“Ms. Pearce has been cooperative. She gave us a clear picture of what might have happened. What are the chances her sister learned she’s an informant?”

“High. Shelby’s not trained and believes her room’s bugged. Marissa claimed Aria was picked up to keep Shelby in line.” I fought the tension in my neck and shoulders. “We have no evidence other than Shelby witnessed Agent Mason’s murder.”

“When I interviewed her, she requested a polygraph.” Van Dyke pointed to a file in front of him. “We conducted the test, and no indications of deceit were present.”

Mike cleared his throat. “I assume you’re letting her go, but what’s the point of sending her back to her sister? So far she hasn’t been able to access any evidence that leads to Marissa’s criminal activities.”

“She’s asked for more time.” Agent Van Dyke observed me as though he knew of my feelings for her.

“I’m not surprised,” I said. “She has stubborn tenacity, and now her niece has been thrown into the fire.”

“Before we bring her back into the interview and discuss how to proceed, we’ve uncovered more information on Rudder. Some of the generic auto parts he purchases from Liu have made him a little cash. He slaps big-name packaging labels on the auto parts and sells them to make him a hefty profit. That conviction would have cost him, but we’ve been holding out for the big payoff.”

“I assume Liu didn’t care. Not worth killing a man when he’s making millions from him. Rudder’s paid a hefty price for auto parts.”

Mike spoke into the conversation. “But Rudder might not have been careful in other areas, and some of his practices could have made him a liability, especially in dealing with heroin.” He nodded at me to continue.

“Mike and I have a theory about the heroin. Liu is known for making his millions with it, and we’re sure he’d been supplying Rudder. Problem is, without proof of him shipping the drug with the auto parts, we didn’t have a case. Neither do we know if the heroin was packed in specific boxes of auto parts or a mix.”

“We need to find out who’s in control of Rudder’s business now that he’s dead. I’ll keep you two updated,” Van Dyke said.

An agent escorted Shelby into the interview room. Her pale face alarmed me. I didn’t understand God allowing this. I wanted to hold her . . . want and necessity were at opposite ends of the pole. I heard her wheezing. “You don’t have your inhaler?”

“No.” She eased onto a chair and greeted Mike and me. “Glad you’re here. The situation has escalated, and I know you two have reservations about my part, but I can’t give up with Aria involved. I have an idea.”

“Let’s hear it.”

She smiled at me. “Agent Van Dyke says the FBI will release me, but I want to remain in custody until tomorrow. My person-of-interest status keeps Marissa satisfied. She won’t leave the country until she knows my fate. Besides, a sudden disappearance stacks the guilt against them after Rudder’s death. I assume she has a passport for Aria, so time is critical.”