Page 25 of Special Agent Murphy

Chapter Seventeen

Murphy saw the way the old man held on to Katherine’s hand and her sweet reaction. The woman was a puzzle to him. If he hadn’t seen her fight the night before, he’d never believe she had the killer instincts she’d exhibited to his delight.

She joined him in the car and asked, “What now?”

“I’ll drop you back at the Senator’s house so you can check out Misti’s room and get a list of her friends. We’ll have to question them. See if any of them were at the strip bar last night and can tell us about Gina and Alex. Maybe someone took some photos, selfies, whatever. We need to gather any info we can on those two.”

“Okay. You’re right. I meant to ask. When they left the club, Gina was with Misti, but you never mentioned seeing her at the car. Only the two men. One that pushed her into the back and went in with her and Draper who drove, right?”

“Yeah. I can’t say if Gina did go along. I didn’t see if the other passenger was the girl, but it would make sense.”

“Except nothing about this case makes any sense.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, why would two perfect strangers woo two kids out for some fun with their peers. Take them on, buy them drinks to get them plastered, even drag them off to another bar and then kidnap the girl? Oh yeah, and not bother to ask for any ransom.”

“Oh, it’ll happen. They’re just stirring the pot, making the parents crazy with worry so they’ll be more apt to pay without making any waves.”

“The waves have already crashed the shore, bud. When I was occupied in the bar, I have no doubt my badge was in full view of anyone who was watching. Like Alex holding Ryan from getting involved with them taking Misti. I figure he’ll let them know the FBI became involved that night.”

Murphy took his time to answer and finally admitted what he’d been suspecting all along, “Which could be the reason why they haven’t asked for ransom. Kidnapping’s a felony with a huge penalty, like jailtime until Social Security kicks in… and then some.”

“Exactly. What if they’re rethinking their plans and just decide to out and out kill her, dump the body so it’s never found and cut their loses?”

“Okay, now you’re switching the endgame, and it’s making sense.” Murphy clutched the steering wheel tighter, sad that she’d connected to his own earlier deductions. He growled his frustration, “Son of a bitch.”

“I know. Right? Did you find out anything from the bartender or any of the waitresses from the club on Fourteenth?”

Murphy gave her his look that usually made people uncomfortable and realized it didn’t faze her at all. Not knowing how to take that, he ignored the slight rise in his interest and decided to answer, “Yeah, I talked with the owner. He tended bar that night and was a bit helpful. Didn’t know where Alex lived. Did give me an address where he often hung out. A poolroom in the area where a lot of gang members relax and gather.”

“Oh, good. I imagine we’ll be visiting the place later?”

“Not we. Me. You’ll be more help with the Senator and his wife. Keep them calm and get names of her classmates so we can start a sweep of her friends.”

Murphy saw the look she flashed him, the one that said you’re an asshole and liked that she let her feelings be known. But he still wasn’t about to include her in an action that could be dangerous to the extreme. If she’d have been a male, it might have made a difference. Call him a chauvinistic old dog, but for some crazy reason he wasn’t about to explore, he’d rather she be safe.

Plus, being a loner after the shit show with his last partner was safer.

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