Mike pulled into an empty parking spot beside me. He stepped out and leaned against his car. I believed we were on the same page with this case—Marissa and her operation needed to come down and soon. Frustration added lines to his face, and I identified with the same emotion. The possibility rose of those in charge dismissing all we’d uncovered. I wanted Shelby out of the death trap, but I knew she’d never agree to leave until Marissa wore cuffs.

I exited my truck and greeted Mike. “Are you questioning why Lance Mason didn’t have backup before he met with Shelby?”

“No clue unless he had doubts she’d show.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I talked to his partner. He wasn’t aware of the meetup, said Mason tended to balk at protocol.”

“And it got him killed.”

“Left a wife and two small kids.” He snorted. “I want to cuff Stover and Chandler myself.”

I sensed my blood pressure skyrocket. “That’s my claim.”

He pushed off his car. “Might as well see what the bosses say.”

“My guess is a butt-chewing and specifics on how to make arrests.”

Behind a closed door inside a conference room, Mike and I positioned ourselves across from Special Agent in Charge Rogers and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Leonard.

SAC Rogers, more Mike’s age, expressed the need for arrests. He jotted notes on a legal pad of paper. “We lack sufficient evidence for a search warrant.”

“Shelby is working on it.” I showed him last night’s text. “No one could be more motivated.”

Rogers leaned back in his chair. “Have you heard from Ms. Pearce since?”

“No, sir,” I said. “All communications have been forwarded to you and ASAC Leonard.”

“We assume Stover and Chandler have a deal about to take place for them to stay in Miami for this long. The risk must have millions at stake,” Rogers said. “Has Pearce mentioned any more about Feng Liu or John Rudder?”

“Not any more than I’ve given you.”

ASAC Leonard frowned, a grim-faced man whom I’d seen smile once in the seven years I’d known him. “Until Pearce confirmed Liu’s girlfriend, we were merely speculating. Word is Stover and Liu are negotiating for a merger, and she’s leaving the country. Could be they’re holding off until the deal with Rudder is sealed.”

“While the danger for Shelby rises.” The moment the words left my mouth, I wanted to yank them back. “My—”

“Denton—” Leonard leaned in—“is your relationship with Ms. Pearce a liability?”

I pushed aside my dislike for him. “My apprehension would be for anyone working as an informant and unprepared. A Miami agent’s death shows Marissa Stover’s capabilities. Shelby is taking precautions with the knowledge that everything in the penthouse is bugged or videoed.”

SAC Rogers directed his attention at Mike. “What are your thoughts?”

My old friend hesitated. Correction, my old friend who lived and breathed honesty. “My observations are the two have feelings for each other, and both are determined to bring justice to the case. Shelby has a fearless and stubborn streak that I hope doesn’t outweigh her good judgment. She’s aware of the critical timing.”