun to face Keegan, vehemently shaking her head.
He held up a hand and mouthed, Relax.
“Why?” Hawk asked.
How was he supposed to answer without revealing the video? “I’ll need her expertise at the grave site.”
“And...” Hawk pressed.
“Brando won’t stop pursuing Dr. McGill. Delivering the pictures will appease and trick him into believing she’s no longer a threat. Then we’ll make the transfer.”
Hawk let out something between a laugh and a snort. Keegan caught the warning. “Negative. I recognize the importance of Dr. McGill’s assistance and expertise, but there’s no justifiable reason for her to remain with you when you deliver the information to Brando. Unless there’s something you’re not telling me.”
Keegan swallowed hard. “Sir—”
“Stryker, stop dancing around the fire and give me facts.”
Did he confess his personal desperation to protect Taya? Or his distrust in his team’s credibility, especially if a mole existed? Neither gave Hawk what he wanted, but both satisfied Keegan’s determination. Less is better. “If my information is correct, it might prove what happened to Patrice Nunes.”
Hawk knew of the familial ties between Patrice and Keegan but for a reason he couldn’t quite explain, Keegan didn’t want Taya knowing. Yet. It was hypocritical to demand Taya’s honesty while withholding information, but her life was already in danger. What good could come from knowing Patrice was his stepsister? It was irrelevant to Taya identifying the body.
Hawk sighed, impatience oozing through the line. “Stryker, I appreciate your dedication in searching for Nunes, but you’ve got to accept the evidence—”
“Please. Just a little more time.” He didn’t want to hear more about the evidence. The evidence was wrong. Patrice wasn’t a deserter. And he wasn’t in the mood to have this stupid conversation again. The video might provide a lead to Patrice’s hiding place. The body at Ashfall had to be someone else. Please, Lord, let it be someone else. He cringed. Not exactly the proper prayer.
“I can’t spare another agent for protection detail.”
“No need. I’ve got it.”
“Negative. Dr. McGill’s transfer of custody happens before your meeting.”
He sighed. “Understood. I’ll call with a pickup location.” Later.
“Okay. One more thing. HQ advised this operation ceases if we don’t get a substantial lead on Brando within forty-eight hours. They’re dissatisfied with the lack of progress.”
Keegan exhaled. “They can’t do that! This takes time. I’ve just earned Brando’s trust. He’s finally communicating directly with me.”
“HQ can and will do whatever they please. Zimmer and Steele have gone to bat for you on more than one occasion. They’re fighting to keep you in the game until we crack this case. But you’d better produce something major. Fast.”
Newly promoted Special Agent in Charge Wesley Zimmer was stationed in the Omaha office and held an equal rank to Hawk. Keegan and Hawk worked out of the Missouri office. Rarely did undercover ops remain in one location, and Brando’s group had overlapped between the states.
Both Hawk and Zimmer reported to Randee Steele who had also been newly promoted to the ATF headquarters office in Denver.
Keegan valued Zimmer’s mentorship and friendship over the years. Steele and Zimmer had proven to be huge advocates for Keegan regarding Patrice.
He wouldn’t let down either of them. “Roger that.”
Hawk disconnected.
Keegan faced Taya and the coldness in her eyes drove a twinge of concern through him.
“Hawkins will pick you up right before my meeting with Brando.”
“Agent Stryker, you want me to trust you and yet again you’ve demonstrated deception.”
He blinked twice as if clearing his vision would explain her accusation. “I beg your pardon?”
“Why didn’t you tell him about the video?”
Keegan perused the area once more, flipped on the headlights and turned onto the road heading for Ashfall. “I’d like to see what we’re facing before I mention it.” Keegan redirected. “What do you know about Gunner Folze?”
“The man is a constant annoyance. I’d had enough of his incessant pestering to close for the holiday weekend. We had words, and in a childish tantrum, he sped off in anger. I thought nothing of it.”
Hawk hadn’t mentioned Folze reporting Skull in the motor home. And why hadn’t the officer reported Taya missing? Surely, he’d seen the dented door? Keegan withheld his questions, not liking the implications. A lazy man not concerned with Taya’s safety or someone working with Brando?
“We don’t want Folze catching on to our real reason for returning. We’ll need a distraction.”
Taya guffawed. “Folze is far from detective material. He’s the path-of-least-resistance type. I’ll say that the strictest security over the site is required as I’ll be away for the weekend. The news will thrill him. He protested my staying at Ashfall and threw a conniption fit when I arrived in my Minnie Winnie.”
“Good. If he asks, we’ll just tell him you’re looking for a personal item. No other details.”
“Agreed.”
They rode in silence the rest of the drive, each consumed by their own thoughts.
Taya sat up straighter, relief evident in her face as they reached the park entrance. Rounding the curve and ascending into the parking lot, the headlights beamed off the large Morton building sign boasting Rhino Barn.
He pulled up beside her Winnebago with its dented door hanging by a single hinge. Taya’s prior reprieve evaporated into a taut jaw and narrowed eyes. Her fingers pressed into the dashboard and she scooted forward, scanning the area.
No other personnel or vehicles were around. Including Officer Folze.
The dig site lay beyond the main road. Perhaps Folze kept watch from there. Keegan’s gut said that wasn’t the case. He shifted into Park.
Taya voiced the same concerns, indignation in her tone. “Where is Officer Folze? Why aren’t police officers combing this place? The apathetic imbecile must have left assuming I’d gone away for the holiday weekend. Although had he bothered observing my Winnebago—with definite signs of a struggle—perhaps he’d have stuck around. I’m reporting him to his bosses and mine...” She threw off her seat belt and thrust open the door.
Concern wove through Keegan’s mind, too. Folze had left the body unsecured.
Taya blasted past him, and he scurried to catch up. When they reached the site, she ducked under the yellow caution tape separating the area and lunged for the tarp, ripping it free. She stumbled back and Keegan caught her around the waist before she fell. “She’s gone.”
Taya jerked away from his hold, grabbed the tripod lights and turned them on, exposing the vacant ground.
Keegan prayed he’d heard wrong. “What?”
She spun and gestured at the grave. “Can’t you see? It’s empty! Someone stole her!”
“No.” His whispered denial carried in the wind. He dropped to his knees, hands flat on his jeans. Icy gusts like frosty fingernails clawed at his face and neck.
The tarp flapped wildly. Mocking him.
The cold reality continued to probe him. If Brando had her, they’d never find and identify the body, proving it wasn’t Patrice. He’d spend the rest of his life searching for her, always wondering if she was still alive.
