A Treacherous Mix

by Kathy Herman

  “Whoa, you’re good. I would never have noticed any of that stuff,” Hawk said.

  “It’s just something you learn.”

  Abby opened the door and came outside.

  Hawk introduced her to Ziegler, and she handed them four sacks, three with lunches, the fourth with drinks.

  “Benson said to enjoy.” Abby lowered her voice. “Nice to meet you, Special Agent Ziegler.”

  Ziegler watched her turn and walk inside. He shook his head. “Yeah, the good ones are always spoken for.”

  Hawk turned around and started walking back to where Barron was happily working on Angel View’s phony landscaping project. “I wonder how long we have to keep up this ruse before we identify the bounty hunter?”

  “No way to know. Our intel says he’s either headed this way or already here. Now it’s just a waiting game.”

  t

  Kate watered the flowers that lined the front porch, then went up the steps and collapsed on the porch swing. She took off her straw hat and fanned herself with it, which seemed to excite the four ruby-throated hummingbirds that were battling over control of the feeder Elliot had hung.

  Elliot came outside with a big glass of lemonade. “I’ve got two straws. Want to share?”

  “Oh, I’d love some.”

  He sat holding the glass, and Kate drank down her half in a few gulps.

  “Well, look at you,” Elliot said. “And here I thought we would have a romantic moment of sipping lemonade together.”

  Kate laughed. “I’d almost forgotten how hot the summer sun can be.”

  Elliot took a sip and handed Kate the glass. “Here. You need it more than I do. I can always go and get a refill.”

  Kate drank and drank, then looked up at him, feeling sheepish. “I did leave a few sips for you.”

  He smiled. “I see that.” He slipped his arm around her. “There. Now I think we look natural enough, in case we’re being watched.”

  “I really appreciated Clarissa and Natalie insisting we call them by their first names,” Kate said. “Makes them feel like part of us—well, sort of. You know what I mean.”

  Elliot nodded. “I also appreciated being able to listen to the interaction between special agents at the command center and those working in the field. Though I must admit it does all sound the same after a while when all you get is audio.”

  Kate looked up at him. “It was thoughtful of Abby to call and tell us that Hawk and the two FBI actors look very authentic working outdoors. And that they’ve been laughing and talking and really looking the part.”

  “I’m surprised they let her call us,” Elliot said. “Someone could’ve overheard the conversation.”

  “Didn’t you hear her say she was locked in the bathroom and talking barely above a whisper?”

  “I missed that part. I couldn’t hear her.” Elliot laughed. “You know, a very natural thing for us to do would be to walk over to the lodge and see what the landscapers are doing.”

  “You’re right. It would look very unnatural if we didn’t at least make an appearance.”

  “Why don’t I go find Clarissa and see what she thinks about it?” Elliot said.

  “Thinks about what?” Clarissa’s voice came from the doorway.

  “Honestly,” Kate said. “I think you could hear a fly crawl up a wall.”

  “That’s why I get the big bucks.” Clarissa stood in the doorway behind the screen door. “Talk fast, your air conditioning is pouring outside.”

  “We were just thinking that, in keeping with acting relaxed and natural,” Elliot said, “that we should walk over to the lodge and see what our landscapers are doing and take a few minutes to mingle with the guests. Is that allowed?”

  “Sure,” Clarissa said. “Since it’s light outside and the two of you will stay together, there’s no need for me to leave the house and walk you over. I’ll call the command center and let them know. They’ll have you in their sights. Just remember what to say if you’re asked about the landscaping project. You’ll need to seem natural while telling a fib for the greater good.”

  Kate chuckled. “I don’t remember anyone ever insisting that I fib.”

  “Well, just remember, girlfriend,” Clarissa said. “That little Pinocchio you tell could be important to the success of this mission. All the details need to fit. Our bounty hunter isn’t going to show himself until he feels sure that things are normal and no one here suspects anything.”

  “How sure are you that the FBI will get him?” Elliot said. “Seems like such a long shot.”

  “Oh, we’ll get him. Failure is not an option.”

  Kate and Elliot walked into the office at Angel View Lodge, and Savannah Surette lifted her eyes and smiled.

  “Well, there you are,” Savannah said. “I saw you outside talking with the landscapers. When are you going to let me see the plans on this new landscaping project you’ve been keeping a secret?”

  “We haven’t seen any plans yet,” Kate said. “But this isn’t a secret. We just hadn’t planned to do this for a while, and then the land­scapers had a cancellation. Sorry we didn’t tell you, but we thought we had plenty of time.”

  “Aw, that’s okay,” Savannah said. “It’s not as though you two haven’t had lots to think about since you tied the knot.”

  You have no idea, Kate thought.

  “I suppose we have been preoccupied with each other at times.” Elliot pulled Kate closer and smiled. “But it’s time we set our sights on Angel View and make some improvements that have been needed for a while. We’re as eager to see what our landscapers come up with as you are.”

  “I was surprised you pulled Hawk off the Jeep tours,” Savannah said. “We get so many signed up now that we can hardly keep up with it.”

  “Connor can handle it,” Elliot said. “He actually offered to work double shifts to make extra money. And, if we need to, we can hire someone to help him. But Hawk knows these grounds better than anyone, and he’s the best choice to oversee the project, which includes a whole new grounds crew, don’t forget. They’ll need to be trained.”

  Kate hoped Elliot wasn’t overdoing his acting role.

  “Yes, I can see your point,” Savannah said.

  Kate squeezed Elliot’s hand. “Well, don’t let us keep you. We just walked over to see how things were going.”

  “Glad you did. From my perspective, things are going just fine. All our rooms are filled. All the boats are out. There’s a crowd down fishing off the dock. Another crowd swimming at the pool. And most everyone I meet has a big smile on their face.”

  “I love hearing that,” Kate said. “You’re doing a terrific job of running things.”

  “Then you’ll be glad to know that, just today alone, we sold a dozen sets of your cookbook and pasta sauce. You’re going to need to can some more sauce before the summer’s over or we won’t have any for the Christmas season.”

  Kate held up her palm. “I hear you. I promise to get with it as soon as I can get fresh tomatoes. It’ll be fun turning my kitchen into a canning factory for a weekend. Abby said she’d love to help.”

  “And just so you know,” Savannah said, “Jesse was a huge hit showing the guests how to let the hummingbirds light on their fingers. We sold out of feeders, and I won’t let that happen again. I’m getting another shipment brought up here from Murchison’s in the morning. We’re also selling so many hummingbird wind chimes and stained glass I’ll need to reorder those too. I’m telling you, that gift shop is hopping, and it’s only June 8. At this rate, it’s going to be a banner summer.”

  t

  Virgil sat in his office, his feet on his desk, his hands clasped behind his head, his mind toggling between the information Mitch had gotten for him and his distasteful confrontation with Romo.

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Com
e in,” Virgil said.

  Kevin Mann came in and sat in the chair next to Virgil’s desk. “Dare I ask if you’re feeling any better after your uncomfortable encounter with our arrogant special agent in charge?”

  “Can’t say that I am,” Virgil said. “Usually I can blow off this kind of thing, but not when it’s the principle of it that sticks in my craw. Romo intentionally led Hawk to believe the FBI will protect him, no matter what. We both know that’s not true. The FBI’s primary objective is to bring in the bounty hunter unharmed. Hawk has the right to understand that their objective will come before his safety, if they have to choose between the two. Romo isn’t telling him that, and I can’t say a word.”

  “It is what it is, Sheriff. As maddening as it may be, your hands are tied.”

  Are they? Virgil mused. “It’s Romo’s case, and I need to stay out of his way. But that sure doesn’t mean I have to play dead.”

  Kevin leaned forward on his elbows, his hands clasped together. “What are you saying?”

  “Oh, nothing. I’m just frustrated at being out of control. I’m sure Romo’s not telling me everything either.”

  “Have you ever worked with a fed who did?”

  “Not in a long time,” Virgil said. “But I’ve always found a way to deal with it. Romo just rubs me the wrong way. I’ll find a way to work around it.” Thanks to Mitch.

  Chapter 18

  Special Agent Christopher Romo sat on a bale of hay outside the FBI mobile command center, using his iPhone to FaceTime with his five-year-old son.

  “I painted you a picture at my school today,” Timothy said, his bright blue eyes the size of nickels. “It was a big, big fire twuck with a loud siren and four firefighters holding on the sides. It was going really fast. And the childwen were all waving.”

  “Be sure to save it for me so I can look at it when I get home,” Romo said. “We can frame it for your special picture wall in my study.”

  “I will. Oh, I get to go fishing in Mister Tyler’s pond. Mama said I could if I cweaned my room by myself. And I did. Yay!” Timothy clapped.

  “I’m proud of you for helping your mother,” Romo said.

  “When are you coming home, Daddy? I like it better when you’re not gone.”

  “I miss you too. I just need a couple more days to finish here. Then I’ll be home.”

  Timothy’s eyes narrowed. “How much is a couple more?”

  Romo held up two fingers. “Listen, buddy, Daddy’s got to go. Remember to leave the porch light on so the angels can see to come watch over you and Mommy.”

  “Okay. Luff you, Daddy.”

  “I love you too, Son.”

  Romo disconnected. Anytime he interacted with Timothy, the world seemed so simple, so full of adventure and promise. Out here, he had to put on a different mind-set—one that sometimes conflicted with his own values and made it hard to sleep at night.

  The sheriff’s words still burned on his conscience: “And you don’t think you were being disingenuous by letting Hawk believe the two of you were on the same page?”

  Romo stood. He didn’t have to answer that question. The important thing was he did what was necessary.

  His phone rang. It was his boss in Little Rock.

  “Hello, Marcus.”

  “I see you’re fully operational,” Marcus said.

  “Yes, we’re set up on a vacant farm, just a few miles from Foggy Ridge. It’s ideal.”

  “And how do you like the features of the new command center?”

  “What’s not to like?” Romo said. “All I can say is, above and beyond. We’ve got eyes on all the common areas of the lodge, indoors and out. The facial recognition feature is ready and waiting.”

  “Is the Cummings family on board?”

  “They are, sir. Everything’s going like clockwork. Our actors are in place, and everything’s copacetic.”

  “Great to hear. Now get Jalili without harming a hair on his head.”

  “We will.”

  “Christopher, I don’t have to tell you how important this assignment is. The CIA is breathing down the deputy director’s neck, and his office is all over me. We’ve been told we can’t fail on this one. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “Of course I do. Don’t worry. Jalili has to get to Hawk Cummings if he hopes to find Nameless. And Cummings is totally on board to help us draw him out in the open. If Jalili shows up, we’ve got him. We won’t fail.”

  “And once Jalili is in custody, are you ready to make the video?”

  “Everything’s set. Special Agent Nadia Vaughn from the Milwaukee Field Office was selected. She’s being briefed as we speak.”

  t

  Virgil sat in his office, the frustrations of the day making him not want to go home yet, lest he spoil Jill Beth’s mood. She’d sounded so cheery on the phone and was so eager to serve him the pot roast she had slow cooked all afternoon with carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. His mouth watered just thinking about it. But he needed to claw his way out of this irritable mood first.

  For the past eight years—since Micah and Riley Cummings disappeared without a trace—Virgil had been in a position to help and to comfort the Cummings family through tragedies and near tragedies. When Micah’s body was found in a shallow grave, after five years of hoping he’d be found alive. When Abby spotted a girl that looked like Riley and, against all odds, convinced Jay to help her find the child—and they were nearly killed freeing Riley from her kidnapper. When Jesse was the sole eyewitness in a drowning and the murderer tried to silence him. Virgil had grown close to Kate and her kids. Having his hands tied now was not only maddening but humiliating. And deeply personal.

  A knock at the door broke his concentration. He looked up and saw Deputy Duncan at his door. “Come in, Billy Gene. What’s on your mind?”

  Billy Gene came in and sat in one of the chairs next to Virgil’s desk.

  “I’ve got plans for some vacation time,” Billy Gene said, “but now I’m not sure about it.”

  “Did you talk with Kevin?”

  “He did.” Kevin breezed through the door, pulled up a chair, and sat next to Billy Gene. “And I told him we should talk to you.”

  Virgil sat back, his arms folded across his chest. “I’m listening.”

  “Well, you see,” Billy Gene said, “I’ve got a reservation to stay up at Angel View for three days and do some fishin’. I’m supposed to check in this evening.”

  Virgil raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I wasn’t aware.”

  “My fault,” Kevin said. “I failed to add his name to the vacation roster, but I’ve corrected that now.”

  Virgil felt the corners of his mouth twitching. “I see.”

  “I don’t think Billy Gene should postpone this vacation,” Kevin said. “He’s been putting in long hours and still finding the time to go to the shooting range.”

  “I always strive to keep my skill level up to par.” Billy Gene grinned, exposing a gold tooth. “I still hold the record for the most bull’s-eyes.”

  “The nice part about Billy Gene getting away like this,” Kevin said, “is that he doesn’t eat at Flutter’s, so other than the Cummings family, it’s unlikely anyone will know him. It’s the perfect place for him to relax without spending time and money on traveling out of town.”

  “I agree it’s a well-earned vacation,” Virgil said, tongue in cheek. “What are you going to fish for?”

  Billy Gene’s grin got wider. “Never can tell what might be bitin’. I plan to keep my eye on the line at all times.”

  “And you’ll let me know how the fishing is going?” Virgil said.

  “You bet I will, sir. You’ll be the first to hear.”

  “Well, then,” Virgil said, rising to his feet, “I guess it’s settled.” He shook hands with Billy Gene and winked. “Use your time wis
ely, Deputy. A vacation’s a terrible thing to waste.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Billy Gene left, and Virgil and Kevin couldn’t contain their smiles.

  “You’re shameless,” Virgil said.

  “Just thinking of you, Sheriff. It’s not right what Romo’s doing.”

  “This could come back to bite all three of us. I assume Billy Gene knows that?”

  “He does,” Kevin said. “We talked it over. And we seriously doubt the FBI would want the public to know how they misled a good kid like Hawk Cummings into helping them.”

  “And you didn’t do this because he’s Kate’s kid?” Virgil said.

  “No, sir. What they’re doing is wrong, no matter whose kid it is. But that made it easy for Billy Gene and I to put our necks on the block with yours.”

  Virgil swallowed the lump in his throat and patted Kevin on the back. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

  t

  Hawk turned around at the back steps of the family’s log home and waved to Special Agents Ziegler and Barron, who stood at the end of the path where they could remain hidden while keeping an eye on him. He walked up the steps to the cedar deck and opened the back door to the living room.

  “Hey, Hawk!” Elliot put down the newspaper. “Welcome home.”

  Kate came out of the kitchen, drying her hands with a towel. She put her arms around him, her eyes sparkling. “Oh my! You made it for dinner.”

  Jesse darted out of the kitchen, Abby, Jay, and Grandpa Buck right behind him.

  Hawk couldn’t remember the last time he’d been covered with so many hugs and kisses. “Good heavens. If I didn’t know Mama was making Swiss steak, I’d think we were having the fatted calf. It’s just me, people. In serious need of a shower, as I’m sure you’ve all just discovered.”