Page 94 of Compelled Obedience

“What is the point of this meeting?” I pressed, although I was beginning to understand. With Kerri believing that her stepfather had been killed, her guard would fall, which could allow Drago to approach more easily. I was still missing something. If Drago had the money, he wouldn’t bother. Unless the evidence she had highlighted an entirely different type of crime.

Or a different person had been murdered than she had been led to believe.

Silas shoved his hands into his pockets as he moved closer. “Look, Grant. I’m well aware that not only is Kerri Bettington working for you but that she’s recently become a romantic interest.”

“Is there a law against that, Mr. Young?” Jameson asked for me.

“Of course not and Ms. Bettington is by no means in any kind of trouble.”

“But she is in danger,” I said in passing, keeping my eyes locked on the US Marshal. When he nodded, I sensed he’d been warned not to provide but so much information. We were civilians after all.

“Then what is going on other than Drago’s sudden departure from the program surprised the fuck out of you.” My question was laced with heightened anger. I was becoming more impatient with every minute that passed.

The three men seemed unwilling to provide the answer.

“Let me jog your memory, gentlemen. Does the name Colton Randolph mean anything to you?”

Another light of surprise shifted into three pairs of eyes.

“It’s come to our attention that the detective working on the original case prior to the DEA taking over has gone AWOL,” the marshal said, gritting his teeth.

“And my buddy in the justice system ruffling feathers stuck a firecracker under your asses to find out how much I know or that Ms. Bettington knows. Yes?”

“Yeah,” Palmer said. “I need to talk with her about her conversations with Sergeant Randolph.”

“You want to use Kerri and Drago’s son as bait to find out who’s really in charge of the cartel. But why go to all the trouble? If you’re thinking Sergeant Randolph turned, why after all these years?”

The three men looked uncomfortable as hell.

“Because the severed head of Mario Rivera, the now former leader of the LA Cartel was sent to the office of the DEA who handled Drago’s arrest.”

That was only part of it. There was something else of equal importance.

“And you think Drago Santiago is responsible, prepared to take over in the dead man’s shoes.” I was merely talking out loud at this point, trying to lure them into sliding the crumbs closer together.

The marshal took a deep breath then nodded. “And I think it’s possible that the only person who can bring the man to justice is Kerri Bettington. Although I’m not certain her testimony will be enough.”

I took a deep breath, trying to determine whether or not I could trust any of them. At this point, holding the evidence Kerri had obtained all those years ago could be the only method of keeping her safe.

Fuck.

Maybe the best thing to do was to find out for certain if they could be trusted. What I had in my pocket was a copy, the original already sent to my attorney. I did enjoy playing a cool game of poker.

“Then I think you’ll need this.” As I pulled the small envelope from my pocket, Marshal Palmer glanced at Silas before taking it from my hand. When he opened the flap, pulling out the grainy photographs, I could tell how important the pictures were to the investigation. I also had the distinct feeling I could trust him.

“Mr. Wilde. I think it’s time I have a discussion with Ms. Bettington. It would seem Drago Santiago has gone off the deep end.”

While I heard what the US Marshal was saying, the idea plausible, my gut told me something else.

“Jesus Christ,” Silas snarled. “We need to track down Sergeant Randolph. His life is likely on the line as well. This shit is coming to a head.”

The marshal studied my eyes. “Yeah, but I’m not entirely certain what you’re thinking is correct, Mr. Young.” It was as if we shared a connection. There was more than one person who’d crossed the line.

After taking a deep breath, I bristled. “I’ll take you to her.” I glanced at Lachlan who opened his eyes wide.

Then my phone rang. Seeing her number on the screen, the cold chill coursing down my back turned icy. “Kerri.”

Then I heard her scream.

---