Page 77 of Fatal Mistake
“I wish it was that easy,” Kaci said. “But I need our equipment if you want me to investigate these e-mails and not let anyone know I’m searching.”
“Okay, what about you, Shane?”
“Sure, I can hang out here, but it would be good to have another agent as backup in case I need to track something down.”
“I’ll say it again, it can’t be just anyone,” Cal cautioned.
“What about Phillip Ward?” Brynn asked. “We vetted him for that op last year. He’s a former Army Ranger and should fit the bill nicely.”
“He meet your expectations, Cal?” Max asked.
“Yeah, if I can’t be here, he’ll do,” Cal said, though Tara could hear his reluctance.
“I’ll get on the phone right now and have him reassigned.” Max clapped his hands. “So get to it, people. I’ve already requisitioned the plane and pilot, and I want wheels up in two hours flat.”
Tara heard the team stirring and decided she should join them. She had mixed feelings about the meeting and Max’s decisions. She didn’t want Cal to leave, but not because she didn’t feel safe with Shane and this Agent Ward. She did, but she didn’t want to be separated from Cal.
How pathetic was that? He’d reminded her in the car why they weren’t right for each other, and she still didn’t want to see him go.
Staring at his phone, Max stepped into the hallway and almost barreled into her. “Tara, good. Cal tells me you remembered a few schematics from the pump house, too.”
She nodded. “Now that I’m cleaned up, I’ll get started sketching them.”
“Keep up the good work. You may be just the person we needed to break this case wide open.” He gave a quick nod of acknowledgment and stepped outside.
In the living room, the others were gathering their things. All except Cal, who stood staring out over the backyard.
“Hey, Tara,” Kaci greeted her. “How you holding up after this latest news?”
“Fine,” she replied, but kept her focus on Cal.
He turned to look at her. “I need to have a word with you in private.” He slid open the patio door.
She joined him on the deck, for once not enjoying the lovely yard or the sweet scent of flowers, as she couldn’t look away from his tense jaw and narrowed eyes.
“I’ll be leaving for Oregon in the next few minutes.”
“I know. I was in the hallway when you were discussing it. I probably should have made my presence known, but I thought you all would want to finish the discussion before I interrupted.”
Her admission brought a megafrown to his face. “You likely heard the Dallas woman’s name mentioned.”
“I did, and I’m sorry. I know you didn’t want me to know that.”
“Just be sure you don’t mention it to anyone else.”
“It’s not like I’ll be talking to anyone but you and your teammates.”
“True, but I have to caution you anyway.”
“I’m sorry, Cal. I guess I shouldn’t have eavesdropped.”
“What’s done is done.” His frown deepened, but he didn’t honestly seem upset about her overhearing the woman’s name.
Tara knew the guilt that was plaguing him hadn’t lessened. In fact, it spoke to one of his strengths, caring about others so much that he was willing to sacrifice himself for them. Which was why he would go to Oregon.
“I’ll have my cell on, so you can call if you need me for anything. Due to the ease of tapping a landline, there isn’t one in this house, so be sure to keep your cell charged at all times.”
She nodded. “So you’ll be leaving right away?”
