Page 86 of Facing the Enemy
He kissed me again and reached for the doorknob, then slowly turned back. “You and I have seen the problems when partners get involved, the late hours contribute to a high divorce rate. Each cares so much for the other that they forget their commitment to others.” He kissed me one more time. “We will figure this out. Us out. Make it work.” He left without another word.
Did I prefer my feelings for him to be a dream and keep them there? Somewhere along the line of career, obligation, and responsibility, I’d neglected my longing for a family. Did I deserve such happiness? And with Gage?
I had several reasons to work from the extended-stay hotel, other than a good scolding for allowing my emotions to soar a bit wild. But I ached to be with Gage every minute of the day.
I read an update on Peilman and learned his ex-wife lived in New York City. The FBI had interviewed her, and she claimed not to have seen him in three years.
Gage had requested the FIG do a background on Peter Florakis, who’d given Ethan Mercury the name of John Smith. In contrast, the person who’d attacked Jack had a slighter build. Perhaps one of the gang members? Or Emily Lock?
My next inquiry dealt with the attorney, Giang Lam, who’d represented Tuan Duong and Vinh Bui. If a link existed between Florakis and Giang, we were headed in the right direction.
I had no idea how long my request would take, but the longer it took, the more lives were at risk.
Earlier over breakfast, Gage and I put together an overview of the events since Trenton’s death, and I needed silence to process them.
I also needed to work under the assumption that our subjects kept tabs on our every move. Not necessarily impossible, depending on how far advanced their technology and who held control.
July 29: Trenton’s death. Threatening note left on my car. I was the intended target.
Michael and Sarah Addington’s baby kidnapped.
Alex and Nanette Wade adopt a baby unknowingly through a fraudulent private adoption.
Addingtons’ baby found in Des Moines.
Wades arrive at Houston FBI for interview. Taken for forty-eight thousand dollars. Offer names of Harvey Sinclair, attorney and director of fraud agency, and Emily Lock, supposed birth mother. Both disappeared. Other fraud players—the man who posed as Des Moines police officer, the woman as the Iowa state licensing specialist for private adoption agencies, the woman at the Iowa state’s attorney general’s office, and two couples who recommended the adoption agency. All phone numbers disconnected.
Michael and Sarah Addington interview. Unclear how kidnappers entered home.
I receive Carson’s short story indicating his eyewitness of Trenton’s death.
Gage and I interview Ethan and Lynn Mercury for Carson’s whereabouts.
Gage and Jack interview maternity home centers. Houston Healing and Hope provide names of Phan Suzi and Phan Hai. Hai is a birth mother whose baby was abducted. Gage and Jack visit the restaurant where the Vietnamese sisters work. Not there. Warned by gang members to stay away. Phan sisters executed and fire set to restaurant.
Jack attacked. Left for dead and note left by assailant.
Gage and I find Carson in West Texas. Learn his stepfather, Ethan Mercury, was passenger in car that hit Trenton.
I drive Carson back to Houston in rental. Norman Peilman killed while trying to run us off the road.
Gage drives Carson’s Jeep. He checks on Jack at hospital. Threatening note left on Jeep window.
Carson confesses at FBI office to what he viewed. Requests protection for his mother and brother. Ethan Mercury confesses at FBI office of turning over security info to John Smith, including the Addingtons’. Requests protection for whole family. Lynn Mercury and sons in safe house. Ethan wants to help FBI.
John Smith identified as Peter Florakis.
I decide to return to FBI and visit Jack in hospital. Woman identified as Emily Lock tried to gain access to Jack. He attempts to tell me something about Luke, his former partner. At my apartment, I find Luke’s severed head in my bathtub.
Gage interviews two men identified as part of the gang who threatened him and Jack. The two men in custody plead not guilty and refuse plea bargain. Their attorney known to represent gang members.
I stopped and checked the records on the status of the two men in custody. The judge had set bail, and someone paid it. The two were free to roam the streets. Wonderful.
Gage and I interview Clyde Washington, who works for Houston Healing and Hope Maternity Care as driver and handyman. Believes the buying and selling of babies continues from previous case.
Vietnamese woman calls Gage. Third person killed in fire was the father of Hai’s abducted baby. A gang committed the execution and set the fire, but not responsible for kidnapping.
Norman Peilman and Peter Florakis connected via New York City crimes. Peilman’s gun used in murder.
