Page 130 of Bossy Hero

After setting my tablet on the table, I rub my palms together and saunter to the whiteboard. “Let’s start with a sit rep and lay out our plan for the week.”

I check the time on my cell, noting Leo’s late. No messages from him either. “Where the fuck is Lionheart?”

It’s not like he has a long drive. For fuck’s sake. Like most of the others, he and Sue are sleeping downstairs in the temp bunk rooms.

Mirroring my thoughts, Tomer jokes, “It’s a helluva commute.”

The jab draws a snort-laugh from Mia.

“Let’s get started. He’ll catch up,” I announce, my patience tank running on empty.

The three of them join me at the table in the corner, laptops open.

Before jumping in, I say, “If you have something urgent or time-sensitive, speak now.”

With no responses, I provide my update first. “Checked in with the WITSEC coordinator this morning; there’s still no sign of Savin and Tasha. Given the prosecutors still need them to testify against some of the suspects in custody, they’ve launched an investigation into their disappearance, broadcasted BOLOs for law enforcement, and all that shit.”

“Do they need help searching?” Mia asks, sounding a tad overeager. More than likely because a partnership with the US Marshals at WITSEC would give her potential access to a system she’s always wanted her hands in. Something new to hack.

I purse my lips and shrug noncommittally. “Considering their lack of results, I’d wager theydoneed assistance. However, needing and accepting it are very different things.”

She huffs. “Any reasonyoudon’t want me looking?”

I glare at her. “Did you invent a device that freezes time? You have plenty to do from the rest of the fucking list on the wall. If you have free time, I’ll be happy to rectify that. Let the feds handle the runaway witnesses for now.”

She hisses playfully. “Fine. But I reserve the right to pout about it.”

“I expected nothing less,” I gripe under my breath. “In other news, Mayor Kirkland has officially denied my request for a meeting, and Undersheriff Dempsey has suddenly stopped taking my calls or returning my emails.”

“That’s curious.” Mia tilts her head to the side, eying me studiously. “Did the mayor know what the meeting was about before declining?”

I nod. “Topic was a partnership to combat organized crime in the area.”

Mia’s head kicks back. “An elected official rejecting an offer like that is certainly a choice. Especially in this political climate.”

Tomer presses, “So he flat-out declined the meeting request rather than postponing or pawning you off on another city representative?”

“Yeah. Lettie said the mayor’s chief of staff was quite clear that the city would not be entertaining Redleg’s thoughts on the matter.” I flick my gaze to the ceiling, recalling her colorful phrasing. “She then gave me her thoughts on the matter. Something about the mayor being so shady grass won’t grow near him.”

Tomer snickers louder than the rest of us.

Klein glances at him briefly before refacing me. “No offense to Lettie, but did you try calling for yourself, Boss?”

“Of course. When my emails and calls weren’t returned, I sent Lettie after them. Figured she could sweet talk someone at city hall for me. She got farther up the chain than I did. Ultimately, she was stonewalled too.”

Klein releases a frustrated groan. “So much for having the city’s interests in mind.”

Mia nods and asks, “I know they aren’t foolproof, but did you put read receipts on your emails?”

“Yeah. The mayor hasn’t opened them. Same with the undersheriff.”

“Hmm.” Mia’s fingers fall to her keyboard, and rapid clicking follows.

Let the record show I’m choosing to ignore what she’s likely doing regarding their email accounts. Mostly because I’m curious as fuck if they’re working with Lenkov or not. And Mia’s good enough to get in and out without being detected.

Tomer taps his fingertips on the table in a rhythmic pattern and studies me closely. “Big Al, is there a reason why you mentioned the mayor and undersheriff in the same breath?”

“That’s very insightful of you. As a matter of fact, there is. I suspect something’s going on with them. A connection of sorts. Not sure whether they’re dirty or being threatened by Lenkov. Perhaps neither of those things. Or both.”

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