“Well, I heard a little of what was said, and you’re still covered in paint.”
He’d forgotten that little tidbit. The moment he thought about it, he felt the paint cracking on the back of his neck. The adrenaline had kept the discomfort at bay until now.
Rebecca clung to the handle with both hands. “I’m not arguing with you. I think it’s the right call. I just thought you liked plans.”
“We’ve got five minutes to plan. That’s all the time in the world.”
“Good, because I’ve been rethinking the strategy. How about we play my auditor card before forcing their hand with the warrant business?”
Kurt could see the pros and cons of both ideas. “Hold that thought.” He called Delaney and continued to drive with one hand on the steering wheel. As soon as she answered, he filled her in on the situation. “We’re going in, grabbing the numbers and leaving. I need you to pick up Rebecca’s laptop from the IT guy and meet me at Vista.”
She was silent for a moment.
“Delaney?”
“I don’t like it, but you’re running this rodeo. Weapons are in the hidden compartment in the trunk of my SUV.” She rattled off her gun safe code.
“I don’t think I’ll be needing that. Police will be coming as backup. Besides, I think we’re dealing with a contracted hit.”
“Agreed. There’s probably no danger within the offices, but it feels rushed.”
“The faster we finish this the better.” Kurt pulled into the parking lot and glanced down at his clothes. At least most of the paint was on his back, so hopefully it wouldn’t be as obvious when he walked inside. “Let’s go.”
She hopped out of the SUV and joined him on the sidewalk. Only when they were almost to the front door did he realize he had forgotten to tell her to stay put while he looked around for threats before letting her out of the vehicle. He was starting to treat her like a partner and that bothered him. Maybe his judgment was slipping. He faltered at the front door but Rebecca charged ahead into the lobby. She waved at the security guard, the same guy she chatted with the last time they’d entered.
Kurt increased his stride until he was by her side. The CEO, Jake Putnam, was in the lobby with a briefcase, as if he was leaving for the day. “Rebecca. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I really need to finish that audit, Mr. Putnam. It will only take me a moment to get what I need.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “I thought I was going to give you a call.”
The auditor strategy wasn’t going to work. It was clear Putnam wasn’t going to budge. “That was before we found your accountant murdered,” Kurt said.
Putnam’s face lost all of its color. “What?”
Kurt knew what to look for in liars and this man appeared genuinely shocked. He flashed his badge before Rebecca could say any more. He’d let her speak first only because he was going to let her try out the auditor card, but he didn’t agree with the antagonistic approach in this situation. “Deputy Marshal Kurt Brock. A warrant has been issued to search the financial records of Vista Resort Properties.”
“Kurt?” Rebecca asked.
He held up one finger as he finished explaining to a quivering Mr. Putnam why they had probable cause and what the warrant would allow him to search. He wasn’t required to show the warrant unless he asked, and so far, Mr. Putnam looked unsteady on his feet. “Sir, do you understand wh—”
The man’s eyes rolled and the briefcase dropped from his hand as his body went limp. Kurt lunged and caught Mr. Putnam’s head and neck before they hit the marble tiles. Well, he hadn’t been expecting the man to faint. “Rebecca—” Kurt looked up to find an empty lobby.
Rebecca was gone.
EIGHT
Rebecca walked alongside the security guard with the name tag S. Howard in the hallway, right next to the lobby. She could still see Kurt, so she wasn’t really worried. The guard had approached her while Kurt was talking and asked if she needed anything before he went off duty. “Yes, actually. I’m wondering if there’s surveillance footage of the accounting department.” If she could confirm her suspicions that Levi had slipped her the flash drive, she could also see what Levi had been doing moments before that. Maybe it would give her clues as to where to start looking. And Kurt would be impressed at her efficiency.
“My boss mans the security camera feeds.” Mr. Howard pointed ahead. “I think we archive our camera footage, but I haven’t been trained on all of that. Come to think of it, I’m not sure if we have cameras in Accounting. Follow me and you can ask the head of security for yourself. It’s just ahead.”
If it was just ahead it had to be in one of the side rooms off the hallway, so if Kurt ever looked up, she could wave him down and they could go in together. Perfectly safe. They were in a brightly lit office building, and the security guard served as protection. Besides, Kurt had referred to her as his accountant to the detective. The police and the Marshals needed her help. It was a heady feeling, especially given her early childhood dreams, and she felt determined not to let them down. It might prove something to both her grandpa and dad if she played a part in bringing her attacker to justice.
Except they passed four doors. And any minute now, she wouldn’t have a visual on Kurt. “Maybe I should go back first and let the marshal know.”
He stopped at one of the potted plants and swiveled, one hand on a flashlight attached to his belt. Actually, besides his phone, it was the only tool on his belt. “That’s up to you, but I heard the jingling of his keys. He’s probably just around the corner. Hey, did you go to Figpickels?”
“What?”
“The toy store, Figpickels. You’re bound to find a fun souvenir there for your niece. Otherwise, Souvenir and Sundry has this cute moose straw—Oh here we are.”
She’d forgotten they had discussed souvenirs earlier in the week. They turned a corner into a darkened hallway. Her footsteps faltered. She hadn’t meant to go this far. The jingling of keys he’d mentioned cued her to another person approaching before she could see the silhouetted form walk closer.
“Sir, I’m checking out for the night,” the guard said. “This lady is with the US marshal up front and has a question for you.” He nodded at Rebecca and pressed on a swinging door. “Nice to meet you. Have a good night.” He looked up briefly. “Weird. Usually this hallway is lit. Want me to report it before I leave?”
“No. I’ll do it. Have a good night.”
She heard the hint of an accent. Rebecca stayed where she was since there was light still coming from the other hallway around the corner. The guard stepped into the light, and his eyes looked stone cold.
Her throat tightened. She knew those eyes. Her heart pounded against her ribs. It was the guy—the attacker—standing right in front of her at arm’s length.
“You have a question?”
Her breath grew shallow. If he was trying to play like he didn’t know her, then maybe she could play along and pretend she didn’t recognize him, either. It seemed like the best option in the hope she could get out of there alive.
“Yes, yes, I was going to ask something.” She took a step backward, closer to the lighted hallway. Her question was just out of grasp, but she had a hard time remembering as her mind played an insistent loop of: Run. Run now. Why aren’t you running?
He stepped closer. The patience in his eyes dimmed. She took a deep breath and could run but there wasn’t anything between him and her. “I was just wondering if there’s security footage of the accounting department.”
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes. “Yes. I believe so. Follow me, I’m glad to show you.” He waved her toward the dark part of the hall. What kind of security guard wouldn’t ask her who she was? And why weren’t the lights on in this hall? He didn’t even challenge her right to watch the security footage. That confirmed her suspicion.
; The other guard had said his boss manned the feeds, which meant he’d probably seen them coming. So there could be only one reason for the darkness. He wanted to get her farther away from other people.
Instead she took a step backward and bumped into one of the corner planters with the silk plants. “That’s great. Let me just get my—”
He pulled a gun from behind his back. “Okay, no more games.” His accent was unmistakable now. Her dad had always told her that if someone pointed a gun at her she was to remain calm—easier said than done—and look the person in the eyes to make sure they remembered you were human. Apparently that reminder was supposed to make some shooters uncomfortable.
She forced her gaze to look straight into the man’s eyes. He didn’t flinch or blink. Instead he smiled and stepped closer. Great. It didn’t work on him. “I’m not playing games,” she said. Her voice shook despite her bravado. “I’m not a big fan of guns pointed at me, so if you’ll excuse me...”
“No.” His entire body blocked her path, the back of her legs pressed up against the planter, and he pointed the gun at her chest. With his free hand he touched her hair. “I admire strong women. I didn’t want to kill you, preciosa.”
She flinched at his touch, but if he admired that she was a strong woman, she had to keep from falling apart. She didn’t know Spanish well, but it seemed like he’d called her precious. “So don’t.”
His hand moved down to her left arm. Her stomach flipped with nausea. If she screamed now, would he shoot her before Kurt could get there to help? His grip tightened and his eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t drop it. You kept looking. Now it’s out of my hands. Come with me.”
“See, that’s where I think you’re wrong. You’re holding the gun, so it seems like it is in your hands and I’ll be glad to drop it. Won’t pick it up ever again.”
He squeezed her hand so hard she cried out. She leaned away from him. Her other fingertips brushed up against the leaves.
“You scream and your friend dies, too.”
He let up on his grip just enough, her fingers scooped up a handful of white rocks. “Okay,” she said softly. Then she flung the rocks into his face.
He cursed and the hand with the gun moved up to his face, but he didn’t let go of her arm. She grabbed another rock and pressed it into the place she thought she’d scratched him with the letter opener. He bellowed and finally released her, but she was still pinned between him, the wall and the planter.
She pulled her knee up, but only grazed his legs. Her hands fisted and torpedoed his torso, but it was like hitting a hard piece of furniture. The man only took half a step back, but it was enough to squeeze around the planter. She sprinted around the hallway corner.
Crack!
A scream tore from her throat as plaster from the wall where she’d been only half a second ago exploded. Her shaking fingers couldn’t decide whether to cover her ears or head, so she ran with her hands in the air.
A silhouette appeared at the end of the hallway. She flinched and threw herself against the wall. She was surrounded.
“Get down!”
She recognized the voice. Kurt. She looked over her shoulder to find the security guard raising his weapon. Rebecca slid down to the ground. Kurt readied his stance, pointed his weapon and yelled, “Stop!”
The guard swiveled. The sound of his retreating footsteps and a door slamming echoed through the empty corridors. Kurt sprinted toward her, gun in hand. “Is that the guy?”
“Yes.” Her voice shook. “It’s him.”
“Then I’m taking the shot next time,” he shouted as he ran past her and another door slammed.
Rebecca dropped her head into her hands. What had just happened? She was talking to a friendly security guard who she was sure wasn’t a threat. She’d felt safe with him. It never occurred to her that the threat could be waiting around the corner. She’d fully expected it be from someone more invested in the company, like Mr. Putnam, who had contracted a hit.
“Miss Linn?”
Rebecca looked up to see Delaney approaching fast, her hand on her holster. “Are you okay?”
“Y-yes. I’m fine.”
“Where’s the marshal?”
“He took off after the head of security. He’s the one that attacked me that night.”
Delaney removed a cell phone from her belt and spoke tersely. She hung up and took a knee. “The police had just arrived. They’re securing the building. An ambulance is on the way for Mr. Putnam. I’m going to want them to check you out just in case.”
“Mr. Putnam? What happened to him?”
“I’m sure Deputy Marshal Brock is the best person to ask. Putnam’s secretary seems to think it was his fault.” Delaney offered a hand. “Can you walk? I’d like to get you back in the lobby. I don’t like that darkened hallway. Looks like they really shut down this place at quitting time.”
“I think he turned off those lights on purpose. The other guard, the good one, he seemed to think it was weird it was off.” Rebecca put a hand on the wall to give herself a push as she took Delaney’s assistance with the other hand.
“We’ll still need to question him, the other guard. He might’ve led you there as an accomplice.”
Rebecca hated to think that. She really did like his advice on the moose straw because he was right that Mandy would love it. In fact, by the looks of her home screen, Mandy had been trying to text her for the past several days. It was unlike Rebecca not to be sending funny selfies and playing online games with her while out of town.
They reached the lobby at the same time as the paramedics. The one on the right gave her a glance and shook his head in mock disgust. “If I’m here for you again...”
“Not me. I’m fine.” The paramedic continued on to Mr. Putnam, who was seated with his head between his knees.
Delaney gave her a side glance. “I thought we agreed to getting you checked out.”
“I don’t remember agreeing. He didn’t hurt me.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Were you always this stubborn or is the marshal a bad influence?” She shook her head. “Forget I said that.”
The frustration was evident in the young woman’s question. She’d never imagined that Delaney and Kurt had any personal relationship, but the annoyance made Rebecca wonder. “I’m afraid I come by a strong-headed streak naturally.”
“Well, are you going to do something about this?” The secretary’s shrill voice was directed at Delaney.
Detective Hall gave Rebecca a weary glance before addressing the secretary. “Can you tell me what you saw?”
“The marshal spoke to Mr. Putnam and—” The secretary waved behind her. “Well, see for yourself. He went down like a ton of bricks. I’m sure he hit him.”
“You saw the marshal use force?”
“No, but—”
“I fainted, Paula,” Mr. Putnam groaned, his head between his legs. “I’m not proud of it, but he didn’t hit me.” He looked up as the paramedic grabbed his wrist to take his vitals. His eyes darted Rebecca’s way. “Please tell your grandpa I didn’t know anything about this. He’s never going to talk to me again.”
“What’s that mean?” Delaney muttered.
Rebecca had no idea, but she knew Putnam played golf with her grandpa most weekends during the spring and summer. She stepped closer as the paramedic tried to get the man to look into the penlight. “What didn’t you know?”
“About the danger. I never would’ve agreed to hire you if I’d known. You have to tell him. Please.”
Putnam never would’ve agreed to hire her? That didn’t make sense. She’d volunteered for the assignment when she’d heard it was in Coeur d’Alene. Or, at least, that’s what her supervisor made her believe. “Did you specifically request me when you contacted my auditing firm?”
Genuine surprise creased his forehead. “Your gr
andpa wanted to invest here, in Vista Resort Properties. He said he would only do it if you audited it, though. I thought you knew.”
Her stomach heated. Why would Grandpa do that and not tell her? It was good practice for an investor to have a third-party audit first, and doubly important for a federal judge. Their investments became public record to prevent presiding certain cases that could result in conflicts of interest. Even if it wasn’t required, Grandpa was all about accountability and integrity. Though, it didn’t seem very honest that he’d never told Rebecca he’d requested her.
“That’s an interesting tidbit the judge failed to mention.” Delaney looked over her shoulder. “What happened, Kurt?”
Rebecca followed her gaze. Kurt had holstered his weapon and was striding toward them. He ignored Delaney, though, and made a beeline for Rebecca. “Are you okay? Why did you run off like that?” His eyes searched hers as if he didn’t believe she was really okay.
“I didn’t run off. I tried to get your attention, but the security guard was talking to me. I never intended to go out of your sight.” It struck her now as impulsive. If one guard was leaving, another one was probably coming on duty. Maybe the head of security took over at that point, and if she’d just waited, then she could’ve figured out his identity with the light of all the lobby windows and pointed him out discreetly to Kurt. Of course, if she’d done that, then it was possible Mr. Putnam and the secretary would’ve been caught in gun crossfire. Someone could’ve been killed. She straightened her shoulders, more confident that she’d done nothing wrong. “I got away, and you made sure he didn’t catch me. He works here, so we can find out his identity and hunt him down now.”
Delaney cleared her throat. “Kurt? Could I have a word?”
Rebecca had a feeling they were both in trouble.
* * *
Kurt walked over to the side of the room, barely out of earshot from the paramedics, the police and Rebecca. His heart still pounded in his throat from the intense run after the security guard. There was no way the supposed guard didn’t have military training. He’d scaled a landscape wall in the back of the building and run into the trees. Two minutes later, Kurt had heard the sound of a motor and abandoned his pursuit.
Credible Threat Page 10