Page 75 of Fatal Intent

After a glance at his tactical watch, Grant slid his phone from a pocket and called Seth. His team leader needed to know what he and Rayne had discovered.

“You’re up early,” Seth greeted him. “Problem?”

“You could say that.”

“Sit rep.”

Grant gave his friend the highlights of what they’d discovered in the past few hours, ending with, “If we’re right about this being a deliberate, targeted attack, Echo unit is in the crosshairs.”

“That explains why your family and friends are under attack. Unlike the other members of Red Dawn, we live near each other. Not only that, we’re friends and coworkers, so we spend time together outside of work and training.”

Grant grimaced. “We’re easier targets than the others have been.”

“Not necessarily. Because we’re together all the time, we share information. Our unit is on alert because of the attacks on you.”

“And?”

“I think the perp has just made his first mistake.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

NOT LONG AFTERGrant ended the conversation with Seth, Rayne joined him on the balcony. He extended his hand to draw her against his side.

She studied him for a moment. “You okay?”

“Not even close. I told Seth what we found.”

“I did the same with Iona. The more our teams know, the better for their safety.”

“Yeah. Seth will contact Noah and Violet so they’ll be more vigilant.”

Rayne wrinkled her nose. “I hate that we’re interrupting their honeymoon.”

“Better that than risk their lives. We’ll make it up to them somehow.” No idea how he’d accomplish that, but he’d think about it.

“I’ve been thinking about Beau’s death.”

“What about it?”

“I don’t think the killer worked alone.”

Grant froze. “Why do you say that?”

“Think about it. We don’t have proof, but if we’re right about our assumption that Beau allowed the killer to shoot him to save his wife and kids, your friend had to know without a doubt that they were in danger at that moment. Otherwise, based on what you’ve told me about him, Beau would have fought to take down the enemy and come up with a way to save his family. In orderfor him to give up, he had to believe their deaths were imminent and surrendering was the only way to save them.”

“I agree. However, you and I both know Eileen and the kids are lucky to still be alive. If Beau is dead, the greater likelihood is that the killer will get rid of the rest of the family to tie up loose ends, and Beau wouldn’t be able to stop him.”

“My point is the killer couldn’t be in two places at once. We should consider the possibility that he has a partner.”

The French door opened behind them again, and Riley poked her head out. “Hey, room service just delivered our food.”

“Excellent.” Grant led Rayne toward the suite. “I’m starving.”

Riley shook her head, a smile curving her lips. “Of course you are. I’m wondering how large your grocery bill is.”

“You don’t want to know.”

Inside the suite, three serving carts were parked near the breakfast bar along with silverware, plates, a large carafe of coffee and a second smaller one containing herbal tea.