Page 24 of Max's Mission

“I doubt it. Not unless a bank employee took a bribe. I’m the only person authorized to access it.”

“And that key isn’t one you recognize?” He motioned to the evidence bag in her hands.

She glanced at it again. “No.” Margot held it out. “I’m sorry I can’t be of more help.”

Gallagher took the bag. “You’ve been plenty helpful. The only other thing I ask is that you consider checking on your safe deposit box.”

Margot’s forehead wrinkled. She opened her mouth to speak, but the agent held up a hand.

“Just to be thorough.”

She snapped her mouth closed, then nodded once. “I’ll think about it. The bank is in Texas.”

Max made a mental note to change their return flight itinerary. They’d stop in Dallas for a day and go to the bank before heading home. If she didn’t have her key, he’d have Dean overnight it to their hotel. He knew from the look on her face she didn’t want to go check the box, but he also knew it would bug her if she didn’t.

Gallagher set the keys down on his desk and moved toward the door. “Thank you both for coming. I appreciate you making the trek up here. I know the weather isn’t the greatest.”

“It’s definitely tested our tropical blood.” Max extended an arm, ushering Margot toward the door as he aimed a one-sided smile at the agent.

“I bet.” Gallagher grinned. “To be fair, it’s not normally this cold this early. I’m hoping it gets it out of its system now and we have warmer temperatures in January and February.”

Max’s smile bloomed. “Keep dreaming.”

The agent chuckled softly. “I know.”

They reached the elevator and rode it back down to the lobby. Gallagher walked with them to the doors.

“Dr. Gaultier, Mr. Carson, thank you for your help.” He held out a hand, but his eyes were on Margot. “I know this wasn’t easy for you.”

Margot’s calm expression didn’t change except for a slight tension around her mouth. Max doubted Gallagher saw it. Unless someone knew her well, it wasn’t that noticeable.

“Um, could I ask a favor?” She asked the agent.

“What’s that?”

“When this is all over, can I have that shirt with the girls’ prints on it?” The sadness Max glimpsed when she first saw the shirt returned. He wanted to reach out and hug her, but there was a rigidness to her that told him she didn’t want to be touched right now. He had a feeling she was hanging on to her emotions by a hair.

“Of course. I’ll make sure it gets to you,” Gallagher said.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I know I seemed reluctant to have you go through your ex-husband’s things earlier today, but your input was valuable.”

Max resisted the urge to snort and roll his eyes. All the agent had learned was that the items in the car belonged to Tad and someone had a connection to Costa Rica. The latter was of most interest to Max. He wished he’d been able to take a picture of the barcode on the postcard. Asher might be able to get a post office location from it. He was sure the feds could, but they wouldn’t share that information. He also wished he had a picture of that safe deposit box key. He’d memorized the numbers on it, but it would be nice to have a picture of the shape. They weren’t all the same. And thanks to a handy mnemonic trick he’d learned in the military, he’d memorized the VIN and the license plate from the car as well. Once they got into the car, he’d write it all down. Later tonight or tomorrow, he’d get the information to Asher.

“I’m glad I could help. You or Detective Sorenson will keep me updated, yes?” Margot asked.

“We’ll do our best.” Gallagher reached into his pocket and took out a business card. “If you have questions or you think of something that could be useful, please call.”

She took the card. “I will. Thank you.”

“Thank you for your time.” Max extended a hand to the man.

“Yep.” Gallagher took it. “Have a safe trip back to Minot.”

“We will.” Max released the agent’s hand, then placed it on Margot’s back, ushering her toward the door.

That wintry North Dakota air blasted him in the face as they stepped outside.

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