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“The way we always do. Working together and then going from there. When I saw that you’d probably discovered something in that crater today, I was relieved. I knew I was going to have something familiar to hold on to.” He smiled. “It will be easier this way.”
“You’re very sure.”
“No, I’m not.” He coaxed, “Make me sure.”
“I’m not sure myself.”
“But you’re almost there,” he said. “Don’t leave me out in the cold. Talk to me. What did you find in the crater?”
She told him about the disturbance in the terrain and the expression on Barrett’s face when he was watching the digging.
He gave a low whistle. “It wasn’t Barrett who set those explosives?”
She shook her head. “And if he didn’t do it, then we have another murderer who killed both Barrett and all of those other cops and FBI agents.” Her lips tightened. “That’s mass murder. The question is why? Is it a single atrocity? Or how long has he been killing?”
“And why pick James Barrett’s grand exhibition to stage his launch?” Lynch murmured. “He had to know where Barrett was going to bring those agents.”
“So where do we start?” Kendra’s hands were clenching into fists. “All those deaths…He thinks he’s gotten away with it. We can’t let him do it.” She was thinking. “Barrett. I think we have to begin with Barrett. He was the one who took the plea deal and arranged to go to Pine Valley. Why? And how did anyone else know where that body was buried so they could booby-trap that area?”
“You’re all in,” Lynch said softly, his gaze studying her face. “I’ve seen you when you get like this. Yes, Barrett would be a good start.”
“You’re damn right. Even if we have to go back to—”
Her phone was ringing. She glanced at the ID.
“Griffin.” She punched the access. “Hello, Griffin. What’s happening?”
“You don’t deserve this.” His voice was gruff. “Particularly after you made things difficult for me today. But I did promise you that I’d let you know. I just heard from the hospital. Metcalf is awake and he’s being allowed limited visitors. The doctor said he’s going to make it.”
“Thank God.”
“Yeah, he’s a good man. Anything else to report on your work today?”
“Not yet. Look, I have to hang up. I need to go to the hospital and see Metcalf.”
“I’ll let you go. The media will love that we have at least one survivor.” He ended the call.
She turned to Lynch. “You heard him. I’ve got to go to the hospital.”
“I’ll go with you,” he said. “That’s great news, Kendra.”
“You bet it is.” She smiled brilliantly. “And I’ll even let you drive me to the hospital in that Lamborghini. Because this is definitely the time to show off toys and celebrate.”
Chapter
4
Scripps Mercy Hospital
San Diego
You look…great.” Metcalf’s voice was a little slurred as he gazed up at Kendra. “This is terrible stuff, huh? I couldn’t believe it when they told me…what had happened. All those people…dead. So glad…you weren’t there.”
“Terrible.” Her hand tightened on his. “I won’t tell you not to think about it because it’s all any of us can think about right now. But we’re all happy that you’re on your way back. The doctor said that a few more days and you might even be able to go home.”
He shook his head. “I have to get back to work. We’re probably short of agents. So many died…We all knew Barrett was…crazy.”
She nodded. “But you can afford to take a few days off. We’ve got to find out everything that happened. Once you’re rested, I’ll need you to help me. Griffin wouldn’t like you to overdo it before that.”
