Page 4 of Craving Sin (Touch of Evil 13)

“No. I asked him to stay behind and examine the schematics of the hotel. He is also changing our rooms and blocking off a different floor.” Brook gave a slight shrug when Theo raised an eyebrow. “I don’t want anyone making decisions for us, and Graham noted too many unsecured areas in the initial block of rooms. He’ll do another sweep before we arrive.”

“I’ll drop Sylvie a text. She and Bit can meet up with him.”

Brook had complete confidence that Graham Elliott would ensure the hotel was secure for their arrival. As a retired Commanding General of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), no one on the team possessed his level of expertise. He also happened to be her silent partner in S&E Investigations and the man she cared for deeply enough to pursue another attempt at a normal life.

Graham hadn’t left her side since the news of the plea deal broke, and while she wasn’t used to him being underfoot twenty-four-seven, he had proven himself to be an anchor. He also hadn’t coddled her, which had gone a long way in her accepting his constant presence of late.

The pilot's voice crackled over the intercom, bringing Brook’s short reprieve to an end.The breathing room from Jacob’s smothering company had been much needed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing in fifteen minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for descent.”

“Showtime,” Theo muttered as he swiped his laptop off the table. He then reached for the case. “Did I hear Agent Houser say he arranged for two local field agents to meet us at the landing strip?”

“Yes,” Brook replied as Theo reached for his drink. As he secured the cap before tucking the plastic bottle in the outside pocket of the carrier, a thought occurred to her. “Do me a favor. When we land, collect the empty water bottle near Mitch’s seat. We don’t need a warrant for anything found in public.”

“I can do that,” Theo agreed, leaning back against the leather cushion. He stretched his arm out to reach into a pocket usually found on the back of a passenger seat and pulled out an airsick bag. “Improvisation at its finest.”

As Brook returned to her seat, she considered informing Nathaniel about her decision to test Mitch Norona’s DNA. She quickly dismissed the thought. The less he knew about the actions taken by S&E Investigations, the better. She hadn’t even informed him about Sylvie and Bit seeking out Mekhi Hale this morning.

Basically, the federal prosecutor had been kept in the dark about a lot of things.

“I’m curious.” Jacob had waited until after Brook had fastened her seatbelt to speak. She braced herself for another comment about Sarah Evanston or Stella Bennett. Curiously enough, he had yet to bring up Lusa Kalluk. “Does your sidekick take that patch off to sleep? I mean, what exactly is behind that thing? Does his eyelid sink in or?—”

“Do you need to use the lavatory before we land?” Brook asked as she feigned the removal of imaginary lint off her turtleneck. She refused to rise to his bait, and she would never display signs of weakness in front of him. “I’m sure Agent Brall wouldn’t mind accompanying you.”

“He can hold it.”

Jacob never took his gaze off Brook, so she was well aware that he caught the corner lift of her lips. Special Agent Victor Brall was former military, in his early thirties, and he carried out his duties by the book.

She had personally vetted him.

An added bonus of having Victor remain with Jacob throughout the entirety of this trip was that the special agent had experience with the BAU before being assigned to counter-terrorism investigations. The Behavioral Analysis Unit had nothing but good things to say about the man’s work ethic.

“Looks like you’ll have to hold it,” Brook replied, backing up Victor’s directive.

She cleared her throat before turning her attention to the wing of the aircraft. Her jacket and backpack rested in the seat next to her. Although this trip was expected to have a quick turnaround, she had instructed everyone—well, almost everyone—on board to pack enough clothes for a week. If Jacob somehow delayed their return, it was up to Mitch Norona to provide himself with additional clothes and toiletries.

As the wheels finally touched down, the jet jolted slightly before leveling off to glide gracefully down the small runway. Dense forest stretched out to the horizon, with the dark green of the trees contrasting against the slate-grey sky. Although there was no snow on the ground, June marked the beginning of summer in this region.

Before too long, a large hangar that had seen better days came into view with several dark SUVs parked in front, along with two government-issued vehicles.Nathaniel had seen to it that several rental SUVs had been arranged for them.

“Everyone, please remain seated.”

The pilot had given the instruction over the intercom, but that hadn’t stopped Special Agent Russell Houser from vacating his seat.He had his phone pressed against his ear, and his concerned gaze caught hers as he walked past her toward the front of the plane.

Something was wrong.

Russell had been the lead agent on Jacob’s case for many years now. Even though Jacob had been behind bars for nearly the same duration, Russell had accompanied them at Brook’s request.

She didn’t need to instruct Theo to follow Russell. He was already making his way toward the exit, where Russell stood listening to whoever was on the other end of the line. After Theo joined him, the two exchanged hushed words about what had caused their departure from the jet to be delayed.

Jacob seemed utterly unfazed by the proceedings, and Brook made sure she mimicked his demeanor. She would delay joining the others just long enough to give the impression that she wasn’t concerned about what waited for them on the tarmac.

“Brook?”

Not needing to wait any longer, Brook took her time unfastening her seatbelt. She gave a casual nod toward Victor before making her way to the front of the plane.

“What’s wrong?” Brook inquired softly, not wanting her voice to travel.

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