Page 109 of The Devoted Game

“When everyone else was covering Worth’s home and Fincher’s residence tonight,” the reporter said hesitantly, “I was watching Grace’s.”

He didn’t bother asking how she got into the gated community. Scavengers like her had their ways.

“I followed the two of you back to the field office.” Ryan set aside the page he’d just picked up. “And?”

“I saw Grace leave with someone.”

Ryan closed his eyes, fought back the ache in his throat. “That was more than an hour ago, what did you do next?”

“I followed them.”

Anticipation fired inside him. “Where are you?” This could be the break he was looking for.

“I’m over on Highway 31 across the street from Trusty Todd’s storage facility.” She exhaled a shaky breath. “He locked Grace into one of the units. And then ...” Her voice faltered. “He forced me to make this call.”

Ryan absorbed the impact of that statement. “He’s there with you now?”

“Yes.”

Ryan surveyed the room. For one split second felt unsure of what he should do. But there was no reason to hesitate. Fincher had said he would get his invitation. This was it. “What’s the message?”

“Come alone. He’ll be waiting.”

“What’s your position, Ms. Goodman?” Again Ryan looked around, this time to ensure no one was listening.

“I’m in a gray minivan across the street at the Shop and Go. My cameraman is with me. As long as you come quickly and alone, he won’t hurt us or Agent Grace.”

“I’m on my way.”

Ryan ended the call and slid his phone into his back pocket.

... You’ll get an invitation as well, McBride, and when you do, you’ll understand exactly what you must do ...

The message was loud and clear. All he needed was a way out of here ... and a weapon.

He grabbed one of the maps and walked over to where Schaffer worked. He leaned down and pretended to show her something on the map. “Schaffer, I need you to do me a favor.”

She looked from the map to him. “Sure, what do ya need?”

“I need you to locate Trusty Todd’s facility on Highway 31 and print me a map.”

Schaffer hitched her thumb toward the printer. “I already printed that one.”

Ryan verified Pierce’s location at the station with Talley. “And I need to borrow your vehicle.”

Her gaze narrowed. “I suppose you want me to let you borrow it and then not tell anyone.”

He hoped like hell the part of her that had praised him in that cemetery would show up about now. “Yeah.”

She reached into the pocket of her jacket, pulled out a fob, and placed it in his hand. “Black Mustang. Scratch it and you’re dead.”

Now for the hard part. “One last thing.”

Reading his mind, she reached beneath her jacket and withdrew her weapon. He took it, holding it behind the map in his hand.

“I’m going to tell them you took it and the car,” she said quietly. “Don’t expect me to admit any of this ever happened this way.”

He smiled. “I’ll back you up.”