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Max waited in the elevator alcove on Jason Bell’s hotel floor with Mercy, Detective Bolton, and two deputies. It was the most expensive hotel in Bend. Aware of Jason Bell’s wealth, their team had found him registered at the first hotel they tried.

The agents had asked the hotel manager to call Bell’s room and ask him to come down to the front desk, intending to approach him on his floor once he left his room. A safer situation than having him behind a door, where they couldn’t see what he was doing once he knew they were there.

Video from two stores at the strip mall and from a gas station across the street showed that no one had approached Noelle’s vehicle while it was parked in front of the yoga studio.

On the recordings, Max had watched her pull in and get out of her vehicle as her sister parked a few spaces down.

Carrying mats and dressed in leggings and heavy coats against the cold, the three women had entered the studio.

An hour later they’d put their mats in their vehicles and walked to eat a few doors down.

Viewing the power of the explosion and its physical effect on the three women had been nauseating. The way Noelle and Lucia had hit their heads made him cringe.

“This could have been horrible,” Mercy had said as they viewed the explosion for the fourth time.

“All three of those women could have been killed.” A preliminary inspection of the destroyed vehicle had confirmed that an explosive device had been attached under the engine.

Since no one had been seen placing it at the strip mall, the agents were considering a remote detonator or a timer.

The remains of the device would be quickly sent to FBI labs to be searched for answers.

With no current evidence to point at a suspect, Max had made his case for questioning Jason Bell. Mercy and Bolton had agreed.

Max checked the time. They’d been in place by the elevators for ten minutes.

“Maybe he has to get dressed,” suggested Mercy.

“Or else he told the front desk he’d be down later.

” They knew he was in the room. A key card had unlocked it two hours ago, and they’d confirmed on the hall’s video that he’d been the one who entered.

A rapid fast-forward of the video had revealed he’d stayed put.

It also showed he’d left his room before the explosion and returned an hour after.

“A door’s opening,” said one of the deputies.

Mercy and Bolton moved to stand as if they were waiting for the elevator, and the deputies stepped out of sight, along with Max, in case Jason recognized him.

Mercy briefly glanced down the hall and then touched Bolton’s arm, her signal to everyone that she’d confirmed it was Jason approaching.

“You didn’t push the button,” said Jason before Max could see him.

A second later Bell stepped into his view, and the two deputies moved behind him.

Jason did a double take at their sudden appearance and then spotted Max standing against the wall.

Recognition quickly flashed in Jason’s eyes.

He glanced back at the deputies, who’d positioned themselves behind him and slightly to his sides.

Mercy and Bolton had moved to stand near the deputies, where Jason couldn’t see anyone else without turning away from Max.

“What the fuck?” said Jason, disgust on his face as he turned in a circle and stopped to glare at Max. “I assume you arranged this, Rhodes? If you had more questions for me, you could have just asked. You need four other people around so you can talk to me?”

“I do have questions,” said Max. “Since we both happened to be in town, I thought I’d stop in for a chat.”

“This is about Noelle, isn’t it? I didn’t do anything. Did she say I threatened her? It’s a lie.” Jason’s face started to pinken, and Max wondered about his blood pressure.

“What brought you to Bend, Jason?” asked Max.

“I don’t have to tell you that.”

“True. But it’d be nice if you did.”

“I’m here to make sure you’re doing your job correctly.”

“Weird,” said Max. “I haven’t seen you around. Are you saying you’ve got hidden cameras watching me?”

“You know Noelle and her ex are behind my brother’s murder. She paid the ex to kill him, so she could get Derrick’s money when he died.”

“Where’s your evidence?”

Jason hadn’t mentioned the explosion, and Max wondered if the man was purposefully avoiding it so they’d think he knew nothing about it or if he truly did know nothing.

“You have all the evidence. You’ve had it for years.”

“You don’t have anything new? Because what we have means nothing.”

“Fuck you.”

“That’s the best you can do?” asked Max, not surprised at the man’s reply. “Where were you this morning from eight thirty-seven to ten twelve?” Max used the exact times from the hallway videos of Jason leaving and returning.

Jason’s mouth dropped open. “You’re tailing me? Why? What the hell! I’m calling—” He stopped, frustration filled his face.

Max waited for him to continue, knowing the man had been about to say he was calling the police, but they were already present. “Maybe you could call your mom or dad.”

Jason said nothing.

If looks could kill.

“So where were you during those times?” Max asked. Behind Jason the officers tried to keep straight faces. Mercy didn’t; her grin was wide.

“I went out for breakfast. Place down the street. Since you’re so into video, theirs will show I was there.”

“You walk or drive?”

Bell looked confused. “Walked. It was close.”

“Have you caught any news this morning?” asked Max.

“Some stuff. Why?” His look of confusion hadn’t eased.

Either he’s a great actor or has no idea.

“When are you returning to Sacramento?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Show me your boarding pass.”

Bell frowned but took out his phone and displayed his boarding pass.

“Thanks. We’ll let you know if you need to change that flight.”

“The fuck you will.”

Max sighed. “Have a nice day, Mr. Bell.”

Detective Bolton hit the button for the elevator, and Jason turned to face the doors, waiting with the rest of them.

“Unless you’re going somewhere else, the front desk doesn’t need to see you,” Mercy said.

Jason whipped his head her way. “Jesus. That was for you guys?” He snorted. “This hotel is going to get the worst online review they’ve ever seen. And I’ll call the owner.”

“I suggest you check for some local news first,” said Max.

The elevator door slid open and four of them stepped inside.

“In your review, be sure to explain the reason the front desk cooperated with law enforcement. I’d go into great detail if I were you.

Especially when you explain it to the owner. ”

The doors slid shut as Jason stared at them in confusion.

“Waste of time?” asked Mercy.

“Nah,” said Max. “It was worth it to see some of his expressions. He’s used to being in charge and blustering his way through things, not being told what to do.”

“I’m not sure he was involved,” said Detective Bolton.

“I agree,” said Max.

If Jason Bell isn’t our suspect, then who blew up Noelle’s SUV?