“That sums it up—but I’m hoping the status quo is about to change. After I drop you at the monitoring room, I’m going to revisit Jones and give him the news we have Wilson in custody—and that he was arrested at the airport en route to Belize. I suspect that will surprise him.”

“It could also loosen his lips.”

“That thought did occur to me.” He opened a door and introduced her to the agents gathered in the small room. After escorting her to a cushioned seat that offered a view of the video screens, he picked up a manila file folder. “Let’s hope Jones talks. If he does, I doubt Wilson will be far behind.”

She lifted her hand and crossed her battered, bruised fingers. “My luck’s been great tonight. Maybe I can pass it along to you.”

He leaned down so she alone could hear his next comment. “It’s always my lucky day if I’m with you.”

And then he left—before he could follow up on the very unprofessional urge to give her another kiss in front of his colleagues.

But that would come later, unless he was misinterpreting the signals she was sending him.

For now, though, they had a compelling question to answer.

Assuming Wilson was not only involved in the St. Louis drug ring but perhaps held the leadership position, why would a man of his stature and reputation moonlight in such a violent and abhorrent business?

Cate leaned closer to the video screen as Zeke entered the interview room, set the folder on the table, and sat. He propped an ankle on a knee, keeping his posture open and casual as he sipped from a disposable cup.

“Would you like coffee?” He lifted his brew.

Jones eyed him warily. “What is this, the good cop routine?”

“I thought you might want to fortify yourself for the news I have to deliver.” Zeke extracted a printout of Wilson’s mug shot from the folder and laid it on the table in front of the man. “Your friend’s latest picture. Taken less than half an hour ago. He’s sitting in a room like this, three doors down.”

Jones didn’t respond.

“Here’s where the coffee may have come in handy.” Zeke set his cup on the table. “We picked him up at the airport. He was heading for Belize under a new identity. Apparently he realized we were closing in and decided to leave—and let you take the fall tonight.”

Jones’s nostrils flared. “I don’t believe that.”

Zeke opened the file again. Removed a passport. Flipped to the photo page and held it in front of Jones.

The man’s Adam’s apple bobbed.

Cate scanned the monitoring room. Everyone was riveted to the screen.

Understandable.