Page 12 of Under Fire

“Just equipped her with a few of Dak’s gadgets and she’ll be fine,” Shogun said.

Dak Navarro was the CEO of Navarra Technologies Incorporated, an electrical and mechanical engineering firm that specialized in advanced technology. His company had a reputation for creating high-tech security devices for government use, as well as some for the private sector. Their law firm used many of those devices for security purposes, especially during investigations.

“I’ll let you guys know how my interview with her goes.”

“Okay, and what about Nyla Roker? Have you returned her call yet?”

“No, and I don’t intend to do so until after I thoroughly review her file. I can’t wait to find out what kind of woman made such an impression on Karl.”

***

Hollis checked her watch before ringing Locke’s doorbell. She was right on time. Unlike yesterday, there was no car parked out near his home, but she scanned up and down the street anyway…especially after that phone call she had received on her way here.

Nick Underwood had posted bail last night, and this morning he was found dead in his hotel room with a gunshot wound to the chest. There was no forced entry, which meant he knew the person he let into his hotel room. No one heard any shots because a silencer was used.

The door opened, and Locke stood there dressed in dark slacks and a white button-up shirt. She could tell from his expression that he had been notified of Nick’s death. “Good morning, Locke.”

“Hollis. However, I’m not sure it’s a good morning. Appears Nick Underwood might have trusted the wrong people,” he said. “I spoke with Detectives Connor and Tomlin a few minutes ago. Since we were the last known people to have contact with Nick yesterday, they want to verify again that he didn’t tell us anything he didn’t tell them. Basically, to compare notes. When I mentioned that we had a meeting this morning, they asked if they could meet with us together. I didn’t think you would mind, and they are on their way over here.”

Hollis nodded. She knew how police procedures worked. At both the local and federal levels. “That’s fine.”

“Would you like a cup of coffee?” Locke asked.

“Yes, please,” she said, following him through the living room and dining room to a home office that appeared four times the size of hers, with a beautiful view of the bay.

“How do you take your coffee?”

“Black.”

He nodded. “You look nice, Hollis.”

Did he think she wouldn’t? She was here for the interview. Had he thought she would show up in jeans and a T-shirt? “Thanks, and you look nice as well.” And speaking of nice…She glanced around his office. “Nice place, Locke.”

“Thanks. I appreciate Carol finding it for me.”

“Carol?”

“Yes. She’s the administrative assistant for our law firm. We don’t know what we would do without her. She has my two partners and me spoiled,” he said, walking over to a table where the coffee pot was located.

Hollis continued glancing around, noting that many of the framed certificates on the walls were his. He had definitely made himself at home. She noticed a framed photograph of a cute little girl, who appeared to be around six or seven, that was sitting on one of the tables. Engraved beneath the frame were the words, The Princess.

Hollis wondered if she was his daughter. From what she had read about him, he and his partners were single. However, that didn’t mean he couldn’t be a father. Crossing the room, she picked up the frame and studied the photograph for any resemblance to Locke and didn’t see any. She figured the little girl looked more like her mother.

“Here you are,” Locke said, returning with her coffee.

She placed the frame back down and accepted the cup. “Thanks. Your daughter is cute as a button.”

He chuckled. “I don’t have a daughter.”

“Oh. Sorry, I assumed she’s your daughter,” Hollis said, indicating the framed photograph.

“No, that’s the princess.”

Hollis lifted a brow. “The princess?” She had seen the engraving on the frame but hadn’t known what it meant.

“Yes. She’s Sheppard Granger’s daughter.”

She nodded. She doubted there was anyone who hadn’t heard of Sheppard Granger. His acquittal from prison had made breaking news. After serving fifteen years in jail for killing his wife, he was not only acquitted, but a crime syndicate that included businessmen and politicians had been exposed.