“Wait.”
She turned around so fast she almost bumped into Josh. Seconds ticked by as they both stood staring at Collins waiting to hear what he had to say.
He shrugged, looking miserable and nervous. His eyes shifted to Josh. “You can stay but the guard must leave. What I have to say can’t leave this room.”
Josh sent a curt nod to let the guard know he would no longer be needed. Before he left, he checked Collins’ restraints to make sure they were secure. The moment the door closed behind the guard, Beth snapped, “I don’t have all day. What information do you have?” She slipped back into the chair. Instead of sitting, Josh chose to hover behind her.
Collins smiled and Beth thought she would be sick. She would love to put her fist in his face. If Nina would have been forced onto the helicopter Randal used to make his escape, she would now be in Mexico or worse dead. She wasn’t sure what Randal planned to do with her sister.
“First I want to be transferred to the state prison near Taylorsville.”
Josh circled the room clearly agitated. “You haven’t been in the Federal Correctional Institute but six months. Surely, you’ve made some great, trustworthy friends.”
Eyes glittering with anger shifted to Josh. “You know how much I’m hated here. I was sheriff of Taylorsville. I put some of the inmates in prison myself.”
The pulse in Josh’s throat jumped. “You should have thought about the consequences before you broke the law. You should never have helped your son kidnap Juan and my sister-in-law.”
“Do you want to hear what I have to say or not?”
Beth leaned on her elbows. “Sure, if you’re ready to tell us where Randal Collins is hiding.”
“How many times must I tell you, I have no idea where my son is? I haven’t heard from him since he flew away in that helicopter.”
She knew better. Someone on the outside had assisted him when he tried to escape. Deep down, she felt that someone was Randal. Some way he was communicating with his son. “Then we have nothing to discuss.” Again Beth stood intending to walk out the door.
His hand automatically reached out to stop her, but the handcuffs prevented him from touching her. “Please, listen to what I have to say. Randal had a partner.” He spoke quickly fearing she would leave before hearing what he had to say. “I’m willing to tell you everything I know if you can get me transferred. I’ll be closer to my wife and she can come for visits.”
Beth plopped back into the chair across from Collins. “What kind of partner?”
“Randal was into more than just growing marijuana. He was also manufacturing meth.”
Josh took the chair next to Beth. “We have found no evidence linking him to manufacturing meth.”
“How long did it take the FBI to discover he was growing and distributing marijuana?” His eyes moved to Beth. “He had been planting it on your land for years. You were lucky you caught him in the first place. My son is very smart.”
“You mean, “evil” don’t you? He murdered people, some of them only children,” Beth whispered. Not only was Randal Collins responsible for killing an undercover FBI agent, but he murdered seven members of the Mendez Cartel. One of the deaths was a fifteen year old boy. Her stomach muscles clutched at the needless slaughter.
Collins squared his shoulders. “Do you want the information or not?”
Josh’s look was lethal. “Give us a name.”
“Do you think I was born yesterday? Not until I have transfer papers in front of me.”
She shook her head. “You have to give us something. I’m not about to leave without some proof.” She handed him the notepad. “Give us a name or some proof of the mysterious partner or there is no deal.”
The pen flew across the paper as Collins quickly scribbled something on the tablet. He pushed it back to Beth. She read the addresses. “What is this?”
“Three locations where the meth is being manufactured. I think that should be enough proof to get me sent to better accommodations. If you want the man at the top, I’ll be expecting a reduced sentence.”
The thought of him not paying for his crimes caused an uncontrollable shiver. She pressed a hand to her churning stomach. Josh took the tablet and skimmed over the addresses. “Do you recognize any of these addresses?”
After a quick glance at the scribbles, she replied, “The first one was once an old produce warehouse. It’s been empty for years.” Beth and her sisters had gone to the warehouse many times with her father when she was a little girl to sell produce. It closed after the farmers’ market was started. “It will be easy enough to check out if they are meth labs. We’ll know by the end of the day if he is lying.”
“I’m not lying. Go to the locations, see for yourself.” A spark of fear in his eyes, he continued, “I don’t guess I have to tell you how important it is you only divulge where you got this information to your Uncle Tate. If the man at the top discovers I have talked to the FBI, my life won’t be worth a hill of beans.” With a wary glance at the two-way mirror, he continued, “I don’t feel safe. I don’t know who I can trust.”
“You should have trust issues. Your son had two of your own deputies on his payroll. If you can’t trust your own men, who can you trust?”
“If word gets out that I’m even talking to you, I’ll end up with a shank in my back.” Sweat pearled on his forehead. “Most of the men on my cell block are in for life. If given the order, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill me. They have nothing to lose.”
Beth and Josh exchanged a look as they both stood. She could see the worry on his face knowing Collins could be killed before they got the name of the man responsible for the so called meth labs. “I’ll make arrangements for you to be moved to the jail while we check out your information. You’ll be safe there.”
She let Josh keep the tablet. There wasn’t anything she could do for Matthew. Only Josh would be able to get the information to his Uncle Tate who was a director for the FBI. He tucked his arm into hers and led her from the room. The guard stood at the door waiting for them. “Please keep Mr. Collins company while I make arrangements for him to be transferred to the jail.”
Josh cocked his head to the side. “I’m going to drop off these addresses at my uncle’s office and then how about having lunch with me?”
She met his gaze and felt that unwanted heat again. “You saw that stack of files on my desk. I don’t have time for lunch.”
“Nonsense, you need to eat.” He took her arm and propelled her down the narrow hall.
****
The diner was a cozy structure with bare beams crisscrossing a high ceiling. A couple of waitresses bustled from table to table waiting on the lunch crowd. Four, loud young men sat at the counter flirting outrageously with one of the waitresses. Tight jeans, revealing shirt, she enjoyed the attention. The laughter and talking faded into the background as she focused on Josh.
He took off his jacket, tossed it over the back of the chair next to him. Sitting across from him, Beth was struck not only by how handsome he was but also by his confidence. “Do you come here often?”
“When I’m in the area. The burgers are spectacular. It’s kind of a meeting place for FBI agents and members of law enforcement.” His eyes zeroed in on her jacket. “I love that suit. Peach is your color.”
“Thank you.” She had to bite her tongue to keep from giggling. Just the word peach sounded humorous coming from a tough, rugged man. For him to even know her suit’s color was peach was surprising. He seemed so macho.
The waitress handed them menus. With a quick toss of her hair she raked her eyes over him. “What can I get you to drink, Josh?” Without even looking in Beth’s direction, the waitress kept her eyes on him.
“Sweet tea, Kim.”
“I’ll also have sweet tea. We’re in a hurry. Can you please take our entrée order? I’ll have the chef salad with light dressing.”
Josh handed Kim his menu. “I’ll have a cheeseburger with the works.”
“I’ve been busy.”
Feeling a little jealous, Beth tapped her fingers on the table. She wondered if he had been intimate with Kim. The moment she left, he peered at her. “Congratulations on your new job.”
“You too, Special FBI Agent Josh Wilson. I guess your help in taking down Randal’s crew opened a lot of doors. I’m sure you’re a great agent.”
Then the conversation changed. “Heard you’re going to be working on the Chase Powers’ case. I can’t believe you are going to be defending that low life.”
“I just got the file today. Who told you I was sitting second chair?”She began to look uncomfortable and cleared her throat several times. “How can you possibly know?”
“I’m assisting with Kathy Lassiter’s case. She is scared to death of Powers. She’s afraid he’s going to discover the location of the safe house where we are keeping her and her fiancé and have them killed. With their testimonies he’s sure to get the needle.”
Kim returned and neither said a word as she placed their drinks on the table. She propped the tray on her hip. “Your entrees will be out in a few minutes. I told the cook to put a rush on them.” She twirled a lock of blond hair around her finger as she gave Josh a long look.
“Thanks, honey.” When he said no more, she rushed off toward the kitchen.
Josh took a sip of tea. The glass looked fragile in his strong hand as he tipped it to his sensual lips. “Not even close. No one can brew sweet tea as well as Maria.”
Beth lifted the glass and took a sip. “You’re right, not even close.”
“Nina has a big heart. I fear to think what might have happened to Maria and Juan if she hadn’t taken them in.”
Maria Rodriguez was Grant and Nina’s housekeeper and cook. Maria and her son Juan had come to live with Nina after her husband was killed in a home invasion. “I don’t know what Nina would have done without them after our parents’ deaths. They needed each other. Maria and Juan are family.”
His face shifted to a more serious look. “Now back to Powers. The man did it. We have him left to right. How can you defend him?”
“In this country everyone is entitled to a defense, doesn’t matter if they are good or bad. I’ll give Powers the best defense I’m capable of.” She took a deep fortifying breath. She didn’t care to hear his opinion on the subject.
“The man’s a murderer. Deep down I know he has committed multiple murders. I am checking into other crimes where the killer used a knife. I hope to prove he is a professional hit man.”
Before Josh had time to continue his conversation, Beth interrupted, “I shouldn’t be discussing the case with you. I haven’t even had time to study the file. Besides I think you’ve heard of something called client confidentiality. Let’s talk about something else, something more pleasant.”
He reached across the table and took her hand. “Why don’t we talk about us?”
She jerked her hand away. “There is no us.” She took a long swallow of tea.
“I beg to differ. I know you feel the electricity between us. I don’t know why you pretend you don’t feel it.”
On several occasions Josh had made passes at her, but she never took him serious. Had always considered it harmless flirting. Now she wasn’t so sure. She tried to keep her voice cool and careless. “Maybe because I don’t feel there is anything between us.”
“Come on, Beth. Admit you feel the sexual tension. Let me come over tonight and we’ll just let nature take its course.”
Her eyes searched his face wondering if he was just toying with her. “As compelling as that sounds, no. Is this the line you use to pick-up dates? You sound like a horny teenager.” She fluttered her lashes as if flirting with him. “Surely, you can do better than that. Give me another Josh Wilson line that makes women melt in your arms.” Beneath her calm exterior she was fantasizing what it would be like if she took him up on his offer.
Josh laughed. “That’s my best one. I guess I’m not as suave as you think.”
Thankfully, Kim brought their plates and Beth hoped that would be the end of their conversation about sex. Beth acknowledged her. “Everything looks lovely. Thank you.”
“Let me know if I can get you anything else.”
Josh leaned back in his chair and never took his eyes off Beth. A little nervous she began to squirm. The moment Kim disappeared into the kitchen, he asked, “You don’t have casual sex?”
She spread her napkin in her lap. “I have had my share of casual sex. That’s about all I had time for in law school. Now I am looking for something more permanent. I don’t mean I’m looking for a husband, far from it. I’m just looking for someone to share my life. I crave a relationship that will last longer than two weeks.” She speared some lettuce and pointed her fork at him. “I don’t think you fit the bill. You’re a man for enjoying and then moving on.” Again she tried to read his face but couldn’t.
“What makes you think I can’t be serious?” He popped a french-fry into his mouth and she watched his sensual mouth as he chewed. She became warm all over as memories of the dream she had that very morning surfaced.
“How many relationships have you had that lasted longer than a month?”
He started counting on his fingers. With a humorous look he stated, “None.”
“I rest my case. Besides, if we become intimate, it would be awkward at the family functions. Especially if the affair continued for a while and then ended ugly.”
His smile turned sultry. “That’s the difference between us. I never let it end ugly. Most of my dates end up being long time friends.”
“Sorry, but I don’t believe you. You are much too handsome and debonair for the ladies not to fall head over heels for you. I bet you have broken many a heart but you won’t break mine. I know better than to sleep with tigers in sheep’s clothing.”
A smile all but exploded across his face. He reached across the table, pulled her hand to his lips, and kissed the palm. She let out a deep breath. Desire showed in his eyes. “Think about it, Beth. I feel it’d be spectacular.” She looked into his eyes, stunned by the powerful chemistry that burned between them. Yes, it would be spectacular, but also heartbreaking.
Chapter Two
Josh stood outside the last address Collins had given him studying the warehouse. After staking out the three addresses of expected meth labs for a couple of hours, they had come to the conclusion Collins had been correct. A lot of traffic was in and out of warehouses that were supposed to be deserted. Two men that looked to be homeless walked the perimeter and by the bulge under their jackets they were carrying heat. It seemed they were the only two sentries on duty.
Only the homeless, criminals, and people filled with despair came to that part of the city. What was once a booming center for commerce was now nothing but dilapidated old buildings that needed to be demolished. Piles of rotting trash filled the alley and the smell was so overpowering Josh placed his hand to his nose to try to block out the stench.
Dressed in ragged clothes as if homeless, Agent Stan Jacobs staggered toward one of the guards as if he had had a few too many drinks. Watching through binoculars, Josh smiled as he observed Stan at work. Agent Jacobs turned his back and relieved himself on the side of the building. Urine sprayed the building leaving a puddle at his feet. After zipping his pants, he raised the brown paper bag he was holding to his lips as if he were drinking alcohol and slowly moved toward the guard.
Next to him, Agent Dylan Bauer dropped his binoculars and whispered, “I hope he remembers to wash his hands before he eats lunch.”
Even though his comment was funny, Josh wasn’t in the mood for humor. Only twenty-three, the youngest agent on the force, Bauer had ice water in his veins. Nothing scared him. Maybe it was because he felt he was invincible after his many brushes with death. It didn’t matter how dangerous the job, he always vo
lunteered. Sometimes Josh feared he had a death wish.
Josh felt the opposite, maybe because he was the man in charge. A sense of impending doom lingered at the back of his mind. The lives of his team were at stake and he feared something might go wrong.
The guard placed his hand on Jacobs’ chest and shoved him back. The guard said something to the agent, but from where he stood, Josh couldn’t hear the conversation. Jacobs punched him in the face rendering him unconscious. Just as quick, he took out the other guard with a kick to the head. Average height and lanky, Stan was one of the best agents they had on the team. Most men never considered him a threat. A master at martial arts, he was unsurpassed at taking down the enemy with little noise. He could take down men three times his size with a perfectly placed punch.
From several hundred feet away, Josh lifted the radio to his mouth. The familiar sizzle of anticipation consumed him as it did when something dangerous was about to happen. His gaze swept over the men under his command. An eerie, vaguely magical silence hung in the air for a moment. “On my count we go in. I don’t guess I have to remind you how volatile meth can be. Let’s try not to blow the place up.” If they were met with gunfire, they would have no other choice but to defend themselves. He prayed the men and women inside would give up without a fight.
So they wouldn’t alert the other two meth labs, they had decided to storm all three at one time. Two other FBI teams were on the other side of Raleigh prepared to strike the labs at that very moment. Behind him ten agents were armed and ready wearing Hazmat suits and oxygen masks. The fumes from the meth could be deadly and dangerous so they were taking precautions. Marked with huge orange FBI letters on the front and back of the suits, he would be able to tell which men were his. “Now!” He was on full alert as they raced toward the front of the building.
Leading the way, the other agents followed close behind. Two men stepped in front of him with the ram and slammed it against the door. Three powerful blows and the lock and hinges finally gave way and the metal door fell in. Placing his mask over his face, Josh raced across the threshold. Adrenaline roared over him and everything looked misty through the facemask. Sweat dripped down his back between his shoulder blades because it was hot in the protective suit.
Shadows of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Series Book 2) Page 2