Nari held back her questions and thought it through. So that was why he was so insistent upon her leaving town. He felt that he’d failed to save his sister and he was driven to save the women on his team. “Would she have allowed it?”
“Huh?” He looked away from the muffin and up at her. “What do you mean?”
“Think about it, Angus. You chased this guy for over a year. Do you really think your sister would’ve just disappeared for that entire time without any sort of end date? Was she the type of woman who’d do that?” Curiosity as well as confidence prodded Nari on, and she kept her voice gentle.
Angus cocked his head. “Well, no. She was as stubborn as you are.” He pursed his lips. “Hmmm.”
“Based on the psychologist’s recommendation, I would’ve thought she was safe, too.” Nari tried to sound logical, not as if she was offering comfort, even though that was exactly what she wanted to do.
Angus’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, I had a detail on her at all times. Lassiter got past them.”
Nari couldn’t help it any longer. She reached out and put her hand over his warm one. “You did everything you could.” Was there a way past his anger?
He flipped his hand over to capture hers, his hold firm. “There’s always more, but that’s looking back. I know you’re trying to ease me right now, but I need to keep angry to keep my edge.” He looked through the file folder again, still holding her hand.
“Okay,” she murmured.
He looked at the murder board and his shoulders settled. Had his mind been drawing conclusions from the connections he’d made on that board all night? “Because, even though nobody else believes this, I’m telling you that it’s Lassiter. I’ve created profiles in my head, whether I’ve wanted to or not, but none of that matters. I know it’s him. Staring at this murder board just confirms everything I know in my gut. I’m done trying to find another avenue just to make sure I don’t miss anything. The instincts I ignored before are wide awake.”
Nari swallowed, her mind spinning. “Are you sure?”
Angus took a moment, obviously thinking it through. His chest settled, and a strong light glowed in his green eyes. “Yes. I’m sure. He’s alive and he’s killing again.”
“Okay,” she said quietly.
He started. “What do you mean, okay?”
She blinked, even though the argument that had ended with them rolling on the floor was still at the forefront of her mind. “If you say it’s Lassiter, it’s Lassiter.”
He frowned. “Right now, I need your analytical brain.”
She shook her head. “Listen. I believe you for many reasons, and the fact that you’re able to provide multiple orgasms is not one of them.” Her hands flattened on the table. “You’re being intellectually honest and you’re working from the facts.”
He frowned. “Okay?”
She nodded. “This isn’t a situation of an instinctual fixed action pattern, Angus. This is instinct, or gut feeling, based on learning served by memory and intelligence. You know Lassiter. You’ve studied him. If you think this is him, your neurons are firing the way they should. You’re no doubt correct.”
He grinned. “God, you’re sexy when you go all psychobabble on me.”
She returned his smile. “That’s a first. You would’ve never said that a year ago.”
“Damn straight. I probably turned that corner during the multiple orgasms phase of our relationship.”
She lost the smile. “So. Lassiter, huh?”
“Yes,” Angus said, the humor on his face sliding away to show fury. “He has to move on to the actual team now, Nari. He won’t be able to stop himself.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
After inhaling a delicious burger Wolfe brought back for him, Angus finally felt reenergized. He stood and paced in front of the murder board, his mind reeling as he let himself pursue the case as he’d wanted. “First thing we need to determine is what happened to Lassiter’s body. Why did the FBI think he was dead when he wasn’t?” He reached for his creased and coffee-stained manila file folder.
Nari poked her head out of the bedroom, a phone to her ear. “What kind of retainer can you afford for an attorney? That’ll narrow my search.”
“Doesn’t matter. Just find me the best,” Angus said absently. “One who’s free tomorrow, actually.” He looked at Jethro and Wolfe, who sat on barstools once again while Nari disappeared back into the room. “Since I’ve been on this case, I’ve tried to track what could have happened to Lassiter. Back then, I found his hidey-hole, I shot him, and he shot me.”
Jethro nodded. “You were taken to the hospital and had the bullets removed. What happened to Lassiter?”
Angus didn’t need his notes for this. He’d memorized everything. “He was alive at the scene and died on the way to the hospital. The autopsy was performed by Dr. Andrew Palletino, who was one of the best. Nothing in the records indicated any sort of coercion or malfeasance.”
Jethro drank a beer out of the bottle. “You said ‘was.’”
“Yeah. He died of a heart attack about three years ago,” Angus said. “Was in his seventies, overweight, and smoked, believe it or not.” He reached for his own bottle, ignoring the disgruntled look from his dog. “Lassiter’s body was sent to Town House Mortuary, cremated, and then released to the woman who’d served as his nanny. She’s dead as well, of natural causes as far as I could tell.”
“What about the paramedics? The ones in the ambulance?” Wolfe asked, twirling his beer bottle in his hands.
“I checked them both out, interviewed them under the auspices of an HDD case, and they seemed fine. Also had Brigid run their financials and nothing popped on either one,” Angus said.
“Why don’t I take another run at them?” Wolfe asked, flashing his teeth. “The problem had to have happened in that ambulance, and I’m not constrained by a badge any longer.”
Like Wolfe had ever been constrained. “Okay, but when the ambulance arrived at County, a Dr. Shelman verified time of death. I’ve interviewed her as well and she seemed solid.” Angus shoved a hand through his hair, trying to find an angle he hadn’t already pursued. “I can’t explain any of it, but I know Lassiter is alive.”
“Okay,” Wolfe said easily, finishing his beer.
Angus turned, looking at the ex-soldier. “That’s it? Just okay? You trust me?”
“Sure. If you say Lassiter is alive, I believe it. I always have,” Wolfe said, bending to the right and plucking another beer bottle out of a bag.
Angus didn’t know what to say, so he took another big gulp of the microbrew. Responsibility landed harder than ever on his shoulders. His team trusted him, so he had to be smart. To be right about this. “Take a run at the paramedics. Jethro, how about you go at the doctor? I’ve had Brigid track her as well, and no red flags, except the woman works way too hard.”
“Is she pretty?” the Brit asked.
Angus shrugged. “Only if you like them tall, leggy, and smart.”
“I do.” Jethro smiled. “Finally, an assignment that won’t get me shot.”
“Maybe,” Wolfe said. “You never know. If the leggy doctor is the bad guy, she might shoot you in the face. Just sayin’.” He pushed his beer away from the edge of the table as Roscoe had tiptoed closer. “Nice try, puppy.” He patted Roscoe’s dejected head. “Don’t feel bad. Next time I come, I’ll bring your buddy Kat to see you.”
Angus concentrated on protecting his team. “I would’ve thought Pippa would be the first target, but Lassiter has gone after Nari. Now he might go in random order, just to mess with us. Or there’s a clue in the notes we haven’t found yet.” He made a mental reminder to demand all notes the next day at Metro. “How’s Dana? Being scared like this probably isn’t good for a pregnant woman.”
Wolfe nodded. “She’s writing an in-depth piece on all this and expects interviews from all of us once we catch this guy. Doesn’t seem scared, but she never does. Although she might be getting a little tired of me telling her to sit do
wn. Isn’t sitting down supposed to be healthy?”
Angus shook his head. “I don’t know anything about pregnant women. Sorry.”
Wolfe finished his second beer. “Speaking of which, I need to get home and check on her. Sometimes she forgets to eat when she’s working, and although I’m sure Pippa has been cooking, she’s not pushy like I am.” He looked around the spacious apartment. “This is a great place, Professor. It’s even in the middle of an industrial complex, so there aren’t other people living around here. Nicely done.”
“Thanks,” Jethro said.
Wolfe grinned. “Where’s the control room for all those cameras you have mounted around the place?”
Jethro returned the smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Any cameras are probably owned by the businesses that keep warehouses here by the railroad tracks.”
“I counted seven,” Wolfe said cheerfully. “If I had more time, I’d find your hideaway.”
“I counted nine,” Angus said, turning back to his board. “There are two on the west side that you can only see if the sun hits them just right.”
Jethro might’ve sworn something uncomplimentary under his breath.
* * *
Nari stayed in the bedroom to make her calls while the guys worked by the murder board. She finished the arrangements with the attorney, inwardly wincing at the exorbitant retainer. They might have to rob a bank just to get the guy in the same room as Angus. She glanced at her watch and hurriedly sent a video call.
“Hello,” her mother answered, squinting while pushing buttons on her phone. “Nari? Is that you?”
Of course it was her. They chatted every Sunday. “Hi Mom.”
“Oh, hi, sweetie.” Her mother set down the phone, facing her. “I found a new holder for the phone. Isn’t it convenient? The Dixon boy next door brought it over when he saw me trying to put the phone on the porch to talk to my friend, Diedre. He’s such a nice boy. Teenagers are better than ever these days if you ask me.”
Nari didn’t have anywhere to put her burner phone, so she sat on the bed and held it. “You look well.”
Her mom’s hair was long and straight, pure black and beautiful. Her eyes were brown and soft. “Thank you. So do you.” She reached for something on the table and brought back glasses to perch on her nose. “I need readers now. Can you believe it?” She studied Nari. “Is that a bruise on your chin?”
Darn it. Nari had thought she’d covered it. “Just a little one from training. You know.” Lying was wrong, but worrying her mother was worse. “Have you been training at all?”
“Of course. I knocked your Uncle Boahi on his butt twice yesterday. Ticked him off, too.” She smiled. “He’s dating a girl I don’t like. I guess at forty she’s a woman, but she giggles like a twit.”
Then the woman didn’t have a chance. Nari finally relaxed, crossing her legs on the bed. “Where’s Dad?”
“Oh.” Her mom leaned toward the camera. “He’s out putting food on the grass for the darn squirrels. The man was tired of them eating the food out of the bird feeders, so he bought squirrel food off that eBay. Squirrel food.” She leaned even closer, her eyes the only thing visible as she whispered, “It’s just seeds and more seeds, Nari. The man paid a hundred dollars for seeds.” She chuckled, the sound light. “Men.”
Nari laughed. That sounded just like her dad. He’d loved her as his own from the second he married her mom. Why she was trying to impress the man who’d abandoned her, who’d only been a father via check, was something she should figure out. Angus had been right about that. “I bet the squirrels are happy.”
Her mom leaned back, showing her entire face again. “They are, because they’re still eating out of the bird feeder.” She looked beyond the phone and then returned. “So. Are you still spending time with that big lion man?”
“Wolfe. His name is Wolfe, and he has a fiancée I very much like,” Nari said, shaking her head.
“Oh yes. Wolfe. Good name. Not as good as Force, though. Angus Force is a name I like.” Her mom smiled. “How are things with Angus?”
Nari sighed. Nothing got by her mother. “I don’t know. We’re working on several cases and he’s completely focused. So am I. Also, I know he doesn’t want a relationship, so I should work on a friendship.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake. Men don’t know what they want.” Her mother whipped off the glasses. “Just last week a very nice couple came into the store, and he was looking for the perfect oval-shaped diamond to put on her hand. She couldn’t stop glancing over at this lovely square emerald surrounded by diamonds.”
Nari grinned. “What happened?”
“I suggested she try on the emerald ring and she reluctantly agreed. The girl absolutely lit up when I slid it on her finger.” Her mother smiled.
Nari held her breath. “Please tell me the young man caught on.” Her mother had been known to smack a customer or two with a wooden spoon back in the day. That was illegal these days.
Her mom nodded. “I had to give him the ‘mom’ look, but it worked. They paid cash, too.” She sighed happily. “Oh. Before I forget, have you stopped wearing your fitness tracker? I’m just killing you on steps.”
Nari winced. “I’ve been a little busy, Mom.”
Her mom sniffed. “It’s no fun winning the spa weekend bet if you don’t at least try. Promise me you’ll get in steps this week.”
Nari sighed. “I promise. I’ll give you a run for your spa money.” Man, she could use a spa day right now. “Speaking of which. Why don’t you get an updated tracker for your wrist and stop wearing the one in your bra? It takes forever to sync.”
“I own a jewelry store, dear. Give me a break,” her mom said. Then she blushed. “Frank. How’d it go with the squirrels?”
“Perfect.” Her dad kissed the top of her mom’s head and then leaned in until only his nose was visible on the screen. “Nari? That you?”
Nari coughed back a laugh. “Hi, Dad. I can’t see your face.”
Her mom moved over and then started. “Oh. That’s Mrs. Edleton at the door, dropping off the leaflets for church. Nari, talk to your dad for a moment.” She stood up and moved away.
Nari’s dad sat and squinted into the camera. “Is that a bruise on your chin?”
She sighed. “Yes. Training. What’s new with you?” Her heart warmed at the sight of his blondish gray hair and deep blue eyes. His face was red from sunburn and his whiskers about a day old. He looked healthy.
“Well, citrine is the new diamond these days. Don’t know why. One of those movie stars must’ve worn it, so now everyone wants citrine bracelets. I’ve been designing a lot.” He leaned in, his mouth getting bigger. “Also, I bought some damn seeds off the internet to feed the squirrels and the animals don’t want them. Don’t tell your mother. She thinks I was brilliant to find the squirrel food. Darn stuff is just seeds. Stupid internet.”
“I won’t say a word,” Nari promised, her heart turning over.
Her dad leaned back. “I kind of heard you talking to your mother, and if this lion fella doesn’t like you, then he’s a moron.”
She sighed. “I think she was talking about Wolfe at that point, and he’s engaged. Angus Force is the one she wants me to date.”
“Who do you want to date?” her dad asked, rubbing his beard.
“I’m not sure,” she said, not wanting to go into it with her father. “It’s complicated.”
He smiled then, his eyes warm. “Only if you make it complicated, pumpkin. Sometimes life just is. If you want the guy, get the guy. Unless he’s a moron. If he’s a moron, then kick him to the curb. Life is way too short for morons.” His eyes twinkled with humor. “Plus, nobody is good enough for my little girl anyway.”
“I’ll try to remember that,” she said softly.
“Good. Plus, did your mom tell you we’re coming to visit? Next week.” He smiled, no longer looking charming. “I can’t wait to meet this guy.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Angus sat in the interrogation room next to his attorney, whom he’d had to pay ten grand just to shake hands with. “You’d better be worth the money,” he muttered.
The door opened and Tate Bianchi walked inside with a female detective who was nearly as tall as he. She was built like a model and had brown hair, brown eyes, and a stubborn chin. The woman also moved like she could fight.
Tate studied his lawyer. “Scott? How the hell does an ex-government employee afford you?”
Interesting. Angus watched the interaction, letting his skills as a profiler loose.
The lawyer stood and held out a hand. “It’s good to see you, Tate.” They shook hands as Tate obviously readjusted his approach to the meeting.
Tate motioned to his partner. “This is Detective Buckle and we’re working the case together.”
Scott smiled, all charm. “Scott Terentson from Terentson and Terentson.” He shook Buckle’s hand and waited for her to sit before reclaiming his seat.
Angus watched the lawyer out of his peripheral vision. He had sandy blond hair, intense blue eyes, and a decent physique. However, so far, Buckle didn’t seem impressed. “So, Tate. I guess you can complete our interview now,” Angus said. “Does that mean you think I’m guilty?”
“I just want to find the truth,” Tate said evenly.
Buckle focused on Angus. “Lassiter is dead. You understand that, right?”
Angus liked that. Big-time. “As much as I appreciate your direct approach, Lassiter is not dead. I’m sure of it.”
Tate reared back, his nearly black eyes glinting. “How are you sure of it? Has somebody contacted you pretending to be Lassiter?”
“No.” Angus met his gaze evenly. “I’m sure of it because I was the best FBI profiler they’ve ever had and I know these current kills were made by Lassiter. The question isn’t who’s doing this. The question is how the hell Lassiter is still alive.”
Tate shook his head. “You really do sound crazy, Force. I’ve reviewed everything about the night Lassiter died and I’ve interviewed everyone involved.”
“On his days off,” Buckle said softly, no expression in her sharp eyes.
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