Page 69 of Facing the Enemy
“What’s Washington’s job there?” the SAC said.
“Little bit of everything. He shuttles the residents to doctor and other professional appointments. Does repairs and odd jobs. He’s been there nine years and remembered Phan Hai. Seeing Jack is on my list for later today.”
“I saw where you and Jack identified two of the gang members. Both are in custody until you interview them today. After Mercury’s interview, the two lawyered up. Your charm might change their testimony. Offer a plea bargain.”
“The connection to our case is there if they’ll talk,” I said. “I’ll arrange an interview at two today. Charging them with first-degree murder and arson puts them away for a long time.”
“Word on the street is the gang was paid to eliminate the Phan sisters and set fire to the restaurant.”
“They must have counted on Jack and me taking in the restaurant later on in the day after they murdered the sisters.” I blew out my exasperation. “Seeing us threw off their schedule. Surprising we walked away with just a warning, but the executions and setting the explosion must have been the bigger agenda. Keep me posted. I’ll report in with new info.”
“Hold on, Gage. I have a call coming in from an agent with Mrs. Mercury.”
I waited until the SAC returned. “I told the agent to tell Mrs. Mercury that Ethan would call her in approximately fifteen minutes. Then she was to load her car in plain view and leave with the baby.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Agents will follow Mrs. Mercury to a previously arranged hotel. She’ll check in, and they’ll transport her and the baby out the rear of the building. An agent will alert me when they are at the safe house. We’ll escort Carson once we’re finished here.”
When the SAC concluded the call, I made my way back to Ethanand Carson to brief them. I wasn’t in the mood to play referee. Not a fight I wanted to stop with more to-do items than hours in the day.
The two inside the interview room talked quietly, and no blood or bruises surfaced. I greeted them, sensing a lot less tension but a whole lot of intensity.
“I have new information and instructions,” I said to Ethan and Carson. “Mrs. Mercury is with agents, and she’s packed and waiting to load the car. She refuses to leave your home until she talks to Ethan. But before the call, we need to be on the same page.”
“I don’t want Lynn to know the whole story until it’s over,” Ethan said. “What I’ve done and what Carson’s experienced needs to be presented in an environment where there’s victory over evil.”
“Dad, you can say Mom’s dramatic, it’s okay.”
Ethan shook his head. “We love her, but she worries over us too much. Agent Patterson, what do I tell my wife?”
“I recommend telling her a man is angry with you about business practices and made threats to your family. You came to us, and we conducted a background on the person and chose a safe house.”
“Am I going to a safe house?” Carson said. “I’d rather—”
“You’re going,” Ethan said. “No questions asked.”
“Right,” I said. “The problem is what Carson can tell Mrs. Mercury that will ease her mind and provide a solid reason why you aren’t joining her.”
Ethan peered at me, yet not seeing. “I’ll provide enough of the truth to satisfy my conscience but not enough to drive her over the top. I won’t lie to Lynn. Here are my thoughts—the FBI can’t charge and arrest their suspect until I identify him. I volunteered to aid in the investigation by meeting with the man at a public place.”
“Mom’s going to freak out with the danger,” Carson said.
Ethan frowned. “If she has a meltdown, I’ll assure her the FBI will be with me every step of the way.”
I handed Ethan my cell. “Do it now. And sound convincing.”
Carson pointed to my device in his dad’s hands. “What’s your plan if she doesn’t buy it?”
“Option B,” Ethan said. “Agent Patterson will talk to her.”
36
RISA
Where was Luke Reardon? Pacing my apartment living area, I phoned his office at the FBI building twice with no answer, then twice more on his cell phone and left messages at both places. I should have gone into the office and conducted business there, but my appearance without the SAC first having ample time to tell others of my reinstatement wasn’t appropriate. Luke held the respect of many agents, known for his integrity and professionalism. He’d return my calls at his earliest convenience.
Working again without threat of the wrong people moving in on my parents was an answered prayer. Satisfaction filled me on multiple levels. Trenton had been right. Sometimes my IQ shoved me into wrong conclusions. The road trip had ushered me back into God’s arms, even if I admitted to fear still taking over my concern for others.
