Dangerous To Love
Page 40
But that meant he would have to play her…and for the first time in a long time, he felt a reluctance to do that.
He would have to get over it.
Chapter Five
Wyatt took his time getting them to the police station, wanting to give his contact a chance to get there ahead of him and smooth the way. Fortunately, there was a fair amount of Saturday morning beach traffic, so he didn’t have to try that hard to go slow.
When they arrived at the station, almost forty-five minutes had passed since his text. Hopefully that was enough time.
As Avery got out of the car, she looked grimly determined but not very happy.
“Still want to do this?” he asked.
“I feel like I should.”
He had a feeling this was a woman who always did what she thought she should do. “Then let’s do it.”
When they checked in at the counter in the lobby, he made sure to give his name as well as Avery’s. A moment later, a uniformed officer came into the room. The man asked Avery to wait and then escorted him down a hall and into a conference room.
When he stepped inside the room, he was surprised to see a friendly and familiar face. The beautiful brunette with the sharp, always insightful, green eyes, was one of his closest friends, not just at the bureau but in life. He’d met Bree Adams at Quantico, and through the years, they’d saved each other’s life more than once.
“Bree, what are you doing here?” He looked around, making note of the fact that they were not in an interrogation room. “Where’s Flynn?”
“Don’t worry. We’re cool,” Bree said, reading his expression. “As far as the police know, I’m meeting with you to find out what happened at Ms. Price’s apartment this morning. Flynn contacted Special Agent Joanna Davis, who gave me a brief read-in on your situation. She’s meeting with the homicide detectives now to inform them we’ll be handling the investigation going forward.”
“Good.” He was pleased that Flynn had brought Joanna in. She could be the public face of the investigation. Since Joanna had already spoken to Hamilton months ago, it would make sense for her to be involved again. “It’s the right move. Nova Star is aware that the bureau is concerned about a spy in their ranks. With Noelle Price’s murder, the company won’t be surprised that they’re back on the hot seat, but as long as they don’t know I’m working from the inside, we’re good.”
“Joanna said you’re on a specialized task force run by Flynn MacKenzie. That shocked me. You and Flynn were intense rivals at Quantico.”
He saw the speculation in her eyes and shrugged. “Things change. I liked the job he was offering, so I took it.”
“How’s the investigation going?”
“Not as quickly as I would like. We haven’t had a lot to go on until now. Noelle’s murder has definitely raised the stakes.”
Bree nodded. “I’ve been wondering ever since I saw you at the beach before Thanksgiving if I would run into you again, or if you would try to contact me, but it’s been very quiet the last month.”
“I was about to go under with Nova Star when I saw you there, and you weren’t alone.”
“No. I was with Nathan, and I figured you were undercover. You look better than you did then. You got rid of the beard.”
“I had to clean up my act for my job in security. I’m a suit and tie guy now, at least during the week. What about you? You’re working for Joanna?”
“Yes. After everything that went down in Chicago, I needed a change, and I’ve always wanted to live at the beach. I’m not sure I love the work yet; it’s been more administrative than I like, but on the other hand, it’s a nice break from the emotionally intense drama of working with missing children.”
“I know you had a rough time in Chicago. I’m glad things worked out.” He paused. “Or did they? The kid…your kid…” He let his words slip away. He might be friends with Bree, but he didn’t know how much she wanted him to know.
“She doesn’t know anything yet,” Bree said quickly. “Someday, but not now. It’s easier being here in California. I keep in touch, but I’m not right there wondering what she’s doing every second. Plus, I’m with Nathan, and I get to run by the sea every morning. It’s not bad.”
He smiled, noting the genuine happiness in her eyes. “It sounds good, and Joanna is lucky to have you.”
“I’m not sure she feels that way. She didn’t recruit me, and she still remembers me as being on the Quantico team that screwed up and got Jamie Rowland killed. Not that she says that out loud, but I feel her judgment.”
“That had nothing to do with you.”
“I know. Hopefully, she’ll eventually get past all that old history, and realize I’m a seasoned agent now. Anyway, what can you tell me about this morning?” Bree asked. “You went to the homicide victim’s apartment?”
“Yes, and I ran in to her best friend there—Avery Caldwell. I also ran into a masked gunman. Fortunately, I got a look at his face. Unfortunately, he got away.”
“What can you tell me about him?”
“Caucasian male, mid-thirties, beard, brown hair and eyes, scar over the right eyebrow and the Roman numerals MMX—2010 tattooed on his neck—could be a gang initiation date.”
“Why was Ms. Caldwell at the apartment? Does she know something about the murder?”
“No, but she’s trying to figure out who killed her friend.”
“You need to get her out of this, Wyatt.”
“Too late for that. I’m concerned that not only was she at Noelle’s side when she died, she also got a look at the guy in the apartment this morning. She could be in danger. I’m going to stay close. I have this feeling she’s the key to something—I just don’t know what. She’s also tight with the Tremaines, and while I’ve developed a relationship with Hamilton, I’ve had little access to his sons, his daughter, or their spouses. Since Avery’s father is living with Whitney Tremaine, Avery is in the immediate family circle. She might be able to help me.”
“Or she could turn them against you.”
“It’s a risk, but I’m not worried about that right now.”
“What does Hamilton Tremaine think about Ms. Price’s murder?”
“He’d like to believe her death has nothing to do with his company. In fact, he’d like me to prove that. I’ve managed to become a valuable confidant. We share Marine stories.”
Bree smiled. “Are you making those up?”
“I actually used one Jamie and Damon told me about from their Army days.”
“Always thinking on your feet.”
“It’s what keeps me alive.”
“I heard about the sting you set up to get into Nova Star. Jim Abrams is pissed you broke his nose.”
He gave a faint smile. “Not intentional. I thought he was better at ducking.”
She smiled back at him. “I’m glad we’re going to work together, even if it’s from afar. One of these days, I want you to meet Nathan. He’s very important to me.”
“I’d like to meet him sometime.”
“Before you go…” She jotted a number on the back of her card. “I know you’re working through Flynn, but in case you ever need anything unofficially…I just got this number.”
“Thanks.” As he put her card into his wallet, the conference room door opened.
Joanna Davis walked into the room. Dressed in a slim black skirt and black blazer over a silky blouse, her short, straight blonde hair framing her face, she looked both sophisticated and professional. Joanna was in her early forties, a divorcee who had been at the bureau for fifteen years.
He respected Joanna, but she was one of only a handful of people who could make him uncomfortable. She was too flirtatious and a bit of a man-eater, both on the job and in her personal life, and he preferred to spend as little time as possible with her.
Fortunately, he worked for Flynn, not for Joanna, so while she might be Flynn’s boss, they had little contact with each other, and that’s the way he preferred it.
“What happened with Detective Larimer?”
“He’s standing down. We’re in charge now. I’ll inform Mr. Tremaine of that fact as well.”
“That will simplify matters.”
“Well, I live to simplify things for you,” she drawled, sarcasm in her tone. “I understand Mr. Tremaine is giving you more responsibility and access. Is that true?”
“It is. He has even asked me to keep an eye on his sons’ activities.”
“So, while he tells the FBI there’s nothing to see where his sons are concerned, you’re hearing a different song?”
“Yes. Hamilton is an idealist, a dreamer, but he’s also a smart man. While he doesn’t want to believe anyone close to him would sell him out, he’s not stupid. He may not want to work with the bureau, but he’s determined to find out if someone in his company is a mole.”
“Good.”
“I need to go. I don’t want to leave Avery alone in the lobby too long. She might try to talk to the cops and confuse things. Thanks again for the help here.”
“Once this is over, we’ll catch up,” Joanna said. “I’d like to hear about what else you’ve been doing the past several years.”
“Sounds good,” he said, seeing a teasing light lurking in Bree’s eyes. Bree and his other friends had been well aware of Joanna’s interest in him at Quantico.
After leaving the conference room, he found Avery pacing around the lobby, a worried look on her face.
“Did you tell them what happened?” she asked immediately.
“Yes. We can go.” He put his hand against the small of her back and pushed her gently toward the door.
“What do you mean?” she asked in surprise. “I don’t need to answer any questions?”
“Nope. We’re good.”
“They don’t want to talk to me?”
“I told them everything we knew.”
“And that’s it?”
“That’s it.”
She gave him a suspicious look as they left the station, but she kept walking until they got to his car. Then she stopped.
“Okay, seriously, what’s going on, Wyatt? Why did they want to speak to you alone? Why wasn’t I questioned? I’m Noelle’s friend.”
“And I run security for Nova Star, where Noelle was employed. I knew the information they needed to proceed, and I gave it to them.”
“And they didn’t care that neither one of us was supposed to be in the apartment?”
“I wouldn’t say they didn’t care, but we’re not under suspicion.” He opened the door for her, and she reluctantly got in.
He walked around the car and slid behind the wheel. “I’ll take you home now.”
“I still don’t get it,” she said a few moments later. “Something is off.” She shot him a suspicious look. “I think you’re lying to me, Wyatt.”
“What do you think I’m lying about? If the police wanted to talk to you, don’t you think they would have called you in? I wasn’t stopping anyone from doing that. You were sitting in the lobby.”
“You also weren’t gone that long.”
“There wasn’t a lot to say. I know you’re on edge—”
“On edge does not begin to describe how I feel. You may be looking into this on behalf of Nova Star, but Noelle was my friend. She meant something to me. This isn’t just a case to me. She was an important person in my life.”
“I understand, which is why I told the police what we both knew so you wouldn’t have to go through it again.”
“And Detective Larimer was really okay with that?”
“It wasn’t his choice. There was a special agent from the FBI there.”
“Wait a second—the FBI was there? Why?”
“They didn’t say; they just informed me that they’re taking over the case.”
“But that doesn’t make sense.”
He shrugged. “Like I said, they didn’t feel it necessary to explain their actions to me. But the good news is that we have more people looking for answers and for justice for Noelle.”
“Well, that’s true. I’m sure the FBI will have more resources than the local police.”
“Exactly. Now, you can go home and catch your breath, the way you wanted to.”
“I would like to do that,” she admitted. “I need a minute or two to regroup. And then I have to start making calls.”
“Do you want to give me your address?” He actually already knew where she lived, but realized he was about to give that away.
She started. “Oh, sorry. Yes. You’re actually going in the right direction. I live in Hermosa Beach. 312 Taylor Avenue. It’s right off the 405.” She paused. “What do you think will happen next, Wyatt? Will the FBI be able to find the man in Noelle’s apartment based on his tattoo? You did tell them about the tattoo, didn’t you?”
“Yes, and it will hopefully give them a good lead.”
“Do you think that man is the same person who killed Noelle?”
“It’s possible.”
She let out a breath. “I was thinking that, too. The FBI has to find him.”
“If anyone can, they can.”
Several minutes later, he pulled up in front of a three-story apartment building, grabbing a parking spot not too far from the front door. He scanned the area for anything out of the ordinary, but all looked peaceful and quiet. It was possible the man from Noelle’s apartment did not know who Avery was, but he didn’t want to underestimate anyone.
“I’ll walk you up,” he said, as he turned off the engine.
“That’s not necessary.”
He ignored her comment, meeting her on the sidewalk. “After what happened at Noelle’s, I’m not letting you go in alone. You’re very important to my boss.”
“Why do you say that?” she asked curiously.
“He speaks very highly of you, Avery. He loves your passion for space. He says you’re one of the few people who really understands his vision. He also told me how you have helped him bring Nova Star to the masses with your educational outreach programs. He’s quite impressed with you.”
Wyatt had to admit he was fairly impressed with the beautiful astrophysicist as well, which seemed crazy, because geeky science girls were not usually his type. But there was something about Avery… He refused to let himself finish that thought. Avery was part of his job. He couldn’t forget that.
“Well, I’m impressed with Hamilton, too,” Avery said, as they entered her building and headed up the stairs. “He has never met a barrier he didn’t want to break down, or a challenge he couldn’t overcome, and I like that kind of bulldog tenacity. I also respect his brilliance and his big dreams. He’s the kind of person who changes the world. It’s inspiring to be around him.”
“How did you come to take the job with him?”
“Hamilton came to a lecture I gave at UCLA three years ago. He waited around afterward to speak to me and insisted I have coffee with him. He wanted to tell me about his company and how he needed someone like me to share his passionate love of space with the outside world. I was intrigued. He basically offered me a blank check to do whatever I wanted to do. I couldn’t turn that down, so, I said yes. I’ve never regretted it.” She paused in front of her door. “This is me.”
“Let me go in first,” he said, as she unlocked the door.
She waved him inside, and he made a quick scan of the small living room and adjacent kitchen area and then headed down the short hall to check out the bedroom and bath. Avery dogged his every step, staying close behind him as he opened the last remaining closet door.
Then she let out a heavy breath. “No one has been in here.”
“It doesn’t look like it. Everything is very neat.”
“I don’t like clutter. When I get stressed, I clean.”
“You must have cleaned this morning.”
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br /> “Actually, I didn’t stay here last night. I went to my mom’s house. But the last few weeks have been tense. With the upcoming satellite defense launch, there have been a lot more requests for educational information, which get siphoned through my department.”
He nodded, following her back into the living room.
While everything was very organized, the apartment was still warm and interesting and smart, he thought with a smile, noting the shelves laden with hardcover science books, the photographs of space on the walls, the colorful blanket tossed over the back of the couch, and the extremely old telescope by the window.
“Do you take this up on the roof?” he asked.
“Occasionally, but I don’t use that one very often. I got it when I was twelve. I have access to much better telescopes at work. Have you ever been out to Nova Star’s test facility in the desert?”
“Not yet.”
“The rooftop there affords some of the best viewing I’ve ever experienced. Are you interested in the stars?”
“Not really. When I look up for too long, I tend to trip over reality.”
“That can happen. I’ve been accused of having my head in the clouds, but space also gives me perspective. When I get too caught up in my day, I look up, and I realize how very, very small my life and my problems are. Although, today, they seem rather huge. Do you want something to drink?”
“I’d love some water,” he said, happy that she wasn’t eager to kick him out. He wasn’t ready to walk away yet—for multiple reasons, some that went beyond Noelle’s murder.
Avery took out two glasses, popped in some ice, and then filled them with water from a filtered spout on the outside of her refrigerator.
He took a seat at her small kitchen table, noting the organized pile of bills next to her checkbook. “I bet you actually balance this thing,” he said, as she handed him a glass.
She made a face at him. “I used to. I’ve gotten busy, and so much is direct deposit and online bill pay now but keeping track of my finances was a lesson my mother taught me early on. Money was tight when I was growing up. Before my father became a celebrity writer, he was fairly unsuccessful, and we were living off my mom’s teacher’s salary. My mother always had to make sure that we had our bills covered while my dad chased his big dreams.”