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“They’re dead,” Wit interjected, cutting to the chase. “They were being transported to a secure location –– for their safety –– and killed en route. The transport driver and guard were lost in the encounter too.”
“Of course, they were. No witnesses to anything,” Killion said. “Lindstrom and his crew thought they were getting a second chance at the world only to be used and tossed out. Great.”
“This complicates things immensely,” Carter chimed in. “Word of this gets out to the others on the lam, and they’ll realize their days are numbered and go into hiding. They’ll realize they’re being used, and their break from prison was just a distraction, and they’re all pawns in a game they weren’t made privy to.”
“We may never find them at that point,” Killion added. “Who knows what kind of maniacal shit they’ll do on their own to get by.”
“They’ll still be a threat,” Hen said. “They’ll likely go and do what they know.”
“Trafficking. Reconnect with old associates. Maybe even come for Rainy,” Wit said between gritted teeth. “We need to find them before whoever they’re working for finds them. It’s the fastest way to identify who’s behind all of this.”
“Got a problem,” C.T. said, charging into the room, headed straight for Relay. Her expression after C.T. shared information with her told a story of more mayhem as she went to work on the computer. He turned to the group. “We have an out-of-control residential fire on the hill. It’s taking out an entire neighborhood.”
Killion dropped his head. “West hills?”
“There isn’t an official word on it yet, but I recognize the property.” C.T. turned to Killion. “Started at your house.”
Killion lived in Watermark; it was simply easier, given their line of work. Like many of the other operatives, however, he had real estate all over. In Portland specifically, he had a mansion-sized home in the hills that he’d taken as partial payment on a job he’d done. He kept it not only as an investment but as a place to raise a family of his own someday, should they outgrow the space Watermark provided. To date, he’d used that property as a safe house when they had clients in town and associates alike. It was a well-appointed home, highly secure, and boasted incredible views. And apparently, it was gone.
“They know where I live,” Killion said as he began to pace. “Both places here in Portland. I need to increase security on all my properties and those I share with the family.”
“They’re sending a message,” Wit said. “A big one.”
“First my rig, only Finn was driving. Then my apartment here at Watermark where my children and family live. Now my residence I hoped to raise my children in someday. What’s next? No one is safe.”
“Nobody has been hurt. Not seriously, anyway,” Brody said. “But it’s coming if we don’t get ahead of this.”
“Nobody hurt? How many families just lost their homes or are fighting to save them because of me? Do we know that everyone got out okay?” Killion said.
“Portland Fire is all over it.” C.T. nodded. “Everyone is safe.”
“This time,” Killion mumbled. “We’re not going to keep getting this lucky.”
“I got something.” Carter stood and kicked his chair behind him while reading his phone screen and rushing to the door. “We got someone at the bottom of the hill. Accelerants and other shit in his truck. Might be another one of the Lindstrom crew. I could use a team to securely move this guy.”
“Whatever you need,” Killion said. “Skip lockup and take him to one of our buildings and keep a team on him twenty-four hours. He doesn’t leave our sights until we get what we need out of him.”
“And if he doesn’t talk?” Brody questioned, following Carter out. “Don’t give him a choice.”
Brody nodded. “You got it. I’ll take everyone I can get right now.”
The room began to thin, leaving only Killion with a handful of operatives to sort what they could from the Lair.
“Hey, brother. This is good,” Cane said. “We got one more off the street.”
“With Lindstrom dead, who’s calling the damn shots?” Frustration consumed Killion as he pushed the vacant chairs around the room before slamming his fist on the table, causing at least Relay to jump. “Who the hell are these assholes working for? Who knows us so well that they know where I live, what I drive, and what I do for a living? Who knows how to make me my own worst enemy by turning my life’s work against me? Who?”
“An idiot.” Wit shrugged. “It may seem like some mastermind or evil genius right now, but they’re a damn idiot. If they really knew us as well as they seemed to, they would know we never lose. Their days are numbered, and they’re going down.”
“We can’t win them all, Wit. These cases have grown more and more complicated and become more difficult to solve, landing us on our own doorstep more than once. This time, it’s like I’m fighting myself in the mirror.”
“Someone like you.” Hen turned and looked at Relay. “Someone close.”
Without looking away from her screen, Relay said. “I suggest you rethink that, Hen. I’m bustin’ my ass over here to protect your sister and family. Screw you for even considering it.”
“I was just thinking out loud… with my eyes. I didn’t mean you.” Hen shrank into his chair.
“Ignore him,” Wit said, smacking the back of his brother's head. “We know you’re here for the right reasons.”
