“I still don’t get––”
I feel Noah squeeze my hand and I turn to look back at him. His eyes are observing me tentatively, like he’s searching for the right words. I watch as his shoulders set in determination and his eyes glint with such intense force I have to blink twice.
“Last week, a drop occurred but the regular MO, which is usually a drop and go, was not followed. They broke protocol. The interaction between the runner and courier was odd enough for Ben to flag it in the system. As soon as he showed me the photos, I recognized him. I’d never forget a face, Ria--especially one who threatened your safety. The tattoos helped identify him.”
“Show me.”
Noah starts to shake his head like he doesn’t want to overwhelm me. I ignore him and turn to Ben, who is watching our exchange with hesitation.
“Show me.” It’s a command, not a request.
After a beat, Ben moves to stand next to me as he scrolls through one of the monitors.
Then he pulls up a series of photographs that have me squinting at the monitors yet again.
Then my heart drops to my feet.
I gasp as a shiver runs down my spine.
“I–I know her.”
“Wait, what?” This comes from Gabe, who suddenly materializes next to Ben.
“Aunt Patty.”
I look over at Noah, whose eyes are as wide as mine, trepidation written all over his face. He knows exactly who I’m talking about.
He never met her, because once she shipped my stuff off to Virginia, she washed her hands of me. She didn’t even bother responding to calls or texts, or even our wedding invitation.
But Noah knows of her. I’ve talked about her enough for him to get the significance.
“Who is she?”
Gabe gawks at me, his eyes flying back and forth between me and Noah.
I nod, swallowing the lump that has formed in my throat.
“She was my mom’s best friend. I lived in her condo during college, after my mom died.. The guy? CJ? He was her daughter’s ex-boyfriend.”
Ben clears his throat and we all look at him in unison.
“I hate to be the one to point this out, Noah, but we need Ria in here.”
Noah curses under his breath, his jaw locked as he gives Ben a terse nod.
“Compile all the photos we have of every transaction within the last year and a half. Up until right before I got assigned this case. Include any records we have of deals made near all Ria’s addresses. Also, run a check on Patty up to the last two decades. Let’s cover the time she became close with Ria’s mom. Aside from the obvious, let’s form a connection here. We need to find out what this bastard wants with Ria, and why it’s surfacing now.”
Noah turns to look at me, his eyes sad and resigned.
“We need to know everything you know about Patty and CJ.”
My eyes start to sting with unshed tears as a thought occurs to me.
“What about Penny? She must be a connection too?”
“On it. Just write down anything you remember. Dates. Names. Nicknames. Addresses. Work. Anything helps.” Ben interjects, “I’ll run every known associate, family member, and partner to find a commonality.”
Ben taps me on the shoulder as Noah wraps an arm around me. He helps me up and Ben takes over the vacant seat.