“Kent Malloy is on the scene. Kent, any further developments?” Nobles asked as the camera shifted to a live shot, bright lights illuminating the reporter as he did a stand-up with the charred building as a backdrop.
“The Fayette County Fire Department is investigating what caused the explosion. A source speculated to me off camera that the device was likely triggered remotely. As to who set the device or why, those questions have yet to be answered. FBI investigators are on site now, sifting through the debris for clues.”
“Have the victims been identified?” Nobles’s voice held just the right touch of concern to Priscilla’s ears.
“The FBI just released their names. John Evans, the manager, had worked for the motel for twenty years. The other victim, Rachel Whitehurst, rented the room where the bomb exploded. The FBI said Ms. Whitehurst worked at Fairfax Inova Hospital in Virginia. Fayette County Sheriff’s Department informed me only moments ago that Ms. Whitehurst was a person of interest in the escape of alleged hit man Mason Culvert, who’s been on the run since Monday.”
“Kent, did the sheriff’s department provide any further details about the Culvert case?” Nobles interjected from the studio.
“Only that US marshals had come to interview Ms. Whitehurst in connection with Culvert’s escape from custody following his emergency appendectomy on Sunday.”
“Thank you, Kent. We’ll be bringing you updates on the explosion in Peebles, West Virginia, as things unfold.” Nobles glanced at the papers on the polished table in front of her. “In national news, the president met with...”
Someone knocked on the door, and opened it before Priscilla or Luc could respond. Mac held up two bags of Chinese takeout. “I thought we’d eat in here, as I’m sure you have some questions about what’s happening.” He crossed the room and placed the bags on the dresser beside the TV. “You saw the news?”
“Yes.” Luc got to his feet. “I didn’t know they had confirmed Rachel’s death.”
“I wouldn’t have released that information, but it’s not our investigation.” Mac hauled out several food containers. “We have sweet-and-sour pork, chicken and broccoli, and moo shu beef and cabbage. What would you like?”
Priscilla picked the pork, Luc took the chicken and Mac seemed happy to have the beef-and-cabbage dish all to himself. Mac dished out the fried rice and spring rolls on paper plates he’d brought with him, and handed out napkins and utensils.
“If you’ll grab the desk chair, we can use the coffee table for our plates,” Luc suggested.
“Good idea. I’ll get some bottled water. Be right back.” Mac pulled the door to, but it didn’t latch, leaving a slight crack.
The marshals’ dinner conversation piqued Priscilla’s interest as she balanced her plate on her lap.
“The photos of the motel bomb site are very similar to another bombing attributed to Culvert,” Aldrich said, talking in the other room. “That other bombing was triggered by a keycard inserted into the door lock. Coincidence? I think not.”
* * *
The color drained from Priscilla’s face. “That poor woman.”
Luc put down his plate of food and was about to put his arm around her shaking shoulders when Mac returned with three bottles of water. Mac pushed the door closed with his foot before joining them around the coffee table.
“You heard Aldrich’s comment?” Mac passed around the bottled water as both Luc and Priscilla nodded. “We’re taking every precaution to keep you safe.”
She hunched her shoulders as she toyed with her fork above the steaming pork dish. “I know you are.”
But Luc could practically feel the stress crashing off her like waves against rocks. He asked the question that had been bouncing around in his brain for a while. “How can you be sure it’s Culvert who’s behind the attempts on Priscilla’s life and these deaths?”
Mac arched his eyebrows. “Culvert will do anything to avoid paying for his crimes.” He speared a piece of beef with a chopstick but didn’t pop it in his mouth. “Priscilla’s in the witness protection program because she witnessed him shoot three people—at point-blank range. In my professional opinion, yes, I believe Culvert’s behind all of it.”