Mission Undercover

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“Look,” Holly said, “we should start with figuring out who we can trust. Sometimes in nursing if there’s a problem, it takes someone else to look at it to see what’s happening. A new perspective, if you will.”

He nodded. “I agree we need help. Was there anyone specific on the force that Jimmy trusted?”

“I’m not sure. You’ve been there for the past nine months. Isn’t there anyone in the police department that you trust?”

He pulled his hands through his hair. He’d thought Waggoner was a stand-up guy and he’d been wrong. But he had to start thinking differently. He’d gone in looking to bond with the troublemakers. He’d made it his mission and he’d rubbed some people the wrong way in doing so. Maybe he should focus instead on those on the force who hadn’t approved of his choice of friends.

One name rose to the surface. He didn’t know if he could trust Gabriel or not, but Holly was right. They couldn’t wait around to be either captured or rescued. They had to do something—and it could be something dangerous.

* * *

Blake drove past Gabriel Butler’s house. Everything seemed quiet on the street and Holly noticed a car in the driveway. The lights were on inside the house, too, so he was definitely home. But would he help them? And could they trust him?

Blake parked several houses down and they got out. She jumped when he drew his gun. It stunned her and somehow made this all the more real. She nodded to let him know she was okay then followed him toward the house.

“Should I knock?” Holly asked when they reached the front door. “He might not recognize me right away.”

He nodded then moved out of view of the peephole. She rapped on the door and listened as footsteps approached. Her gut told her someone was behind that door staring at her through the peephole. She held her breath in anticipation. Would he even open the door for her?

Seconds later she heard the lock click and the door opened. Blake pushed her aside then stepped in front of her. He raised his gun to the stunned man’s head.

“There’s no cash in the house,” Gabriel said, coolly looking at them both as if they were common criminals.

“We’re not looking for money,” Blake said, pushing him back inside. Holly followed, closed the door behind them and turned the latch. “Do you know who I am?”

Gabriel stared at him then nodded slowly. “Blake Michaels. You’re NPD’s most wanted today.” He slowly lowered his hands. “What do you two want with me?”

“I’m not here to hurt you, Gabriel. I just want to talk.” To prove his intention, Blake lowered the gun and tucked it into his waistband.

Gabriel’s color began to return. “I’m not sure what we have to talk about.”

“Whatever you’ve heard about me over the radio is a lie. I didn’t kidnap anyone.”

“It’s true,” Holly said from behind him. “Mason Webber tried to kill me. Blake interceded. He saved my life.”

Gabriel glanced at her then back at Blake, and nodded. “Mason, huh? Can’t say I’m surprised.”

“I heard a rumor that you’re upset about the corruption in the department. That’s why I came to you. I’m undercover, working as part of a joint operation between the DEA and Department of Justice. I was sent here to ferret out the corruption and determine how high it goes and how it connects to the drug manufacturing ring operating out of Northshore.”

Gabriel sighed then moved toward the sink in the kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water and Holly noticed his hands shaking, no doubt from the adrenaline of having a gun shoved in his face.

“I’m sorry about all this,” Blake said, obviously noticing it, too. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

Gabriel gave a small laugh. “I’ll admit when I saw you I thought they’d finally sent someone to kill me.”

“They? Do you know who is in charge of the operation?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Will you help us?” Holly asked him. “We need to get out of town but all the roads are blocked.”

He nodded and set down his glass. “They’ve got the town locked down looking for you.” He glanced at Holly. “You’re Jim Mathis’s wife, aren’t you? He was a good cop.”

“Thank you for saying that,” Holly said, her heart warming at the memory of Jimmy.

“Why is Mason after you?” he asked Holly.

“I thought he was obsessed with me, but now I believe he found out my husband was investigating him and was only trying to find out if Jimmy had told me anything about him. I guess he’s decided it doesn’t matter and he’s trying to cut his losses. I should have filed charges against him for harassment months ago, but I’d hoped it would go away on its own.” She sighed and glanced at Blake. “Now I know it wouldn’t have done any good anyway. Chief Waggoner is just as dirty as Mason.”

Gabriel’s eyes widened. “The chief?” He shook his head as if absorbing the new information. “I should have known. That’s why none of the reports of Mason’s activities ever brought any consequences.” He sighed and looked at Blake. “How do I know you’re not feeding me a line? How can I believe you?”

Blake handed him a card. “Call this number and ask for Matt Ross. He’s my DEA contact. He’ll fill you in on the investigation.”

Gabriel glanced at it then reached for his phone and stepped out of earshot to make the call.

Holly watched Blake wearing a circle in the old shag rug, but she was feeling optimistic. She touched his arm, wanting to reassure him. “I think this was a good call. He seems like a decent guy.”

“Hopefully, he can help us.” He placed his hand over hers and she felt a spark of electricity. She glanced up to see if he’d noticed it, too, and found his blue eyes gazing longingly at her. “I’m sorry I got you into this,” he said, his voice low and deep.

She shuddered at the timbre of it but rushed to reassure him.

“You didn’t. You saved my life today. Twice.” She felt the sudden urge to fling herself into his arms and find comfort in his embrace. But she tamped down that feeling and took a step away from him, breaking the connection. She had to remain on alert and that meant reigning in her emotions, especially in front of someone she was depending on to get her through this.

Gabriel reappeared from the kitchen. “You checked out. How can I help you?”

“We need to get out of town. Any suggestions?”

“Well, the roads may be blocked, but you could go across the lake. I have a boat docked at the marina. They might not be able to monitor the entire lake.”

Blake glanced at her and Holly nodded. That was the best idea she’d heard in a while and hope bubbled anew. “We’ll try that.”

Gabriel removed a set of keys from a hook by the door. “It’s at the Bridge Bay Marina, slip eighteen. I’ll drive you.”

“That’s not necessary,” Blake said.

But Gabriel wouldn’t hear of it. “I insist. I want to make certain you make it out of town safely. I’ve been working secretly with Mayor Banks to try to clean up the force. We had no idea the Feds were already involved. It’s good to have someone else on the side of justice.”

They loaded into his SUV and headed toward the lake.

Holly sat back and found herself praying they would make it. It was still her instinct to go to God with her troubles, but she wouldn’t allow herself to. God had let her down too many times. She had only Blake to depend on now.

Gabriel turned into the marina and cut the engine.

Blake pulled out his gun and reached for the door handle. “Let me check it out first to make sure the coast is clear.”

He got out and disappeared down the pier. Holly watched him anxiously. Her nerves were on edge, but with a hopeful excitement for a change. If they were able to reach the boat and make it across the lake, she might finally be able to put this nightmare behind her. She wished she had Jimmy’s journal with her to hand over to Blake. She could trust him with it now. He could pass it along to his DEA friend and perhaps some good would come from Jimmy’s final investigation. She smiled, liking the thought that he was still reaching out, still helping the fight for justice, even from the grave.