Page 49 of Complicated Past

“Maybe not, but I can’t afford to have my name flagged in the system.”

Linc grunted. “For sure.” That was not going to be her biggest problem. “Give it a minute.”

“If they bring over a dog or take her for secondary inspection, I’ll need to make a fast exit. Are you close by?”

“I’m close.” If Tawnya would shut up, he could hear Garcia and Bri.

“Your brother got your message, and we know what you’re being forced to do,” Garcia spoke reassuringly.

“You do?” Bri squeaked.

“Authorities raided the house where Ms. Fahey’s partner held your grandmother. She’s all right.”

“What about my son? They had him and my friend.”

“They’re fine. They never found your son.”

“They did. I saw a video,” Bri insisted.

“Keep looking atme. She’s watching us. Relax and smile. Police made that video of him with your social worker,” Garcia said. “We’re going to let you through. Let Fahey take the suitcase, but under no circumstances are you to get in the vehicle with her. Do you understand?”

“I’m telling you, this one’s been a total pain in the ass this whole time,” Tawnya grumbled. “She must be freaking the hell out. She’s packing up her suitcase, and the agent is inspecting her purse. They’re letting her go, but this feels off.”

Invisible spiders swarmed all over Linc’s body. “This might be this agent’s first day on the job and our lucky day.”

“You might be right. The agent doesn’t look old enough to drive. She’s got the suitcase and coming this way. I’ll see what she says.” Tawnya ended the call in time for him to make out Garcia’s voice through his earpiece.

“I didn’t tell her I planted a tracker in the suitcase or about the pen mic. I was afraid she might give it away as nervous as she was.”

“Good call. Tawnya’s already suspicious,” Linc said. It was ironic that the police were successfully keeping Bri in the darkabout what they’d hidden in the suitcase, whereas she’d figured out Tawnya’s plan.That’s karma for you, Tawnya.

“What happened?” Tawnya’s voice came through the pen mic with only a little distortion.

“She said it was a routine bag check,” Bri answered.

“What did you tell her?” Tawnya continued her interrogation.

“They’re moving toward the exit,” Officer Patton reported.

“I just answered her questions. I guess she decided I didn’t fit their profile because of the length of stay and because I bought my own ticket in advance. You’re smart there.” Bri didn’t make it sound like a compliment.

Tawnya snorted.

“I’ve done my part and got your precious drugs through security. Now, I want my son, or I walk back to that nice agent and tell her the truth.”

“You do that, and you may never see your son again.”

“If you hurt him, you’ll wish we never met.”

Tawnya gave an ominous, hollow laugh. “Don’t threaten me. And don’t even think about calling the police. My people know where to find you.”

“I just want my son and my grandmother and to never see you again.”

“We’ve got your son outside.”

“And my grandmother?”

“Afterwe deliver the suitcase.”

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