Flynn (Oath of Honor #8)

Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

For the second time in less than three hours, Taylor dropped to the ground at the sound of gunfire. There were three pops, sounding much like the night of the original murders. From what she could tell, the gunfire came from outside the hotel.

How had the gunman known they were leaving? Or had he simply been sitting out there waiting for them to show?

Despite the danger, an odd sense of calmness washed over her. Maybe she was getting used to the sound of gunfire and being targeted by this guy because she wasn’t worried.

Flynn and the others would get her out of there.

“Anyone hit?” Rhy asked. “Doug? Are you okay?”

“I’m good. But we need to move. I think the shooter is in the parking structure across the street. Flynn, get Taylor back in the room,” Doug said in a terse tone. “Cassidy and Rhy, you go with them. Brady, come with me. We need to find this guy once and for all.”

“I’ll help you and Brady,” Rhy said. “Flynn and Cassidy are more than capable of watching over Taylor.”

She wanted to protest that none of them should leave the shelter of the building, but she wasn’t the one in charge. She took a moment to thank God for His protection in watching over them as Flynn rose to a crouch and turned to look at her.

“You heard him. Let’s go.” Flynn’s green eyes were sharp with anger.

After pushing herself up onto her hands and knees, she rose. Flynn and Cassidy shielded her exactly the way they had outside the FBI building. Sandwiched between them, they made their way back to the suite.

Flynn had a key card and used it to open the door. He brought his weapon up in a two-handed grip, the key card back in his pocket as he scanned the room. Then he glanced at Cassidy. “We need to sweep the place in case this was nothing more than a diversion.”

“Agree.” Cassidy gently nudged her across the threshold behind Flynn.

Once inside the room, Flynn gestured to the kitchenette. “Stay there, Taylor. This won’t take long.”

She nodded without saying anything. Some of her earlier calmness faded as she watched Cassidy and Flynn split up to search the two bedrooms.

It bothered her to watch Flynn face danger. She didn’t like that for Cassidy either, but her gaze clung to Flynn as he flattened himself against the wall, peeked around the corner to scan the interior, then stepped inside the bedroom.

The room where they’d kissed less than an hour ago.

A wave of despair hit hard. What if Doug, Brady, and Rhy didn’t find Nickoli Yurgis in the parking structure across the street?

If the gunman escaped, she felt certain he’d track her down and fire at her again. Over and over until she was dead.

“Clear,” Cassidy called.

“Clear,” Flynn echoed.

Moments later, the two tactical team members returned to the main suite. Flynn walked to the window, peering outside.

“Have a seat on the sofa.” Cassidy drew her over to it. “Better for you to sit here while keeping your head down.”

She slouched in the corner of the sofa. “I don’t hear anymore gunfire.”

“I think our perp took off,” Flynn said with disgust. “I’m not sure why he fired three shots in rapid succession like that. Anyone with half a brain would know that we wouldn’t allow you to leave the building first.”

“I was wondering about that too,” Cassidy said with a frown. “I hate to give this guy too much credit, but it seems as if the shooter wanted to draw out Doug and Brady, while making sure the rest of us stayed put. Especially if he was firing from a position in the structure across the street.”

“Tell me about it.” Flynn’s expression was grim. “The shadow passing by the window didn’t have time to get all the way out to the parking structure across the street. So either I saw a local hotel patron or there’s more going on. I plan to stay here, covering the window.”

“Then I’ll keep an eye on the main door,” Cassidy said.

“Close the two bedroom doors first,” Flynn said. “We need to be ready for anything. Especially another ambush. I wish we could lock the bedroom doors from this side, but I checked, and there’s no way to do that.”

Taylor shivered. Was this an attempt to divide and conquer? She’d assumed Nickoli Yurgis was acting on his own, but what if he had help? Not just from someone inside the FBI but also from another gunman?

Whoever had hired Nickoli could have easily dipped his hand into the pool of hired killers to find another. Especially if he or she had money to burn.

Why was it that bad guys who were rich always wanted to be richer? She truly didn’t understand the mentality that a comfortable lifestyle wasn’t enough.

A heavy silence hung between the three occupants of the room. She could tell that Cassidy and Flynn were listening and watching intently for someone to appear. Cassidy had her eye pressed against the peephole looking out into the hallway, while Flynn continually searched the area outside the window.

Taylor felt useless. Other than being curled in the corner of the sofa with her head down, she wasn’t doing anything to help the situation.

She was only the cause of the situation.

The minutes passed with painful slowness. She imagined the three men outside, searching every nook and cranny for the gunman. When Flynn’s phone rang, she startled badly, her heart nearly beating out of her chest. She glanced over to where Flynn was bringing the phone to his ear while still watching out the window. “Hey, Rhy. Did you find him?”

When Flynn’s mouth flattened into a thin line, she knew the response wasn’t reassuring.

“Okay, I guess it’s good to know where he was and that he left a shell casing behind this time. That’s progress and gives us something to work from. Hopefully, the crime scene techs can find more evidence.” Flynn finally turned from the window to look over at her. “Yeah, I agree with the plan of getting Taylor out of here ASAP.”

Cassidy turned from her position at the door. “The hallway is clear, and I hear sirens. That’s our cue to hit the road.”

Flynn nodded, still listening to Rhy. “Understood. We’ll meet you out back.”

Out back? The same place they’d been standing when the gunfire had erupted? Taylor swallowed hard, determined not to second guess the decision. These guys were the experts in this sort of thing.

She didn’t know much of anything. Which was why it was so frustrating to be in this position. She was a nanny. Had a teaching degree. Enjoyed caring for kids.

Not hiding from danger.

“Yeah, I see you.” Flynn had turned to look out the window again. “And we hear the sound of sirens as well. Best to get out of Dodge before we’re stuck answering questions. Which vehicle was damaged?”

Taylor saw Cassidy wince at that. Remembering the conversation about budget issues for Rhy and the team, she understood the concern.

If she had money, she’d gladly pitch in. But she was still paying off her student loans.

“Yep. We’re on our way.” Flynn pocketed his phone, then crossed to the sofa. “We’re taking Brady’s car. Doug’s SUV is damaged.”

“Interesting that the fed’s car was targeted,” Cassidy said, peering through the peephole again before stepping back to open the door. “Almost as if the gunman knew which SUV to hit.”

“It’s hard to say for sure, there are three vehicles back there,” Flynn said with a shrug. “Brady’s SUV was first in line, then Doug’s, and then Rhy’s.” He joined Cassidy at the door. “I’ll take the lead. You cover Taylor from behind again, okay?”

“Yes,” Cassidy agreed, looking over at her expectantly.

She rose on shaky knees and quickly headed to where the two officers waited. She instinctively grabbed the back of Flynn’s winter coat as they stepped back out into the hall. Flynn hugged the wall as they made their way toward the rear exit.

The second attempt to leave the hotel was a success. Rhy was outside near an SUV, and he gestured for them to approach. “I’ll follow you in my vehicle. Doug and Brady are staying here for now. They’ll handle the questions from the local police.”

“Good.” Flynn took the key fob from Rhy’s hand, then opened the back passenger door. “We’ll want you in the back seat, Taylor. I need Cassidy to ride shotgun.”

She nodded and climbed into the back.

Flynn shut the door and slid in behind the wheel. “Thanks, Rhy.”

Rhy nodded and waited until the three of them were settled before jogging to his vehicle. Soon they were out on the road. She noticed Flynn eyeing the rearview mirror as they headed west. She turned to see several police vehicles converging on the City Central Hotel parking lot.

“That’s another hotel that won’t want our business anymore,” Cassidy said with a wry smile.

Flynn grimaced. “I know. We already tried to cover our tracks by having the room secured by the DA’s office through Rhy’s brother-in-law Bax Scala. But we have used it as a safe house too many times before. I’m glad we’re switching things up by using a rental under Doug’s sister’s name. The way this jerk keeps finding us is pissing me off.”

Taylor tried to think positive. That their next stop would be the one that would ensure her safety and Flynn’s too.

But somehow, she didn’t believe it. She stared out at the overcast gray November sky and prayed.

Please, Lord Jesus, keep us all safe in Your care. Amen.

Flynn kept his eye on the rearview mirror. He watched for a tail, even though Rhy was directly behind them and likely doing the same thing.

He worked hard to take a circuitous route to Greenland, doubling back twice to make sure he didn’t see anything suspicious.

There was nothing unusual in the area, but he couldn’t relax. The nonstop gunfire was wearing on him. It bugged him that the shooter showed up at almost every single place they used as a safe house.

Proving they were anything but safe.

Which meant the guy who hired him must have significant resources at his disposal. After this most recent incident, he was more convinced than ever that included someone working against them from inside law enforcement.

SAC Donovan? One of the federal agents, Sally Fisk or Travis Goldberg? Both of them?

Someone else?

He had gone past the rental property twice when his phone rang. Seeing Rhy’s name, he quickly answered. “What do you think? Is it safe?”

“Yeah, but let me go in first,” Rhy said. “I’ll walk around the exterior, then go inside. You stay back until I give the all clear.”

“Understood.” He’d rather be the one patrolling the perimeter but understood Rhy expected him to stick close to Taylor. Clearly, they should have done a sweep around the City Central Hotel. “We’ll be waiting.”

He drove through the park, pulling off to the side of the road at a deserted location. The cold chill in the air was keeping people out of the park, which was fine by him.

“What did they find in the parking structure?” Cassidy asked. “You mentioned a shell casing.”

“Yes, Doug spotted a 9 mm shell casing. They’ll send it to the lab for prints, not that I’m holding my breath.” He shook his head. “It’s not likely a professional would make a rookie mistake like leaving a fingerprint behind.”

“You never know,” Cassidy said. “If this is the work of one gunman, he’s been awfully busy. He’s bound to screw up one of these times.”

“I don’t know that he’s alone,” Taylor said from the back seat. “Whoever hired him must be feeling desperate. Maybe he’s hired a second man to help Nickoli Yurgis.”

“Anything is possible,” he admitted. Taylor’s comment reminded him that they already knew the identity of the gunman. Finding a fingerprint may not tell them anything they don’t already know.

Unless there is a second player.

He still didn’t know if Taylor’s cousins Lyle and Jake were involved. He made a mental note to call Gabe later. Once they were settled in the rental house secured under Emily Sanders’s name.

Was this a mistake? Yet if they didn’t use Emily as a financial source, then who could they turn to? He hated feeling helpless.

He glanced at Taylor in the rearview mirror, then quickly looked away. Maybe if he hadn’t been so distracted by kissing her, he’d have thought about searching the perimeter around the hotel.

That sort of mental lapse could not happen again. He needed to stay sharp and focused.

“What about food?” Cassidy asked, breaking into his thoughts. “We’ll need to head out to buy supplies.”

“Yeah, that’s a good point. Cash only, though, at the local store.” He shifted the car into gear and pulled back out onto the road that wound through Greenland Park. “I think we passed one just a few blocks away.”

“I saw it,” Cassidy said. “I’ll head over once Rhy has cleared the place.”

As if Rhy knew they were talking about him, Flynn’s phone lit up with Rhy’s name on the screen. “See anything suspicious?”

“Nope. The house to the north is dark without signs of anyone being home. There’s an elderly couple in the house to the south. The property directly behind the rental has a car in the driveway, but I haven’t seen anyone through the windows. Could be the occupant works a swing shift. The interior of the rental property is nice. I think this location will work out fine.”

“Thanks.” He appreciated Rhy’s thorough assessment, and in theory, the location would work.

Yet he still intended to take precautions. There was still a slim chance they could be found if there was a leak within the FBI and that person made the connection between Doug and his half-sister’s name on the agreement. Of course, that same person would need to have access to all local rental information in the first place, which seemed a stretch.

Maybe it was a good thing Doug and Brady had stayed back at the City Central Hotel. Could federal phones be tracked? Was that how they’d been found?

He was driving himself crazy trying to pinpoint the issue. He left the park, went around the block, then pulled into the driveway of the rental property. Rhy had the garage door open, so Flynn took the hint. He parked inside and killed the engine.

“I think Cassidy should stay here with the two of you,” Rhy said. “Unfortunately, Devon called to let me know she and Colleen are both sick with the flu, so I need to head home, at least for a little while.”

“No problem,” Cassidy quickly said. “I’ll stick close.”

“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Flynn added. “But maybe tell your brother Brady and Doug to stay away. It occurred to me that their phones could have been tracked to the City Central Hotel.”

“Good point.” Rhy frowned. “Cass, turn your phone off and use one of the new disposable phones.”

“Already done,” Cassidy said. “I powered it down at the City Central.”

“I’ll be in touch,” Rhy said as he turned away. “Stay safe.”

Flynn led the way inside the rental, glancing around in surprise. Rhy was right; the place was nice. The furniture appeared comfortable, and the kitchen had been newly updated. There was a wide beautiful stone fireplace and a large stack of wood nearby.

“I wonder how much it costs to stay here,” Taylor said. “It’s pretty fancy for this neighborhood, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, maybe, but nobody wants to rent something old and shabby. I’m sure the owners worked hard to make this place attractive to potential visitors.” He crossed over to the kitchen and found a notepad and pen. “Taylor, work with Cass to create a list of things you need from the grocery store. I’m going to take a few minutes to check the place out.”

Cassidy looked as if she might argue. He gave her a pointed look that silently conveyed his wish that she stick close to Taylor rather than helping him out. He headed down the hallway to the bedrooms, searching each space thoroughly. While checking the closets, he was reminded of how this nightmare started. With Taylor and baby Max hiding out in the closet after the infant’s parents were murdered in their beds.

After clearing the main level, he went down to the basement. The main portion was finished with carpet, painted walls, and more comfy furniture. He examined the utility area, looking behind the furnace, hot water heater, and water softener.

He took a moment to make sure the windows were locked, then returned to the main level. Taylor and Cassidy were finishing up the grocery list.

“Flynn, is there anything in particular you’d like?” Taylor asked.

“As long as you have coffee on the list, I’m good.” He smiled. “I’m not picky as far as meals. I’ll eat anything.”

“Great. Then I’m heading out.” Cassidy held out her hand, wiggling her fingers. “I need the key.”

He dug the key fob for the SUV from his pocket and dropped it in the palm of her hand. Once she left, he turned toward the fireplace. He loved the scent of burning wood, and the house had a definite chill in the air.

He started a fire, using the kindling and paper that was clearly stacked nearby for that purpose. It didn’t take long for the blaze to build, radiating heat into the room.

“I love watching the flames,” Taylor said, curling up on the sofa. There was a wistfulness in her tone that he’d not heard before. “Maybe I’m missing out by not having my own place. The fire makes it seem warm and cozy here.”

“Yeah, it’s always nice to have your own place.” Glancing at her, he realized his mistake. Taylor was more beautiful than ever, her features soft in the glow of firelight. Dusk had fallen outside, and the intimacy of the setting was difficult to ignore.

He was treading on very dangerous ground.

Willing himself to stay away from her, he rose to his feet and looked around for something to do. The computer was likely still in Brady’s car, not that he had any leads to dig into.

“Tell me about Lyle and Jake,” he said, taking a seat in the chair kitty-corner from her. Far enough away, he thought to keep him from drawing her into his arms for another kiss. “I think you mentioned they hung out together but weren’t that close to their brother Roman.”

“I don’t know Lyle and Jake at all.” Her tone was testy. “I knew them as kids, Flynn. Not adults. I can’t tell you their favorite colors or anything else that they were involved in. Other than airplanes,” she added thoughtfully. “I seem to remember Lyle and Jake had several model airplanes in their bedroom.”

Airplanes sounded like something a kid would find fascinating, but a hobby that could be left behind as an adult. He tried to come at her family from another angle. “When’s the last time you saw their dad, your mom’s brother?”

She sighed. “Probably a few years ago over Christmas. We honestly don’t get together as often now that most of us are grown and gone.”

That made sense, considering her younger sister and brother were on opposite ends of the country. “Your siblings are the youngest of your cousins?”

“Yes.” With a frown, she said, “I don’t like thinking my family is involved in this. It makes me feel like I’m a suspect too.”

“You’re not a suspect, you’re a witness.” He attempted a smile. “Try to remember you’re the innocent one in all of this. Even if your cousins are involved, that doesn’t have anything to do with you.”

“Easy for you to say.” She wrinkled her nose. “It’s not your family that’s suspected of being involved in something illegal enough to kill over.”

“Taylor, several members of the tactical team have discovered their family members were involved in crimes. Most recently, Roscoe’s wife, Libby, was on the run from the cartel, and it turned out her father was involved. He ended up being shot and killed by Roscoe.”

Her face paled. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. It was bad. But Libby and Roscoe are happily married now and have a baby. Everything worked out for them, and they’ll work out for you too. Some people don’t have the same moral code, or they’re too easily swayed by the lure of easy money.”

“Okay, okay.” She threw up her hands and tipped her head back against the sofa cushion. “I get your point. I shouldn’t feel responsible for my cousin’s actions.”

“Exactly.” He resisted the urge to cross over to comfort her. “Everybody makes their own choices about how to live their lives.”

“And you decided to become a cop.” She pinned him with a serious gaze. “I can’t imagine putting myself in harm’s way each day.”

He shook his head. “You can’t think of it like that. There are plenty of times we’re able to diffuse a situation before it spirals out of control. I don’t think about the danger unless we’re called to the scene of a shooting, which thankfully isn’t a daily event. I focus on the people I’m sworn to protect and serve.”

She looked as if she wanted to say something, but his disposable phone rang interrupting the moment. Grateful for the distraction, he rose to his feet and moved into the kitchen. “Hey, Gabe, I thought you’d be home by now.”

“I’m leaving here soon, but I stumbled across something interesting,” Gabe said. “I found a second property owned by Investments, Inc. And it’s a doozy. I’m not sure why we didn’t find this before.”

“What do you mean? What does the company own?”

“The bank itself,” Gabe said with a hint of triumph in his voice. “The Brookland Bank property, the entire building, is fully owned by Investments, Inc. The corporation rents the space out to the bank.”

“No way. Why haven’t the feds found this connection?” he asked.

“Not sure, although I was about to reach out to Rhy next. I figure he can pass the intel along to his brother Brady and Ian, their tech expert.”

“Yeah, okay. You may want to call Brady directly, though. Rhy went home because his wife and daughter are sick.”

“I heard, you know how overprotective Rhy can be,” Gabe said. “Devon is seven months pregnant, and he’s worried about her. But there’s one more thing I discovered. The Brookland Bank isn’t the only company renting space. The entire top floor of the building houses another company. An investment firm called Financial Plus.”

“Financial Plus? What does that mean?” Flynn asked.

“I don’t know, but the first thing that popped into my mind was money laundering,” Gabe said. “I’m no expert, but it’s possible money is flowing from Financial Plus from allegedly people investing their money with them to the bank. Dirty money that is being siphoned through the bank to become clean.”

“Good work, Gabe,” he said, meaning it. “That is something that Brady, Doug, and Rhy need to know.”

“I’ll call Rhy next, then Brady if he doesn’t answer,” Gabe promised. “Later.”

Flynn ended the call, his thoughts whirling. Money laundering appeared to be the motive behind the murders. But they were no closer to finding the person behind the company.

And he was once again suspicious of how well the feds were or weren’t running the banking end of the investigation.