Page 43 of Marked for Danger

“Kim’s right.” Declan nodded. “Those guys are the best at what they do, but there’s just one problem…”

Following his partner’s train of thought, Grady finished with, “They’re Feds.”

“Make sense.” Riedell agreed. “People have a tendency to open up with those they view as peers, as opposed to authority figures.”

“And if the employees at Los Cocina know what kind of man they’re working for”—Jacobs rejoined the conversation—“they sure as hell aren’t going to risk their lives by talking to the cops.”

“So here’s the plan moving forward.” Their boss reclaimed control of the room. “We’re going to begin a thorough investigation into everything related to Los Cocina. I’ve been on the phone all morning trying to get us a warrant to search the restaurant and any other property related to it. I’ll keep working on that while the team puts boots on the ground. Dress down, conceal your weapons, and don’t show your badges unless or until it becomes necessary. We don’t want to spook these people like the Feds most likely did.”

“What about Olly and me?” Izzy asked.

Turning his gaze to hers, Riedell said, “Our tech guys are going to fit your brother with two-way wire and a camera.” Sliding his attention to Olly, he added, “For now, it’s business as usual. Valdez calls with a job, you take it. But keep your eyes and ears out for anything that might possibly tie Valdez to those missing girls, and/or the weapons and drugs the Feds believe he’s also running through there.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Olly sat up straight and gave Riedell a tip of his chin

“Hold on.” Izzy’s voice tightened with worry. “Are we sure Valdez doesn’t suspect Olly of anything?” She turned her hazel gaze toward Grady, the worry there clouding her otherwise vibrant browns and greens. “After what happened last night…”

A tiny shiver ran through her, the display of fear renewing Grady’s silent vow to find the bastard who took a shot at her and end him.

“It’s a valid concern,” Kim chimed back in. “The shooting took place right outside Olly’s apartment building. Cops were everywhere, and if the shooter stuck around, it’s possible he saw the two of you getting chummy with the other officers on scene.”

“But I stayed on my side of the street, just like all the other tenants in my building,” Olly reminded them. “And when your boss came to my door, I made sure a few comments were audible from all the way down the hall. Just for good measure.”

Grady smirked, wishing he could’ve bene present for that little show.

I think I like this guy.

Actually, he damn well loved him.

Oliver Garcia may have been dealt a shit hand, but it’s how he handled himself in the face of adversity. Even as a young man—a kid, really—the guy had done whatever it took in order to save his sister from one of the worst traumas a person could experience. Not to mention the years of suffering that typically followed an attack of that nature.

And he’s been paying the price ever since.

Making a mental note to do whatever he could to help Izzy’s brother out once this was all over, Grady got his head back in the game and focused on the problem at hand.

“And I played it up, as well,” Riedell added, also referring to his and Olly’s door-to-door conversation.

“I’d say you’re in the clear.” Jacobs’ raspy voice filled the room. When the team’s attention turned to him, his focus went straight to Olly. “Think about the type of guy Dante Valdez is. If he even suspected you were working with the cops, don’t you think he would’ve acted on that shit last night?”

“Or even this morning,” Kim agreed. “You slept at your place last night, yeah?” When Olly confirmed this, she began to nod. “I think Blake’s right. Valdez had hours to move in after the cops cleared out last night. And correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you have a meet with him first thing this morning?”

“I did.” Olly looked down the table to where Kim was sitting. “I’ve never personally witnessed the man in action, but I didn’t pick up any wonky vibes this morning.”

“What did you meet about?”

“It was just another delivery job. Me and a couple guys put a load of supplies on the truck, and then I drove them to another warehouse across town. That was it.”

“You have any idea what the supplies were?”

Olly shook his head. “No clue. The containers are always sealed, and there’s no way to tamper with them without it being obvious.”

“So he had you meet at the ass crack of dawn to move boxes of stuff from one warehouse to the other?” Jacobs frowned. “That’s it?”

“That was it.”

“Could’ve been a loyalty test of sorts,” Grady pointed out. “Just to make sure you can follow orders as they were given.”

“Wouldn’t put it past the asshole.” Olly snorted. “But I was around him for about three hours, and I didn’t pick up on anything out of the ordinary. And trust me, I’ve been around him and his men enough to know he doesn’t play. You cross Valdez, you may as well start digging your own grave.”

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