The Final Flashpoint

by Iona Morrison

  “I’m not sure. I may be in for a tough time. I’ve had more people warn me to be careful than on any other case.” Matt’s jaw flexed.

  “You can’t go there. Don’t invite trouble. You’re good at what you do, and you’ve been in tight places before. Your instinct as a cop will kick in. Besides, I’m not letting you out of my sight. I know Jessie will be fighting for you every step of the way.”

  “I know you’re right, but I don’t want her to become the target. I couldn’t take it if I lost her.” Matt closed his eyes. “She means the world to me.”

  “There are risks that come with the job; we all know it. To minimize those dangers is the best we can do.”

  “I’ve had too much time on my hands waiting for something to break.” Matt’s phone buzzed.

  “Chief, Jeremy is on line one.”

  “Thanks, Kenny.” Matt pushed the button for the line. “Hey, Jeremy, do you have something for me?”

  “You bet I do. The man’s real name is Harry Roth. He’s never been married and was bullied growing up for being a mama’s boy. Roth is a front man of sorts. He schemes, plots, and makes sure the deals go right. The authorities want to question him regarding several crime rings overseas.”

  “Jessie calls him Harry. I guess she’s right. I wonder why he’s in the U.S.”

  “This is where it gets interesting. Interpol tracked him coming across the border but lost his trail. According to the open file on him, he may have joined a gang that crossed into the country from Mexico. The gang is new on the agency’s radar, and the information is limited. There’s an open investigation on them. The FBI should be able to get more information.”

  “Jeremy, this is Tom. How dangerous is Roth?”

  “It’s all speculation. Every witness the agency has found to testify against him ends up dead. His reach is long even when he’s no longer in the area.”

  “He appears so unassuming.” Matt scribbled down a note in the case file.

  “He doesn’t stand out. I guess you’d want that in a front man. But from what I’ve read, he’s meaner than blazes.”

  “Jessie told me his eyes were angry. We’ll have to keep our eyes out for him. It’s possible he’ll lead us to the others.”

  “I’d say you have another big case on your hands. Notify the authorities about the prize they have in your area.”

  “I’ll contact the right people,” Tom said. “What we don’t need are more agents in the area.”

  “All right, I did my part. I’m going to try to find out more about the gang. Be careful. I’ll call if I find out more.”

  “Thanks, Jeremy.”

  “Before I forget, I traced the numbers on Amir’s phone, and I’m sending you a list. Most of them were to and from his friends, Darsha, and the embassy. There were several from untraceable numbers, probably throwaways.”

  “I’ll watch for your e-mail, and we’ll talk later.” Matt hung up.

  “I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t what I heard. Roth sounds like trouble to me. I’m going to make a few calls to the department and CIA working with Interpol. I think we might need to rethink this case.” Tom stood. “Keep this quiet for a while. I want to hear what they say before we do anything.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me.” Matt stood to stretch his legs. He took his coffee cup to refill while he was up.

  ****

  Jessie finished showing a customer where to find the book she wanted. She ran to answer her ringing phone. “Idle Time Books, may I help you?”

  “Hi, Jess, how’s your day?”

  “No complaints so far, Matt. How’s yours?”

  “I’ve convinced Tom that I have to be around you to solve this case. He even offered to chaperone us.”

  Jessie chuckled. “An interesting idea, but I think I’ll pass.”

  “I figured you might because I told him no way. Have you seen Harry around today?”

  “No, but I’m sure he’s in the area.” Jessie did a quick peek into the coffee shop to make sure he wasn’t in there.

  “His actual name is Harry Roth. You got the Harry right. What makes you think he’s still in the area?”

  “I’m not sure, but I sense that he is.”

  “I trust your feelings. Let me hear the minute you see Roth.”

  “I will. I figure since you have his real name, you probably learned a few things about him. You’ll have to fill me in when you get a chance.”

  “Of course, I will. Just a minute, Jess.” She could hear him talking in the background. “We’ll be at your house to pick you up at six. We’re making you dinner tonight at my place.”

  “Wow, sounds great. I’ve never had three men cook for me. I’d call it scary, but I happen to know you’re a great cook. I’ll be ready.”

  “See you soon, sweetheart.” Jessie hung up after Matt did.

  Jessie pulled up Harry’s face on the screen. “What is it with this guy?” she muttered.

  “Jessie?” Molly walked through the open doors. “I’ve brought you a sweet delight for your afternoon.” She placed the plate with a small chocolate raspberry tart and mini brownie on it.

  “Oh, goodness, these are good. I can’t make up my mind which one I like best. I do love German chocolate brownies, but the tart is yummy, too.” She went back and forth with her fork. “Since I can’t make up my mind, I’ll take six of each. I’m going to Matt’s for dinner, and he has other guests tonight.”

  “I’ll box them for you, and you can pay me when you pick them up.”

  “Perfect, Molly. I’ll be over before five.”

  Jessie enjoyed her afternoon. Two new customers from town came into her store. Meeting new town folks was always a treat. She planned to make Blue Cove her home for a long time to come. Jessie grabbed her box from Molly, did her closing routine, and was ready to leave for the day. She couldn’t wait to see Matt’s reaction when she told him that Reba had come into the store simply to say hello and grab a book. A book was the only reason she came. There was no message, no dire warning, it was a simple visit. Jessie was a tad perplexed by it. Reba rarely came for a visit without bringing a message. She must simply enjoy the moment. The smile lasted on her face the entire drive home.

  Chapter 20

  Jessie grabbed her jacket when Matt arrived but waited for him to come to the door. It would give her a few minutes alone with him. Those few minutes were priceless as far as she was concerned. She opened the door when he knocked.

  “I see you waited for me to come to get you, which is a first.” He smiled.

  “Yes. I did. There is an important reason for me to wait today.” She fluttered her lashes at him.

  “Is that right? Do you mind letting me know what it is?” He leaned closer to her.

  “We’ve had only a little time alone in the past few days. I wanted to make sure I thank you in advance for dinner tonight.” She pulled his head down and kissed him. When she pulled away, they were both breathless.

  “Maybe I should tell Tom to sit in the car for a while.” He grinned at her. “I like this side of you. I’ll have to make you feel grateful more often.” He leaned closer and kissed her back. She gave him a funny look. “What?” Matt chuckled. “Call it one more for the road.” He took her hand as they stepped outside.

  She told him all about Reba’s visit. “I hardly knew what to do without one of her warnings.”

  “I can imagine. Has she ever come to visit without one?” He glanced at her.

  She shook her head. “Not when we’re in the middle of a case. I’ll admit it was quite refreshing and yet strange at the same time.”

  “What was strange about it?” Matt’s thumb stroked the palm of her hand.

  “If you want an answer you’d better stop that,” she said under her breath.

  “Am I bothering you, sweetheart?” He did it again, his lips pressed tight together.

  “You have no idea.” She pinched his hand when he did it again. “Are you listening? I bet you ca
n’t remember anything I said.”

  “I’ll stop.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Why was it strange? See, I was listening. You lose, and I get to claim a forfeit.” He leaned in and pulled her close. She closed her eyes. He whispered in her ear, “Not now. I’ll wait until you least expect it and no one’s around.” He pinched her cheek playfully.

  “We’ll see about that, Parker.” She took his hand and pulled him along.

  “Ah, the challenge. You know I’m going to win, sweetheart.” He laced his fingers through hers. “What’s in the box? I can carry it if you want.” He reached for the box in her hand.

  “I’m fine. It’s a small taste of dessert heaven for you boys. Molly loves owning the coffee shop, and she’s always searching for new items to put on the menu. Thankfully, she tries them out on me first. What’s new today?”

  Matt told her about the hospital’s report on Carlos. “I’m hopeful he’ll make it.” He opened the car door for her.

  “Hi, Tom,” she said as she got into the back seat.

  “It took you long enough. I was beginning to think I needed to send out a rescue party.”

  “I tried to drag it out as long as possible. I knew you’d be thrilled by the wait.” Jessie patted Tom’s shoulder.

  “Now, why doesn’t that surprise me?” Tom laughed. “You were target practice while you were standing out there.”

  “Sorry, I forgot. Next time I’ll keep him inside longer. See? I brought treats.” Jessie pointed to the box. “It’s a bribe to turn your head and get you to look the other way. A woman has to have some time alone with her man.”

  “You have it as bad as this guy. He can’t think without you in the room.” Tom winked at her.

  “He brings out the best in me.” She caught Matt’s eye in the rearview mirror and saluted him.

  “He said the same thing earlier. I might have to watch you two in action. I don’t spend near enough time with my partner. Of course, he’s not as pretty as you are.”

  “Yeah, and you haven’t solved any major cases lately.” Matt glanced at Tom.

  “True. You two seem to have all the cases handed your way for some odd reason. I’m not jealous, mind you, but I wouldn’t mind a bit of action occasionally.”

  “Feeling tired of your pencil-pushing paperwork?” Matt turned onto his property. “You could always move here, Tom.” He pulled into the garage.

  “Moving to Blue Cove isn’t necessary. I seem to end up here helping you anyway. Besides, paperwork comes with your job, too.” Tom stepped out of the car and closed the door.

  “I can’t get away from the mounds of paper.” Matt opened Jessie’s door. “The City Council reminds me too often how important the reports are.”

  “I take it you don’t enjoy filling out all the reports. Paperwork is the downside of your job, but every profession has its drawbacks.” Jessie walked into the kitchen. She placed her box of goodies in the counter. “Hi, Frank,” she called out to him. “Yum, something smells good.”

  “Hi. I’m watching the news. Come join me,” Frank called from the living room.

  “Sit down, sweetheart; we’ll call you when dinner is ready.” Matt turned her around and gave her a gentle push toward the living room.

  Jessie could hear Matt and Tom talking in the kitchen. She settled on the couch and noticed that Frank was already dozing. Her mind turned to the facts she’d read earlier about Harry Roth. Why was he in Blue Cove? Did it have to do with the students or Matt? Unless some major information came to light, Harry was too big a player to be in the area for no reason. He had several agencies looking for him. Why now? What was about to go down?

  She walked into the kitchen. “Frank is sleeping. Give me something to do, please.”

  “You can put this on the table.” Matt handed her the basket of bread.

  “I hope you’re hungry.” Tom tossed the salad with the dressing.

  “I am. Can I help?” she asked. “There must be something I can do.”

  He nodded his head. “You can hand me those.” He pointed to the stack of salad plates on the counter.

  “Let me dish up the salad for you. It’s an easy enough job.” She filled each plate, topping the greens with dried cranberries and candied pecans. “I’m convinced Roth is in Blue Cove because something major is about to go down.”

  Tom’s head snapped around. “Okay, it’s possible, but why?” he asked.

  “Everything I’ve read about him tells me he’s only seen when there is something big happening. Too many agencies are searching for him to risk him surfacing for a small job. I’m not sure he’s even watching for Darsha.”

  “Why is he here then?” Matt stopped what he was doing and turned to her.

  “When we know the answer to your question, I’d say we’ll be close to solving the case. My preliminary idea on the subject is that it’s bigger than you or those kids. But part of it is tied to you, Matt.” Jessie touched his hand.

  “Damn, my thought exactly, and that’s why I’m here babysitting him. I want to hear how you came to your theory. Let’s get this food on the table. We need to talk.” Tom handed her a couple of salad plates to carry to the table.

  “Why me?” Matt stopped her on her way back to Tom.

  “There are some reasons I can think of, which are all speculation right now. You’ve solved so many major cases this past year. Roth had to be involved in one of those cases; I can sense it. We need to find out as much as we can about Harry. He’s one of the major players and the link between you and the students. We know he met with Amir; the picture Misty gave us gives us the connection. He was at Ryan’s funeral with a few other men who are probably involved too. Follow him, and you will find the others.” She pursed her lips. “I still think it’s bigger than you. You’re not the reason he’s in the states, but he does have a score to settle with you.”

  “Is it possible it’s tied to your days at the agency?” Tom frowned.

  “Anything is possible, I guess. We need to search through the cases that I was a part of for a link.” Matt raked his hand through his hair.

  Jessie held up her hand. “Whoa, back it up a minute. You were in the FBI and I’m just hearing about it now?”

  “It never came up in conversation besides it was only for a short time. Remind me to tell you about it some time.”

  “Now would be perfect. She glared at him.

  “Another time, it’s not important.”

  “Not important, hell. He was in line to be promoted when he quit. His record gives a report of a damn good agent. Speaking of good, you’re not half bad yourself, Jessie.” He grabbed the carving knife out of the drawer.” Tom caught Matt’s frown and changed the subject. “The big question is who is the tail, and how does he fit into the picture?” Tom uncovered the standing roast and handed Matt the knife.

  “He’s so sloppy and easy to see it makes me wonder if he’s been hired as a distraction. They want to keep Matt sidetracked so he won’t see what’s coming at him until it’s too late.” Jessie handed Tom a plate.

  Matt placed a slice of prime rib on the platter. “Cooked to perfection,” he smiled. “No more shop talk. I want you to enjoy this while it’s hot.”

  “I’ll get Frank.” Jessie walked into the living room.

  “Frank,” Tom yelled, “soup’s on.” He cut a few more slices of beef.

  Frank jumped out of the chair, rubbing his eyes. “I must have dozed off. It’s this darn chair. Every time I sit down in it, I’m out.” Jessie followed him to the table.

  ****

  After dinner, they talked about the case over their coffee and dessert. Jessie fielded every question that Tom threw at her, and Matt couldn’t have been more proud. She had thought this through and considered every angle. He could see that Tom was impressed, while Frank beamed at her like a pleased father. Jessie never ceased to amaze him. Tonight, she had him convinced Harry Roth was after him as some kind of retaliation. How would it go down? He wanted Jessie involved in this
case. She was the only one with a working theory that made any sense right at the moment.

  “Tell Molly the brownies were great.” Matt reached for the tart to have a taste.

  “Before I let him change the subject, how do we keep him safe?” Tom pointed at Matt.

  “We need a plan.” Jessie sat back in her chair.

  “Jessie always has to have a plan.” Matt smiled at her as he took her hand. “It’s one of her most endearing qualities.

  “If Harry Roth is the link, at some point you’ll have to follow him. Matt will have to have a backup and a cover all the time. Does Kaufman or anyone else know about him?” Jessie stroked her thumb across the palm of his hand.

  Matt smiled and leaned close to whisper in her ear. “Your own form of payback, sweetheart? I don’t mind.”

  “What are you two whispering about?” Tom frowned and grabbed a brownie from the plate.

  “It’s personal, Maxwell.”

  “To answer your question, Jessie, I haven’t told Kaufman yet. We’re waiting for the agent to arrive with information on Roth and Interpol. He’ll tell us how to proceed.”

  “Tom, I know this will sound strange to you, but I have to say it. When it comes to the cases that come our way, it’s for a reason. I heard Amir’s cries, and we are connected. Many others can come to help and give their expert advice, but in the end, it will be us”—she pointed at Matt, Frank, and herself—”who solve it. They want us to.”

  “You’re right, it sounds strange. I don’t get it, but I saw it in your last case. I’m on your side.”

  “I know this much; it will take Matt’s ingenuity to get through this, but he’ll do fine.”

  Matt was glad she had confidence in him because as their conversation moved forward, he wasn’t sure he had any left.

  Chapter 21

  Jessie couldn’t believe the things she had said to Tom. What must he think of her? She knew she was right, though. Once again, the case had found them, and they had to be a part of solving the murders. A quick glance at the clock told her it was past time to get up. She stretched, threw off her covers, and sat on the edge of the mattress. If her instincts were right, they wouldn’t have much longer to wait. Even if the ghosts didn’t interact with her much, she knew when the time came, they would be on their side.