While Justice Sleeps(90)
“I don’t think that knock on the head you got was about your reputation,” he corrected. Before she could argue, he held up a hand. “I got a call this morning from Major Vance at DHS. He wants me to put you in protective custody.”
Stiffening, she asked, “Is that why you’re here?”
“It’s worth considering. The midday news will make sure everyone can find you. Besides, this building has no visible security other than a coded door any pizza delivery guy could get through. You’re not safe on your own.”
“I’m sure Major Vance would be only too happy to have me arrested.”
“Not arrested. Protective custody. He’s just doing his job.” Agent Lee hesitated. “Terrorists use a variety of methods to undermine our national security. Anticipating those threats is Major Vance’s job.”
“A bit of a stretch. He’s in the science department.”
Because he didn’t disagree, Agent Lee bent in to close the distance between them. “Regardless of Homeland Security’s interest, I’m clear on mine. I’m here to see if you’re ready to tell me what Justice Wynn wants from you before whoever killed Jamie Lewis makes good on his next attempt.”
Avery stood then, well aware that the killers were likely listening in. In solidarity, Noah, Ling, and Jared rose too. “Agent Lee, I appreciate your help yesterday, and I wish I could tell you more. But I’ve told you all I know.”
The agent reluctantly got to his feet, his dismissal clear. “I don’t think you have, Ms. Keene.” He flicked a look at Jared. “She’s putting herself in harm’s way for your father. Can’t say I’d let a woman put herself in danger for me too.”
Jared failed to react. “Avery knows her own mind, Agent Lee.”
“Any chance you’ll take me up on protective custody?” he asked without much hope. He intended to keep a couple of agents on her regardless, but hiding her would be an easier task. “I’d strongly advise you to consider it.”
“I will,” Avery told the agent as she led him to the door. His concern was genuine, as was his suspicion. She’d need to leverage one without triggering the other.
“I assume these agents are a permanent fixture?”
“I’d like to keep someone on you, yes. If you protest loudly enough, I’ll have to pull them back, but they aren’t going anywhere.”
Avery blew out a breath. “Well, then can they give us a lift to Lowry Kihneman? I’ve got a custody hearing on Monday to get prepped for, and I’d rather not take the Metro today.”
“We can do that.”
Minutes later, they used the service elevator and exited the apartment building directly into an Explorer idling in the alley. Avery sat on the rear bench with Jared. After a brief, tense discussion, Ling and Noah headed for Noah’s car, where an agent got into the front seat. Agent Lee took the SUV’s passenger side and gave instructions to the agent driving.
As the Explorer pulled away, no one noticed the scruffy fortysomething man peering down from the roof of the adjacent building, his telephoto lens trained on the activity below, most of the images already in his memory drive. The photographer sank down onto a concrete protrusion on the roof, a grin rippling across his face. He pulled out his phone and sent a text to Scott Curlee: “Got your pics—perfect headline for noon broadcast: Avery Keene Detained by FBI.”
* * *
—
Inside the SUV, Avery turned to Agent Lee. “Want me to trust you? Did you decide to be helpful and get what I asked for?”
“The LUDs on Justice Wynn’s house?”
“Yes.”
“As a sign of good faith, yes, I did.” Smirking at her look of disbelief, he reached into his breast pocket. The folded sheets peeked out, but he didn’t offer them. “The man didn’t make or receive many calls, and his cell phone had even less use.”
“But?” She could hear the hesitation.
“On a whim, I went back a year—longer than the six months you requested. Over a span of three months, he racked up quite a few international calls.”
Avery struggled not to seem excited, but her hand reached out for the pages. “Do you have the numbers?”
“Will you accept protective custody?”
“No. Can I have the numbers?”
Lee let out what sounded like a half chuckle. Reluctantly, he handed over the folded sheets. “None of these are working numbers any longer. I’ve already checked.” He cocked his head to study her. “You’re not surprised. I don’t suppose you’ll tell me who he was trying to reach in India?”
“A ghost.” Avery plucked the pages free and gave Jared an inclination of her head. “We’re still trying to figure it out ourselves.”
“That’s my job, which I’m pretty good at. So now that we’re in the car, why don’t you tell me what you were afraid to say in your apartment?”
Avery looked up at him, surprised. Lee gave a thin smile. “I’m guessing your apartment is bugged. Video and audio.”
Avery glanced at Jared, who nodded. “The equipment is high-grade. Very,” he said.
“We can clean it out now, while you’re out,” Agent Lee responded, frowning thoughtfully. “When did you know?”