Page 63 of Relentless

Simon shrugged. “Don’t know.”

A snort from Kerrigan. “If you did, would you tell us?”

“Doubt it.”

“Gavin’s the key,” Liam said. “Contact Detective Stella Armstrong with Otter Creek PD. She might have relevant information.”

Barrett frowned. “She left a message on my cell phone to call her.”

“You should,” Piper said.

The detective and his partner rose. “Young lady, I don’t know what you’re mixed up in, but be careful. Whoever is behind this plays for keeps.” With those words, Barrett and Kerrigan left.

“When do we leave, Trent?” Liam tucked Piper closer to his side when he noticed her hands trembling.

“Have to talk to Maddox before we leave for Hartman.”

“Why?” Piper asked.

“We have to confirm our backup team is available. Taking on Barone and his crew requires more than five people.”

“How many people does Barone have at his disposal?” Matt asked.

“That’s the question of the day. Conservative estimate is thirty.”

When a light tap sounded on the door, Matt peered through the peephole and admitted Cade.

“Which one of you ticked off the cops?” Cade’s eyes glinted with amusement. “They snarled at each other and everyone one else who crossed their paths.”

“Including you?” Trent asked.

“The lady cop took one look at me and said, ‘You’re one of them, aren’t you? You have the same look as the rest of those mercenaries.’”

Simon rolled his eyes. “Kerrigan is ticked off that she can’t throw me in jail.”

“You’re cleared?”

“Wouldn’t say that. More like I received permission to travel until Copper Ridge’s finest finds enough to evidence to arrest me for murdering Gavin James.”

Cade’s eyebrows soared. “Maddox’s influence?”

“Let’s find out.” Trent called their boss.

“Yeah, Maddox. What do you need?”

“It’s Trent. You’re on speaker with Bravo and Piper. Liam and Simon have permission to travel. Who did you tap for the favor?”

“White House.”

Liam whistled. The boss called President Martin. Guess that was the quickest way to garner the results Bravo needed. “It’s Liam. Thanks for the assist.”

“Martin was happy to call Copper Ridge’s police chief. When are you leaving for Alabama, Trent?”

“How soon will our backup be available?”

“The Texas team’s on standby.”

“I prefer them close in case we need reinforcements.”

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