Page 22 of Dead Fall (The Quantico Files 2)

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Chief Gorman came into the community room and greeted Harper. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. It’s been a rough day. If you’ll follow me, we’ll go to my office and talk.”

Harper said good-bye and left with Gorman.

“Where’s Monty?” Logan asked.

“I hope he went home,” Alex said. “I’m really worried about him.” She sighed and shook her head. “Well, I guess we need to get to work.” She threw away her cup, then headed back to the conference room. Kaely and Logan were right behind her, but before they reached the room, Chief Gorman stopped them.

“I wanted to let you know Monty’s grandmother is definitely deceased. Our crime-scene techs are going over her house now.” He hesitated a moment. “I’ve spoken to your unit chief. He’s ordered Monty back to Quantico. He said he’d feel better if you all came back and worked there. Until we know for certain who this UNSUB is targeting, he thinks you need to be under protection.”

“We want to be here,” Kaely said. “Two of the victims were killed in this area. We’d rather stay close to the crime scenes. We also need to see whatever you get from the grandmother’s house. It might help us. Besides, I’m certain we’re safe for now.”

“What makes you say that?” Gorman asked, frowning. “Because you’re in a police station?”

“Not only that, but it’s a sure thing none of us will be answering our phones,” Logan said. “In fact, let’s all turn them off now.”

Each agent took out their phone and switched it off.

“Your boss said you could work here today if you insisted, but tonight you’re all going to the FBI Academy at Quantico. We have no indication that any of you are in immediate danger, but we need to be especially careful. Monty’s being driven to Quantico. He needs some time to decompress. He’s not happy about it, but he’s under orders.”

“I’m glad,” Alex said. “He’s angry, and he wants to help find the person who did this. But he needs some time to deal with what’s happened. Sweeping it under the rug will only cause more problems down the road.”

“Was a page from Davis’s book at the scene?” Alex asked.

Gorman nodded. “With a three drawn on the back.”

Although she expected it, Gorman’s response sent a chill through her.

“Your chief is sending FBI police officers to pick you up later.”

“What about our SUV?” Logan asked.

“Leave it here for now,” the chief said. “Monty’s car is outside too. If the UNSUB is watching, it might be better if he thinks you’re all still here.”

“All right,” Logan said. “We’ll need to pick up our things from the motel.”

“Your boss is taking care of that too,” Gorman said. “He has agents in plainclothes packing up your stuff. They’ll have everything ready for you when you reach Quantico.” He handed Logan a file he had in his hand. “This is the information we have from Sydney. Right now they’re working the case as if it’s a single incident. We’re in communication with them. I’m sure they’ll realize these deaths are all connected, but it might not happen immediately. At least they’re willing to hear what we come up with. They want to solve their case as much as we want to solve ours. I also put a copy of the book page found at Monty’s grandmother’s house in there. One of the cops took a photo on their phone and sent it to us.”

Even the mention of a cell phone creeped Alex out a bit.

“Thanks,” Logan said.

“What else do you need?”

“How about some lunch?” Alex asked. “And a lot of coffee?”

“You got it,” Gorman said. “I’ll send one of my officers in to take your food order. And we’ll put on a fresh pot. I need to get back to Mr. Harper. Hopefully, he’ll have something helpful for us.” He frowned. “I want Cooper and Palmer to join you if they get back before you leave. They’re out following up on another case.”

Alex hoped Harper could help, but he couldn’t create information he didn’t have. She was certain the UNSUB would have done anything he could to stay away from the author’s sharp eyes.

They returned to the conference room and sat down. Alex was torn between the case and being concerned about what her friend was going through.

“I hurt for Monty,” Kaely said when the door closed.

Alex sighed. “I was just thinking the same thing. I’m not sure Jeff should allow him to work this case at all. I know he said he wants to be involved, but I think this is going to hit him hard when he’s alone.”

“I agree,” Logan said. “I’m glad we’ll all be close by if he needs us.” He opened the file Gorman had given him and took out the sheet of paper on the top. “Here’s the copy of the page left at Mrs. Wong’s.” He held it up and began to read.

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