Rules of Engagement (Lexi Graves Mysteries, 11)

by Camilla Chafer

  "Sort of. He's a couple inches shorter and not quite as fit but they have similar faces. It's in the eyes I think."

  "Do you like him?"

  "He seems nice. It's a shame we didn't meet before now. I think Anastasia is glad he came."

  "What about the investigation?" Lily perched on a chair and pushed the bag over to me. I plucked another donut and took a sip of the coffee before reaching for my phone.

  "Fletcher and Flaherty are still staking out Mikey Gibbs," I told her, scrolling through my messages. "They had a few hours to sleep while some other guys from the agency took over watching. They assumed their posts an hour ago. Lucas wants me to call." I hit dial and waited for him to pick up.

  "I ruled out a few more names," said Lucas, jumping directly into the latest update. "We confirmed overnight that forty-seven are in jail. Two are in long-term comas. Witness protection accounts for eight. One dude found God and joined the priesthood, one is a monk, and one runs a yoga retreat in India. The others are still unaccounted for."

  "That leaves, what? Seventeen names?"

  "Yeah. I know it's still a lot but I'm working on it. I'll find everyone."

  "Maybe someone in jail masterminded this," I said, taking another sip of the coffee. "They could have sent out a hit man."

  "I thought that too but I don't see a connection between any of them and Solomon, or this city, in the last six months. I'll keep digging though."

  "Thanks. Call me when you have more information. Any new names?"

  "A couple. I'm working on them too," said Lucas. "I would ask how Solomon is but I already got into a network I normally don’t have access too, so I already know."

  "Lucas!"

  "I know, I know," he said, "but I thought it was okay under the circumstances."

  "Everything okay?" Lily wanted to know after I hung up.

  "I think Lucas hacked the hospital network and read Solomon's file."

  "So very wrong!" said Lily. She got up and stood at the foot of the hospital bed and looked down at Solomon. "How does he do it?"

  "I don't know. Computer stuff is not my forte."

  "No, I meant how does Solomon manage to be hot even when he’s unconscious?"

  "It's one of his many skills," I said, looking at him with the kind of longing I usually reserved for cake. When my eyes began to sting, I had to force myself to turn away. Otherwise, I would have climbed back into bed with him and slipped into a demi-sleep that I wouldn't emerge from until he stirred. The idea was comforting, but, practically, I was hungry and needed the caffeine Lily had provided if I intended to investigate further today.

  "Do you want me to take you anywhere today?" Lily asked.

  "I need to drive to Fort Charles. I made an appointment with Solomon's old buddy, Captain McAuley. As soon as Anastasia and Damien get here, I'm leaving to go." I pulled a face, realizing the issue with that. I sat down, annoyed at my lack of foresight. "I don't have my car! I've been driven around since we got here."

  "You aren't going with Maddox?"

  "No, I thought it might be hard for him since Solomon and I were working that case at Fort Charles when Maddox and I split up."

  Lily raised her eyebrows and her mouth formed an O. "Did you tell Maddox you were going without him?"

  "No. I didn't mention it at all. I'm going to go there and back, somehow, before he even knows I'm gone."

  "Now's probably not a good time to mention this," said Lily. She raised her finger and pointed behind me. I swizzled my seat around and looked out the window. Maddox stood there with the officer. He waved.

  "Give me your car keys, and distract him while I run," I said as I held out my hand.

  "No."

  My hand wavered in the air. "Seriously?"

  "Seriously. Take Maddox with you. He's not a monk. He's dated since you two split up and he can cope. You're still friends. Plus, he's got a gun and I don't want anyone to shoot you."

  I flapped my lips and wondered what to retort. When I decided she was right, I settled on, "When did you get so grown up?"

  "It crept up on me, but it doesn’t happen every day, I swear," Lily replied with breathy alarm. "Please don't tell anyone else."

  I crossed my heart as I got up and stepped around Lily, leaning over Solomon to kiss his cheek. "When I come back, you're going to wake up," I whispered to him. His ventilator clunked. I swallowed my fear and turned away, walking outside to meet Maddox.

  "Am I too early?" he asked.

  "You're just at the right time," I told him. "I need to clean up and as soon as Anastasia and Damien get here, we can go."

  "Do you have a plan?"

  I nodded. "I'll fill you in on the way."

  ~

  We were halfway to Fort Charles when my phone rang just as I took a sip from a bottle of water. I rammed the cap on, grabbed my purse, rifling through it. I found it and my heart thumped as Anastasia's name flashed on the screen. "Is everything okay?" I asked, my breath quickening.

  "Everything's fine," said Anastasia. "Damien and I are sitting with John. I forgot to ask you when you're coming back. Where are you?"

  "I'm on my way to visit a friend of Solomon's. I mean, John's," I said, correcting myself quickly. Anastasia rarely called her brother by their family name, and I rarely heard someone address him by his given name. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

  "Don't worry," she said. "I was just worried about you and wanted to make sure you're okay. Does John's friend know something that might be of help?"

  "I don't know yet but I hope so."

  "I asked the police officer guarding the room and he doesn't seem to know anything at all. I'd like to speak with someone about my brother's case. Can you mention anybody whom I should speak to?" she asked.

  "Garrett can help you with anything you need to know."

  "Shouldn't someone know something more by now?" she asked, her voice small and sad. I wished there was something I could say to comfort her, but I had nothing to say to comfort anyone. Not even myself.

  "This is Damien," said the male voice that came on the line. "We can stay as long as you need us so don't worry about John being alone. Are you okay?"

  "Hi, Damien. I'm okay. How are you both holding up?"

  "It's strange seeing my brother like this," he said. There was a sound of the door sliding and footsteps. "I just stepped out of the room," he explained. "Anastasia is pretending she's okay but I can see she's not. Truthfully, seeing John like this makes me sick to my stomach. I want to help and just do something."

  "You are helping by staying with him," I said.

  "You know what I mean. I have a law enforcement background. I could be of some use to you. I really want to help."

  "I'm sure the agency would appreciate it," I replied, then added, "I'd appreciate it too."

  "Tell me what to do."

  "Sit tight until I get back and then we can go to the agency for an update. You might be able pick up something from John's past that we don't know about."

  "You think that’s what this is about? Something from John's past? His professional life?"

  "Don't you?" I asked, not sure if I still did.

  "I guess," said Damien. "It makes sense. He's been involved in a lot of stuff that he doesn't like talking about. If it were really bad, it would make sense if someone wanted revenge."

  "We're looking at a revenge angle but so far, it's not paying off," I told him. "My colleagues made a long list of anyone who might have harbored a grudge against him and they've ruled a lot of those names out."

  "Professional or personal?"

  I blinked. Why didn't I consider a personal relationship? "We only looked at grudges in a professional capacity. People he might have helped put away in jail. Is there someone who might have a personal grudge against him?" I asked, a new sense of worry filling me as I contemplated what personal might mean. A former colleague? A romantic relationship gone wrong? It seemed an extreme way to pay him back if he were simply guilty of stealing the office
stationery or dumping a girlfriend years ago.

  "Hey, I was just throwing out a question," Damien said quickly. "I can't think of anyone right now but I'll talk to Anastasia."

  "Do you know if there are any ex-girlfriends around?" I asked.

  "In Montgomery? No," said Damien.

  "What about your hometown?"

  "I guess, but I don't think he ever introduced me to a single woman in the last decade."

  "Really? He didn't have a girlfriend at all?"

  "I didn't say that. I mean, I don't know. I don't recall him mentioning anyone. The first time he mentioned anyone’s name was yours and that was when he set up the agency. I think I teased him about you."

  "Really?" I couldn't help the smile that curled my lips.

  "It was obvious he liked you. Anastasia noticed it too. We were really pleased when he said you two were dating."

  "That is nice to hear," I said. Maddox tapped my arm and pointed ahead to the sign for Fort Charles. I nodded, the bubble of joy broken. "I have to go," I said, "but please call me or Garrett if you think of anything. Oh, and I didn't tell you but we have a strong lead on the shooter. I don't want to get your hopes up but this could be over very soon if we catch him."

  "That's great!" said Damien. "Wow. I'll tell Anastasia."

  "All good?" asked Maddox as he drew the car up to the guardhouse and rolled down the window.

  "Damien pointed out there could be a personal angle," I told him quickly as the guard approached. "I didn't consider it before but if we catch the shooter soon, that should reveal everything."

  "Good morning, sir, ma'am. Names?" said the guard.

  Maddox gave our names and the guard checked our names off his list and waved us through. Maddox drove us to the office building where I once spent a little undercover time and parked outside. We walked in together, gave our names again, and a few minutes later, Captain Mitch McAuley walked into the small lobby, one hand rubbing his short-cropped, fading, red hair.

  "I'm so sorry to hear the news," he said, his voice a deep rumble as he shook my hand first, then Maddox's. "I can't tell you how shocked I am. How's Solomon doing?"

  "He's stable but in a coma," I said. "I hope he'll wake up soon."

  "I hope so too. I'm sorry I didn't realize it was so serious, otherwise, I would have insisted on driving out to Montgomery and meeting you there. Come on through," he said, leading us to his office. "Are you here to assist, Detective Maddox?"

  "It's Special Agent Maddox now," corrected Maddox, "but yes, I'm here to help Lexi however I can."

  "Glad to hear it." Captain McAuley dropped into the chair behind his desk and we took the two in front. "How can I help?"

  "We're looking into Solomon's past to find a reason for someone to have sent a hit man after him," I explained. "I know you're old friends and thought you might have some insight, but I'm not sure how far back you two go."

  "Back to our Army days and we kept in touch, of course. I've known Solomon a long time now and, sure, he's knocked a few heads together over the years, but the few men that I thought might have posed a threat to him are definitely dead."

  "You're sure?"

  "One hundred percent positive."

  "With all due respect, sir, how can we be certain of that?" asked Maddox.

  Captain McAuley fixed him with a steely look. "As sure as you can be when you look through your sights at a man," he said. "I can tell you Solomon crossed paths with a couple of warlords, some gun runners, some corrupt soldiers, and the occasional brother-in-arms. None of them, however, pose a current threat."

  "What about someone more recently? Has he mentioned anyone?"

  "I haven't spoken to him in a few weeks but if you're thinking about the case you both worked here, then I would say you were just as much likely to be the subject of a grudge as Solomon. Since you appear to be unscathed, I don't think that case has any bearing."

  "What about personal relationships?" I said, recalling my conversation with Damien.

  "Solomon always kept to himself. He was polite and professional, but he didn't court friendships. I wouldn't say he was a loner but he definitely wasn't the type to join the Sunday morning soccer league, or attend any potlucks. Shame, because that man can cook."

  "Were you aware of Solomon's career path after he left the Army?" I asked.

  McAuley didn't answer right away. Instead, he contemplated me for a little bit, then he leaned in, and said. "Yes."

  "Did he discuss any of that time with you?"

  "His operations were all classified," said McAuley.

  "That doesn't answer the question," said Maddox.

  "No, it doesn't."

  "Would Solomon have discussed any concerns he might have had from that time in his life?" I asked, wondering if I should tread even more carefully than I already was. Something about McAuley visibly changed when I brought up Solomon’s change in career. His shoulders stiffened, his eyes narrowed just a fraction and the whole atmosphere chilled.

  "Hypothetically, he might if he were deeply concerned about something."

  "Captain McAuley, did something happen that made Solomon either leave the Army or abandon his next career step?" I asked.

  Captain McAuley took a deep breath, then stood up. "Let's take a walk outside."

  Chapter Thirteen

  The only thing good about being outside at that moment when the raindrops began to fall, was Captain McAuley's paranoia appeared to slowly vanish. Unfortunately, that had the opposite effect on me. What did he need to tell me that he couldn't risk anyone overhearing? I wasn't a hundred percent certain, but I was ninety-nine percent sure it wasn't any fashion advice. The Army and I had agreed to disagree on any fashion-related discussions a long time ago.

  "What do you know of his career after he left the Army?" asked Captain McAuley.

  "He was in the CIA," I said. Next to me, Maddox appeared unsurprised by the information.

  "Solomon was an excellent agent," started McAuley. I walked between two tall men, going past a platoon of marching soldiers, and towards a small green area that was neither recreational park nor purposeful ground.

  "Joining the CIA was a brilliant move for him, and I fully expected him to ascend the ranks there as swiftly as he did in the Army. For the first year, it looked like he was doing that. We weren't in touch a lot because I was overseas. Solomon was wherever he was, but we did manage to stay in contact over the years, as you know."

  "Did something eventful happen during that time?" I asked.

  "I'm not sure, especially of the details, or even if it has any bearing on what's now happened, but yes, something happened, which was why he left the CIA."

  "How long ago are we talking?" asked Maddox.

  "I don't know exact dates but it would have to be a few years ago. A couple years before he started the agency."

  "We've been working on a list of names of people who might hold grudges against him and possibly want to collect. Do you have any names to add?"

  "No, I don't," replied Captain McAuley. "Not because it's classified and I can't tell you but because the people I'm thinking of weren't terrorists or warlords."

  "Who were they?" I asked.

  "Us," he said. "At least, he might have left the agency under some kind of a dark cloud. I'm worried he might have created some home-grown enemies."

  "People from the agency?" asked Maddox.

  "It's possible, but I couldn't identify them exactly. Solomon never named names."

  "Why did he leave the CIA if he was doing so well?" I asked.

  "He was doing very well with the general operative work. A man like Solomon can get into anything. He could easily change his ethnicity to fit the requirements of the job. His language skills are excellent. Spanish, Russian, French, Italian... I think he even speaks a bit of Chinese and Arabic."

  "I always wondered how he managed to get the good stuff from the Chinese takeout," I mumbled to myself.

  Captain McAuley laughed. "His computer skills
are also top level. He retains information, faces, names. He's strong and dynamic..."

  "Yeah, we get the picture," said Maddox. "Stop reading from his online dating profile and get to the good stuff."

  "I don't think he's ever dated online," said McAuley, entirely oblivious to the jest. "Eighteen months or so later, he was moved into black ops. Unsanctioned operations."

  "That’s for getting stuff done without leaving a paper trail," explained Maddox.

  "I've been to the movie theater," I replied. "I know what a black op is."

  "What you don't know is how psychologically breaking they can be. This wasn't a straightforward combat situation where it's kill-or-be-killed. This was very different," said McAuley.

  I stopped. "Are you saying Solomon was hired as an assassin?"

  "I'm not saying that at all. I'm saying I don't know all the details, but I do know he was asked to do something he found unconscionable and that was why he left."

  "What did he have to do?" I asked.

  "It's what he was told to do. Solomon told me his superior gave him orders to kill a family. Three little kids! I think they were the kids of some cartel chief they had targeted, and the idea was to set off a war between both factions, one that would wipe out all of them. If you repeat any of this, I'll deny it to my grave," said McAuley. "I don't officially know any of it and I will adamantly deny anything you repeat."

  "This is all off the books," said Maddox. "As far as anyone knows, we just came here to advise an old friend about Solomon's condition."

  "I can stick with that story," he agreed. We stopped walking and stood in a triangle, facing each other until McAuley motioned for us to continue. "Solomon went so far as to tracking down this family, but he couldn't kill three, little, innocent kids, no matter what their father did. He told me he was blasted with all kinds of propaganda about how the kids would grow up to emulate the father, and the whole family was crime-ridden. He was also shown pictures of what the father had done to other people, and the families that were left behind or used as examples of his wrath and revenge. He said he couldn't support the operation and that ended his career. They tried to keep him on the jobs no one else could touch, but he was adamant and refused to take any part in those missions."