Page 18 of Dead Drift

“Because Chelsea was underage and transported across state lines before being murdered. That indicates federal jurisdiction, which Burke no doubt had pushed, being a friend of the victim’s family. Though, because he and his partner, Chuck Franco, were counterintelligence—and Chuck still is—the case went to Agent Thornton, who specializes in kidnappings.”

“What a rough specialty.” She winced.

That was definitely one area of law enforcement Griffin wouldn’t want to focus on. The heartache. The fear. Never knowing if the loved one would return.

“Are we speaking with the victims’ families?” Finley asked.

He nodded, remembering what it felt like to be one of them. “Yes, all have agreed to talk with us.”

“So we’re going to have a very busy couple of days.”

He clasped her hand, brought it to his mouth, and placed a tender kiss across her fingers. “I’m glad you came with me.” It was going to be a very difficult process—however long it took to conduct a thorough investigation—but having his wife at his side filled him with comfort.

“I am too,” she said. “Any chance we can look at any of the bodies?” Being a forensic anthropologist, studying human remains for clues was her focus.

“I didn’t want to broach that sensitive subject with the families over the phone.”

“Of course not.”

“But I will ask in person. I know it will be a tough ask, but once we explain how many cases you’ve solved that way, they might agree. If not, I definitely want you scouring the victims’ autopsy files.” He reached into his bag and handed her a stack. “Thankfully, Burke had copies or getting these could have been a logistical nightmare.”

Finley took a deep breath and closed her eyes in prayer—always praying for guidance, direction, and deep compassion for each victim she studied, and their families. That was yet another reason he loved her. She had a deep devotion to God, coupled with the determination to fight for those who could no longer fight for themselves. She spoke for them. It was a heavy burden to bear. So was his as a homicide detective. But God continued to equip and sustain them both.

He didn’t know how people in similar professions who didn’t know God dealt with the tragedy and darkness. If they didn’t know that one day justice would reign and that hope and healing were possible even through the direst circumstances, it had to be all consuming and overwhelming. It made sense that such professions drove many to drink. Several of his fellow cops tried to drown the sorrow and frustration instead of allowing Jesus to carry the burden. His heart ached for them, and he prayed they would find the peace waiting for them if they’d only ask. He’d recently tried talking with two officers who were really struggling, but they’d just laughed off his “church talk.” He continued to pray for an opening, and for God to soften their battle-weary hearts.

After taking Kate by Charm City Investigations and standing guard while she showered, changed clothes, and grabbed some items for the next few days, Luke and Kate entered Declan’s FBI office. At nine thirty, according to Declan, they’d be briefing the Bureau chief, Alan King, and then addressing a task force assembled to take down Ebeid. As awkward as it was to be entering an office building and what was essentially a “normal” job, Luke was thankful for the time he’d continue to have with Kate.

If their time together last night had revealed anything, it was that an inexplicable bond still existed between them.

Malcolm had insisted time and time again that the life Luke was now living wasn’t one that he, nor any other black ops field agent, could simply walk away from. Even if Luke found a way, how on earth would he function in regular society? For years he’d been living in an entirely different world, with fluctuating rules or complete lack thereof, different objectives, intense focus. . . .

Could he just shut off his brain to the crises surrounding him and be a “normal” citizen? Okay, Declan, Griff, Parker, and Kate weren’t exactly “normal” citizens. They still battled darkness and crime, but in a far different manner. Could he adapt to fighting injustice the way they did?

“When does Lexi return?” Kate asked Declan, and Luke’s attention shifted back to the conversation.

“Tomorrow,” Declan said, looking with longing at Tanner.

“And Lexi is?” Luke asked.

“My partner,” Declan said.

Luke’s gaze shifted between Declan and Tanner. “But I thought . . . ?”

Declan explained how their boss, Alan, had paired Tanner and himself while his usual partner, Lexi, was on bereavement leave.

“So . . . what happens with Tanner’s involvement in the investigation when Lexi returns?” he asked, curious.

Declan smiled at Tanner, clearly madly in love with the woman. “For now, Alan is keeping Tanner on the case and pairing Lexi with another agent.” He glanced at his watch. “Time to go to work.”

They briefed Alan, and then Luke followed Declan, Tanner, and Kate down the hallway to the briefing room. It’d been years since he’d been in one—most of his briefings since recruitment being clandestine.

The twenty-by-twenty-foot room was full of agents, and he felt every eye on him—the stranger in the room.

Alan strode to the front of the room and cleared his throat. “Good morning. Let’s get straight to it.”

Alan was tall and broad. Dark hair combed neatly to the side. Brown eyes, an aquiline nose, and a strong jaw. He exuded the strength of his position of leadership. His voice was deep, but he kept it even and on point. “Agent Grey is lead on this investigation and head of the task force, so I want you to give him your full attention. He believes we are facing one of our country’s greatest threats, and after yesterday’s attempted attack on the Bay Bridge, I have to say I concur.”

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