Page 86 of Made of Steele
“Yes.”
She started the car and waited for the SUV to get a good lead before pulling from the curb. She tapped the car’s phone interface and told it to call dispatch to run the plates.
“Registered to a Chauncey Rossi.” The dispatcher read off the address which matched this residence.
Teagan ended the call and fixed her attention on the road. “I hope we’re not making a mistake in following them.”
“Could be, but it’s the best option.” Drew pointed ahead. “He’s getting on the freeway that leads to Rossi’s warehouse.”
“Maybe this is about the antiquities or drugs.”
Drew leaned forward. “We really need to get that detailed report on Jabal from Nick soon.”
“He’ll provide it as soon as he can.” She focused on the road so she didn’t accidentally creep too close and put Rossi on alert.
They stayed on the freeway until they neared the airport and turned off to the industrial area holding Rossi’s warehouse. He pulled into his company drive, and she killed the headlights, then coasted to a stop in the same spot where Drew had paused on their last surveillance.
He lifted his binoculars. “Gambino got out. He’s doing a perimeter check. Get ready to back away if he comes close.”
At the threat of being discovered, her heart kicked into gear. She shifted into reverse, ready to gun it if needed. She kept her eyes on the driveway and wished she had a better view of the men.
“He’s headed back to the car. Opening the passenger door. Guy getting out. Not Rossi. Jabal.” Drew leaned forward. “Opening the back door now. Rossi getting out.”
She strained her eyes but could barely make out the movement.
“Okay, they’re hustling inside. They seem super on edge. I say we leave the car here tonight. Not risk driving into the lot. I’ll hoof it across the space. You stay here.” He looked at her. “Someone needs to take backup in case I get into trouble in there.”
She wanted to argue, but he had a valid point. “If you’re not back in fifteen minutes, and I haven’t heard from you, I’m coming in.”
“Roger that.” He reached for his door handle.
She grabbed his forearm and waited for him to meet her gaze. “Be careful, Drew. I don’t want to lose you.”
The warehouse was dark and the air stagnant. The big air ducts at the ceiling were still, the HVAC likely turned down for the night to save money. Drew had scanned for body heat signatures and found the three men in the front of the building exactly where Rossi had met with Sal Conti the other night.
Drew slid along the exterior wall until he was in hearing distance of the men. He lifted the binoculars that hung around his neck to get a good look at Jabal. He looked exactly like the guy in the pictures with the victims, but different too.
Gone was the fan smile. Gone was the cheerful and relaxed countenance. Here stood an intense, deadly-looking foe. His dark eyes were narrowed below thick eyebrows. His jaw set. His focus locked on Rossi. The thin guy shifted on his feet, acting uncomfortable and nervous, telling Drew that Jabal called the shots. He was Mr. Big.
The guy Drew had been seeking.
Drew got out his phone to record the conversation. He didn’t have a warrant and couldn’t use the recording in the investigation, but it might come in useful in other ways. At the very least, Teagan would want to hear it.
“I don’t like it.” Jabal took a step toward Rossi.
Gambino moved closer.
Jabal spun on the man and stabbed a finger in his thick chest. “You make another move toward me and it will be your last.”
“It’s okay, Tony,” Rossi said. “Nasim is a friend. He would never hurt me.”
“Don’t be too sure.” Jabal eyed Rossi. “Now tell me why we want to let our product sit with this local we don’t even know.”
“To grow your business. We wash his money for now, but he has strong connections to move product. The more connections we make, the more product we move. The more product we move, the happier you are.”
“He into the antiquities too?” Jabal asked.
Rossi shook his head, his silvery hair whispering over his forehead, and he shoved it back in place. “Strictly the powder.”
