Page 110 of Charmed Forces

“I was asking Lieutenant Graves,” said Maddox, “but I like your enthusiasm.”

“I’ll be there,” said Garrett. “I’m looking forward to hearing how this jerk tried to murder, then frame my brother, killing his partner, colleagues, and witnesses, announcing his intent to kill my brotheragain,and then he tried to kill my sister! Did I miss anything?”

“The misogyny of calling me Little Miss Private Investigator,” I said, still affronted at the insult.

“That’s not a crime, Lexi, that’s just rude,” said Garrett.

“Add it in anyway,” I said. “It was unnecessary and uncalled for.” I tugged Solomon’s hand and he pulled me to my feet. Dusting myself off, I wished I hadn’t worn heels to a warehouse. I longed for a warm bath right after I showered from head to toe; then I wanted to put on my cutest dancing eggplant pajamas and curl up under the covers. But before that, I wanted to know Daniel was a free man.

“It’s not Farid,” called Delgado who returned to his sentry position on the gantry.

“Who is it?”

“It’s dark outside and I can’t quite see them but I think they’re Detectives Crump and Hertford.”

“You’re screwed now,” laughed Captain Brandt. “My guys are going to take one look at you assaulting a senior officer and arrest every last one of you. Aiding and abetting wanted criminals, holding a police officer hostage! Your careers are toast!”

“Don’t be foolish,” I said, incensed at his nerve. “You can’t spin this to make us look like the bad guys. We have you on camera admitting to everything.”

“Admitting to what?” shouted Captain Brandt, straining to look up. I had no doubt he wanted the approaching detectives to hear his denials.

“Shooting the Denneys for one!”

“You had guns pointed at me! You’re assisting and abetting a wanted criminal! Of course I would say anything you told me to and that’s exactly what I’ll say in court!”

“It’s them. They’re coming in,” said Delgado.

“Get ready,” said Maddox. “This might go bad.”

“Behind me,” said Solomon.

“Why? I’m still wearing a vest,” I said.

“I’m holding the gun,” said Solomon.

“You win.” I stepped behind him, peeking around his arm as the door creaked open and the two detectives stepped in, their weapons drawn. They looked around, taking in the scene and I wondered how it looked to their eyes. Their captain was on the ground, face down, his hands cuffed behind his back, surrounded by the FBI, MPD, and a private detective agency, and the only one missing was the one man they probably expected to find.

Maddox had his badge on show with one hand, a gun in the other. “Special Agent Maddox, FBI,” he said, taking point. “This is my op, Detectives.”

Detective Hertford took a long look at Maddox’s badge then at Captain Brandt. “Okay,” he said. “Special Agent Maddox, nice to see you again.”

“What’s going on?” asked Detective Crump.

“We’ve just arrested Captain Brandt for multiple felonies,” said Maddox.

“You better explain yourself,” said Detective Crump without lowering his weapon. “And if everyone can come out where we can see them, that would be good too.”

“We’ve got Lieutenant Graves here, plus three from the Solomon Detective Agency who are working in conjunction with us,” said Maddox before he launched into an explanation of what went down. “We also have several MPD officers outside the building that you would have passed on the way in.”

“We didn’t see anyone,” said Hertford.

“Kind of the nature of undercover work in this case,” said Maddox. “How did you get here?”

“We drove,” said Detective Crump.

“No, I mean...” started Maddox but I interrupted with, “I called you and you didn’t come. He did,” I said, pointing to Captain Brandt.

Detective Crump sought me out and fixed his gaze on me, partially shielded by Solomon. “Yeah, I called him and he told me it was probably a crackpot caller and he’d take it so we could head home,” said Detective Crump.

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