Page 13 of Jacqueline's Quest

“Time. My job. Finding people who understood me and would do whatever it took to help me.” He sat back so he could look down at her. “Every day is a challenge. It’s only made easier knowing you have friends out there to prop you up when you need it most.”

She glanced away. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” Murray pointed at the screen, drawing her attention back to the mission. “Asher is already preparing our base to receive those bodies. Top forensic doctors will work around the clock to identify and return those remains to the grieving families.”

“I am sure, the families will be extremely grateful.” No matter the outcome for the families of the missing, having answers would help allow them to gain some type of closure and peace. “Is this technology expensive?”

Murray gave her a sheepish look. “To be honest, I’ve never priced one out. We’ve always just used the UAV. Like anything, I suspect there is a range, depending on the quality of the device.”

Made sense.

Jaqueline squinted at the images again. She’d seen things like this before. It just wasn’t her forte. She could fire a rifle, a pistol or any other weapon with deadly accuracy. She was also trained in mixed martial arts and was deadly with a knife. Computers were used to check email and for social media—which she didn’t have. The technology Murray used was something richer countries had at their fingertips, allowing them to train with it whenever the mood struck. However, computers and technology like Murray’s would never replace being on the streets in the thick of it, learning from the community. It’s how trust was built and kept when it came to law enforcement and support, something that had been lacking for years now.

Jaqueline waved her hand at the screen. “You can read this, yes?”

Murray nodded. “Our mutual acquaintance, Tex, was able to locate the original blueprints on the building.”

“Unless they’ve changed the interior.” She squinted at the screen as though she’d been attempting to discern her brother in one of the red dots.

"We've already been able to identify slight modifications to the original plans. Between me and another team member at the base, in a couple hours or more, we'll be able to have computer-generated, real-time images of the interior along with a layout of doors, rooms, and hallways to aid us when we finally make entry."

“Impressive.”

“That’s what she said,” he teased.

“I wouldn’t know yet, Murray. I haven’t seen the goods yet.” She tilted her ass. “But you must do enough squats to get a, what’s it called, bubble butt.” Jaqueline enjoyed the deep, hearty sound of his laughter. It lightened the mood and the last remaining tension in her neck completely eased.

“All you have to do is ask, Mistress. It would be my pleasure to reveal my spectacular goods.” His wink held mischief and dangerous intentions.

Jaqueline wanted to laugh, something she'd rarely done since everything went to hell and her brother was taken. Instead, she rolled her eyes and gave a dramatic sigh, as though put out by the idea of seeing the 'goods.' "Why is it, all men assume their dicks are amazing."

He shrugged. “Because mine is. I’ll prove it whenever you want it.”

“How about we get off the topic of your dick and get back the job at hand.” She gestured to the wall where the monitor was located.

“I’ve got my program running in the background. I’ve been double-checking Hank’s observations.”

“Hank?”

Murray scratched at his chin. “A counterpart of mine at R.O.O.T. Asher pulled him from another team to work on this.”

“I’m sure Hank, absolutely loves the fact that you’re looking over his shoulder.”

Murray snorted. “I could give a fuck what Hank thinks or feels. I earned my place on the best team within R.O.O.T for a reason. I’m the best at what I do.”

“Cocky,” she said.

“R.O.O.T psychologist says I’m simply self-assured.” He grinned. “Rules are rules though, Jaq, in here we’re all about the task at hand.”

“Agreed.” She glanced at the screen, getting back to work. “What is that?”

There were a few photographs she didn’t recognize because they appeared to be taken from the air. The only way to get a bird’s eye view of the building was with a drone. Something like that would cost money and she also knew the Mexican government wouldn’t be giving their permission so easily.

"Images from a government satellite Asher got permission for us to use. I re-positioned it the other day. It's being monitored 24/7 at R.O.O.T and I'm sent images of interest. Think of it as the Hubble Telescope. It's up in space, but can photograph a flea farting on the ass of a dog."

“Then you can see faces and people with it?”

He glanced at her. "Theoretically, yes." Hope rose in her chest and just as quickly he popped it like a balloon. "People don't tend to look up when they're walking or getting out of a car unless they see something, and it spiked their interests. Getting a full facial shot is hard."

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