Page 38 of Night Moves
“Loose fence boards in the backyard lead to a large conservation area.”
“So he’s on foot?”
“He was.” She gritted her teeth. “Based on his plan to dupe us, he likely had another vehicle stowed somewhere close by. We’re researching DMV and car rental records now.”
“Would you let me know if you find anything?” Drake asked. “If I’m going to keep Natalie safe, it would be good to know what he’s driving.”
“Sure thing.” She looked up at the portico above, and Drake knew she was searching for additional cameras.
Drake scanned the street, the morning sun beating down on them. He didn’t think Gentry was dumb enough to be nearby, but then, killers often returned to the scene of the crime to see the commotion they caused. In this case, though, the hidden cameras might be fulfilling that need. Seeing law enforcement cover every inch of his house and strike out. He’d love that.
So, where could he have hidden other items? If he even did.
“Do you have anyone processing Gentry’s car?” Drake asked.
“I wish.” Londyn turned her intense focus on him. “Crash happened on a backroad in the boonies. Gentry called his own tow truck before the medics transported him to the hospital. The deputy didn’t stay around to write down the company name. Means we don’t know where the car was taken. Makes me think that Gentry was trying to hide something.”
“Could be a long list of tow companies to go through.”
“We’ll get started on it right away.”
Drake’s attention went to three plain black SUVs rolling to the curb near the perimeter marked by fluttering yellow tape. The contingency hadfedwritten all over it, and made quite a sight. Neighbors on the sidewalk stared at the vehicles and their many questions floated on the breeze. He couldn’t imagine living in the quiet and respectable neighborhood, only to wake up one morning and learn the man living next door was the infamous Clipper.
How did a person go to bed at night and feel safe again after that? And their property value would nosedive. In the short run anyway. Maybe in the long run. It was tough to be these people right now.
Drake offered a prayer for them as men and women in khaki pants and blue polo shirts with a gold FBI emblem on their chests poured out of the vehicles. They paused to size up the situation and wait for their orders. Drake wanted to be long gone before they spread out like ants to take command of the house and grounds.
“Don’t envy you,” he said to Londyn, who was eyeing the agents warily. “Even if I was once a fed myself.”
Londyn turned to Drake, ripped off her gloves, and shook hands. “Keep in touch.”
“Will do.” He faced Natalie, whose attention was on the agents now storming their way. “Ready to go?”
“More than ready.” She took off for the SUV.
Drake kept pace with her and kept his head on a swivel, looking for Gentry or any danger. He opened her door and waited for her to slide in. She smiled her thanks, but her eyes were narrowed and worried.
He closed her door, knowing at least she was safe in the vehicle. For now. But this guy, who’d set up an elaborate scheme and cameras all around his house, knew she’d been in the basement. Knew she’d seen his evidence and would testify against him if he were caught.
He would soon be hunting her down. If he wasn’t already tracking her.
And if he found her?
That wasn’t something Drake wanted to think about. Not at all. But to keep her safe, it had to be in the forefront of his mind at all times.
Drake quickly pulled away from the curb in front of Kirk’s house for the short drive to interview Kirk’s nanny. The group of onlookers had grown larger by the minute, but he ignored their stares as he drove off. He was used to this sort of circus, but Natalie wouldn’t be.
“Quite a sight.” She stared out the window, her fingers clawing together. “Not that I blame the neighbors. If I lived nearby, I’d be gawking, too.”
“Especially at the FBI forensic van pulling up.” Drake turned a corner leaving them behind. “Ulani’s place is just down the road.”
Natalie looked at him. “I sure hope she can give us something to help us find Kirk.”
Drake nodded but then kept his focus on the area. Not that Gentry was likely present, but Drake couldn’t be too careful. He made a few turns and reached the fourplex where Ulani lived, the building drab and uninviting.
“Wait here until I have a look around.” He parked in front then slid out.
The complex was located in an older residential area mixed with retail and restaurants. The building was neatly painted a bright blue and the landscaping was well manicured. A dog barked a few blocks away, but otherwise silence reigned.
