“You think he might still be here at the motel?” Shane rested his right hand on his SIG as his eyes shot to the window.

Alex cocked his head. “Only if he’s a fool, which would please me greatly. But probably not. The thing is, the cell phone belonged to one Wayne Stockwell.”

The missing night manager.

Hence the reason they were here.

The shriek of a child laughing came through the door.

A crinkle formed between Yael’s brows as she pulled up a photo of this Stockwell character. “He doesn’t have the same physique as EG,” she stated.

Shane’s brows rose as he stole a glance. EG was lanky whereas this guy was probably three hundred pounds.

“You think EG stayed here Tuesday night on his way to take care of Zenko.” Shane exchanged a look with Alex and knew they were thinking the same thing. Either Stockwell was an accomplice or he was another potential victim.

“I don’t understand why Zenko wasn't more wary of EG? Why meet at his cabin?” Yael whispered fiercely. “Zenko must have known he was being hired to kill someone. After the explosion he knew how EG made his money.”

Details about the gruesome murders had been splashed all over the news. Ironically, it was driving up interest and Shane bet the motherfucker ended up raising his prices for the next auction.

There wasn’t going to be another auction if he could help it.

“Zenko didn’t necessarily tell EG where he was. The texts from Zenko’s phone indicated they were supposed to meet in Ruckersville today,” Alex said.

“Maybe that’s why Zenko was at the cabin rather than his apartment,” Shane added. “But EG tracked him down the same way Yael did.”

“EG caught Zenko drunk and unawares and shot him.” Alex nodded.

“The guy was paranoid enough to set tripwires around his own house.” Yael shuddered.

“Not connected to explosives. I spoke to a bomb tech and they found C-4 hidden in the guy’s bedroom but the tripwires went to a simple mechanical bell system to alert him someone was creeping around in the woods.”

Relief filled Yael’s features and softened her expression. “I guess that’s something.”

The tripwires had freaked her out. Amongst other things.

“I think Lloyd Zenko seriously underestimated EG and overestimated his own capabilities,” Alex added. “He thought his little improvised warning system was enough to protect himself and then he let down his guard and had a few beers. I don’t think the two men were friends. Why else would EG park his vehicle a few doors down?”

Shane glanced out the window again. “How can you be so sure EG isn’t here now?”

“He’s been ahead of us at every turn and, although we are getting closer, I doubt we’re that lucky.” Alex’s expression was bland. “But I did call you for backup—just in case.”