Page 41 of Max's Mission

“I’m Agent Dye, FBI. This is Dr. Gaultier and Mr. Carson. We need your assistance getting into a safe deposit box.”

“Do you have a warrant?”

“He doesn’t,” Margot said. “But I have a key. It’s a long story, but I’m hoping my name is on the list of people authorized to access the box.”

Tess set her papers down and moved to a computer. “May I see your ID, please?”

Digging out her passport, Margot handed it over.

“What’s the box number?”

“Two-eighty,” Max replied.

The woman’s bright pink nails clacked over the keyboard. “Good news.” She glanced up with a smile. “You are.”

“That’s great. We’d like to see the contents,” Agent Dye said.

“That’s up to Dr. Gaultier.” Tess nodded to Margot.

“It’s fine. They’re here to help.”

“Then let’s go get you access.” She pushed away from the counter, then went through a door set into the wall to her right and came out into the lobby. “Follow me.”

Beige carpet turned their footfalls to soft thumps as they went down a hallway. Tess paused outside of a room and opened the door, turning on the light. “You gentlemen can wait in here while I take Dr. Gaultier in to get the box.”

“I’m sorry. I need to keep eyes on it,” Agent Dye said. “It’s part of a homicide investigation.”

Tess’s eyes bugged. “Oh. Well, then, I suppose you can stand in the doorway. It’s a small space.”

“That’s fine. So long as I can see.”

“I’ll stay here.” Max moved into the room.

A spate of nerves traveled down Margot’s spine as they walked away. It wasn’t logical. He was only a few feet away. But she’d feel better with him by her side.

“All right, let’s see…” Tess entered the safe deposit box vault and walked along the wall of metal doors. Margot trailed behind while Agent Dye stayed in the doorway.

“Box 280 is… here.” Tess stopped and inserted her key into a lock.

Margot put on a set of gloves from her purse, then took the key from the bag and stepped up to slide it into the second lock. The door opened, and she let the manager take the box out. Margot pushed the door closed and removed the key, putting it back in the baggie. Whatever was in that box better mean something and not be some wild goose chase.

Back in the room where Max waited, Tess set the box on the table. “I’ll leave you to it. Do you need anything else at the moment?”

“No, I think we’re fine, thank you.” Agent Dye moved closer to the table.

“You’re welcome. Please come ask for me when you’re finished.”

“We will.” He gave her a short nod, and she left, closing the door.

“Let’s have a seat, shall we?” Agent Dye motioned to the chairs arranged around the table.

Max pulled one out for Margot, facing the agent. She sent a soft smile at him as she sat, then took his hand as he sank down next to her.

Dye took off his coat and draped it over the fourth chair, then smoothed his tie and sat. “Agent Gallagher asked me to loop him in when we opened this, so I’m going to call him, if that’s all right?”

Margot nodded.

“We’d prefer it,” Max said. “So we don’t have to go over things twice.”

---