Page 46 of Wild Escape

The amber sun crested the horizon, casting long shadows. It was a new day, but it sure as hell didn't feel like it.

"Do you ever sleep?"

"Not as much as I'd like."

"Well, join the club." She took a deep breath. "There is a prepaid cellular on the grid in room number six of the Driftwood. I'm guessing you want me to keep tabs on that.”

"That's my prisoner. Let me know if that phone moves and who she calls.”

"I can do that. As far as the other things you asked me about, the only cell phones that pinged the tower from the Caldwell residence last night, around the time of the break-in, belong to the Caldwells. Whoever did this was smart enough to turn off their devices or leave them at home.”

I thanked her for the information, ended the call, then dialed Denise.

She picked up after a few rings. In a sleepy voice, she said, "You're up early.”

"I hope I'm not disturbing you.”

"No. Not at all,” she said with a trace of sarcasm. “Just my day off. I was planning on sleeping in. But that's okay."

"I'm sorry. Never mind. Go back to sleep."

"I'm up now. What is it?"

I cringed. “I hate to ask, but I need a favor.”

"What kind of favor?" she asked in a cautious voice.

"Would it be totally outrageous to ask you to sit on a suspect for a few hours?”

"What suspect?"

"Can you keep a secret?”

"What are we, five?”

I laughed. "Let's just say I’ve given my prisoner a long leash. And I need somebody to keep an eye on her."

"Are you trying to tell me she's not in your custody anymore?"

"She's under my remote supervision.”

"Oh, no! You’re not pulling me into this. Daniels is gonna have your ass. What if she escapes?”

"She's not going to escape if you keep eyes on her. All you have to do is call me when she moves and follow her."

"What if I lose her?”

"You won't lose her. Have a little faith in yourself.”

"No. I don't want any part of this. I like my job. I want to keep it. You two can get away with shit I never will.”

I laughed. She was probably right about that.

"Okay. No worries. I shouldn't have asked. I don't want to put you in an uncomfortable situation.”

Denise sighed. "No. You don't get to do that to me."

"Do what?”