Page 48 of Laura's Truth
“It’s my fight,” he began. “I think you’re all underestimating him.”
Honesty. Something inside Laura turned like a worn key finally opening an old lock. He kept surprising her.
“So enlighten us,” Eva said.
Drew sighed. “Yes, it will irritate him if he hears Laura’s been questioned and released. He had the perfect opportunity to wrap up any and all loose ends and Laura got away. Then, thanks to my big mouth, he learned I was still alive. Another potential witness against him is an embarrassment and a big problem for him. Worse, since it looks like she and I are working together.” He pointed at Laura. “Now, instead of sitting back, waiting for the news to break about the Aziz assassination he arranged to look like a random crime, he’s dealing with two moving targets and his hit man has gone quiet.”
“Then why, needing manpower, did he kill two of his men?”
“First, they failed. Second, they undermine his authority if they turn on him and ID Drew or me,” Laura replied. “Drew infiltrated his systems over the years. He knows how Hackett thinks.”
“He’s already going back through it,” Drew explained. “He’ll review every detail of his operation, looking for me in every questionable glitch through the years.”
Ross slid an arm around Allie’s shoulders, the picture of a man at ease. “Will he find you?”
“Not a chance.”
“Are you sure?” Eva leaned forward, tipped her head toward Nicole. “She found you. I found you.”
“Only because I’m exceptional with faces,” Nicole explained with an apologetic shrug. “Your face popped up in the background of a surveillance shot for a different case.”
Drew groaned. “The number of people with cameras in Charleston is insane.”
“True.” Nicole laughed. “Made my job much easier.”
“And it will work in our favor as we maintain your backup,” Ross said. “If you want to outwit Hackett and bring him down, a team effort is your best play.” He circled his finger in the air, encompassing all of them.
“He sure as hell wouldn’t expect it.”
Laura smiled at Drew’s reluctant admission.
“Let me make a few calls.” With a tender look and soft kiss for Allie, Ross left the table.
Laura waited with the others, listening to the banter and discussion over the situation and weighing in as needed. Ross had assembled a skilled and smart team, and she said as much to Allie as she moved to gather up dishes.
“You worked with him when he was Special Forces, right?”
“Peripherally,” Laura answered. “He led an excellent team then too, but it’s nice to see him settled as a civilian.”
“I think so too.” Allie laid a hand on Laura’s arm. “He won’t let anything happen to you or Drew.”
“Thanks.” Laura almost added more, but if things went according to Ross’s plan, she’d have time to say those words when Drew wasn’t nearby.
“It’s cleared with the sheriff,” Ross reported, returning from his office. “He’ll take official statements from both of you whenever you’re ready.”
“And we can spread the news quickly once we’re back in Charleston, right?”
Ross and Eva nodded in unison. “I guarantee it,” Eva said.
Laura took small consolation that they’d resolve this far from Haleswood. Bringing someone as sneaky and as deadly as Hackett into a small town felt like a huge mistake, a danger to too many innocent lives.
“Well here’s to an unexpected girl’s day,” Allie said. She smiled at Eva and Nicole, then turned that same warm, open expression on Laura. “Lovely as it is, Mrs. Ketterly can’t keep running around in only her beachwear. I’ve got yoga pants and a top to get you through your meeting with the sheriff.”
Nicole slid out of her chair with a wild whoop and a smacking kiss for Rick, while Eva hopped up and did a fast happy dance.
“Oh yes. Field trip!” Eva pumped a fist in the air. “Give me a couple of hours in the office and then, bam! Look out, Chuck-town.”
Chapter 9