Order of Truth

by Lisa Caviness

  After buying food and supplies Cody pulled up to the two-story farmhouse. Soybean fields bordered three sides in the distance. Lila knew this place made for an attractive safe house due to the open space and the low-lying crops surrounding the property. They would be able to spot intruders from a distance. Cody stopped in front of a large five-bay garage. He jumped out entered a code and returned to the vehicle. The door rumbled up, and he parked inside.

  Lila followed him into a gleaming kitchen with exposed wood beams, pine floors, and hickory wood cabinets. Although the exterior had paint chipping and a few drain spouts requiring repair, the inside of the house had been remodeled. “Wow, Jeb did a great job.”

  “He recruited me to work on a few things at his main house, but I’ve never been out here.” Cody moved from the kitchen into the open living room.

  “I need a shower.” In one of the upstairs bathrooms, Lila stripped out of the sweats and stepped under the hot water, the spray soothing her battered body. As she washed her hair, twigs, dirt, and whatever else churned in Lake Burgess, circled down the drain. She counted numerous reddened places on her arms and legs, which would turn into ugly purple bruises soon. Stepping out of the shower, she wrapped a towel around herself. The warmth of the towel and the steam inside her bathroom made her want to remain in the small cocoon, shut off from the world—and Cody. She wiped away condensation on a section of the mirror behind the sink and stared at the cuts on her face. If Cody hadn’t been there…

  Sighing, she opened the door and stepped into her bedroom. She ambled into the room, turned, and jumped. “Cody! What are you doing in here?”

  He had sprawled out on her bed, his long legs crossed, his hair wet from a shower.

  “We need to talk. No more evasions. What the hell is going on?” Cody stared up at her, his eyes blazing. “You’ve got me driving you around, and you’re fresh out of the hospital. Not to mention you are a witness in a murder investigation. Your life is in danger. Don’t you recognize that?” He slid off the bed and placed both hands on his hips.

  Lila scraped her lip between her teeth and held tight to her towel. “Of course, I recognize I could have died. I get that loud and clear. Three days ago, I was handling this alone. You waltzed into my life and now you expect me to spill my guts. I don’t adjust that quick.”

  “Three days ago, you walked into a murder scene, two days ago the safe house you were inside was shot to hell, and hours ago you were near the bottom of Lake Burgess.” Cody splayed his hands and shook his head. “I’m in this. We’re in this together now.”

  She stomped across the room and began rooting through her bags. “I appreciate you stalking me because you were there when I needed someone but that doesn’t give you the right to barge into my room and make demands.”

  Cody followed and stopped in front of her. His brown eyes drilled into hers. “Then what’s going on? Keeping secrets is going to get you killed.”

  She slammed the drawer and pivoted toward him. “Are you kidding me? I just got out of the shower.”

  “I finally have your attention. What’s going on with you?”

  “I don’t want anyone else to be killed! Don’t you get that?” Her fists knotted as she held her towel. “I can’t watch people I care about be hurt,” she said, her voice lower.

  “And you think I can?” He stepped closer. “On a constant loop, I relive that day in the tunnel when I thought I’d never see you again. I watched helpless as you were dragged away. I was there when Lance shot your mother, her blood splattered on you. I get it, Lila.”

  She’d been so caught up in her own nightmares that she hadn’t thought that Cody might have a few of his own. Blowing out a breath, she stared at a fresh cut on her foot. The wound reminding her how lucky she’d been to get out of the lake with only minor injuries. She lifted her head and met Cody’s gaze. “That comment about stalking was out of line. I’m sorry.” She sank onto the bed and covered her eyes.

  He sat beside her, close enough for her to feel his strong bicep brush against her arm.

  They sat in silence for a few seconds, then Lila said, “I owe you an explanation.”

  “Damn right you do.” His stern tone softened. “I don’t want to be responsible for telling our friends you were killed.”

  She swallowed and with a shaky hand pushed a stray hair from her face. “Give me a minute to get dressed.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Lila emerged from her bedroom dressed in jeans and a yellow T-shirt, her bag in her hand. She inhaled the scent of coffee and found Cody leaning against the kitchen counter.

  He handed her a mug. “Black with a splash of creamer?”

  Shifting the bag containing Jack’s files to her other hand, she took the mug and smiled. “You remembered.”

  “We drank a lot of coffee in college.” He swiped his hand over his stubble.

  Lila ambled into the living room and settled on the ivory-colored sofa positioned in front of a large, stone fireplace. “Alright, let’s talk.”

  Cody sat one cushion away, angled toward her.

  “As Jack was dying, he told me to find some files that he felt were critical. I was able to determine the documents were hidden at the church where I volunteer.” She tapped her finger on the bag she’d set between them. “I haven’t had a chance to read through each document, but they provide evidence of Lance’s crimes. I have the original and three copies, with one now at the bottom the lake inside my car. I believe these files may give us the chance to see that Lance pays for his crimes. If we can get them into the right hands.”

  “Are you sure no one saw you with those files at the church or followed you when you left?” Cody said.

  “I was alone when I found the files and you were right behind me when I left.” She shook her head. “But then again, I didn’t notice much about the truck behind me before I went into the lake. I can’t ever allow myself to get that distracted again.” As she opened her bag and drew out the files, her heart pounded as if she was about to open the holy grail.

  Seconds later, the evidence lay before them. Photos, sworn statements, narrative accounts of Lance’s kidnapping of Carson’s friend, Nina Prince, whom Lance had feigned interest in to lure Carson out of hiding. He even had a sick plan to poison Nina. There was evidence that he arranged for explosives to decimate Carson’s research lab in Boston and that he called for the death of Rhoda Ellery, his own aunt and an ex-CIA agent who helped Carson flee her family. Everything was outlined in complete details within the files.

  Page after page, even secret recordings, were laid out in graphic detail.

  Cody huddled over the documents spread out on the square coffee table. “This is amazing but wasn’t Lance’s case dismissed?”

  “Yes, the DA moved to dismiss the case, but if we can find another crime, within this documentation and get it to the right district attorney or even a federal prosecutor then we may have a chance of bringing Lance to justice.” Hope rose in her voice, then reality crashed the party. “Finding someone willing to touch this could be difficult.”

  Cody crossed his arms. “Lance has made himself too powerful to cross and since the previous DA dropped the case, will anyone else want to chance this?”

  “I don’t know, but there’s no statute of limitations on murder or attempted murder.” Lila leaned forward. “Jack wanted me to find this file. He told me they killed him because of it and that I was in danger.”

  Cody hiked a brow. “Did he say who wanted him dead?”

  “No. He wasn’t in good shape, and after asking me to tell his family he loved them, he only had energy enough to warn me and tell me where to find these files.”

  “Based on what’s happened the last few days, I’d say someone is awful worried you know something or have those files.” Cody pointed to the table. “Don’t you think it’s too much of a coincidence that you happened to work for a man who was in possession of files that are damning to the one man hell-bent on hurting you?”

  �
�Absolutely.” Lila stood. “Hilary Foster and Walt Talcott are senior partners at HTP. They’ve asked me over and over again about what Jack said to me. I didn’t tell them anything, of course.”

  Cody sipped his coffee, then set the mug on the table. “What does HTP have to do with Lance?”

  “Those files represent the case HTP handled for Lance. Most of the attorneys are now gone, I think.” Lila rubbed the bridge of her nose. “The Alliance knew about this before I accepted the job, but we thought there were still some partners with allegiance to Lance. So far, I don’t have any evidence of that.”

  “I remember hearing about that,” Cody said. “The question is who found out Jack had those files.”

  Lila shrugged. “The easy answer is Lance. But there’s also the possibility that someone, namely someone at HTP, discovered Jack had the files and didn’t want him to have a chance to disclose the information.”

  Silence hung as they were caught up in their thoughts.

  Then Cody’s cell buzzed. He glanced at the screen. “Our team is on the ground and should be here in less than an hour. I suggest we review these files. Maybe we’ll gain some clarity.”

  Lila picked up the first document in the folder and studied the contents, handing off each paper to Cody after she finished. Nearing the end, she stopped. A note scribbled by Jack had been scrawled on a file. She recognized his slanted handwriting.

  The note read. Find Garvin Jennings.

  “Look at this.” Lila passed the paper to Cody.

  “Who’s Garvin Jennings?”

  “I’m not sure, but the name sounds familiar.” Lila rose and paced the length of the room. “We have to find this guy.”

  Chapter 18

  Cody entered the name in a search box. Seconds later, he said, “Five people come up with the name Garvin Jennings. Two with ties to Texas.”

  They quickly eliminated a Jennings in Iowa who died in 1991, a teenager in Georgia, and one in the military who’d been killed in action six years earlier.

  Lila leaned back in her chair. “I don’t see anything on these surface searches.”

  Turning to the dark web to cloak their presence, Cody and Lila ran searches for Garvin Jennings. Most people had a few hits on their name. Since they had no idea where in the world to look for the two Jennings, they started local.

  “Found them. I’ve got one Jennings in St. Paul, Minnesota and the other in Toval, Texas, a small town on the outskirts of Dallas,” Cody said.

  Lila tapped her keyboard and second later said, “No social media presence, but if they are older men it’s not a shock.”

  “According to the Algee town newspaper, Garvin Jennings won second place with his apple pie at their county fair last year. Algee is fifteen miles from Toval. Here’s a photo of the winner with his prize-winning pie.” Jennings was of medium height with a full head of white hair. Cody estimated his age to be late sixties or early seventies. He turned his laptop, so she could view the screen. “Do you recognize him?”

  She stared at the photo then shook her head. “I’ve got a phone number for the other Garvin.”

  Cody didn’t make a habit of rooting around on the dark web, but he had to admit the cloak of anonymity gave him relief. “We can make the call in the morning. I think that’s all we can do tonight.”

  She nodded and stretched her arms. “I never asked about your family. How’s your mom and Holden?”

  “The same. Mom has diabetes now and refuses to take care of herself. There aren’t as many men hanging around, so she bugs me for money.” Cody shrugged. “Guess some things will never change. Holden is back after a dishonorable discharge from the Army. He has a son and an on-again-off-again girlfriend. He hasn’t changed much either.”

  They were quiet for a few minutes then he said, “How do you like corporate law?”

  She logged off her computer. “I’m pretty good at it.”

  “Being good and enjoying something are two different things.”

  “True. I enjoy corporate law. How do you like your job at Veridian?” She sipped her coffee and made a face—it had probably gone cold.

  “I’m not sure if Veridian is a good long-term fit for me.” Cody straightened in his seat. He’d discussed his work at Veridian with everyone else in the Alliance. Reid had heard rumblings that Lance was interested in buying the company. Lance’s connection to Veridian had been established with his appearance at the benefit, but how deep did it go? Cody hoped his new position would provide the intel they needed.

  Less than thirty minutes later, Cody had hugged every Alliance member. Having them all here was more heartwarming than he’d anticipated. These people were his friends and due to his own stupidity, he hadn’t seen several of them in over a year.

  “I’m so glad you both got out of that lake,” Holly’s light-brown hair lay in a mass of curls around her pretty face. Her position as a child psychologist in the foster care division had brought her into Lila’s life, and by default into his. Now that Holly was married to Reid, she had permanently become one of them.

  “How are you?” Holly wrapped an arm around Lila.

  “I have a slight headache and few body aches. It could have been a lot worse, but thanks to Cody, I’m here.”

  Lila met his gaze and Cody’s heart seized. He hadn’t wanted to lose his cool but maybe they’d finally turned a corner. Maybe. In his mind, he remembered how the curve of her body fit against him. But those days were long gone.

  Marissa Tanner approached. “You’re hurt.” She touched his bandaged arm.

  “I’m fine. Just a cut.” Cody smiled at her.

  “Do either of you want me to check you over?” Justin asked.

  Dr. Justin Tanner was a trauma surgeon and Army Reserve physician. Prior to his marriage to Marissa, they became embroiled in The Order when Marissa’s previous fiancé attempted to blackmail Vivian Sinclair, the Grand Commander at the time. After Marissa’s fiancé was murdered, the couple were thrown into a battle with Vivian, who believed they had confidential intelligence about The Order.

  Lila shook her head. “No, I’ll be okay. The doctor at the hospital said I only had a slight concussion.”

  “If you aren’t feeling better in a day or so let me know. Same goes for you, Cody.”

  “I’m glad you were there, Cody.” Holly turned to Lila. “It’s normal to feel shaken. We’re all here if you need to talk.”

  “I know, thanks.” Lila ambled into the kitchen. “We have sandwiches, fruit, and brownies for anyone who is hungry.” She carried a tray of food into the living room, placed it on the table, and sat on the sofa between Holly and Marissa. “We have coffee and soft drinks, too.”

  Reid poured a cup of coffee, then stood in front as everyone gathered in the living room. “I know I speak for everyone when I say I’m relieved both Lila and Cody are okay.” He faced Lila. “Why don’t you tell us what’s been happening, starting with finding the law partner.”

  Cody strolled to the back of the room, leaned against the wall, and crossed his arms.

  Lila folded her hands on her lap. She met his gaze as an invisible connection flowed between them. Inhaling, she began the story and ended by telling them how she’d found Jack’s files.

  She stood, reached into a canvas bag, and retrieved several file folders. “These are copies of the documents Jack asked me to find. The original is locked in a storage facility and a copy is in the safe at my house.” She handed each Alliance member a copy. “In these files are evidence and proof of the kidnapping and near-poisoning of Nina Prince, evidence that Lance ordered the murder of Rhoda Ellery, and conclusive information that he arranged for Carson’s lab to be destroyed.”

  “Aunt Rhoda,” Carson whispered.

  Adam wrapped his arms around Carson. “We’re going to get him,” he muttered.

  Cody had met Aunt Rhoda a few times. Rhoda Ellery had been Carson’s mentor. In reality, the retired CIA operative, turned college professor, became more like her mother. The woma
n helped Carson change her name and escape her family. Carson was devastated when Lance’s men killed her.

  Cody cleared his throat. “Don’t you think these files are a bit of an improbable coincidence seeing as the attorney Lila worked with, who seemingly had no connection to Lance’s case, was in possession of files that could incriminate him? Why does this smell of a setup?”

  Lila jumped up, plucking a carrot from the veggie tray. “I just remembered. Two weeks prior to his death, Jack had a meeting with a mystery person. I remember that day clearly because he canceled an important client meeting, claiming he had a serious personal issue to handle. Although foregoing a meeting was unlike him, I didn’t think much of it until now.”

  “Maybe he did have a personal meeting,” Holly shifted her gaze from Cody to Lila. “Perhaps a teacher conference for one of his kids, a doctor’s appointment, counseling session with his wife. Maybe they were closing on a new house. The possibilities are endless.”

  “You’re right. Except he always told his assistant where he was going. And Steve Dorman burst into my office that afternoon demanding to know where Jack had gone. Although Steve was Jack’s counterpart in the corporate division, he never had cause to speak much to me, but that day stood out.” Lila pointed with the uneaten carrot. “Steve was nervous, and I recall him stalking out my office saying he hoped Jack wasn’t doing something stupid.”

  “We did background checks on everyone at HTP, but let’s do another in-depth on Steve Dorman,” Reid said.

  “I met Dorman at the Veridian party,” Cody added. “He was schmoozing with the Veridian bigwigs.” Cody made eye contact with Reid and Adam. He hadn’t told Lila about his own undercover status. “Reid? Adam?”

  Lila cocked her head. “What’s going on? Cody?”

  Adam stood. “We have strong suspicions that Lance is trying to acquire Veridian. Cody is undercover at Veridian in hopes of gaining more intel on what Lance’s plans could be.”