Page 41 of Now or Never
“There are all kinds of things, it’s crazy.” Maizie paused. “Elizabeth found personnel records, but they aren’t people who exist. We found maps of different metropolitan areas, and what look like escape routes. Then there’s a long section of battle plans. An in-depth review of the European Union and projections for the next twenty years, including expanding to several additional nations.”
“Like Croatia?”
“Yeah, actually. That country is on the list. How did you know?”
“Just a hunch. I don’t suppose there’s any indication ofDominatusin the files is there?”
“Not in what we’ve looked at so far. Like, they didn’t sign it or anything obvious like that.” Maizie paused. “Craig thinks the place was some kind of think tank, but he’s trying to piece together what they were working on. Right now, it’s all just random tasks that don’t make sense unless they add up to something.”
“Could be a number of scenarios.” Kenna didn’t know much about think tanks. “Was it something the government was doing, or a private company?”
“All we know is it’s connected to the lawyers. Like maybe they participated, but we still don’t know who was paying the bills. We’re hoping there’s a list of people involved somewhere in the packet, so we know what their role was. And who paid them.”
“Hmm,” Kenna said. “Seems odd that they jumped on this. Unless it was a way to further their aim of fightingDominatus.”
Jax nodded. “We should go inside and look around. They might’ve cleared out, but there could be something inside worth finding.”
“Maizie, can you send us the photos that are with the personnel records? I’d like to look at all the people and see if I can recognize any of them.”
“Okay.” Her voice was quiet for that. “I didn’t know if you wanted to see them.”
“I don’t, but it’s a good idea.”
“I’ll send them.”
“Keep us updated on the fire, and the file packet, okay?” Kenna stepped away from the car and turned to face Jax.
The street remained empty. She hadn’t seen any movement or lights on in the windows of the building, no cars had passedthem, and no one was visible around any of the other buildings on the street in this industrial area. Only the drone of morning rush-hour traffic a couple of streets over let her know they weren’t completely alone.
“Will do.” Maizie signed off.
Kenna stuck her phone in her pocket. “Let’s go.”
He didn’t move. That steady gaze held hers, strength and peace in his expression. “What if I asked you to stay in the car?”
“I would, even though I’d probably complain. Not that I need to be in the middle of the action.” She laid a hand on his jacket, over his heart. “I just feel safer near you.”
“I know what you mean.” He nodded slowly, as if conceding the point within himself. At war in his own mind between work and keeping them both safe. “Let’s at least peek in the window. See what we can see. If it looks clear, we could check it out.”
She nodded. “Sounds good.”
Before she could even turn, the sound of traffic swelled. Multiple vehicles turned the corner at the end of the street. Black SUVs, the kind that could only be government vehicles, sped down the street.
She tucked herself closer to Jax, who straightened away from the car with her in his arms. Ready for what happened next.
The SUVs didn’t pass by. Instead, they turned into the empty parking lot where she and Jax stood and screeched to a halt around them and men and women in suits climbed out.
Kenna stayed by Jax’s side as he turned to face the approaching agents. No question, that’s what they were. Even before she saw the first badge on a belt each of the suited men and a couple of severe-looking women, she knew they were with an agency.
Kenna muttered, “Secret Service.”
“That’s a new one.” Louder, Jax said, “Can we help you?”
The lead agent was older, probably in his fifties. Still trim like maybe he’d never had an extra few pounds in his life but kept his weight as tight as his belt. Hair completely white. No stubble on his chin. Clean-cut, maybe military at some point. “I’m Assistant Director Ranturno.” He glanced between them. “Mr. Jaxton, Ms. Banbury.”
“It’s Mrs. Jaxton.” Depending on whether this was a personal or a business contact, anyway. Right now, she wanted as much association with Jax as possible. They had to know who she and Jax were to each other. Plus, it was fun to correct someone who operated on the principle that they knew everything.
“Right.” Ranturno nodded. “The president would like a word with the two of you.”
