“Thanks. Let’s go.”
Jack descended the stairs two at a time. “I’m coming with you. Give me five.”
“Why?” Ryan asked.
“Working off maps and images and public records is two dimensional, in the field, I may see something that clicks.”
“What makes you think we won’t?” G didn’t like being on the receiving end of being underestimated.
“Because I’ve been staring at this data for hours, so it’ll likely to click faster for me.”
Not wanting to waste any more time, I said, “Go, get ready.”
Once Jack was ready, he kissed Meg goodbye, and we headed to our cars. Jack would ride with us.
“Our first stop will be the county clerk’s office in Dallas. Then we’ll tackle the list.”
“The top two are near each other, so that’s a good starting point. From there, it’d make more sense to follow the course I marked on the map.”
I glanced at my watch, grateful most banks stayed open until at least three on Saturdays.
“He’s right,” G said. “Why didn’t we think of that?”
“Because we work for the government…”
“Did he just make a joke?” Jack asked.
“I think so,” G answered.
“Fuck off,” I said.
Chapter 37
Nina
Islept like shit. I felt like shit. My life had turned into a flaming pile of shit.
And I couldn’t confide in the one person I needed the most. There was no way I’d risk giving her information that’d put her in danger. Or risk upsetting Austin and everyone at SSI.They’re all doing so much to help me.
Nana’s voice disrupted my thoughts. “Nina,” her cough sounded like an angry dog barking and continued far longer than I liked.
“Nana, are you okay?” I asked, reaching for her used tissue when it finally stopped.
Blood. Not a lot, but enough to make me nervous.
“Here, come sit, and I’ll make you some warm tea with honey.”
“Thank you, dear.” Nana leaned more than usual on her walker and practically fell into her seat, adding to my growing concern.
Tears filled my eyes as water filled the teapot.
Scared. Frustrated. Angry. Stressed the fuck out.
I couldn’t leave Nana alone today. I couldn’t afford to call off from work. I couldn’t handle anymore things going wrong in my life. I couldn’t afford to pay anyone to help lighten the load.
I sucked in a deep breath, reminded myself of Nana’s advice—smile through it and remember, it could be worse. After releasing my breath, I plastered a smile on my face and turned to face my grandmother.
“What should I make for dinner tonight?” I asked. “Oh, I know, I’ll make your famous beef stew.”
