Page 45 of Grave Peril

While Rip checked in with his boss, Lela took another stroll down the hallways. It was better to be in motion. She was grateful that Ashlee was going to survive the ordeal, and for the services of her new bodyguard. It put her mind at ease to know that her friend was in good hands.

Lela wouldn’t be able to go to the safe house with Ashlee. And she understood why. Any connection between them would put both in worse danger. It was best to keep them apart, until the threat had passed—if it did pass.

The way things were going, Lela wondered what was going to happen. Other than Rip, there was no one she could count on, and that made the situation difficult. She didn’t see a way out, but she wasn’t about to give up. Ashlee had taken a big risk for her. It wouldn’t be for nothing.

When Lela went back to the waiting room, Rip was getting some coffee. She waved him over. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you something that Ashlee found out.”

Rip took a sip. “What was that?”

“Well, she overheard a conversation.”

Rip raised his brows.

“She installed software on Ortiz’s phone, and I know she doesn’t have his password. So she must have gotten her hands on the phone while it was still on.”

Rip smiled. “I’m glad she’s on our side.”

“She learned something that didn’t come up in the evidence I obtained,” Lela said. “I had a lot to support the fact that Ortiz was hooked up with gangs, and that he accepted illegal campaign contributions. But there was no record of the source. I assumed it had to be from someone in charge of such funds, but I didn’t have anything specific.”

“But Ashlee does?”

“She overheard Ortiz talking to a man he calls jefe. That means he has a connection high up in the cartel.” Lela frowned. “The only thing is that during the call, the man’s name wasn’t mentioned. So I still don’t know who he is.”

“True, but it’s incriminating that he’s connected with the cartel to that extent. Knowing that, we can track it down further, find out who Ortiz has been dealing with.”

It was a clue, more than she’d had before.

The nurse came out and announced that Ashlee could receive visitors. “One at a time, and don’t stay long. She’s still recovering her strength.”

Rip motioned toward the hall, so Lela went first. She entered the private room, which was brightly decorated with furniture that looked like it belonged in a swanky hotel, with modern paintings on the walls.

With all that had happened, Lela had been up most of the night. But seeing her friend’s face invigorated her.

There were white bandages around Ashlee’s abdomen, and she was too pale. But her hair had been brushed, and she looked lovely even without a stitch of makeup. Lela went over to the bed and gave her friend a hug, careful not to squeeze too hard. “I’m so happy that you’re going to recover. The doctor says you’ll be fine.”

“It was a mistake to reach for the gun,” Ashlee said. “But I didn’t realize quickly enough that they were cops. It all went down in the blink of an eye.”

“You did the right thing. If I’d been taken into custody, who knows what would have happened.” Lela touched her friend’s arm. “You probably saved my life.”

“Now the cartel is after me too. Ortiz is backed by some pretty serious dudes.”

“I know,” Lela said. “And I’m so sorry about all of this. I’ll take care of everything.” She kissed her friend’s forehead. “You just stay safe for me. Hunter will be here to protect you, and he’ll take you to a safe house as soon as the doctor says you’re recovered enough.”

“Ugh, I’ll be bored to death.” Ashlee smiled. “You better turn this situation around fast, girlfriend, so I can get back to my life.”

“I will…promise.” Lela gave her another hug, wishing she didn’t have to leave. She didn’t know when she’d see her friend again.

When Lela came out, Rip made a quick visit. He wanted to tell Ashlee that he was proud of her. And to assure her that Hunter would keep any threat away.

Then Rip turned things over to Hunter.

Lela was grateful. “Thank you for the backup.” She gave Hunter a friendly hug, and he grinned.

“It’s my job to protect the innocent.”

When Lela stepped outside with Rip, he turned to look at her. “I’m sure the cartel is livid right now,” he said. “Two women have disappeared. First you, and now Ashlee has slipped through their fingers. I wish I could see the expression on the guy’s face, the one who discovers that she’s vanished.”

Rip shook his head. “And I pity the man who has to deliver the news to the cartel boss.”

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