Wariness evident in his eyes, Colt asked, “What made you change your mind?”
She debated how much to say. She didn’t know this man. And she wasn’t sure she could trust him. But he was her best chance of reuniting with her twin.
If Opal was involved somehow with this drug kingpin, then Maren needed to protect her. “I don’t know if you understand the bond that twins share, but Opal and I have always been aware when the other was in trouble or hurt.”
Memories surfaced, taking her back to when they were young. “When we were eight, I fell from the balance beam at gymnastics camp and broke my arm. Opal, who had been at band camp that summer, knew I was hurt. She wouldn’t relent until the camp counselors let her call our parents, who told her what had happened. I had to leave camp early and Opal insisted on coming home early, too.” Shaking her head at her sister’s tenacity, she continued, “Then in our late teens, she’d slipped on ice and fractured her tailbone. I felt the pain, even though I was miles away at a gymnastics competition.”
“You two were close,” he said. “But it sounds like you had different interests.”
“We did. She was more artsy and sensitive while I couldn’t sit still.” Resolved, she admitted, “When I was told Opal was dead, I didn’t feel it.” She thumped her chest. “Even though everyone around me told me to let her go. That she was gone, lost to the river…deep down, I couldn’t accept it.”
“I believe you,” he said. “My sister has twin daughters. They’re about to turn six and seem to be able to communicate with each other without words. I’ve no doubt you sensed that your sister was alive. Despite everything and everyone telling you otherwise.”
Not sure how to digest his support, she said, “None of that negates the fact that your agency has failed to bring down this opioid monster that you think Opal can identify.”
“Touché,” he says. “I apologize on behalf of the Drug Enforcement Agency. It’s been a long and arduous investigation with many moving pieces. My boss and I both agree that the man known as Shadow has connections within various law enforcement agencies that has kept him protected.”
She hated to think there was a traitor among those who served their communities. But she knew it happened. No one was infallible. People were vulnerable to greed and blackmail. Could there be a mole somewhere along the line in law enforcement keeping the adoption racket protected, too?
Even those who had faith could be led down dark roads. Just like Opal. The grief her sister carried had led her to a destructive path.
“I need to check in with my boss,” Maren told Colt as she shook off the memories. “If he gives me the okay, then we can compare notes and see what we can come up with to help both of our investigations.”
Colt inclined his head in agreement.
Maren popped open the special K-9 compartment in the back and clicked into her cheek. Haven immediately turned and jumped inside.
“I’m parked over there,” he said, indicating a small compact truck with a camper shell over the bed.
Eyeing the older vehicle, she said, “Not what I would have expected.”
“Don’t let the old girl fool you. It’s fully equipped with a specialized air-conditioned unit for Rusk in the back camper.”
Not wanting to admit she was impressed, she nodded. “Give me your number. I’ll let you know what my boss says.”
He rattled off his number and she entered it into her cell phone, storing it under his name. Then she climbed into the cab of her Bronco, started the engine and blasted the AC.
She watched as Colt and Rusk hurried across the street to his unassuming yet fancy rig. The back hatch popped open, and Rusk jumped inside. Colt closed the tailgate, concealing the dog. He gave Maren a wave before he slipped into the driver’s seat.
She called her boss in the task force unit, Emmett Dane.
“Maren, I trust you’re calling with an update,” Emmett said by way of greeting.
“Yes, sir. I’ve confirmed that Dr. Derek Rolls once worked at the OB clinic here in Barren Valley. The description given by one of the employees matches that of the man seen at the free clinic in Denver.”
“Good. That’s all good,” Emmett said. “But I want to know how you are. A shooting? Explain to me what happened.”
She told him the situation, including spotting her supposedly dead twin sister.
“You’ve had a rough morning,” he said. “I can send someone your way as backup. I would have sooner but everyone’s out working various angles on the case.”
For months the task force members had been going to clinics and asking after suspicious incidents. And warning doctors and staff about the danger to young moms in the area. Everyone promised to keep vigilant and to ask their patients to as well.
Her gaze went to the brown truck. “About that,” she said. “DEA Agent Colt Dawson would like to be read in on our investigation. We want to see if somehow his search for a drug kingpin and our search for this illegal adoption ring intersect.” Could the two investigations share the same mole within law enforcement?
Guilt pricked at her for not mentioning their shared goal of finding her sister.
“I would imagine that you and Agent Dawson are both eager to locate Opal.”
