Page 9 of Craving Sin (Touch of Evil 13)
Brook’s gaze lingered on the screen that displayed Jacob lying supine on the bed. He had his fingers laced, both hands resting on his abdomen as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Only she could detect from the way his index fingers flexed every now and then that he was anything but comfortable.
There was no denying that Kate’s death was related to his presence in Alaska, but Brook wasn’t confident that he was at the center of her murder. Jacob’s own plans had been thrown off, which could give them an open opportunity to get out a step ahead of him.
On the same display, Special Agent Justin Genedet could be seen at a small table across the room, shuffling cards with precision while periodically glancing up to check on his prisoner. Special Agent Victor Brall rested on the other double bed in order to take over the midnight shift. Considering the two agents had been thoroughly vetted, the only concern at this point was her brother’s defense attorney.
The other two monitors displayed the connecting bathroom at such an angle that it allowed for privacy while also ensuring that they didn’t miss anything of significance and the outer hallway directly in front of Jacob’s room.
No one would be able to make contact with him without the team’s knowledge.
The click of the door captured everyone’s attention. Graham had secured a connecting room, along with three additional ones so each team member could have their privacy. He met her gaze and gave a slight nod of acknowledgment to indicate that everything was okay. Some matters had arisen back home unrelated to their case, and Graham had specifically requested that she keep the news to herself for the time being.
“Russell just got back from the airstrip,” Graham advised them all as he made his way to the room service tray that held two carafes of coffee, some bottles of water, and an electric tea kettle for Sylvie. “He was able to rearrange the recovery mission to tomorrow morning at eleven o’clock.”
“Wait,” Bit exclaimed as he leaned forward in agitation. “We’re not heading back to D.C. afterward, are we? We can’t just?—”
“I have a call into the Bureau. Normally, we wouldn’t be able to touch the investigation into Kate’s death. Given the publicity, though, I feel I can convince the upper brass that it would be to their benefit to bring us on as consultants.” Brook noticed that while Theo was listening to every word, something or someone had caught his attention in the parking lot. “It comes down to the fallout. If the case goes South, we go along with it.”
“I’m willing to take that chance,” Bit impulsively replied in his need for answers. He peered over at Sylvie for some support. “Little T?”
“Yes.”
Sylvie hadn’t hesitated at all. Her immediate reaction indicated that she wasn’t in the right headspace. Usually analytical and cautious, she didn't seem to consider the risk of losing their consulting agreement with the Bureau if the situation escalated. Brook, on the other hand, had weighed the pros and cons, and the advantages outweighed the drawbacks.
“Emotions are running high right now,” Brook warned anyway, needing them to understand the consequences. She cleared her throat when it began to restrict in reaction to Kate’s death. “Right now, we wait for clearance.”
Given that the remote area at the far end of the runway had no security cameras or surveillance features, it wasn’t like time was of the essence. Russell had already spoken to what staff members had been inside the hangar, and no one had noticed anything out of the ordinary. At least, not until one of the local federal agents who arrived on scene had alerted all those involved about a potential problem.
While such a delay almost certainly came across to Bit and Sylvie like a betrayal to Kate, it was imperative they follow the letter of the law. Fortunately, no one questioned the decision to wait until they received word from the Bureau. They were all too familiar with the favors Brook had collected over the years during her time with the FBI as a criminal profiler.
“You said Russell is back from the airstrip?” Theo asked, steering the discussion back to their current situation.
“Yes,” Graham responded as he carried his coffee cup over to the king-sized bed. He took a seat on the end, next to the chair that Brook occupied. “I ran into him in the lobby. He’ll be here shortly, but he wanted to touch base with Nathaniel first.”
“Toklo Kalluk just arrived at the hotel, and it looks like he has his own personal entourage,” Theo murmured, keeping his focus on the parking lot. “Looks like Nathanial and Russell are going to have their hands full.”
“We should be downstairs, as well.” Brook set her mug on the nightstand. She had managed to hold herself together this long. She could do so for another hour or so. “If we receive the go-ahead from the Bureau to a joint investigation into Kate’s death, I'll profile the unsub. Until then, we focus on locating Lusa Kalluk’s remains. I’ll join Russell and the others tomorrow for the hike. Theo and Sylvie, I want the two of you to drive to Silverton. Mekhi Hale doesn’t want to discuss Jacob, but he’ll change his mind if you start asking questions in town. Be loud so everyone can hear. Start at the diner. Trust me, someone will eventually reach out to Mekhi that we aren’t letting this go.”
Given their knowledge of Jacob working with Mekhi under the table all those years ago, the older man would have had to pick up something. Where had Jacob stayed when he helped out on the boat? Had Mekhi ever noticed Jacob talk to anyone in particular, mention anyone specific, or even possibly overhear him on a phone call?
Mekhi might not even know he possessed such vital information.
“I don’t believe Mr. Hale was lying to us.” Sylvie glanced toward Bit for affirmation, who was in the process of blowing his nose. “Hale lives about ten miles outside of Silverton. I highly doubt that a cable or internet company runs lines that far outside of town. Hale is basically off-grid. I’m almost certain he didn’t know who Jacob was until recently.”
“I’m with Little T on this one.” Bit tossed the used tissue into a small wastebasket next to the table. “I think there is a really good chance he is telling the truth about not knowing who Jacob was when he was hired. If Big T and Little T head back to Silverton tomorrow, where do you need me?”
“Here, at the hotel. Mitch will be with the group tomorrow on the hike. Whether or not we’re a part of the investigation into Kate, not even Nathaniel can deny that Mitch is the only avenue Jacob could have used to target?—”
Brook wasn’t able to finish her sentence.
A friend?
A former colleague?
Someone they highly respected?
They shouldn’t be in such a horrible position where they had to give Kate a label.
“Nathaniel can convince the judge to sign a warrant to search Mitch’s room.” Kate’s death had changed Brook’s mind about bringing the federal prosecutor on board. She also had a backup plan in place should he display any reluctance. “A local agent can conduct the search, but I want you present when it takes place.”
