Page 70 of Cold Silence
The same kind of family Travis would have to be forced to leave. More than forced. Maybe pried away from. He had a connection deeper than her father’s and that had been strong.
The computer dinged the update conclusion. She pressed the mic. “You guys ready to go?”
“I am,” Gage said, his virtual device still hanging from his hand. “But this guy is gonna have to book it to keep up with me.”
Travis grinned and settled his virtual device over his eyes. “We’ll see who’s trying to keep up.”
They laughed together and assumed the start position. She clicked on the program and the deep, dark, and dangerous caves they’d created spread open on the screen.
Thankfully, Julie had that development meeting, so Claire didn’t have to stand next to her in the observation room as Travis and Gage ran their scenario. Their virtual personas entered the cave, and Claire shuddered as she could nearly feel the cold and dank real-life scenario.
But the guys didn’t stop for anything and moved in tandem. As one fighting machine. When one failed the other took over and time flew as she watched her baby pushed to the limit. She wished she could film these sessions so Army brass could see Travis in action, not just see his simulation scores. Or maybe she just wanted to watch them after he was gone, leaving her behind.
Don’t go there. Keep focused just like they’re doing.
An hour into the session, Eryn texted.Need help.
Claire paused the scenario and relayed the message to the guys over the speaker. “We have to lock up the devices before we go to the office.”
The three of them made quick work of stowing them securely and rushed back to Claire’s office.
Eryn tapped the camera sitting on the table. “He recorded video too. Found the files on the server.”
Travis glowered at the camera but his gaze quickly brightened. “This is good news.”
“What?” Claire gaped at him. “How could Mike recording me be good news?”
“In addition to stalking charges, Robb was eavesdropping on your work environment and that would fall under espionage.”
Oh, wow. Wow!That was serious. She doubted that was his intent. So the big question was, could she do that to him, even if he was stalking her? She might not have a choice as the Army brass would determine the charges. “I doubt that was his intent, but it would keep him locked up longer.”
Gage moved closer to Eryn. “Is that why you wanted us?”
“No.” Eryn leaned back, her fingers still hovering over the trackpad. “I need Robb’s phone. But make sure he willingly surrenders it or we won’t be able to use it when we approach law enforcement.”
“On it.” Gage got out his cell and called Jackson to make the request.
“You think he’ll give the phone up willingly?” Claire asked.
“Jackson and Coop have very persuasive personalities.” Gage chuckled.
As the time ticked past, Claire imagined Coop and Jackson at work persuading Mike to give up what these days was a lifeline to so many people. Still, she’d seen Travis’s persuasive techniques in action and knew all operators were trained to get information from uncooperative suspects. Mike really didn’t stand a chance.
Her desk phone buzzed. She picked up the call from the reception desk. “A Jackson Lockhart is at the desk for you.”
“I’ll be right out.” Smiling, she eased between Travis and Gage and tried not to run down the hallway and draw her staff’s attention even more than the frequent gatherings with the team in her office had probably done.
“Passcode turned off.” Jackson handed her the phone and after a quick nod departed.
“I’ve heard of getting a guy’s phone number, but his phone?” Bethany winked.
Claire didn’t know how to respond, so she didn’t.
“You have to tell me where you’re finding all these single hunks.” Bethany grinned.
“Just part of the program,” Claire said, keeping up her normal professional behavior.
“Okay, I get it. Keep my big mouth shut.” Bethany mocked zipping her lips.
