Page 64 of Facing the Enemy

“FBI Special Agent Risa Jacobs.” He startled. “Professor Jacobs?”

“The same.”

“But how—?”

“Continue with your story, Ethan.”

“Smith drove into a parking area belonging to the restaurant and parked where he watched her. Nothing was said between us. I saw Carson sitting at a bus stop across from the restaurant bench but didn’t let on. I knew Smith would hurt him. After he hit the man, Smith told me he’d killed the wrong target, but this might work for the best. He also said anyone who got in his boss’s way was killed. We drove a few blocks, abandoned the SUV, and took a Dodge pickup truck that had the keys in it.” Ethan paused. “It was an older model, Dodge Ram.”

“What color?” I said.

“White. After I returned home, I told Carson if he wanted to keep his mom and unborn baby brother alive, he’d better keep his mouth shut.”

Almost word for word of Carson’s statement. “Carson is here.”

“Can I talk to him when we’re finished?”

“If he’s willing.”

Ethan’s shoulders relaxed. “Thank you. I hope he’ll forgive me. I’m glad he told you, but I’m worried Smith will follow through on his threats.”

“Carson is under our protection.”

“Against Smith or me?”

“Depends,” I said.

“That seems to be your common answer to my questions,” Ethan said. “Look, I’m a businessman, not a con man, a family man, not a killer.”

“Point made.” I tapped the table with my pen. “Have you kept any info from us?”

“Only I didn’t know what to do. I was trapped.” He paused and stared at me. “What do I say to my son?”

“The truth. Carson can handle it.”

“The truth?” Ethan scowled. “Then I need advice on what to tell Smith because he’ll want an explanation of why I’m here. I’m sure Smith and his goons followed me this morning. He claims to have eyes everywhere.”

I’d been thinking about that very thing. “Where is the burner that Smith gave you?”

“At your front desk.”

“And your personal cell phone?”

“There too.”

“I’m sure he’s tracking you through one or both phones. When we’re finished here, I’ll have a tech examine them for bugs. Tell Smith that Mercury Alarms is under investigation for installing faulty equipment on several alarm systems, not only in Houston but nationwide.”

“Would an FBI investigation cause Smith to back off?”

“Doubtful,” I said. “He’s after the security information from your clients. Don’t be surprised if he offers an attorney to represent your case. If that happens, you and I will talk.”

“I’ve long since concluded Smith’s boss isn’t local and this is an organized-crime ring operating in several states,” Ethan said. “I’m not a professional investigator by a long stretch, but it makes sense to me.” He stared at me. “When they’re finished with me, I’m a dead man.”

“Not if we close them down first. For now, we’ll issue you a burner phone to contact us. No one else is to have or use the number. Neither are you to call anyone but me or ASAC Kendall using the numbers programmed. And never use the phone I’m giving you within twenty feet of your personal or Smith’s burner. If my suspicions are correct, he’s not only geo-tracking your location but also recording conversations.”

“Recording as when I’m making calls?”

“No. I mean every word you speak. Do not say anything when those phones are nearby that you wouldn’t want Smith to hear. Got it?”