Читать книгу Mission Undercover - Virginia Vaughan - Страница 12

THREE

Blake drove into a part of town Holly knew by reputation only. Jimmy had always warned her against crossing over into this area. It was a notorious hangout for junkies and gangs and was known to be dangerous. Tourists were steered away from this part of the lake and even the hospital paramedics shared horror stories of coming into the area to respond to emergencies.

And Blake was choosing to go here.

“What are we doing here?”

“We need a place to hide until we can figure this out.” He pulled up to a seedy motel and cut the engine.

“Are we really going to stay here?”

“This places takes cash and doesn’t ask questions. It’s our best option right now.”

He reached out to touch her arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. No one will bother you as long as you’re with me.”

His assurance did make her feel better, but it didn’t prevent her apprehension as he got out of the truck and entered the office. She could see him inside, through the glass doors, handing over cash to the clerk and receiving a key.

He returned to the truck then drove around to the back of the complex. He led her into a small but neat room. It had a double bed, a dinette set and a dresser with a small television mounted to it.

The phone he’d slipped into his pocket rang and Blake answered. “Matt, what’s the news?”

His expression fell. “I understand.” He ended the call then grabbed the remote. “Matt said the chief is on TV.” He switched on the television to breaking news coverage.

Chief Waggoner was standing at a podium and Blake’s photo was in a box at the corner of the screen. “This is Officer Blake Michaels, a recent hire with the Northshore PD. We’re sad to report that we believe Officer Michaels to be a threat to our town. We’re currently investigating his wrongdoings and will update more on that later, but what we do know is that he assaulted a fellow officer as he attempted to prevent Michaels from abducting a female nurse at the medical center early this morning. The hostage’s name is not being released just yet.”

Indignation rushed through her. “I can’t believe he’s sticking with the story that you kidnapped me.” She felt her face flush in anger. If she’d had any doubts about Chief Waggoner, they were all gone now. She steamed, thinking about all the times since Jimmy died that he’d acted like her friend. When she’d showed him the papers from the journal, she’d thought he’d been upset to learn Jimmy had uncovered corruption in the department, but now she wondered differently. Every conversation she’d had with him took on new meaning. Had he spent the past months pressing her for information about what Jimmy might have told her? How had she mistaken the questions with just being kind?

Blake seemed unsurprised by the development. She realized he’d been right all along. He’d known how they would spin this. He’d tried to warn her—and she hadn’t believed him. No, she had to be honest with herself. She had believed him. She just hadn’t wanted to believe him. She’d been so consumed with protecting herself from more heartache and grief that she’d fooled herself into wishful thinking. She’d suspected the truth about the Northshore PD ever since finding that journal. So far she’d only read the passages about Mason, but she’d scanned the rest and knew other officers were mentioned in it. She’d known her husband was investigating dirty cops. She just hadn’t wanted to believe it went as high as the chief of police.

In the midst of her struggle with Mason, she recalled she’d cried out to God. She blamed Him for this mess. He’d allowed all this to happen. He was the one who’d taken her husband from her and made her a widow at twenty-seven. Now He’d brought Mason Webber into her life.

She shuddered. “I can’t believe this. Your own police department just labeled you a kidnapper. What do we do now?”

“We wait. My friends will take care of this. They’ll find us a way out of town.”

His friends. She’d heard him reference the DOJ in the car when he was speaking to his friend Matt. He’d told her about the drug trafficking and corruption investigations. Had he contacted the DOJ for backup? She folded her arms and locked eyes with him. “I think it’s time you told me exactly what’s going on. Who do you keep calling? And what does the DOJ have to do with it?”

He pushed his hand through his dark hair and sighed. “I’ve been working undercover for the past nine months as part of a joint task force between the DEA and DOJ. Somehow, Mason found out who I really was.”

She was stunned by his revelation. He wasn’t just a small-town cop investigating his fellow officers. He was a federal agent, a plant, someone who had voluntarily put himself into this position. She turned away, thinking of Jimmy and instinctively knowing he would have liked Blake. They both had the trait of jumping into the fire in the name of justice.

He knelt beside her, his expression one of compassion, and he squeezed her hands in a comforting manner. “I’m sorry you got pulled into this, Holly. I really am, but we’re not alone in this. Matt and the agencies will come through for us. We have people on our side and, most importantly, we have the Lord with us.”

She stared into his eyes and her heart clenched. He really believed that. She had believed it once, too, but now she figured God had forsaken her. She could put her trust in Blake Michaels to keep her safe, but she wasn’t ready to put her faith back in God to do anything for her.

* * *

Blake walked to the vending machine and slipped in a handful of coins. It wasn’t a real meal, but it would have to do for now until he could figure out a plan. Holly was depending on him for answers and he didn’t have any. He’d heard the concern in Matt’s voice. They were in real trouble. If the corruption went to the highest levels in town, they might have to fight to protect themselves.

The hairs on his neck prickled and he sensed someone watching him. He glanced around, spotting a figure on an outside balcony. Discouragement bit at him. He recognized the man as a local drug dealer. And he would no doubt report Blake’s presence at the motel to Mason. They couldn’t remain here.

He walked back into the room. When he’d left her, she’d seemed in a daze. Now she was pacing, determination locked into her expression.

“We can’t stay here,” he told her. “We have to leave now.”

“What happened?”

“Someone spotted us. I’m sure he’s on the phone to Mason as we speak. We should go now.”

She went with him to the car without further questioning, but once inside, she said, “Tell me about the drug trafficking.”

She had a right to know everything since her life was tied into his now. “There’s this drug called Trixie. It’s extremely dangerous and the manufacture and distribution operation is massive. My friend Matt busted up a ring in Tennessee last year but it was only part of a bigger organization. The DEA has been working with the DOJ to try to find the manufacturing facility and they believe it’s right here in Northshore. I was tasked with infiltrating the department to try to find it.”

“Don’t the DOJ or DEA have some other way of ascertaining where this drug den is? Surely they have access to satellite imaging. Why don’t they just bust it?”

“They’ve gotten some good leads, but they’ve been burned several times—getting close only to have the labs pack up and move. It’s courtesy for the Feds to alert local law enforcement before they execute a raid. After a few times, they started to suspect police involvement. That’s when they partnered with the DOJ.”

“I don’t understand. Which agency do you work for?”

“Neither.”

“Then how did you get roped into taking this job?”

He shrugged. “I was in a place in my life where I needed a change. I used to be sheriff of my hometown. It was right about the time I was ready for a change that Matt approached me about this task force. They needed someone to go into the precinct, someone with certain characteristics that might lead to an invitation into corruption.” He didn’t tell her about the betrayal he’d suffered or Miranda’s death. That was too much detail and he wasn’t ready to delve into it with anyone.

“So your friend thought you were believable as a dirty cop? Either he’s not a great friend, or there’s something you’re not telling me about your time as a sheriff.”

“Something did happen, but it had nothing to do with my job as a police officer. However, Matt thought I could use it to infiltrate this group.”

She gave him a wry smile. “Nice friends.”

“No, he’s a good friend. He knew I needed something else to focus on besides what was going on in my life.”

“Look,” Holly said, “we should start with figuring out who we can trust. Sometimes in nursing if there’s a problem, it takes someone else to look at it to see what’s happening. A new perspective, if you will.”

He nodded. “I agree we need help. Was there anyone specific on the force that Jimmy trusted?”

“I’m not sure. You’ve been there for the past nine months. Isn’t there anyone in the police department that you trust?”

He pulled his hands through his hair. He’d thought Waggoner was a stand-up guy and he’d been wrong. But he had to start thinking differently. He’d gone in looking to bond with the troublemakers. He’d made it his mission and he’d rubbed some people the wrong way in doing so. Maybe he should focus instead on those on the force who hadn’t approved of his choice of friends.

One name rose to the surface. He didn’t know if he could trust Gabriel or not, but Holly was right. They couldn’t wait around to be either captured or rescued. They had to do something—and it could be something dangerous.

* * *

Blake drove past Gabriel Butler’s house. Everything seemed quiet on the street and Holly noticed a car in the driveway. The lights were on inside the house, too, so he was definitely home. But would he help them? And could they trust him?

Blake parked several houses down and they got out. She jumped when he drew his gun. It stunned her and somehow made this all the more real. She nodded to let him know she was okay then followed him toward the house.

“Should I knock?” Holly asked when they reached the front door. “He might not recognize me right away.”

He nodded then moved out of view of the peephole. She rapped on the door and listened as footsteps approached. Her gut told her someone was behind that door staring at her through the peephole. She held her breath in anticipation. Would he even open the door for her?

Seconds later she heard the lock click and the door opened. Blake pushed her aside then stepped in front of her. He raised his gun to the stunned man’s head.

“There’s no cash in the house,” Gabriel said, coolly looking at them both as if they were common criminals.

“We’re not looking for money,” Blake said, pushing him back inside. Holly followed, closed the door behind them and turned the latch. “Do you know who I am?”

Gabriel stared at him then nodded slowly. “Blake Michaels. You’re NPD’s most wanted today.” He slowly lowered his hands. “What do you two want with me?”

“I’m not here to hurt you, Gabriel. I just want to talk.” To prove his intention, Blake lowered the gun and tucked it into his waistband.

Gabriel’s color began to return. “I’m not sure what we have to talk about.”

“Whatever you’ve heard about me over the radio is a lie. I didn’t kidnap anyone.”

“It’s true,” Holly said from behind him. “Mason Webber tried to kill me. Blake interceded. He saved my life.”

Gabriel glanced at her then back at Blake, and nodded. “Mason, huh? Can’t say I’m surprised.”

“I heard a rumor that you’re upset about the corruption in the department. That’s why I came to you. I’m undercover, working as part of a joint operation between the DEA and Department of Justice. I was sent here to ferret out the corruption and determine how high it goes and how it connects to the drug manufacturing ring operating out of Northshore.”

Gabriel sighed then moved toward the sink in the kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water and Holly noticed his hands shaking, no doubt from the adrenaline of having a gun shoved in his face.

“I’m sorry about all this,” Blake said, obviously noticing it, too. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

Gabriel gave a small laugh. “I’ll admit when I saw you I thought they’d finally sent someone to kill me.”

“They? Do you know who is in charge of the operation?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Will you help us?” Holly asked him. “We need to get out of town but all the roads are blocked.”

He nodded and set down his glass. “They’ve got the town locked down looking for you.” He glanced at Holly. “You’re Jim Mathis’s wife, aren’t you? He was a good cop.”

“Thank you for saying that,” Holly said, her heart warming at the memory of Jimmy.

“Why is Mason after you?” he asked Holly.

“I thought he was obsessed with me, but now I believe he found out my husband was investigating him and was only trying to find out if Jimmy had told me anything about him. I guess he’s decided it doesn’t matter and he’s trying to cut his losses. I should have filed charges against him for harassment months ago, but I’d hoped it would go away on its own.” She sighed and glanced at Blake. “Now I know it wouldn’t have done any good anyway. Chief Waggoner is just as dirty as Mason.”

Gabriel’s eyes widened. “The chief?” He shook his head as if absorbing the new information. “I should have known. That’s why none of the reports of Mason’s activities ever brought any consequences.” He sighed and looked at Blake. “How do I know you’re not feeding me a line? How can I believe you?”

Blake handed him a card. “Call this number and ask for Matt Ross. He’s my DEA contact. He’ll fill you in on the investigation.”

Gabriel glanced at it then reached for his phone and stepped out of earshot to make the call.

Holly watched Blake wearing a circle in the old shag rug, but she was feeling optimistic. She touched his arm, wanting to reassure him. “I think this was a good call. He seems like a decent guy.”

“Hopefully, he can help us.” He placed his hand over hers and she felt a spark of electricity. She glanced up to see if he’d noticed it, too, and found his blue eyes gazing longingly at her. “I’m sorry I got you into this,” he said, his voice low and deep.

She shuddered at the timbre of it but rushed to reassure him.

“You didn’t. You saved my life today. Twice.” She felt the sudden urge to fling herself into his arms and find comfort in his embrace. But she tamped down that feeling and took a step away from him, breaking the connection. She had to remain on alert and that meant reigning in her emotions, especially in front of someone she was depending on to get her through this.

Gabriel reappeared from the kitchen. “You checked out. How can I help you?”

“We need to get out of town. Any suggestions?”

“Well, the roads may be blocked, but you could go across the lake. I have a boat docked at the marina. They might not be able to monitor the entire lake.”

Blake glanced at her and Holly nodded. That was the best idea she’d heard in a while and hope bubbled anew. “We’ll try that.”

Gabriel removed a set of keys from a hook by the door. “It’s at the Bridge Bay Marina, slip eighteen. I’ll drive you.”

“That’s not necessary,” Blake said.

But Gabriel wouldn’t hear of it. “I insist. I want to make certain you make it out of town safely. I’ve been working secretly with Mayor Banks to try to clean up the force. We had no idea the Feds were already involved. It’s good to have someone else on the side of justice.”

They loaded into his SUV and headed toward the lake.

Holly sat back and found herself praying they would make it. It was still her instinct to go to God with her troubles, but she wouldn’t allow herself to. God had let her down too many times. She had only Blake to depend on now.

Gabriel turned into the marina and cut the engine.

Blake pulled out his gun and reached for the door handle. “Let me check it out first to make sure the coast is clear.”

He got out and disappeared down the pier. Holly watched him anxiously. Her nerves were on edge, but with a hopeful excitement for a change. If they were able to reach the boat and make it across the lake, she might finally be able to put this nightmare behind her. She wished she had Jimmy’s journal with her to hand over to Blake. She could trust him with it now. He could pass it along to his DEA friend and perhaps some good would come from Jimmy’s final investigation. She smiled, liking the thought that he was still reaching out, still helping the fight for justice, even from the grave.