“I’m gonna work it.”
“You’ve got the rescue team, plus your dad’s cold case.”
Rebel nodded. “I’m takin’ that case.”
Dakota scraped his fingers down his stubble. “I knew, when I hired you, that you’d do your own thing. I have no doubt you’ll build a phenomenal rescue team, but you’ve got to talk to Cooper about the Alphabet case.”
“No problem.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it,” Rebel replied.
“I’m sorry for your loss. If there’s anything I can do….”
Rebel stood. “You just did. You gave me the go-ahead to manage my time and get the job done.”
“Good luck. Do you want me to give Cooper a heads-up?” Dakota pushed off the sofa.
“Your call. I’m sure I’ll get pushback from him.”
“Maybe not,” Dakota said. “Cooper has wanted you in ALPHA for as long as he’s been running things. He follows the rules, but he surrounds himself with people who don’t.”
Rebel said his goodbyes, promised the kids he’d be back in a couple of weeks with their gifts.
“Bye Uncle Wawa.”
Rebel patted Graham’s back. “See ya, bud. Have fun at Sammy’s party. Happy birthday, Sammy.”
When he arrived at the home Cooper shared with his fiancée, Danielle, a barefoot Cooper welcomed him in.
“Dakota texted me,” Cooper said. “I’m sorry for your loss. Stryker and Emerson just got here.”
In the kitchen, Stryker pulled him in for a hug. “I’m sorry about Kurt.”
After hugging Rebel, Danielle offered her condolences. “Are you hungry? Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’m not staying.” Rebel eyed the bridal magazines on the kitchen table. “What’s goin’ on here?”
“We set a date,” Cooper said.
“That’s great,” Rebel said. “I could use some good news.”
“We’re getting married at Hotel Dillinger,” Danielle said. “But we don’t need to talk about that now.”
Cooper pulled out a chair for him. “Have a seat.”
After sitting, Rebel said, “I’ll make sure your wedding is first class all the way.”
“Thanks, brother,” Cooper said.
“What happened to your cousin?” Emerson asked.
“His fiancée was the Alphabet Killer’s fifth victim. Kurt was at home when it happened. Looks like he was collateral damage.”
“I’m so sorry,” Emerson said. “Where?”
“Arlington.”
