Page 53 of Dangerous Obsession

“Did Barnum admit to sending the note?” Viking asked.

“Of course not. That would’ve blown his whole I’m-a-changed-man narrative right out of the water.” Cole laced his fingers loosely together. “Don’t worry, Beatrice is still working on pulling DNA from the note. We do have some good news, though. Sammy was able to track Greg Whitcomb’s location history via his cell phone and confirmed he was the person who left the note at your boutique. While viewing the surveillance video, she noticed a car parked across the street, in the lot next to the pet store. She enhanced the image and was able to get a good look at the front license plate. The vehicle is registered to Deborah Whitcomb. If that wasn’t enough of a connection, he’s also the one who picked up Barnum at the prison, driving the same car and wearing the same hoodie.”

“Rocket scientist.” Sebastian shook his head.

“The kid’s history of drug use and bouncing around rehabs would indicate he’s pretty messed up,” Cole said. “Barnum is definitely the kind of guy who would take advantage of that.”

“Take advantage of someone’s vulnerabilities and weaknesses? Yeah, he’s definitely the kind of guy who would do that.” Marigold had been targeted for the same reasons.

“He’s been locked up for almost five years and blames Marigold,” Viking said. “He’s definitely going to make a move. I can feel it in my bones.”

Cole said, “Agreed,” as Sebastian nodded.

“I’m bringing Hawk in on this, too,” Cole added.

“I thought he was leaving for ESD K9 training soon,” Viking said.

“Not for another two weeks, and he’s been itchin’ for something to do since the day after we finished our last op,” Cole said. “He hates down time, so bringing him in on this will keep him busy.”

He’d mentioned Hawk to her before and bragged about what an amazing tracker he was. He said you could drop the guy in the middle of a strange forest—blindfolded—and he’d find his way home.

“Can I ask what an ESD K9 is, or is that some sort of top-secret thing?” Marigold looked from Viking to Cole.

“ESD stands for Electronic Storage Detection,” Cole said. “A lot of crimes these days have a cyber component to them, so special dogs are being trained to detect all types of digital media storage devices. Things like hard drives, jump drives, thumb drives, microSD cards. Hawk will be the first operator in the Dark Ops division to be partnered with an ESD K9. The dog will be an incredible asset that will be invaluable to our mission.”

“Wow, I’ve never heard of them before.” Not that Marigold was dialed into the world of law enforcement, espionage, and covert operations. There was so much about their work she didn’t understand and would never be able to know about. “I’m constantly amazed by what dogs can do.”

As if roused by Marigold’s praise of dogs, Nicky, who’d been sleeping soundly in her crate, woke up, stretched her legs straight out, and let out a very loud, very put-out sounding combination growl and meow.

“Aw, what’s the matter?” Marigold made a move to stand.

“I got her.” Viking leaned sideways, reached in and scooped up the kitten. “Here ya go.” He handed the little fluffball to her.

“Why are you grumbling?” She scratched beneath Nicky’s ears. “You don’t like me saying nice things about doggies?”

“Barnum is a bully and a narcissist. I really don’t think he’s going to be able to keep up this bullshit ruse of his for very long.” Cole pushed up out of the chair, and Sebastian did the same. “Unfortunately, until he makes a move, there’s not a lot we can do. Legally, anyway.”

Viking stood with Marigold in his arms, then carefully set her on her feet.

“Rest assured, Marigold.” The senator stepped up to her and set his hand on her shoulder. “Barnum is not going to hurt you again. Got it?”

“Got it.” She nodded.

Viking reached out and shook the man’s hand. “I’ll make sure of it, sir.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

“Youwantmetojust sit in my car and stare at that store?” Greg unzipped his hoodie, grabbed a can of soda from the mini fridge in Deborah’s media room, and flopped onto the sofa. “No frickin’ way.” He popped open the can, took a long slurp and followed it up with a loud belch. “I’m playingCall of Dutywith some of my friends.”

He sat forward, grabbed a remote off the coffee table, and pointed it at the giant flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. With a press of his thumb, there was aclick,and the screen lit up. The lazy little prick picked up a wireless game controller, slumped back against the couch, and started scrolling through screens.

“Can’t you play that shit on your phone or something?” Cliff had a few things to take care of in order to carry out his plan. Until then, he wanted eyes on that store.

“Hey, man,Call of Dutyis not shit.” The kid’s defense of a video game was fuckin’ sad. “I bet you wouldn’t last five minutes.”

“Look, there’s another fifty bucks in it for ya.” Cliff dug a crisp bill from his wallet, held it at both ends and snapped it a couple of times. “I just need you to help me with this.”

“Why do you have such a hard-on for that place anyway?” Greg paused the game and gave him a suspicious look. “It’s a store for chicks.” He drew back. “You one’a those guys who likes dressing in women’s clothes or something?”

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