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Chapter Three

Brooklyn Sloane January 2025 Monday — 10:56 am

The chime of the elevator indicated its arrival on the fourteenth floor of a financial building in downtown D.C. The doors slid silently open to reveal a sign designating which of the two entrances belonged to S&E Investigations, Inc. The other business was a hedge fund that catered to high-net-worth individuals.

Brook had chosen the space based on the additional layer of security for the national bank that occupied the first and second floors. The lease was for five years, with the option to extend that specific timeframe. The firm’s CPA was already in negotiations with the building’s management.

She began to remove her leather gloves as she approached the double glass doors. The brief conversation that she had with Jordan hadn’t gone quite as expected, and she had ended the call with the promise to reach out to him in a few hours. Such respite would give her enough time to discuss whether to take on the investigation or leave it in the hands of local law enforcement. She had worked in tandem with the Montgomery County Police Department during her time with the FBI, and the local police had solid leadership.

The sound of a muted buzzer had her bypassing the biometric scanner to the left of the entrance. Brook opened one of the glass doors and was immediately enveloped with the faint scent of her favorite beverage.

No one made a cup of coffee quite like Arden Hinnish.

“Good morning, Arden. Would you please gather everyone in the conference room? There’s been a new development in our caseload.”

“Of course,” Arden replied from behind the receptionist's desk. His glasses, a recent necessity, made him appear even more distinguished than his salt-and-pepper mustache and burgundy cardigan. “By the way, you’ve had several calls from a criminal attorney based in Bethesda, Maryland. I left his name and number on your desk.”

Brook hadn’t shared with anyone her previous conversation with Jordan Miles. With the upcoming trial, she and the team shouldn’t be taking on anything but cold cases for the foreseeable future. In addition, S&E Investigations preferred to take on serial investigations, not ones with single victims that a local police department could handle.

She continued to cross the foyer to the doorway of her private office. The elegance and functionality of the space were evident in every detail, from the white walls to the minimalist black furniture. A sleek desk was positioned across from a seating area, while the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of downtown D.C.

At the time of signing the original lease, Jacob hadn’t been behind bars in a federal prison. She had opted for a direct line of vision to the elevator bank, and the modern décor of floor-to-ceiling interior glass panes had made that possible.

Brook hung her dress coat on the antique coat rack tucked in the corner before settling into her chair. She set her phone on her desk before reaching for the remote. She pressed the power button, and the fifty-five-inch television screen mounted in the far corner came to life.

Jordan Miles was a figure of affluence and influence. He moved through very high-powered circles, and a few of his peers had labeled him a beacon of innovation in the pharmaceutical world. His attorney had somehow managed to keep the murder of Mara Miles under wraps for now, but it was only a matter of time before the media caught wind of it and unleashed a frenzy.

Brook glanced down at the pink slip of paper next to her keyboard. The caller had been Jordan’s lawyer, Barry Ackles. She had heard of him through reputation only, and it was no surprise that Jordan would have the man and his firm on retainer. She continued to stare at the name while speculating just how wide Mr. Ackles’ circle might be in the justice system.

Mitch Norona’s involvement with Jacob’s case wasn’t happenstance.

Maybe, just maybe, there could be an exchange of favors this time around.

“Here you are,” Arden announced as he entered her office. He was carrying her designated mug adorned with the word ‘BOSS’ on the side—a gift from Bit a couple of years ago. “Seeing as you didn’t have a to-go cup in hand from your favorite café, I thought you could use a pick-me-up after this morning’s court appearance.”

“Much needed, too,” Brook responded as she wrapped her hands around the warm ceramic. The whipped cream had been decorated with lines of drizzled caramel. She would switch to black coffee later in the day, but she wouldn’t pass over her morning ritual. “Thank you, Arden. Were you able to email the last of the reports to the Bureau regarding the case in California?”

As a former private investigator, Arden’s retirement had been more of a formality than a finality. After the death of his wife, he discovered sitting at home alone wasn’t for him. His decision benefited everyone at S&E Investigations. He might no longer work out in the field, but his numerous connections across the city proved invaluable.

“Yes, and I have already notified the accountants of the hours spent on the investigation.” Arden caught her sharp glance toward the television. Jacob’s photograph had suddenly appeared in the top right corner. The short segment gave the viewers just enough incentive to want to tune in for future updates on the trial. “I’ll mark the date on your calendar.”

Considering the headline at the bottom of the screen displayed the specific date when jury selection would commence, Brook no longer needed to divulge that piece of information.

Somehow, Jacob had managed to garner the upper hand.

Brook had been able to stay one step ahead of him recently, but it was virtually impossible to predict what plans he had put in place before turning himself into the FBI.

“Would you please set up a video conference with the warden at FCI Cumberland?” Brook requested as she stood from her desk. She tore her gaze from the screen to focus on Arden. “This afternoon, if possible.”

“Yes,” Arden replied as he waited for her to fall into step beside him. He sported the same cologne that her father used to wear, not that she had shared such a personal detail with him. The woodsy fragrance was a reminder of her childhood. Some of those memories were wonderful, while others were utterly horrific. “I’ll join you shortly.”

“No rush.”

While Arden made his way to his desk, Brook continued down the hallway. Graham’s office, not that he used it very often, was right next to hers. She wouldn’t speak with him until morning, which was when she would inform him of her decision to take Jordan's case. She had initially been leaning heavily against getting involved with the investigation, but the team would understand her reason behind such a change of heart.

“How was your weekend?”

Brook leaned against the doorway of Theo Neville’s office. She took a moment to observe her friend and trusted colleague. It wasn’t his athletic build that cut an imposing figure absorbed in his work, but the black eyepatch that concealed his right eye. The leather accessory was a defining part of his identity, and he wore it with as much certainty as his unwavering determination in both his personal and professional life.

“The trip home was good,” Theo replied before swiveling his chair until he was facing her. He flashed a smile. “My parents loved Mia. Mom took her shopping on Saturday, and we had a family dinner that night. Dad has been having issues with a pinched nerve in his shoulder blade, and by the time Mia got done with him, he was singing her praises.”

Brook had contemplated a time or two making an appointment with Mia Williams but had never followed through. Theo had met the woman while jogging one morning over a year ago, and the two had hit it off almost immediately. Mia resided in Georgetown and owned a very successful chiropractic clinic in D.C.

“I never doubted it for a second.”

“Is this meeting about Norona?” Theo asked with interest as he signed out of his computer. “Bit is gathering everything he can about the man, both personally and professionally. We should have some information soon.”

“In a manner of speaking." Brook deliberately kept her response vague. She would rather wait until everyone was seated in the conference room before providing any specifics. “We actually have a new case. One that could inadvertently help us figure out how Norona was contacted by Jacob.”

Theo’s cell phone rang, and it was obvious from his smile whose name appeared on the display. Brook had spent many years closed off from others. Theo had been the first person not to let her emotional barriers keep him at bay. Maintaining her distance from others had served a purpose, and while it had been a very difficult habit to break, she was very grateful for his friendship. He deserved happiness in his life, and Brook was delighted that he had found it in Mia.

“Tell Mia that I said hi,” Brook said before she continued her way down the hall. She found Sylvie Deering already in the conference room, her black-rimmed glasses perched on her nose as she used the stylus to write something on her tablet. “Good morning.”

“Watch your step,” Sylvie immediately cautioned without glancing up from her work. Brook came to a complete standstill right before a white blur darted in between her high heels. “Coconut needed time with her Uncle Arden.”

Had someone asked Brook three years ago if she would have five people in her life who she trusted implicitly, she would have written them off as mentally insane. Her therapist, on the other, had expressed his deep satisfaction with the strides she had taken in her therapy.

“I thought we agreed that Coco would only be in the office on Fridays.”

Sylvie had been an analyst for the Bureau before Brook had extended an offer for the young woman to work for S&E Investigations, Inc. Considering that Sylvie had as close to a photographic memory as one could get without officially being labeled an eidetic, she added extreme value to the team. She had also been through a very difficult time as of late, hence Coconut being a gift from the team last summer.

Brook adored the white cat, who was now almost a year old. Not that she went around admitting to such a fact. She had a reputation to protect, after all. However, the building’s management would almost certainly frown upon the knowledge of a litter box being set up next to the couch in the lounge area off the kitchen.

“Today is an exception,” Sylvie declared as she set her stylus down in exchange for the steaming cup of hot tea in front of her. She discreetly glanced toward the doorway to ensure no one was entering the room. “Today would have been Arden and his wife’s forty-fifth wedding anniversary.”

Brook closed her eyes, angry with herself for not paying more attention to those around her. After a brief moment of giving herself an internal lecture, she made her way over to the chair at the head of the table.

“You have a lot on your plate, Brook. Besides, I think worrying about you this morning has given Arden something else to do,” Sylvie said gently before lifting her teacup close to her lips and gently blowing on the contents. As usual, her blonde hair was pulled back into a bun at the base of her neck. She took a tentative sip of her tea before changing the subject. “I’m going to ask you a question, and I want your honest opinion.”

“Have I ever not given you my honest opinion?” Brook asked as she used the remote to power up the large 4k monitor that Bit had set up on the back wall. The screen came to life and displayed a murder board template. She would eventually draft a profile based on the information that would ultimately be entered into the software program. Setting the remote on the table, she concentrated on Sylvie. “Yes, you should buy the house.”

“How did…” Sylvie’s blue eyes widened in surprise before she smirked in amusement. “Never mind. I should know better than to ask you how you know these things.”

Brook could have come clean and explained that a realtor had phoned the office last Thursday night, but where was the fun in that? Besides, Sylvie hadn’t mentioned wanting to move from her apartment. After being attacked in the middle of her living room and almost losing her life, no one could blame her for seeking a fresh start elsewhere.

“Morning, Boss,” Bit exclaimed as he rushed into the conference room. His arrival was just as animated as his personality. Unsurprisingly, he was wearing one of his long-sleeved graphic t-shirts of a video game character, a pair of faded blue jeans, and a knitted grey beanie that had become a staple in his wardrobe. “I went through the logs of the federal prison, and not a single phone call was made to or from Norona’s law firm.”

Sylvie reached over, mindful of her tea, and pushed out Bit’s chair. He didn’t even seem to notice the gesture as he sank into the seat. Not once had he taken his gaze off the display of his laptop as he balanced it in one hand. He carried an energy drink in the other, not that he needed the additional caffeine.

The significance of Bit’s words wasn’t lost on Brook. She was all too aware of Jacob’s ability to orchestrate every strategic move well in advance. She could only assume that he had prearranged for Norona to step in if additional charges were filed at a certain point during her brother’s incarceration.

“Is there a way for you to use the speculative timeline that we’ve compiled of Jacob’s movements after he attacked Sarah Evanston? Maybe compare them to Norona’s travels over the past couple of years. There has to be something connecting them.”

“I’ve already started, but nothing really sticks out that could potentially line up, Boss. I’ll keep at it, though.” Bit finally shot a smile toward Sylvie. “Hey, Little T. Are we on for tonight?”

“Absolutely.”

Theo and Arden joined them before Bit and Sylvie could finish their discussion about a video game session. Bit’s girlfriend, Zoey, was heavily into the role-playing games. She had somehow convinced Sylvie to give one in particular a try, and she was now completely hooked. Even Brook could see how therapeutic gaming had been for Sylvie in the aftermath of her attack.

Brook sipped her coffee while waiting for everyone to get comfortable. They typically held a meeting every morning to go over case details. If they were between investigations, they used the time to discuss various business-related topics that would improve the company’s future.

Today, however, was going to take them by surprise.

“Jordan Miles was arrested last night for his wife's murder.”

Brook gave the team time to absorb the news. From Theo’s guarded expression, he had already made the connection to Mitch Norona. It was obvious that Sylvie and Arden were slowly comprehending the relevance of such an investigation, but they were mistaken about the reason behind her interest.

“This means no more air transportation, doesn’t it?”

Sylvie leaned over toward Bit to clarify that Jordan was their new client, but Brook didn’t want any misconceptions. They were under the assumption that Brook and Jordan were friends. Their relationship was nothing more than a quid pro quo type of alliance. She had spent many years cultivating favors from those who had the means of collecting information she might need concerning her brother. What she asked for in return sometimes blurred the lines of the justice system, but she would stop at nothing until Jacob was held accountable for every one of his sins.

Jordan Miles didn’t technically fall into the list of individuals who she had earmarked over the years, but with money came power. Upon the firm's inception, Brook had petitioned the use of Jordan’s private jet from time to time. He hadn’t blinked at her request, but the team hadn’t been made aware of the particulars of the exchange.

Brook would never betray the man’s confidence, either.

“We won’t need air transportation for this investigation, Bit.” Brook caught sight of a white blur crossing the threshold. Coco had joined them, as if sensing the tension in the room. “It is my hope that we will be working alongside the Montgomery County Police Department.”

“If the police have already made an arrest, there won’t be an investigation,” Theo pointed out, garnering a nod of agreement from Arden. “Their entire focus will be on strengthening their case for the prosecutor.”

“I don’t know the details of last night’s arrest.” Brook paused, choosing the rest of her words very carefully. “What I do know is that the attorney who is representing Jordan called our offices this morning. Apparently, Barry Ackles attempted to reach me by cell phone, only I was in the courtroom. When I didn’t immediately return his call, Jordan reached out to me the second he made bail. He proclaimed his innocence before asking if we would help him prove it.”

Brook had left her phone and tablet in her office, but she had brought with her the pink slip that Arden had left on her desk. She stared at the name and number scrawled in black ink. She could easily return the man’s call, engage in a professional discussion about the evidence, and provide advice for his firm’s private investigator. Ackles might even be inclined to return the favor at some point, but she was unaware of how well-armed she would need to be against Norona.

“I’d like to take the case.”

There were several reasons why the team might disagree with her decision. She could list three right off the top—S&E Investigations usually didn’t get involved in murder investigations with a single victim, the firm already had two cold cases on its schedule, and Jacob’s trial was about to begin in three weeks.

“What if we discover Jordan Miles is guilty of murdering his wife?” Sylvie asked after Coco had jumped into her lap. She subconsciously stroked a hand down the kitten’s back while focusing on Brook. “What if he is using us to divert attention away from the evidence? What then?”

“We say goodbye to the plane, along with those delicious tiny bags of peanuts.”

Bit’s heartbroken quip had eased some of the tension in the room. Considering that no one had pushed back against her wishes, Brook was able to breathe a little easier. Sylvie’s inquiry hadn’t been in the literal sense. It was her way of ensuring Brook was emotionally equipped to handle another person in her life being branded a killer.

“Jordan Miles is an acquaintance who owes me a few favors. Nothing more, nothing less.” Brook ignored the curiosity stemming from each and every one of their gazes. “If Jordan is guilty of killing his wife, we will see to it that any and all evidence discovered during the investigation is handed over to the prosecutor. And yes, I will make that abundantly clear to Jordan and Ackles during our initial meeting.”

“I’m on board,” Theo said as he pushed away from the table. “I’ll reach out to the Montgomery County Police Department. I worked alongside one of their detectives right out of the academy. With any luck, he is still there.”

“See if you can get us authorization to walk through the crime scene,” Brook directed, even though she anticipated some pushback despite Theo’s potential connection. This wasn’t a federal case, and they wouldn’t have the backing of the Bureau. “I’m sure their forensics team is still processing evidence. Arden, would you start the paperwork to officially request their criminal reports?”

Sylvie had already set Coco down on the floor so she could collect her tablet and tea. One of her guilty pleasures was reading the tabloids and gossip magazines. Journalists and photographers frequently covered Jordan and Mara Miles on a weekly basis. There wasn’t one event or charity function that the two didn’t attend in and around the city. If any rumors needed to be investigated regarding the couples’ personal lives, Sylvie would have a full list for the team by this afternoon.

“Sylvie’s going to have fun with this one,” Theo said with a touch of amusement as he patted Arden’s shoulder. “Listen, when you reach out to…”

Theo’s voice trailed away as he and Arden exited the conference room. Sylvie had already disappeared into her office, leaving Brook and Bit behind. She picked up her coffee cup and made her way around the table to observe for herself what had caught his attention. While she had been giving everyone else directives, something of interest had diverted his focus away from the conversation.

“I don’t know, Boss,” Bit muttered as he gestured toward the small screen. The news of Mara Miles’ death had finally hit the national news alongside the arrest of her husband. The headlines were enough to sway public opinion on his guilt. “Jordan Miles was found kneeling beside his dead wife in their bedroom with the murder weapon in his hand. It sounds to me like we might have taken our last flight on his private jet. I really liked those peanuts, too.”