Page 65 of I'll Be There
“I’ll get you out of this, Conner. But it’s time to let this go. Justin is dead. I’m sorry. SOF killed him. I don’t know what’s cooking in your head, but it’s not accurate.”
“I found the money trail. I know you’re benefiting from government contracts dished out after SOF terror attacks.”
Blankenship got up. “You found nothing.”
“Vanguard Investments.”
The man raised a shoulder. “Something my sister is heavily invested in.”
“The trail leads back to you.”
“Do you want out in time for your wedding, or not? Because I was ready to tidy this up, but just say the word, and I’ll let you sit here until the Canadian Mounties show up.”
Conner drew in a breath. “How did you know I’m getting married?”
Blankenship shook his head, a crease between his eyebrows as if trying not to laugh. “I’m with the NSA. We know everything.” He then set the phone down and pressed a button.
The voice that came over the line dragged an icy finger down Conner’s spine.
“And after you finish hiking Devil’s Kettle, you should eat at the Naniboujou Lodge. It was built in 1920 and still has the original paint in the interior. They have an amazing wild rice burger.”
He pushed mute, cool eyes on Conner. “No one can hide from us. You never know when you’ll turn around and we’ll be there.” He picked up his phone. Pocketed it. “It’s time to let this go, Conner. Justin is gone, and you’re getting married. I think your bride needs your attention.”
Pete, please be with Liza!But Conner couldn’t look away from Blankenship, the tiny twitch of his mouth as if...
“This isn’t over,” Conner whispered. “I know what you did. And I will prove it.”
“It’d better be,” Blankenship said. “Or you might never have that honeymoon.”
Conner hit his feet.
Blankenship held out his hand. “I’m just saying, the red tape from Canada might tie up all those wedding plans. Doesn’t your bride deserve her perfect day?”
Conner blew out a tremulous breath.
“I hate those last-minute wedding snafus, don’t you?” Blankenship turned and banged on the door. “All done here.”
Conner pressed his hands on the desk, his arms shaking.
Hung his head as Blankenship walked out.
The door swished shut behind him, and he sank down in the chair, scrubbed a hand over his face.
Closed his eyes as the door reopened.
Silence.
“He had Liza,” Conner said, and looked up. “He said Blue had—”
“We heard him,” Kyle said quietly. Micah stood beside him, his expression grim.
Conner drew in a breath. “I...I’m not sure why I thought that would work.” He stood up so fast the chair dumped over. “I should have just—just—”
“What?” Micah said. “Waited for him with a sniper rifle?”
Yes.“No.”
“We don’t have enough proof. Not yet.”
