Page 19 of A Dark Place

Howie opened his work email. “Let’s see what we can find out on this guy.” He uploaded the photo and started the process. “You think this is Van Gogh?”

Everyone at the FBI knew about the hunt to bring Van Gogh. “We’re not sure, but it’s possible.” All three gathered behind Howie and watched the computer grind away through the multiple databases.

“I heard the head honcho has it in for you two.” Howie glanced between Asher and Olivia. News of the director’s outburst had spread quickly through the building. “What’d you do to him?”

Asher couldn’t afford to get into a discussion about Holden at work. Too many listening ears. “Who knows.” He left it at that, but the truth was, Holden definitely had them on his radar, and it was only a matter of time before he tried to take their jobs.

The computer screen found a hit. “We have something.” Howie leaned close to the screen. “Oh, wow. This guy works for the transportation bureau. He’s—”

“We have a lead?” Director Holden stepped into the room. The venom on his face when he looked at Asher and Olivia was clear.

How had Holden found out about the lead already? The only person who knew about the photo was Luke. Was it possible Luke was working for the director?

Asher made a mental note to warn both Declan and Olivia about the possibility.

“We’re not a hundred percent certain. One of the doorbell cameras picked up a person walking around the neighborhood on the day the car was taken.”

The director focused his full attention on Asher. “I’d say that warrants a person of interest, wouldn’t you, Agent Lackland?”

Asher recoiled at the malice on the man’s face. “I guess so.”

“What’s the name?” Holden barked.

Howie pointed to the screen. “Joel Overton. He works for the transportation bureau.”

Holden gave a satisfied nod before he glanced at his watch. “Pick him up at his home. I’m coming with you.”

Asher shot Declan and Olivia a look. The director wanted to come out on an arrest?

“Well, what are you waiting for? Call the HRT unit for backup. And have Luke meet us at the house.”

Asher turned back to Howie. “Send me the address.”

“You got it.” Howie typed in the message that came through on Asher’s phone right away.

The director started for the door. Three stunned agents followed him from the room. As Asher stared at the back of Holden’s head, it felt like an odd coincidence that the Van Gogh Killer could be found so easily.

Chapter Eight

“Lackland, you and Hamilton will ride with me. Rutherford, you’ll have to find another way.” Director Holden glanced Olivia’s way, and she steeled herself for a blast of anger. After what Asher had told her about the newly appointed director, she had no doubt he had other motives in mind.

Olivia hurried to catch up with the director who seemed to be on a mission to get to Overton’s house before anyone else. She put her phone’s volume on silent and climbed into the back seat leaving poor Asher to ride up front. She sat in the back and watched Holden roar through the streets, tossing Asher the occasional nasty look.

No way she believed Luke—the man who’d joined the Bureau around the same time as she had—the one who had gone through the rigorous training at Quantico with her—was a rat.

Oliva quietly typed a message.Did you tell the director about the video of the suspect we believe took the car?

Luke’s response came swift.What?No way. I don’t even like the guy. Why would I send the photo to him?I haven’t shared that with anyone except for Asher. Why?

Olivia blew out a relieved breath and became the subject to the director’s glare. When his focus returned to the road, she quietly typed what happened.

That’s odd, Luke texted.I’m on my way to meet you at this man’s house. Text me the address.

She did.Watch your back,Luke. Something more is going on here than what we know,and I have a bad feeling about it.

Her thoughts flew in several directions. How did the director get word about the suspect so quickly? Olivia stared at her phone as the truth dawned. She hadn’t wanted to believe he was monitoring their calls, but what other explanation was there?

For the life of her, she couldn’t understand what possible motive he might have, but whatever it was, Olivia planned to steer clear of him.

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