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Dane ran a hand over the back of his neck. “I don’t think ‘planned’ is the right word. I think he thought he had the situation under control, but he was hedging his bets in case he didn’t.”
“All this gets us no further in the investigation into the motherboards,” Tac said. He flexed the fingers on his right hand.
Dane caught Jace’s eye and nodded toward Tac. Jace offered Tac the Advil, but he shook his head. Dane knew Tac’s right hand bothered him sometimes, but he didn’t know the extent of the injury.
“Did you guys learn anything today at the drone festival?” Cain asked. “We’ve all been a bit distracted.”
Dane filled them in on what the two young dudes they’d found had said. “So, all we really know is that he goes by TigerKing.”
“You mean like the guy who collects exotic animals?” Mac asked.
Dane shrugged. “I guess. I have no idea what it refers to, just that it’s the name he used.”
“Is there any way to track that down?” Cain asked.
“The payment was in crypto.” Jace shrugged. “So…no. I can try and track his online presence, but I think it’s a long shot.”
Mac took the last sip of her soda. “Do you want me to ask Manu?”
“No,” Cain said. “Let’s leave the kid alone for now. I’m guessing he’s going to tell his boss about finding Casper on the equipment room video now, and that’s going to lead to all kinds of questions for all of us. Let’s not involve him any more than necessary. We have more pressing matters to deal with.”
“Like?” Tac asked.
Dane answered, “Like protecting Mac. She’s our only lead at this point. We can’t let anything happen to her.”
Cain stood. “Exactly. Tac, go talk to the doctor, and the nursing staff and let them know we don’t want anyone in the room all night. Threaten them if you have to. We need this room locked down.”
“Roger that.” Tac got up and left the room.
“Cass, can you go get Mac some clothes? Make sure you get receipts, and you’ll get reimbursed.”
Cass nodded. “Leave it with me.” She shot Mac a smile. “I know just where to go.”
Mac frowned. “Um, I just need some underwear, jeans, and T-shirts. Er, maybe some shoes.”
“I got you. No worries,” Cass said and started across the room.
“Don’t you need my sizes?” Mac asked.
Cass tossed her head back and laughed as she walked out.
“Somehow I do not feel reassured about Cass shopping for me,” she grumbled.
Dane grinned. “Could be worse. Could be one of us.”
Mac chuckled then winced. “Valid point.”
“When Cass is back, we’re going to move you.” Cain glanced at his cell. “Jace, secure a hotel. I think the Kahala will work.”
“Roger that,” Jace said and left the room.
“I’ve gotta go make some calls. See what I can find out. I’ll be back shortly.” Cain strode out of the room.
Dane looked at Mac. “How are you holding up?”
She started to say something and then shrugged. “Surprisingly well, to be honest. Mostly, I am just pissed off. Cross taking me off the case is so damned annoying. He blamed it on Senator Weston’s presence, but he did it to cover his own ass. It’s beyond frustrating to know someone is out there trying to kill me, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.” She shook her head.
“Tell me about it,” Dane said. He knew exactly what she was going through.
