Page 52

One week later

Sorting out the murders took time, and Jenna waited for Wolfe to sign off on the deaths of Troy Lee, from the first cabin, and Robert Moore, from the second cabin. The DA ruled in his opinion that Troy Lee had been murdered by Romero and Callahan, on Serena’s testimony as Amy Clark hadn’t witnessed the shooter in the first murder. All she recalled was that the two men carrying weapons were Romero and Margos, so unless positive evidence could be revealed, Robert Moore’s case would remain open. No bullets or casings from either of the men’s guns had been found at the scene. However, she had given a compelling eyewitness statement on Margos’ stabbing murder of Robert Moore. The case was different for librarian Elaine Harper. Norrell had discovered positive DNA evidence that proved Romero murdered her. Both Romero and Callahan were implicated in the murder of Maya Brooks. Both murders appeared to be opportunistic kills.

Kane and Carter had been cleared of the takedowns of both Callahan and Margos, but Romero’s remained a mystery. How he’d ended up at the bottom of an empty grave with a tarot card within minutes of agents Katz and Styles searching the area had everyone baffled. Detailed forensic sweeps of the area found nothing. As usual, the Tarot Killer had taken care of business and then vanished.

Jenna closed the cases and so had the FBI. Three notorious serial killers on death row had wreaked havoc in her town and they’d paid with their lives. The news of their deaths had brought a small modicum of comfort to Amy Clark. She’d never return to the prison service but had engaged a lawyer to fight for compensation. Jenna had spent some time with her before she left with her parents to return to Helena. Amy was a fighter and when back on her feet pledged to help abused women.

Serena Lee and her family returned to Black Rock Falls. Although heartsore about her grandfather’s murder, the young girl was improving since the therapy sessions. Her mother, Kaya, had informed Jenna, and they would continue for as long as necessary. With the support of a large loving family, Jenna had confidence that, with time, Serena would put the terrifying experience behind her.

With the local cases solved, Jenna called a meeting before Beth and Styles returned to Rattlesnake Creek. Carter and Jo would stay for the weekend for a break. They’d already filed their reports in Snakeskin Gully, collected Jo’s daughter, Jaime, and returned to the ranch.

With everyone around the conference table, Jenna listened with interest as Kane gave an abridged account of his mission. He wouldn’t give details of how it happened or who was involved, so she found it strange when he’d decided to explain anything at all to the team.

“Kalo tracked the chopper that attacked the prison bus.” Kane leaned back in his chair nonchalantly as if hunting down cartel kingpins were a routine job. “Wolfe grabbed me and we jumped into a chopper and followed the flight path.” He shrugged. “It was basic surveillance. We watched and noticed movement around what was a survivalist’s bunker built inside an old mine.” He looked at Jenna and dropped his lashes. “Eduardo Souza was inside and we took him and his men down.”

“It was after we discovered that the bunker was his new headquarters.” Wolfe folded his hands on the table. “Computers held information about shipments, names of suppliers, and locations. Souza was planning on spreading instant death all over the US. All he needed was a continuous supply of raw material. He was making pills on-site.”

“So we’d accidentally discovered his complete distribution center.” Kane lifted a cup of coffee and sipped. “He had only a few guards. He believed the bunker was impenetrable. He moved product and cash using the chopper. We notified the DEA and discovered the chopper went down over the ocean, no survivors.”

“So our notion that Souza had engineered his escape with the serial killers to take you down was an error?” Carter tossed a toothpick in the garbage. “It seemed to fit.”

“Oh yeah.” Kane smiled. “Souza wanted to take me down along with you and Jo. We found instructions in a book, coded, but the code was so simple a kid could decipher it. First up, to make sure we were all out of town when the escape went down, Souza had petty criminals watching our ranch and around town. His men were prepared to cause a major wreck, or anything to get us all away from the area of the prison escape. It just happened that Jenna drove out alone. From the two men involved, everything that happened to Jenna was created on the fly. They knew we’d all rush to assist and were prepared to do time to complete their mission, so we gather that Souza made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.”

Jenna raised both eyebrows. “So they weren’t after me and Tauri?”

“Nope, Carter and me, because we brought him down in the sting that put him in prison.” Kane blew out a long breath. “Once Souza had everyone in the forest, he was using satellite phones delivered by a drone to give the escapees instructions. They wanted us in the cabin so they could burn us alive. When that didn’t work, and we left the forest, we figure Souza turned his back on the prisoners. He was using them, and I doubt he ever planned to get them away.”

“We believe Souza intended to rebuild his empire and then send in his goons to take down Dave and Carter.” Wolfe shrugged. “The DEA will be searching his files and there are thousands. This guy had files on everyone. He was a danger to the country. When the DEA director spoke to us before we left, he told us drugs were only the tip of the iceberg. We knew about the arms deals, but there was much more. The poor addicted souls they had working like slaves in the old mine gave up a ton of information.” He held up both hands like a traffic cop. “Don’t ask, because they didn’t give us details. It’s classified, and to be honest, we wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.” He glanced around the table. “I put eight stitches in Dave’s arm.” He held up a thumb and finger an inch apart. “He came that close to taking one in the head. Trust me, none of us needs to deal with cartels again.”

Impressed, Jenna leaned forward in her chair. “Well, we won’t need to worry about Souza any longer.” She stood and looked at her watch. It was five after twelve. “It’s been a long couple of weeks. Great job everyone. Go home and enjoy your weekend—before anything else happens.”

She noticed Wolfe hanging back and sat back down. Kane had called Raven to one side, and they were chatting about motorcycles. She looked at Wolfe, who was frowning at her. Shaking her head, she waited for him to insist she rest. “I’m fine. Honestly. Raven cared for me very well. He has great bedside manner and never frowns at me like you do.”

“I frown at you because I care.” Wolfe narrowed his gaze at her. “I’ve seen the latest ultrasounds, and everyone agrees the baby is ready to come. Your blood pressure is a little elevated, so I must insist you rest until delivery.” He cleared his throat in his doctor way when he’s deadly serious. “It’s not easy giving birth, Jenna. It might take hours and you need to be in good shape, not exhausted from working twelve and fourteen hours a day.” He shot a glance at Kane. “Dave, if you want everything to go smoothly, you must insist Jenna rests.”

“I couldn’t insist Jenna does anything.” Kane smiled at him. “I could refuse to drive her to work, but that’s the best I can do.”

Jenna glared at him. “Don’t you dare. Give me one time when I’ve been reckless. I’m the sheriff, and being weak isn’t an option.”

“Okay. Why did you figure you could take down Margos with Raven alone?” Kane stared at her, but his expression was soft not condemning. “Being stubborn could have gotten you killed.”

Shaking her head, Jenna blew out a long breath. “I had Raven and Ben. We got the job done.”

“That’s not the point.” Kane walked around the table as Jenna stood. “Agreed, Raven took the shot and hit center mass, but if Wendy hadn’t followed my orders and pretended to faint, it might have been a different story.” He looked at Raven. “You did an excellent job caring for my wife and I appreciate it. Your K9, Ben, is something else. He gave us the edge.”

“It was your shot that took him down.” Raven shook his head. “Do you ever miss?”

“Nope.” Kane slid an arm around Jenna and pulled her close. “But you had him. It all worked out okay. Come over tomorrow. I’m making ribs. I’ve gotten together some of the motorcycle parts you brought over. You mentioned finding other parts and frames in some of your cabins. We could take an afternoon and go and pick them up? I need more parts to bring one or two of them back to life.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” Raven indicated with his chin to Wolfe. “Will the entire gang be there?”

“Yeah, apart from Beth and Styles. They have a new case.” Kane rubbed Jenna’s back. “People usually start dropping by around ten.” He looked at Wolfe. “I’ve restocked my wine cellar, so get Norrell to drive you home.”

“See you there.” Wolfe headed for the door.

“Hey, wait up.” Raven hurried after him. “I want to talk to you about Emily.”

Jenna wanted to chase after them to hear what was being said. Instead, she melted into Kane’s arms. Being without his solid strength for what felt like a lifetime had been difficult. Her mind went back to the confrontation with Margos. “I know I promised to stay at home until you came back, but things happened so fast. I was needed here and, in any case, I could have taken Margos.”

“I know, but I took the shot. It was safer from my angle with Wendy there and all.” Kane turned her to face him. “I don’t intend to make any demands on what you do, Jenna, but I hate it when you put yourself in danger.”

Nodding, Jenna read the trouble in his eyes. He’d been closer to death than she’d realized and he’d never divulge what really happened. “That’s not the entire story is it, about Eduardo Souza?”

“Nope, he was worse than I imagined, and it turns out his daughter was a psychopathic killer just like her dad.” He frowned. “She almost fooled me.” A shudder went through him and he sighed. “I’d like to lock those memories up and throw away the key.” He looked into her eyes. “So let’s go home. Are you ready to buy things for the nursery? I know you want the baby in our room for a time, and that’s fine, but he or she will need their own space before you know it. I’m glad we added extensions to the house along with Nanny Raya’s rooms. I figure we’ll be needing more bedrooms.” He smiled at her. “What do you say? We can furnish the other rooms as well. It will be fun.”

Jenna smiled. “Yes, I should buy furniture. I know I’ve held off on buying furniture for the baby for a long time, but I’ve been afraid something might happen. If I don’t do something soon, our baby won’t have a place to sleep. Not that I’ll want to put it down for a second.”

“I think that’s normal, especially when we’ve waited so long, but now you’re ready, we’ll do some online shopping, and when you’re taking a nap, I’ll take Tauri out for a ride. He is anxious to ride Firebird more and I kinda promised. Carter can come along. Seagull needs exercising. He mentioned taking Jo and Jaime to supper at the Cattleman’s Hotel, so I’ll be cooking just for us tonight.”

Having people around for days meant their time together was limited. She put her arms around his neck and looked into his deep blue eyes. A surge of love engulfed her and she figured that would never change. Her reaction to him was so great that her knees had gone weak when he’d dropped through the window in that grimy warehouse. Her once almost robotic, in the zone, sniper husband had a big loving heart, and to think he trusted her with it. She swallowed a rush of emotion. “Oh, that’s good. Not that I don’t like having them around but I miss our alone time together. Snuggling on the sofa and watching a good movie would be bliss.”

“Me too. Let’s head off home right away.” He kissed the end of her nose and grinned. “Once Tauri is settled for the night, you choose the movie and I’ll pop some corn.”

Sighing with delight, Jenna grinned. “Perfect.”

* * *