“You have the same last name?” Alex asks quietly while the receptionist places a call.

“Our mom never changed her name after she and my dad split.”

“Mr. Wolfgang?” the receptionist says.

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry, but your sister isn’t available to meet at the moment. Do you have a schedule of our visiting times?”

“Yes. Of course. I’m from out of town.” I let the phrase hang there, on the off chance being an out-of-town visitor bears weight. In truth, most of my visits occur at the request of my sister’s therapist. But, of course, she’s not simply sitting in a prison cell. She has an active, full schedule here. “I’ll come back.”

“The weekends are a good time,” Priscilla offers. Of course, I know this.

Once we’re outside, I tell Alex, “Sorry. Shouldn’t have driven you out here. But I wanted you to see that she’s real.” There’s no better way to build trust than to provide evidence.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and see Liam Ryland’s name.

“Agent Ryland,” I say as greeting.

“Are you back home?”

“Still in San Diego. Planning to head back later today. Do you need something?”

“Only for you to keep your eyes open. Larry Reyes hung himself. Was discovered in his cell this morning. We suspect it’s homicide. Well-constructed homicide. Someone out there is tying up loose ends.”

CHAPTER 23

Alex

“How does that happen?” I voice out loud the question that has been bandying about in my head nonstop since we learned about Larry Reyes. “Shouldn’t he have been on suicide watch? Isn’t that customary with new arrests?”

“He was in a holding cell. If they prove foul play, it happened fast.”

The muscles in Ryan’s jaw flex. His head adjusts slightly as he alternates his view between the side mirrors, the road, and his rearview. He repeatedly checks the rearview.

I turn in the seat, looking behind us. We’re on the freeway, and it’s San Diego. There are a lot of cars on the road with us, but nothing stands out to me.

“Do you think we’re being followed?”

“No.”

I sit back in my seat, studying the man beside me. He’s tense and on edge. I haven’t seen him like this. Yes, he’s always been no-nonsense. He maintains exemplary posture, which on his frame intimidates others. He’s wearing sunglasses, and I can’t see those light blue eyes, but his body posture indicates a high alert level.

Silence prevails until we enter Jack’s home. A man in dark gray slacks, a button-down short sleeve shirt, and a gun holster greets us at the door.

Ryan holds out a hand to the man as he approaches.

“Kirk Baxter?” Ryan says.

“Mr. Wolfgang,” he responds with a brief nod.

“This is Alex Rolfe. She’s with me. Is the updated security system installed?”

“Yes. With the exception of a couple of locations on the property near the beach and along the south side of the property. An electrician is coming out to wire electrical out to those areas.”