Page 69 of Jacqueline's Quest

“Do you suspect arson?” Murray asked, following the investigator.

“We do,” Investigador Sisneros said. “It appears the fire started at the back door. We believe gasoline was used as a catalyst.”

“Where?” Murray gaze lit on the bits of wood still attached to the hinge.

Investigador Sisneros lifted his flashlight to the small area and pointed to the bits of the wood still attached. “Here specifically, after the door was busted down.”

“The alarm should have gone off,” Jaqueline said. “Someone should have been alerted.”

"Whoever did it, they cut the power to everything on your property, including the tripwires you have placed around your grazing land. I have to admit this was a sophisticated system you have here."

“Protección,” Jaqueline said. “Working for the government, one never simply retires.”

The man frowned taking in her blood soaked dress and disheveled appearance. “Do you or have you, made many enemies over the years, Miss Herrera?”

She snorted. She made enemies everywhere she went. She didn’t become Cuerpo de Fuerzas Especiales without pissing a few people off along the way. “Yes.”

“I see. I will continue my investigation to see if I can find fingerprints or better yet, DNA. However, don’t get your hopes up.”

She wouldn't. As it stood, the one suspect she had for doing this to her home, was in the wind. Raul hadn't been at the scene. She suspected he left the minute the Federales showed up. Or worse, now that she thinking clearly about it, Los Trios or Puebla could have grabbed him, which meant Bex was in even more danger and they were on the wrong track.

Murray turned from her and tapped the link in his ear. “Did you catch all of that?”

Asher blew out a breath. “Yeah. Bex is safe for the moment. Callahan is taking up guard duty for the next couple of days until all of you can return.”

“Asher—I,” Jaqueline paused. What did she say? She couldn’t ask Murray to stay there and it wasn’t like she had a home to come back to anymore. “I’m not sure Christian is up to—”

“We’ll stay at my place,” Murray said. “It’s big enough and we can hook Christian up with a social worker and therapist.”

Jaqueline snorted. “We’re not US citizens. Kind of hard to travel without proper documentation.”

“Let me worry about that,” Asher said. “We could use your skills.”

“I’m retired,” Jaqueline stated.

“Fine, consult for us. I have a feeling Murray isn’t going to come back either.”

Murray frowned. “How did you—”

“You think I wasn’t prepared? AJ and Scotty are on our team full-time now. You can relax and get to know your sister again. Besides, I know if I need you for special missions, you’ll do it, because you can’t say no.”

“You’re an asshole,” Murray chuckled.

“Yeah, well, that’s nothing new. So, what do you say?”

Murray cut his gaze to Jaqueline. His heated stare sent a thrill down her spine. Starting over did have its appeals. She had a feeling Christian would never find himself if they stayed near Juarez. It held too many bad memories for him. A clean, fresh start sounded perfect.

“I have a dog,” she said.

“Is that a euphemism for something else?” Asher hedged.

She laughed. “No.”

“Oh good. I think pooches are fine. Not like it’ll be living here full time,” Asher said. “Murray? What’s it going to be?”

He sighed. “You’re a real piece of work, fucker. I thought I would retire to Mexico, fuck, fight, and feast on the best food ever made, for the rest of my life.”

“You still can,” Asher replied.

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