Page 31 of Decoding Morse

“I’ve been busy. We traced the hit back to a service, but they’re professionals, and we haven’t been able to hack their database.”

Her forehead scrunched up. “Can’t we just reach out to them?”

“Doesn’t work that way. If it did, we could get the authorities involved.”

“But how do hitmen cash in? Wouldn’t they have to get in touch with the person who put out the hit?”

I’d always appreciated how her brain worked, constantly questioning and figuring out options.

“Proof of death would be uploaded to a secure folder. Then, the payment would be initiated from one offshore account into another, making it nearly impossible to track. We’re working with pros here, and they know what they’re doing.”

She frowned. “I’ll pull Morgan out of school for the week. Her finals are done, and spring break is next week, so this is an acceptable time for her to take a break. Did you figure out a way for me to see Carol tomorrow?”

Her concern for the widow over her own safety was no surprise, but it was damn inconvenient.

“Leaving the fire station is a horrible idea. Out in the open, you’ll be vulnerable.”

“I’m not shirking my duties and cowering in fear, Morse.”

“I get that, and I’m not asking you to stay put forever. I’ll find this person, but I need you to work with me until I do. Please stay in the club. If they come for you here, they’ll have to cut through every one of my brothers first.”

She paled. “Some of these guys have families to think about. I don’t want them in harm’s way because of me.”

Her concern for others never ceased to amaze me. “Everyone knows the danger, and they’re on high alert. Will be until the threat passes. And we’re doing everything possible to keep you hidden. I don’t want my brothers in danger any more than you do.”

She swallowed and looked away. “Yeah.”

Was I a jackass for pounding on the buttons I knew would influence her? Yes. Did I regret it? Not even a little.

“Okay.” She folded her arms across her chest. “But on one condition. You take Carol a meal and play her in a game of chess.”

I almost laughed. “Me?”

“Yes, you. It’s not like she’ll be the first widow you’ve eaten with. You used to help me with ration runs all the time, remember? Besides, I don’t trust anyone else. Not with Carol. She’s… special. Not for everyone, but you’ll like her. I’m no match for her at chess, but you’ll kick her ass for sure, and that will tickle her pink. She loves a challenge and always complains that she has no serious competition.”

I was still struggling with the first directive. “You want me to take a meal to a woman I don’t know? That I’ve never met?”

“Yeah. Why? Is that a problem?”

Hell, yes, it was. I’d changed a lot since my time with Amelia, and this was a huge ask. Regardless, looking deep into her eyes now, full of trust, fear, and maybe a spark of hope, I knew there was no question.

Of course, I’d relent.

If it would keep her ass safe in the fire station, how could I resist?

Still, precautions had to be taken. As soon as I got back to my office, I’d learn everything there was to know about Carol so I wouldn’t go in blind.

“What’s the plan?”

She knew she had me, and a smile played on her lips. “I’ll make that breakfast casserole you used to love and have it hot and ready to go in the morning. You’ll need to be there at nine a.m. She’s at her best in the morning, and that’s the only time she’ll grant me an audience.”

This kept getting worse. “She grants audiences?”

“Yeah. She’s filthy rich. Think housekeepers, gardeners, a cook, and all that.”

“Yet she can’t survive one week without you?”

“It would be two weeks since I already canceled next week. She’s lonely, Morse. Nobody comes to see her unless they’re getting paid.”

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