Page 36 of Fatal Intent

Maddox shook his head.

Grant breathed easier. That was something in their favor. “He’s planning to just show up at the gate of their compound?”

“According to what the State Department says, that’s the plan.”

“He’ll be lucky not to eat a bullet for that stunt. You said there were two things that happened. What’s the second?”

“The Hartman cops have a search warrant for your home and Rayne’s. By the time you step foot on US soil again, they will have completed the search and driven to Ardmore to do the same at Selena and Dante’s house.”

He got what his boss didn’t say. By the time Grant returned stateside, the Hartman detectives might be waiting for him and Rayne with arrest warrants. “Understood, sir.”

“If they move ahead with their plan like I expect, I’ll have Vince Hargrove ready to accompany you to the police station. You will not say a word to the police without Vince present. Am I clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Rayne, the same instructions hold true for you as well. You don’t talk to the police without Vince being in the room.”

“Understood, sir.”

Grant glanced at her, noticing her pallor. Rayne was understandably afraid of what would happen when theyreturned home. Jail was no place for former cops. Inside the lockup, they would be targets for the other inmates. He covered her hand with his and squeezed. “One problem at a time, babe,” he murmured. “We’ll find out who killed Selena and Dante and nail his hide to the wall.”

“Anything else we should know, sir?” Seth asked.

“I’m chasing a lead. I’ll let you know if it pans out. Maddox out.” The screen went blank.

“Back to work,” Iona said. “We have five hours to hammer out a plan.”

“Let’s hope it’s enough time to cobble together a plan but not enough for Gerald White to appear at the compound gates,” Jake Davenport said. “That man has more money than sense.”

Seth glanced at Riley. “Put the schematics back on the screen.”

For the next five hours, the operatives debated options for infiltrating the compound without being detected, finally settling on one that seemed to be the best choice. By the time the jet landed, they’d selected four more viable options in case they had to adjust on the fly.

Grant rolled his eyes. Like they wouldn’t have to adjust. Things never went according to plan. He prayed they had enough options without having to create a sixth plan on the run. But of course, they would. You couldn’t plan for every contingency. That’s where instinct and experience rose to the surface and saved the day.

The pilot’s voice came over the intercom. “We’ll be landing soon, Seth.”

“Copy that.” He stood and gathered his empty dishes from the food they’d consumed during the planning session. The rest of the operatives did the same, then returned to their seats to strap in for the landing.

As soon as the wheels touched down and the jet slowed to a stop, Grant stood and held out his hand to Rayne, helping her stand. He reached into the overhead compartments above their seats and retrieved their Go bags.

Together, they made their way up the aisle to the exit at the front of the jet. Although the moon was out, the air felt humid. Grant grimaced. Not going to be a fun outing. Not only would they be up against lopsided odds, they also had to contend with an atmosphere like a sauna. Anyone who wasn’t used to it would have a difficult time navigating the soupy atmosphere.

He escorted Rayne down the stairs and joined the others on the tarmac. Glancing around, Grant noted the lack of lights around the private landing strip, the better to conceal unusual activity around the jet.

His gaze settled on the left side of the airstrip where three SUVs were parked with three men standing together, waiting.

Seth and Andre approached the men. Both appeared relaxed when they were anything but. Two minutes later, the strangers handed key fobs to the operatives, then loped off to a van waiting nearby. Once they left the airstrip, Seth and Andre returned to the teams.

“Split up and let’s move out. Olivera is happy to help Maddox, but we don’t want to draw attention to his cooperation. He’s worried about his family.”

“I don’t blame him.” Riley picked up her Go bag and slid it onto her shoulder. “Los Lobos has a big footprint in this area.”

“Jake, you’re with me and Teagan. The rest of you divide up between the remaining SUVs. The boss wanted to make sure we had enough vehicles to transport us and the Whites in case something happened to one of them.”

“Smart,” Andre murmured. He glanced at Grant. “You and Rayne ride with me and Riley.”

He gave a curt nod.