Page 106 of Mission: Possible

"He can't get far. Someone will spot his truck," said Garrett.

"I bet he ditched it," I said. "He was smart enough not to get caught for this long. I bet he ditched it as soon as Manny chased him out of the hospital. His truck may still be parked there. What else does he have access to?"

"Does Sophie have a car?" asked Solomon.

"I think so but I don't know what kind. I'll call Austen and ask."

Garrett's cellphone rang and he stepped outside to answer it. When he came back, he looked pleased. "Highway Patrol just sighted Zach's truck heading north. They're in pursuit. I'm heading up there. Jord?"

"I'll come with you," said Jord. "Good work, Lexi. We'll keep you informed of what happens when we make the arrest."

"Thanks," I called to their retreating backs as they hurried from the room. To the remaining men, I asked, "Do you really think Zach is dumb enough to drive his own truck after attempting to murder Sophie?"

"Plenty of stupid people around," said Delgado. "If this guy's world is caving all around him, he might make some rash decisions."

"We should go to his apartment and see if he's taken anything or left any clues as to where he might be headed," I said. "I know it's probably a crapshoot but we should delve into it anyway."

"I'm all for that," said Maddox. "Plus, I'd like to look around. Maybe there's something that ties him to both robberies."

"We should all go," decided Solomon. "We'll follow you."

"I'll text you the address," I said as everyone prepared to leave.

~

We arrived at Zach's apartment building together, just in time for a train to speed past, causing the windows of the car to rattle. I hopped out and Solomon and Delgado followed me to where Maddox waited.

"This way," I said, leading them up while Delgado waited downstairs on lookout duty.

My phone beeped as we jogged up the stairs and I pulled it out, hoping it was an update from Garrett or Jord. Instead it was from Austen. Yes, Sophie had a car. A two-door Mercedes convertible. "Austen says Sophie kept her car in the garage at their home but since he's barely been home in over a week, he couldn't confirm it was still there," I told them. "He gave me the plate number."

"One of us should check that out," said Solomon. He and Maddox exchanged a look.

"I'm here on federal business," said Maddox.

"I'll get Manny to ask one of his work crew to check," I said pointing down the corridor. "That's Zach's apartment."

Solomon reached it first. "Door's unlocked," he said.

"Is it?" asked Maddox.

Solomon kicked it and it swung open. "Yes," he replied.

"Perhaps there was a break-in," said Maddox, drawing his weapon. "I better check."

"I like how you're all saying these things like I'm recording you to show the video in court later," I said, following them in.

Zach's apartment was just as sparse as the first time I saw it. Maddox and Solomon cleared the rooms and we convened in the small living area. "Just to state the obvious, he's not here," said Maddox while I shot a text to Manny. "I'm ready to poke around."

"I'll take the bedroom," I said. "I think I'd notice if anything were missing." Within a few minutes, I verified that Zach's fancy leather jacket, along with the rest of his clothing were gone. Clearly, he packed in a hurry because the closet door hung open and he hadn't even bothered to make the bed or take anything from the bathroom.

"He's definitely on the run," said Solomon.

"We could try Sky Outdoors?" I suggested. "If he's not in his truck like we suspect, perhaps he went there?"

"What for? To hand in his resignation?" asked Maddox, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

"No, because I think he might have been dating one of the women there. I saw him kissing Vanessa... oh, my God!" My eyes widened.

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