Attracted to Fire (20 page)

Who'd ordered the execution? And why? Did Lindsay know who stood behind the shooting? Fury raced through him. She wasn't close enough to Wade to confide in him, which made Ash wonder if he'd discovered something. Questioning her had to be done whether Dave approved or not.

Maybe the sniper wanted to show he could take out an agent. Or was Wade's death supposed to scare Lindsay into taking some kind of action or keeping quiet? Speculation and nothing concrete.

Ash turned his gaze back to Chip. He didn't trust him. Neither did he believe a single man instigated the bombing in DC, the threats, or Wade's death. Time to get this guy off the Dancin' Dust until they had answers.

This was bigger than anything he'd ever faced.

Ash understood this wasn't the work of just an inside man but a sophisticated operation, bigger than any of them could conceive. The thought had taunted him before. Now it had substance. Drugs didn't make sense. Could that be a cover-up for the real focus? But what?

Chapter 30

Ash took the call from President Hall in the operation room and assured him Lindsay was unharmed but shaken in the aftermath of Wade's death. They'd removed her from the hard room but limited her to inside the house. “What do you have on the sniper?” The grief was obvious in his voice.

“Not a trace of evidence at this time. But the local sheriff's department is assisting us in combing the area.”

“Ash, I don't understand the crimes here and at the ranch. With all of our technology, why can't we find who's behind this? My office received a call right after the shooting. Traced it to a deserted office here in DC.”

“Did the caller give a reason or make demands?”

“It came through on my personal cell phone—muffled. Said it wouldn't be the last assassination. He also said the one responsible for Wade's death knew why, and that person was to blame. Warrington is handling the trace.”

“Mr. President, we'll find who's behind this.”

“I know I can count on all of you. Please, I'd like to talk to my daughter.”

Ash walked back into the living area where Dave sat with Lindsay. She'd vomited after learning the news about Wade. “Your father wants to talk to you.”

She reached for the phone. Her lips quivered. “Daddy, are you all right?”

Odd that she'd ask her father the same question he'd posed about her. The concern in her voice confirmed that she'd made progress in her rehabilitation, more than any other time in the past. Meghan claimed Lindsay was withholding information about the crimes. Then why didn't she speak up?

Lindsay reached for a tissue. “Be careful. You're president now, and the country needs you and Mom.” She sobbed. “I'm glad Uncle Scottard is there with you too.”

Ash had never heard her sound so caring. Getting off drugs had made a big difference and in such a short time. Dave and Carla's methods must be working, or maybe Lindsay had made the decision to put the drugs behind her.

“Daddy, now that you're president, I'd like to keep the same agents who are here with me now.”

She nodded as she listened to his response.

“I . . . love you too.” Lindsay handed the phone back to Ash and swiped at her tears.

He took the phone and smiled at her, silently giving his approval, whether it meant anything or not.

The president coughed, sentiment again clear in his voice. “I'll make the call to Wade's wife. She deserves to hear from me that her husband died in the line of duty. Did I hear she gave birth to their second child earlier today?”

“Yes, sir. It was a boy.” Ash remembered Wade's excitement . . . and the baby hadn't been named.

“Take care of my Lindsay. I'm sure you heard her request to keep the rest of the team together.”

“Yes, sir. I'm assuming you'll want her moved as soon as possible.”

“I'm discussing that now with Scottard and Warrington. You'll get a call back in a few minutes.”

While he waited, Ash went over the preliminary report regarding Wade's murder. Anger burned hot again. How many times had he told himself nothing would happen on his watch? In the rocky terrain surrounding the Dancin' Dust, a sniper had fired and gotten away. No sign of him anywhere. Ash had failed, just like he'd done with Joel seven years ago.

Restlessness worked its way through him, and he walked to a back bedroom where Bob was questioning Chip. Ash observed the suspect, who had a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no alibi. His face had broken out in red splotches, and his voice shook. Eyebrows raised. Still claimed he didn't know anything about the shooting until Wade fell. Chip wept. Not a sign of someone in bed with killers, but he could be a good actor. The guitar-pickin' statistician was about to face another interrogation when Bob finished. He'd be wearing handcuffs for a long time.

Ash's phone rang, and he snatched it up. Warrington. He walked through the house and outside to the patio.

“We've reached a decision. Lindsay is going to stay at the ranch.”

Shock sent his head pounding. “Sir, do you think that's wise?”

“Moving her is exactly what the killer would expect. He made a point to get as close to the ranch as possible and kill one of our own, and then phone the president's office to brag. Ten more agents are on their way. No one working there leaves until this is solved. A plan is in motion.”

“I don't trust Chip Leonard. I sent my reservations about him in an e-mail when Lindsay's girth was sliced. I think he set Wade up for a sniper.”

A hummingbird lit on a flowering bush. Another bird called in the distance. The Dancin' Dust was not a sanctuary.

“I've made arrangements to have him picked up. Looks like he knows something about what's going on.”

“I know the ranch has the latest security, but—”

“Lindsay stays there.”

“Would you reconsider? She—”

“Zinders, the decision has been made. I appreciate your persistence, but let those who understand a criminal's mind handle this.”

“Yes, sir.” He clenched his fist.

What kind of plan was that? A plan to get Lindsay killed?

Two hours later, Meghan blew her nose and shook off the sorrow tearing at her heart. All agents understood death might be the ultimate price to pay for their protectee's protection. But she'd not processed the extreme nature of her commitment.

A sniper's bullet.

Wade's new baby son.

A widow.

How much worse could it get?

While Dave counseled Lindsay, Meghan needed air. She stepped out into the cooling evening temperatures—to grab control of her emotions and to pray for Wade's family. She glanced at Bob, who had taken Chip outside for questioning. Perhaps a change of scenery would open his mind. Chip had to know more than what he was stating. Too many coincidences. Ash had grilled him earlier, and Chip's story stayed intact. More Secret Service agents were on their way to pick him up. In her opinion, the vehicle couldn't get there fast enough.

Her gaze swept to the far end of the pool. Ash's back was to her, and he seemed to stare out at the pasture dotted with horses and a jeep keeping vigil. He'd known Wade much longer than she had, and he might need to talk. His often-repeated words of “Not on my watch” told her he had much going on in his head.

She walked to his side. His arms were crossed, and his features were stone hard. Although he didn't acknowledge her, she stayed, not sensing animosity.

“How long have you known Wade?”

“Four years. Four good years.” No signs of emotion touched his face.

“His family too?”

“I'm his daughter's godfather. Hope I can attend the funeral.”

She chose to say nothing. Let him take the lead. Sometimes silence offered more consolation than questions.

He turned to her. “Is this a first for you?”

“I've never lost a fellow agent like this. I'm angry, hurting for his family . . . and feeling responsible in some ridiculous way.” She swallowed a mixture of sympathy and regret. “Wade was murdered on the day of his son's birth. He didn't step in front of Lindsay to stop a bullet or try to prevent a kidnapping or anything that makes sense.” She wanted to say more, but she'd come to help Ash.

“I understand. A sniper pulled the trigger. Trained killers don't feel. It was a job. Something to collect a paycheck.” He blinked, and she quickly averted her gaze. “This isn't the first time I've lost an agent.”

“I imagine that makes it feel even worse.”

“Surfaces bad memories and deepens resolve.”

His nickname of A2Z made sense. “I'm really sorry.”

“Thanks. Looks like the rest of us will stay on Lindsay's detail.”

“I gathered that from listening to her phone chat with the president.”

“And no one receives any time off until further notice.”

She'd been fine with the mandate, but the other agents had talked about needing a break.

“After talking to Warrington, other things make me wonder if those in DC are working in Lindsay's best interest.”

“In what way?”

“She's staying on the ranch. The consensus is the killer expects her to be moved, and the security is tight here. We'll get ten more agents tomorrow.”

Why? She couldn't support DC's thinking. “That does sound strange.”

“I'm sure it has to do with keeping the media in the dark about her location . . . and the priority of the security updates already in place. They should be here anytime to take Chip into custody.”

“Does he know?”

“Not yet. Ethan will have a tough time with this.”

“Can I talk to Chip?”

His whole body turned to her. “Why? Do you think he's innocent?”

“I'd rather approach him as a friend. See if he lets something slip. He did indicate an attraction to me.”

“Go ahead. I'd love for him to hang himself.”

Chapter 31

Meghan considered removing Chip's handcuffs, but he was a smart man and would see right through her ruse. Hostility burned in his eyes. Not at all like yesterday evening, when everyone laughed and teased, and he and Lindsay had entertained them.

She smiled, hoping to calm him. “I don't know why you're again suspected of ruining our operation here.”

He stiffened. “I was innocent then, and I'm innocent now. Someone has set me up to take the fall, which means whoever is responsible will continue.” He leaned forward. “I'm in handcuffs, while someone is planning the next move.”

She slid into a chair across from him. “Tell me about your afternoon with Wade. I don't want to believe you're involved, but the evidence is stacked against you.”

“Wade and I were friends. It happened so fast. Incredible.” He shrugged. “Horrible.”

“All it takes is a split second to end a person's life.”

“What bothers me is I thought Wade had stumbled. I even teased him about it. What was I thinking? I thought snipers existed overseas, Mexico, or in big city crime, not in rural West Texas.” Chip kept his gaze focused on her. He didn't pause in his speech or show any of the other signs of deceit.

“I'm sorry you had to witness it.”

“I won't forget it either. Wade was an exceptional guy. New baby and all. Now that little boy will never know his dad. While we were running, he talked about taking him fishing, watching football games together. He laughed about his little girl's antics and was excited about going home in a couple of weeks to see his family. When this is over, I'm going to Ohio. Tell his wife how much he cared for them.” He paused, all the while holding her gaze. “A2Z suggested I consult an attorney. Can't do that with these cuffs, and my dad can't get close enough for me to give him a name.”

“We're only doing our job. Ash is taking precautions because you look like a person of interest.”

“Yeah, but I don't appreciate his tactics. He didn't say one word about Wade. Strictly business.” Chip's words rippled with sarcasm. “If that's what it takes to be a part of the Secret Service, then I'm glad I shovel horse manure.”

Meghan formed her words carefully. “Do you suspect anyone on this ranch of committing the crimes?”

He shook his head. “If I did, I'd be shouting his name.”

“I have another question for you. Did you plant the scorpion in my room, or do you know who did—even as a joke?”

“No, Meghan. At one time I was interested in you. But no more. I don't like being used.” He took a breath. “I've been thinking about the scorpion incident. The loose wire above the duct in your bedroom was the only spot in the whole house that was not secure.”

“I thought you said the wire was missing, not loose.”

“It had been pried on two sides.”

“Don't you find that unusual?”

“Which is why I'm bringing it up again. Maybe the contractor forgot to nail it down when the remodeling was done. Maybe I'm being paranoid. Maybe I'm a little scared too. I'm not used to having a friend murdered right beside me. Worse yet, I'm not used to being blamed for crimes I haven't committed.”