Page 18 of Deadly Threat
Sam agreed, tucking a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. “We should pool our resources, not scatter them. I’ll talk to Coop, come up with a plan for a way the Taskforce can help.”
Malachi had finished his burrito and wished he had two more. “Harris told me to stay away from Mia. I don’t think he’ll suddenly change his mind and want our assistance. The only chance that would happen is if Dupé assigned the Taskforce to the case, and they determined they needed fugitive apprehension agents. Otherwise, why would he do that?”
“Why indeed?” As if they’d conjured him, the West Coast Director of the FBI appeared in the doorway.
“Oh, boy,” Caleb quipped. “Do you walk through walls now, too?”
Dupé didn’t so much as crack a smile. “The front door was unlocked.”
Josie went pale and jumped up. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered to the group. “I disengaged it and the chime. I’ll go fix that.”
As the man moved into the room, Malachi saw Harris behind him. He ran a hand over his face as the two filled the space, both glaring at him.
He motioned at the older man. “Mia Livingston, meet Director Dupé.”
He offered a strained smile. “We’ve been trying to get in touch with you, Ms. Livingston.”
She rose and Malachi saw Ladybug try to stand. Her bandaged leg was stiff and she couldn’t get her footing. “Have you found her?”
“I’m afraid not, but I’d like to discuss the situation with you. The detective who took your statement mentioned that you’re convinced this is the work of the Quattro Gang. While the MO is different, and we don’t believe it is them, I’d appreciate you working with my group to review possible places the gang may have held you, in case they give us insight into your sister’s whereabouts.”
“I never knew the locations. Every time they moved me…” Her voice hitched and Ladybug squirmed again, determined to get to her. Malachi stood, brushing her arm with his in a show of solidarity. She paused, swallowed, and went on. “They kept me blindfolded and drugged.”
Dupé’s focus flicked to Malachi and back. In that tiniest of movements, Malachi saw the reprimand he was holding in. “Even the most insignificant detail could prove useful. I know you want to do everything possible to end this for your sister.”
Her chin rose. “Don’t try to manipulate me. I’ll go over the details with your agents, but I want Malachi and this team involved every step of the way.”
“Technically,” Sam said, raising her hand, “I’m the liaison between them. You can talk to me, if that suits.”
“As long as Malachi is included,” Mia insisted.
The director liked a challenge, as evident in the appraisal he gave her. “We always appreciate the Cahill brothers’ expertise, but they aren’t qualified for this type of case, Ms. Livingston. Samantha is. I assure you, my Taskforce is the best in the—”
“If you want my help”—Mia’s finger punched the table—“it’s a package deal.”
The corners of Dupé’s eyes narrowed. Just a pinch, and then it was gone. He glanced at Harris, who gave a nod, then regarded Mia once more. “Very well. Ms. Livingston, meet Cooper Harris, in charge of the SCVC Taskforce. He and Samantha will review your statements regarding your plight, and forward any helpful information to me. As I mentioned, the Bureau does not believe this is connected to the Quattro Gang, and the kidnappers may reach out with ransom demands. We’d like to have access to your apartment and landline, as well as your cell, to enable us to trace any calls.”
“I don’t have a landline, and you can do whatever you want with my cell, but they don’t have my number. You’re barking up the wrong tree with the idea that they’ll contact us with a ransom request, but if they do, it will be to my father and mother.”
Dupé gave her that smile again, more patient than stoic this time. “You’ve thought this through.”
Josie returned, exchanging a look with Caleb before returning to her seat.
“Might be wise to listen to her.” Malachi gave the director an impassive smile.
“My parents are out of town, but they’ll be here in the morning.”
A muscle in Dupé’s cheek jumped. “As you wish, Ms. Livingston.” He withdrew a business card from his breast pocket and handed it to her. “If you need anything or have further insights you’d like to share directly with me, call this number. Otherwise, I’ll leave you in the hands of…” He looked around at the group gathered. “These capable agents.”
The man left and the room suddenly felt lighter. Harris rocked on his heels, giving Malachi a stern look. “I warned you not to get involved.”
Malachi grinned, just to irritate him further. “Luckily, you’re not my boss.”
Mia sank into the chair, all the fight gone out of her. She scrubbed her eyes and visibly shook herself. Ladybug whimpered and Malachi picked up the poor dog and placed her in Mia’s lap.
She hugged Ladybug gently. “I’m okay,” she murmured in her ear. She looked up and met Sam’s eyes. “Let’s get this over with.”
Seven
