Page 92 of Cold Light of Day

“I have a call in to the regional US Marshals’ offices, but it looks like that’s a strong possibility. In the meantime, did you find the guy impersonating Knap?”

“Not yet, but I got a text from an unknown number. Could be Sarah. It simply says, ‘Postcard from Miami.’”

“What could that mean?”

Dad coughed again. Cleared his throat. “It means you go to Grier’s cabin and look through his mail. If I didn’t learn enough after decades in law enforcement, then I’ve read enough spy novels in my retirement to know a clue when I see one. In this case, hear one.”

Autumn grabbed her jacket and rushed to her father. Kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Where are you going?” Nolan asked.

“To Grier’s cabin, where else?” She headed for the door.

“Not alone, you’re not.” Nolan stood halfway between her and Dad, hands on his hips.

“It’s fine, Nolan. I’m still packing my Sig, so I can protect myself. Plus, someone should probably check on his dog, Cap.” Maybe Grier had already arranged for the dog to be cared for. She couldn’t believe she was just now thinking about that.

“Autumn, I don’t feel comfortable with you taking off alone. Not with Santos still out there. But we need to stay here and care for Dad. Protect him too.”

“Don’t treat me like an invalid,” Dad said. “Hand me my shotgun. Nobody will get the best of me ever again.”

Nolan glanced between Autumn and Dad, then nodded. “I’m coming with you, Autumn.”

“Stay with Dad.”

“Will you two stop it?” Dad stared at his cell and punched a few buttons. “See? I’m calling the cavalry. Actually, Tanya texted almost an hour ago that she’s bringing a casserole. And I’m calling Ike. I won’t be alone. You two kids go save the day.”

Autumn shared a look with Nolan. Were they making a mistake? Nolan handed Dad his shotgun, and the doorbell rang. Nolan and Autumn both reached for their guns, and Nolan peered out the window. “It’s Tanya.”

Autumn opened the door and held it wide. “Just in time.”

Tanya held up a casserole and a few bags hanging off her wrists. “I thought you could use some help with the party.” She winked.

“Let me get that.” Autumn relieved her of the casserole and set it on the counter in the kitchen. “This is perfect timing, as I mentioned. Can you stay with Dad for a bit until Grandpa Ike gets here? Nolan and I have some errands to run.”

“Of course. I’m not the only one heading out this way. Some of your dad’s friends will be stopping by. Everyone’s coming to welcome him home.”

Sounded like more than a simple welcome. “I should have done more—”

“Nonsense. I knew you were busy. Oh”—Tanya reached into her back pocket and pulled out a folded slip of paper—“I thought you might want this.”

Autumn opened the paper, which contained an image of the international fugitive who had been impersonating Agent Knap. Her jaw opened, but no words came out. Then finally, she said, “How did you—”

“My cousin was flying the helicopter that landed at White Pass Summit. The transport service was shorthanded, and he got called in. He always has his GoPro going. Since this involved you, he sent the footage to me. Said he had a bad feeling about the men. I was stunned when I recognized one of them from the list of wanted fugitives you’d been scouring, so I got busy searching.”

Autumn shook her head, trying to comprehend Tanya’s resourcefulness. She shouldn’t have been surprised. “I can’t thank you enough. I owe you, Tanya. But where did your cousin take them?”

She shrugged. “He landed in Juneau. They disappeared inside the airport terminal.”

“Grier’s in danger.” Closing her eyes, she sucked in a breath.

He could already be dead.

He’d told her this could happen.Please, Lord, let him be alive.

Tanya touched her arm. “Chief, are you okay?”

Autumn opened her eyes. “You know I’m not the chief anymore.”

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