Page 33 of Burning Secrets

“It’s a long story—but I found a greenhouse filled with nightshade berry plants. I think it’s what killed the salmon and the wolves.”

“You think they’re using the nightshade to create the bioweapon?” Rio said.

“Part of it. It causes hallucinations and delirium, can lead to death, so…” He turned to the map of the area tacked on the wall. Ran his finger up the Copper River to the tributary, then westuntil he found the dirt road with the homestead. “Here. It’s right here.”

“That’s the old Hamilton place,” said Deke. “They left a few years ago after Gareth Hamilton was killed in a hunting accident.”

Crew didn’t want to suggest that maybe it hadn’t been an accident.

“Any luck on finding the warehouse where they’re storing this?” Again, Rio.

“No. I looked for a map in Viper’s office, but I nearly got caught.”

Rio nodded.

And he let the silence fill in the rest.

“Are they onto you, Crew?” This from Deke.

Rio’s mouth tightened.

Crew shook his head. “I don’t think so. But I did hear them talking. They’re expecting someone. Viper called him ‘the big guy,’ so…”

“When?” Rio said.

“In the next few days.”

He looked away, at the map. Then at the wall, filled with current BOLO pictures and the FBI top-ten list. Stilled. Took a step toward the list and the pictures next to the names and descriptions of the wanted. A man, dark hair, a scar under his eye, bearded. “That’s Viper.”

Rio stepped up next to him. “You sure?”

“Pretty sure. Same scar. Same eyes.” He turned to Rio. “Can’t we just bring him in, lean on him…” And he didn’t want to sound tired or wrung out or?—

Rio touched his shoulder. “Give us until the big guy comes in. And then, if you haven’t figured out the warehouse yet, we’ll grab Viper, pull you out, okay?”

Crew swallowed. Nodded. Sighed. “I gotta go.”

“Out the back,” Deke said. He motioned to the door at the back of the room.

Crew headed for it.

“Crew,” Rio said. “Stay the course.”

He nodded and stepped outside. Headed around the building, then down the row of parking lots, and finally emerged on the other side of the Last Frontier Bakery.

Jogged across the street.

Not a lot of cars at the Midnight Sun Saloon, and he entered to music from the jukebox and a few patrons at the long bar nursing sodas or baskets of fries.

JoJo sat in a red vinyl booth, looking at a menu. She waved at him as if he couldn’t see her like a beacon, drawing him to herself.

He slid into the booth opposite her. “Hey.”

“I ordered you a root beer. And a basket of fries.”

“I could kiss you.”

Her eyes widened.

---