Page 23 of Protecting Bianca

“Jager.”

She smiled. “Like the rock star?”

“Just the name. I don’t have his moves.”

“Right. Yours are better.” She stuck out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Jager.”

After we shook hands, she thanked me again, then turned and walked away. I waited until she was inside her building and there was no sign of the bastard around. Then, I got into my car and opened the first aid kit that I kept in my car. This wasn’t thefirst time I acted before thinking. But I trusted my instincts, even if they led me toward danger. I was still here and kicking.

By the time I cleaned the cut and bandaged it up, it was closer to midnight when I reached Gregory Spencer’s house. The lights were out and there was a car in the driveway. I parked the car and reclined my seat.

It would be a long night, but first thing in the morning, I would have a chat with the man.

7

Jager

The nights were longer in late fall. The day didn’t break until nearly seven in the morning. I must have shut my eyes at some point because I didn’t feel tired, but couldn’t recall how long I’d slept.

I straightened in the driver’s seat, stretching my back and neck, and blew into my hands to warm them up.

It wasn’t much later when the front door of the small bungalow opened. A man wearing a black hoodie stepped out. He wasn’t wearing a mask, but it was the same guy as the one who delivered the package at Grapevine.

I thought about questioning him myself, but I’d met the detectives assigned to this case and I liked them. I picked up my cell phone from the passenger seat.

“Chaudhary,” the detective said when he answered.

“It’s Jager Payne. Towers’ bodyguard.”

“How can I help you?”

“There’s someone you need to question. I found the delivery guy who dropped off the knife yesterday addressed to Towers.”

“Send me his address.”

“He’s getting in his car now. I don’t think he’ll be here long, but I can ping you my location so you can follow me as I follow him.”

“All right. I’m on my way.”

Gregory got in his red sedan and pulled out of the driveway. After a couple of minutes, I followed. He drove slowly, making full stops and obeying the speed limit. It was hard to believe that someone like this cut the head off of a pig a week ago.

He took the lane leading to the freeway, and I discreetly changed lanes as well. I nearly lost him ten minutes into the drive, but saw his car exit for downtown at the last minute. Cutting across three lanes, I pursued him.

Once in the city, it was easier to track him. He couldn’t get too far ahead of me. I followed closely for the next few blocks and watched him make a right at the courthouse. As I turned the corner, I saw him pull into a parking lot. It was a local courier service.

As soon as he entered the building, my phone rang.

“Detective.”

“I see you’ve parked now. I’m two blocks away.”

“Sounds good.”

I waited in the parking lot until the detectives arrived. They pulled up in a black sedan wearing light gray suits that were at least two sizes too big. “How long has he been in there?” asked Detective Khan.

“About ten minutes,” I said.

Shoving his hands in his pocket, Detective Chaudhary turned to me. “How did you find this guy?”

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