Page 42 of Murder & Mayhem
“Got you. In a quarter of a mile, there’s a rest stop on the left. Take that exit.”
I saw the sign. “Got it.”
I waited in our lane till the last possible second. I got really lucky when I saw the 18-wheeler barreling down the left lane. I sped up, and then right when the lane for the rest stop exit opened up, I cut in front of the truck. The Expedition got over a lane. The truck began turning into the “trucks only” portion of the exit. I once again cut it off, silently apologizing to the driver and careening into the exit. It was too late for the Expedition, and they’d be forced to drive on or draw serious attention to themselves.
“Sharp right around the building. Don’t get back on the highway. Keep following the road you’re on, pass the dog run and thepicnic tables. There’s another exit that takes you into the town. Take that.”
“Understood.”
I noticed Jamie watching me with wild eyes. I couldn’t make out what that expression meant so I focused on my driving, weaving in and out of traffic. I didn’t see the SUV, and I was pretty sure we lost them, but I’d still be cautious, just in case.
“Halfway down that strip, there’s a scene view break off. You’ll find a silver Toyota Camry parked in the back. Take that.”
Jamie made a little sound of surprise, but I wasn’t shocked at all. I never asked too many questions about where Ari had gotten his connections like this, but they sure came in handy from time to time. Besides this and his regular full-time job doing IT, Ari did some side hacking and other cybersecurity. It was how he’d met Luca Castellano, the mercenary who was helping us. Some of those connections were less than legal, and Ari had wracked up a few favors. Whenever we needed a new car, we always had one. How he’d gotten it this quickly, I had no fucking idea, but I wasn’t going to complain.
“Jamie, I need you to be ready. We’re gonna move fast. Grab my backpack from the back?”
“O-okay.” He did what I asked.
“Good boy. I’m going to pull in. The second the car stops, get out and walk to the car. Don’t run, but don’t linger either. I think we lost them, but you can never be too careful. Don’t wait for me. Ari, are the doors open?”
“Yeah. I took care of it.”
“Thanks. This car stops, you get out with the backpack, walk, do not stop, do not hesitate, and get in the car. Got it?”
“Yeah, I got it. Are we stealing a car?”
“Only technically,” Ari said, likeGrand Theft Autowas just another Tuesday.
“Oh.” Jamie seemed a little shell-shocked, but he wasn’t freaking out. He was ready, the backpack slid over his shoulders and his blade in his hand. I really wished he had a gun, but since I’d had no chance to train him, it would be more of a liability than anything. I pulled in, blocking the entrance completely with the vehicle.
“Go!” I told him sharply, jerking my head toward the door. He went. No hesitation, just blind trust as he followed my directions to a tee. I got out and popped the trunk.
I grabbed the bags and walked swiftly to the car. After opening the door to the back seat, not bothering with the trunk, I shoved everything in. The car was already running—the key fob must be in here somewhere. I pulled out smoothly, no sign of being followed. I shook my head. That was way too easy. Flame needed to train up his guys.
“I got eyes on the Expedition. It got off the next exit and is trying to turn around. But there’s no way they’ll catch up.”Ari’s voice was now coming through the new car’s speakers.
“Thanks, A.”
Jamie was back on his knees, looking behind us and making me a nervous wreck.
“What about the other one? It can’t stay there.”
“It won’t,” Ari interceded. “It’ll be picked up soon. Focus on driving. You’ll need to find somewhere to stop and change the license plates.
“I may not have done this much, but I do know how to do change plates,” We couldn’t risk our vehicles being tracked back to a crime scene if a camera was missed somewhere, “There’s a reason the cops haven’t connected any of our murders.”
“Okay, okay.” Ari laughed. “Don’t be snarky. Gideon is making a straight shot to the shore house. Atthis moment, we still don’t have Bailey’s location. I got a potential match on O’Malley, but Bailey wasn’t with him. It was at a gas station. In the meantime, take the long route there.”
“Thanks, Ari.”
“Be safe.”
“You too.”
Ari hung up, and I finally felt safe enough to turn my attention completely to Jamie.
“Are you okay?”
