Page 60 of Christmas Homecoming Secrets
The commander stood and paced the room for a good five minutes before he took his seat and leaned forward to look Dylan in the eye. “Okay, here’s the plan. We’re going to put surveillance on your wife and kids, make sure they’re safe while not tipping off any of those involved in the ring. You’re going to be on duty tomorrow night to make sure this goes off without a hitch. Once the deal’s done, we’ll move in.”
“Sir, I want to help, I do. But these people are more than just dangerous. They’re killers. They have no respect for life. If they think I’ve turned, my family—and possibly anyone around them—is dead. Regardless of protection.” He used his sleeve to swipe the sweat from his forehead. Jade noticed the fine tremor in his hands.
“This isn’t my first time doing this, Fitzgerald. I know what I’m doing and I work with a good team. You’re absolutely positive none of my other officers are involved in this?”
“I’m positive—or at least, I think I am. I can only tell you that I’ve never seen anyone else on the force at the meetings.”
“All right then.” The commander swept the pictures and the file folder into his left hand and leaned in. “Now that we’ve got that settled, you said these guys were killers.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then who killed Frank Shipman, and who’s trying to kill Jade Hollis?”
“Frank?” Dylan spread his hands. “I don’t know. If I did, I’d tell you, but that one was a surprise.”
“He was working on a story related to this drug ring. He’s the one who took those pictures of you. I’d say that gives you motive.”
Dylan flinched. “Maybe so, but I didn’t know those pictures existed until you just showed them to me.” He shook his head. “I’ve given you everything on this drug ring, but there’s no way I’m going down for Shipman’s murder. I didn’t do it, and I don’t know who did.”
“Then who wants Jade Hollis dead so bad?”
“Again, I don’t know.” He paused. “Unless it’s the person who was in the mill when she found Frank’s jersey. Maybe they think she saw them.”
“It’s a thought,” Bryce murmured to her.
“It is, but I think it’s a long shot,” Jade said. “I was attacked from behind. I never saw a thing.”
“Still, you never know.”
“True.”
The commander stood and shut off the recording device. “Someone will be here soon with a transcript of this conversation for you to sign. You can discuss this with your lawyer, and I’ll go fill the DA in on everything. I don’t want anyone to know about this meeting. You’re going to walk out of here like everything is just fine, you understand?”
Dylan nodded, his eyes on the table. “Thank you, Commander.”
“We’ll be monitoring everything you do. You wait two hours before you leave this building.”
“Yes, sir.” Another swallow that sent his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Thank you, sir. I’m sorry…about everything.”
“I’m risking a lot here, Dylan. I’m trusting that you want to make things right. This will go a long way towards doing that.”
“I know. I won’t let you down.”
Commander Harrison stared at his officer for a few more seconds before he gave a low grunt and stood. Then he walked out without another word.
“He’s stepping out on a limb here,” Jade said. “If Dylan runs…”
“He won’t. He did what he did out of love for his family. He won’t stop now.”
When the door opened to the observation area, Bryce turned. Captain Colson nodded at Jade. “Looks like we’re going to be planning a sting for tomorrow night.”
“Looks like,” she said. And while she was ready to bring down the drug ring, she couldn’t help feeling frustrated that they didn’t appear to be any closer to finding out who killed Frank—and who wanted her dead.
* * *
Jade picked up the picture of her and Mia from the mantel and couldn’t hold back the surge of love that swept over her.
God, please, end this.
