“Yes,” Lucy said. She had been completely supportive of it initially, but now that Max was here, she was torn. Well, truth be told, she was torn now because they had merged the two cases and juggling a criminal investigation with what Max was doing was difficult at best. And could get Lucy in a lot of hot water.

“And … I take it you’re not happy about that?”

“Sean and Max? That’s fine. It’s an interesting case, nothing is cut-and-dried, and it’s local. He doesn’t want to travel right now as Jesse’s getting adjusted to his new situation.”

“Understandable.”

“It’s just that Max’s case has collided with my investigation.”

Lucy took the opportunity to explain everything to Dillon. Her brother, more than anyone else, could assess the complexities of motive better than anyone she knew. She told him everything, including a civilian joining Nate to retrieve Ricky Albright.

“Are you worried about Nate?”

“He’s a federal agent in Mexico. I have his badge and service weapon with me, but it’s sensitive.”

“I’m aware, but Nate knows what he’s doing.”

“I’m not really worried about them—I’m worried about Ricky. And not just because he lost his family. He’s a witness, and if the killers know that not only is he alive, but he was in the house at the same time they were— Nate and I already agreed that we’re putting him in protective custody. At least until we get this case resolved. Ricky can identify a corrupt cop—a cop who may have killed his parents. But I can hear the defense now. That he was scared and mistaken. He was hiding in a closet. He didn’t see what he thought he saw. I need to find solid evidence before they return.”

“Do you think he’s safer in Mexico?”

She hadn’t thought of it that way, but as soon as Dillon said it she realized that she was more worried about Ricky’s safety than she thought. “He’s been there for three years, and while on the one hand I want him home, because he has family who are worried about him, I don’t want to put him in danger. We have a lot of questions and no answers. Even Max connecting the cases is just a theory with no hard proof. Any judge would laugh us out of his courtroom because it’s a fishing expedition. To pull something like this off with so many people knowing parts of their plan—the bank manager, a cop, everyone surrounding Victoria Mills—they need lots of moving parts.”

“Slow down, Lucy. You’re talking about a large conspiracy, but not about the endgame. What were they doing? What was their goal?”