Page 87 of Operation: Valiant Angel

“Did you go take a look at it?”

“Not yet,” Reina said. “Do you want me to?”

“Yes, and let me know what you think. Homes in that neighborhood don’t come on the market often, I know that.”

“Okay, I will. Elizabeth thinks I can get in this morning. I’ll let you know.”

“I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. The team is waiting. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Sure, I’m glad you got to call,” Reina said.

Later that morning, Madison drove them over to Elizabeth’s house. They’d gotten there twenty minutes before the neighbor was expecting Reina. The kids played, and the ladies chatted. At the time of the appointment, Elizabeth stepped outside with her and knocked on the door.

Reina knew she wanted the house before she even stepped foot inside. It was the same layout as Elizabeth’s place, which Reinafound perfect. And the fact that it was next to Elizabeth’s house was even better. She’d already decided that Elizabeth was one of the nicest people she’d ever met. If Reina was to close her eyes and envision what a best friend should be like, all of Elizabeth’s traits that she’d seen so far would be it. Elizabeth even advocated Reina have mercy on Stella Adams, or as she said, give her grace. She was Lilly’s mom.

Elizabeth introduced Reina to the owner and then returned to her own house while Reina was given a tour of the house by the owner, Lee, a sweet woman in her seventies who was moving in with her daughter. The house was far nicer than any place Reina had ever lived. But when Lee told her what she was asking for the house, Reina’s heart deflated. That was a lot of money. She had no idea of Jimmy’s finances, but there was no way she would tell him she loved this three hundred-thousand-dollar home.

She thanked Lee and told her she’d discuss it with her boyfriend and get back to her quickly, even though she had no intention of doing either. She was sad when she returned to Elizabeth’s house.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t you like it?” Elizabeth asked when she rejoined them.

“I love it. Elizabeth, she’s asking three hundred thousand dollars.”

“Wow, that’s a great price,” Madison chimed in.

“I’m sure she’ll list it higher if she has to pay commission to a realtor,” Elizabeth agreed.

“Really?” Reina asked, shocked.

“I’m sure Wilson can get at least two-fifty for his place,” Madison said.

“For a one-bedroom condo?” Reina asked.

“His place is in a very nice building. The attached parking garage adds so much value,” Madison answered.

“Did you take pictures to send Wilson?” Madison asked.

“No, I’m sure he won’t need to see any.”

***

The team arrived in Atlantic City with several leads on the two they sought, thanks to the Digital Team and the Marshals. The Marshals were checking out locations the two had been observed at during the original investigation five years ago. The Marshals gave the Shepherd Security Team the names and addresses of several of their prior associates who still lived in the area that had been investigated before the arrests but were not charged due to insufficient evidence.

The team split into three teams to surveil those associates. Wilson was paired with Tommy Flores. Before Bravo Team was assigned to the private security missions, Bravo and Charlie Teams worked closely together. It had been many years, but once again, working with Tommy was still comfortable territory for Wilson.

Their target was a man named Hugo Morales, who neither Wilson nor Tommy could understand why the evidence hadn’t been enough to charge him. The fact that he’d been in the identity theft and money laundering network was clear to them both.

And once they started to surveil him, it was clear he was no boy scout now. He visited several pawn shops and bars, brief stops that lasted only ten to fifteen minutes each. Through the window at several locations, they saw the shopkeepers hand him an envelope, which he looked in before shoving it into a pocket in his jacket. At two of the bars, Wilson and Flores took turns following him in. They each observed the same thing in the bar.

“Protection money?” Wilson asked Flores.

“Or stolen credit cards being passed to him by complicit shopkeepers?” Flores posed.

They sent a text message with what they’d witnessed to the team and St. Vincent with the Marshals.

Cooper called. “Your guy may very well still be operating with the business the network was charged with. That doesn’t mean he’s in contact with Adams and Henning.”

“The Smiths in Iowa were still conducting business and our two were obviously in contact with them,” Wilson pointed out. “I have a feeling this guy either has or will be paid a visit by Adams and Henning. I want to stay on him.”

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