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"I ended up speaking to one of the other recruits, a woman.”

“Where was she?” Cora sat up straighter.

“I decided to go out - not to the racetrack bar, but to another bar, a couple of miles away in the opposite direction, and seeing we were all out of COs, I went lower. I saw her in there and talked to her."

Cora nodded. She knew Gabe would have used his charm, that quality about him that made him easy to converse with. It made him seem like a trustworthy person and that made it easier for people to tell him things.

"She didn't know the victims, but she knew of them. And she seemed like she'd be ready to talk to you and answer some questions." He checked his watch. "She was there with friends, and it seemed like they were settled in for the evening. I asked her what time she was planning to leave, and she said they have to be back on base by midnight."

"It’s eleven now. Let's go speak to her." Cora got up, wiped her hands on a paper napkin, and headed to the door. At least she had coffee and pizza inside her now, and was ready to go for a few more hours.

As Gabe drove there, they discussed their plans.

"I think it might be better for you not to show your face in there right now, after what went down earlier," he suggested, and Cora nodded.

"I think you're right. One of those soldiers could be there. The original soldier saw me and they might still be on the lookout."

"So let me go in, and bring her out," Gabe said. "I'll tell her she's welcome to come with a friend, and that you're in the car. Will that work?"

Cora nodded. Gabe had suggested, for sure, what was likely to be the most workable plan.

Gabe parked the car down the street from the bar, and he got out, slipping on a jacket. Cora took a look at the place through the car window. It was definitely a more upmarket place than the racetrack bar. This was a quieter part of town, and she guessed it was where the female recruits were more likely to hang out if they wanted a quiet night, and not to be harassed.

But would the woman be comfortable with Gabe's story?

She fidgeted as she waited, digging her nails into the palm of her hands, hoping that this plan would work.

Finally, the door to the bar swung open and Gabe emerged, followed by a woman with dark hair tied back in a tight ponytail. She seemed nervous, biting her lip, and glancing around as Gabe led her towards the car.

There was another woman following, walking behind her, who stood near the car, watching it, as Gabe drew close. Cora was glad that this witness had brought along a friend for protection and backup. Maybe that would increase the chances that they'd learn something.

"Hey, Cora," Gabe said, opening the door for the woman. "This is Sarah. She's agreed to talk to us."

Cora scooted over and made room for her. She took a look at the woman. She was in her early twenties, with a pretty, oval face and bright blue eyes. Now that she was close up, she saw her demeanor held a hint of steel.

"I've been asked to find out what's happening with these killings on base," Cora said. "I'm investigating off the record, on behalf of a friend."

"Understood," the woman said.

"Can you tell me more about the victims? Who they were, where they fit in, what kind of people they were?"

Now, Sarah narrowed her eyes as she stared at Cora.

"No," she said. "I'm not telling you a thing until you at least tell me who you are. How do I know this isn't some kind of trap? I don't want to be next."

Cora sighed.

"I'm Cora Shields," she said. "Ex Navy SEAL, ex FBI. I left the FBI a while ago and now I'm a private investigator. I can show you my FBI ID, but it’s out of date.”

She pulled it out anyway. Sarah looked at it carefully.

Now, Cora was the one who hoped this wasn't a potential trap, and that this young woman really would be willing to talk. She waited, feeling like everything was riding on her answer.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Sarah took a while to decide, staring at Cora with a narrow, considering expression.

And then she sighed.

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