Page 49 of Facing the Enemy
“Both are in the running. Let me know what you think after viewing the video. The consensus here is the person doesn’t walk like a woman. However, that could be on purpose. We ran the handwritingon Jack’s note through the database and came up with zero. You’d recognize Carson Lowell’s handwriting. Any similarities?”
“Not that I recall.”
“We’ll examine his and Ethan Mercury’s for comparison.”
“Yes, sir. Risa told me about her leave from the FBI. I assume she’ll be in contact with you.”
“She already has and requested to continue working in the same supposed resignation mode. However, she understands you will need another partner. Once her brother’s death is resolved, she’d like to return. I told her I couldn’t guarantee the two of you would be partners. Her fall semester is finished, and she’s completed her obligations except for final grades. Unless the crime is solved in the next few weeks, she may choose to continue teaching for the next semester. Gage, if you detect a problem with her ability to resume her FBI career, I need to be aware, whether it’s personal or emotional.”
“I believe she’s working through issues.”
“Good to hear. Now that you know her status, I compared the handwriting to a note she received the day of her brother’s funeral, and while it isn’t in the database, it matched the one Jack received. I’ll tell you what I told Risa—don’t put me in a position to regret this.”
I had gone back to the church after Risa had refused to show me the note and viewed the security cam. “Of course. Do you mind if I bring Risa up-to-date on the Addington case and what Jack and I learned about the killings at Saigon Sampler?”
“Go ahead. My guess is she’s read the case notes online.”
After the call, I requested a complete background on Ethan and Lynn Mercury. Not a coincidence the Addingtons used Mercury Alarms. My search revealed no more than the previous one. The Mercurys appeared to be good citizens. Ethan’s nationwide alarm business thrived in several states, mostly homeowners and a few small commercial customers. Mercury Alarms Inc. was the parent company, but many of the businesses in other locations were called by different names to maintain a local feel. The ease with the customer using online tools to manage individual systems and extensive advertising had made the company extremely popular across the nation.
My attention turned to the Saigon Sampler, where the Phan sisters and the worker were employed. The restaurant used a different service. But the Wades’ alarm system in Des Moines had Mercury Alarms as the parent company.
I researched the FBI’s secure files for a connection between home invasions, kidnappings, and Mercury Alarms, a task I should have done sooner. Before I could process what all this meant, my phone indicated the search I’d made earlier had downloaded. I read what I needed to know and sent it to Risa’s burner. While the information populated, I checked on Carson, asleep and snoring.
I texted Risa and asked if I could join her to discuss Ethan Mercury and the kidnapping cases. Switching to FaceTime, I muted my phone and positioned the camera with a view of Carson sleeping.
I knocked on the door of Risa’s adjoining room. She unlocked it and greeted me with reddened eyes, a sure sign she’d been crying. Had she heard grim news? Grief? Lack of sleep and unanswered questions? I closed the door behind me and studied her.
“You’re definitely not okay. How can I help?”
“If I could lasso my ups and downs, I’d do so and maybe put a stop to the predator called grief.” She smiled through quivering lips. “Trenton’s not coming back. He’s gone, forever gone. In one breath I’m glad his fight with addictions is over, and God has him safe and loved. Then my emotions send an unexpected surge of nausea, anger at myself and the situation, and a perpetual lump in my throat. Why did God have to take my brother? Am I drowning in a swirling pit of hopelessness?” She swiped beneath her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ve said all that before, but I despise my weakness. You have enough on your mind without my self-pity.”
“A strong woman faces the enemy and walks through the fire. Just like you’re doing. A coward stuffs her grief and attempts to will it away. Six months have gone by. You were in shock at the beginning, but now your heart’s defenses have crumbled. Reality has set in.”
“His birthday is tomorrow. He was Mom and Dad’s early Christmas present that year.”
I groaned, and my own past stabbed me. “Milestones are theworst, especially the first ones. You’re dealing with Trenton’s birthday, Christmas, and a horrible loss.”
“You’ve lost someone close to you, beyond the evil we’ve seen committed against children.”
I nodded. “It’s a topic for another time.”
“All right. I’m ready when you are.”
I couldn’t stop myself. “Risa, I’m in love with you.” I held up my hand. “Please don’t say anything. We have so much going on right now, but I had to tell you.”
She lifted her pale face. “How I’ve longed to hear those words. I love you too.” She imitated my raised hand. “Later. We’ve waited this long, and as hard as it is, we can wait a little longer.”
We stared at each other, and the tension, the heat, between us escalated. I reached for a bottle of water and finished it, then took a deep breath.
I felt her eyes on me. My resolve disappeared.
I crossed the room and took her face in my hands. Her green eyes glowed like soft candlelight. I bent and lightly kissed her, then deepened. She tasted sweeter than I’d ever anticipated. Not sure I could or even wanted to stop.
She pulled back, trembling. “Gage, we can’t—”
I kissed the tip of her nose and stepped back before I regretted my next move. “We should be working.” My hoarse voice caused a nervous giggle from her.
“Should we try to concentrate on this case instead of the obvious?” she said.
