Page 44 of Red, White, and BearCat Blue

“Oh, yes,” my mom said. Every word out of her mouth further reinforced the progression of her Alzheimer’s. It was utterly heartbreaking to hear.

“Let me help you pack a few things,” Beth said.

“Okay.”

I heard a shuffling as a closet was opened, and then Kindness said, “I have a suitcase here.”

“Mom, I’m going to pack some dresses for you,” Beth said. “Kindness, will you pack some underthings and toiletries for her?”

“Sure.”

I held my breath as the agents made quick work of getting her packed up. I checked my watch. It was already nine-thirty, and I was getting really antsy. I kept watching the parking lot, praying I didn’t see Josiah pulling in. “Please hurry, Beth,” I said.

“All done,” she said. “Let’s get going, Mom.”

“Okay,” I heard my mom say.

A few seconds later, I heard a door open and shut and then there was the sound of footsteps as they headed for the exit. I listened as Beth said goodbye, probably to the receptionist at the front desk. The muted goodbye, was a relief. As the front door to the facility opened and the two agents stepped out with my mom, I watched as they headed for the blue Beemer.

Kindness carried a small suitcase and my mom held onto Beth’s elbow as she guided her to the car. As soon as they’d stowed the suitcase in the trunk and my mom was safely tucked into the backseat, I finally relaxed back into my own. I hadn’t realized just how tense I’d been until they were driving out of the lot and away from the threat of Josiah’s guys.

“We’ll meet you at the Wyndham, Mars,” Beth said. “We’re in room five-twenty.”

“We’ll be there. Ya did well, Beth. Signing off for now.”

“See you there.”

Silence filled the car as I slid the earpieces out of my ears, placing them in their box.

I smiled, feeling a little better, not knowing what the hell the future held for me, just knowing I’d deal with whatever fallout came from getting Mom safely away from Josiah Sterling’s threats. I only hoped it wasn’t going to be painful in more ways than one.

Chapter Twelve

MARS

I drove toward the Wyndham, following close behind the Beemer, loaned to us by the Vegas FBI’s impound lot, relieved that it’d gone so well with Cam’s mum. I had no idea how Sterling would react once he learned he had no more leverage to make Cam do whatever he wanted him to. I knew Candy was, even now, formulating a plan to take Sterling’s auto theft ring down with the help of other agents in my office. Lincoln Snow and his team would be involved. I’d seen Beth and Kindness in action several times since our team’s move to L.A. and they were both more than capable agents.

Cam handled himself well this morning. I was proud of him. He was young and yet mature in a way I couldn’t help admiring. I wasn’t sure I could have dealt with the situation that bastard, Sterling, had put his mum in as well as he had. He’d listened to Beth and Kindness’ exchange with the personnel at Shady Grove quietly, which was what had been needed at that moment. I was sure he’d probably wanted to jump in and tell Beth what to say but he hadn’t.

Immediately after we turned onto the Strip—a sleek, black Audi R8 cut into the lane right behind the Beemer, temporarily separating us. I braked slightly to avoid hitting the posh vehicle as I swore under my breath. Beside me, Mickey gripped the grab handle over his car door in reflex.

“What the ‘ell?” I shouted. “Who the fuck taught that knob head to drive?”

I could barely make out two people large enough to be men in the Audi, but that told me bugger all as the car sped up, closing the gap between Beth and Kindness. A sinking suspicion replaced the edge-of-the-seat patience I’d been practicing ever since seeing the women walking into Shady Grove less than an hour ago.

I hit the gas, speeding up. Normally, I could deal with my suspicions easily, borne out of years of active-duty service. At the moment, though, this was giving me the heebie-jeebies, a tingle rushing up my spine. I yanked the console open and rummaged around for the earwigs’ case. I slid them in one handed and caught sight of Mickey doing the same thing in my peripheral vision. Cam leaned forward between the two bucket seats.

“What’s happening?” The worry in his voice was back but I ignored it, keeping my focus on the two vehicles ahead. The traffic wasn’t as busy on the Strip as it would be tonight when people came out to see the city lit up with the glitter and glam of the lights and neon, but it was still a bit hairy for a car chase.

“Maybe nothing,” I replied. “Michaels, come in.” A few seconds ticked by before I questioned again. “Rayburn, come in.”

There was no response.

“Shite! They’re not wearing their coms.”

“What’s happening?” Cam asked again, sounding a little more panicked.

I didn’t reply but flicked a glance at Mickey. “Try their mobiles.”