“I’ve already chosen my destination, Fort Lauderdale. There’re reasons I decided on that city, family reasons that still stand.”
Catching on to his boss’s line of reasoning, Crawly added, “It could work, Carolina.”
Prowler, still planning out loud, added, “We’d cover any costs, set up protection with the local authorities, whatever you need. All you have to do is enjoy a vacation with the poor kid who looks like no one’s ever been kind to her. Help us catch this scumbag before he claims another kill, Agent Madison.”
Carolina began laughing, her nerves unleashed. “Oh, you’re good, Chief, smooth as stainless steel. Ever thought of the stage back when you were making up your mind what career to choose?”
Rubbing his mustache, a quick wink shared, he tried to keep a straight face and failed. “Did it work?”
“Let me talk to the kid, and we’ll see. Okay?”
“Okay. But don’t take too long. The sooner we get Alicia safely hidden, the better. In the meantime, we’ll get a female detective to follow through on your flight as planned. She’ll take up the residence you’d set up.”
“That means you think he’ll peg me as the female there tonight and come after me.”
“Maybe. He’s good. We don’t want to take any chances. In case he ties you to Alicia, and decides you’re another victim, I want a solid net put in place. Therefore, if you do play along with us, we need your itinerary, your tickets, everything.”