Deadly Coincidence (Brantley Walker: Off the Books Book 4) Read online

  He had a bone to pick with the man, and to him it felt personal. Governor Greenwood had been the one to approach him back in September, offering to fund a task force dedicated to finding missing people. And now the governor wanted to eliminate their team, as though they hadn’t accomplished a damn thing during the three months they’d been working their asses off. Hell, they had found a woman who’d gone missing as a teenager and been held captive for a solid decade. In the process, they’d rescued the governor’s daughter when she’d been kidnapped in an effort to hide that crime. After that, they had single-handedly unearthed a serial killer who’d been wearing a detective’s shield. A feat not even the FBI had been able to do up to that point.

  As far as Brantley was concerned, they deserved a little bit of credit for what they’d done. They damn sure didn’t deserve to get the axe.

  “Brantley, I know you’re upset, and I can’t say I blame you. The team’s been doing good work. You should be proud of that. Unfortunately, it’s the same work that a number of agencies are currently involved in.”

  So he’d heard … in that email.

  “What I don’t understand is why you’re not fightin’ this, Governor,” Brantley countered. “We have proof of our value, not just supposition or projection. We’ve made a difference with the cases we’ve solved in just a short time. One in particular that had been sittin’ in cold storage for a decade.”

  “You have made a difference,” Governor Greenwood agreed. “That’s not up for debate. The pushback comes from the financial impact.”

  “They believe the money should be allocated to the law enforcement agencies,” Brantley said, repeating what Greenwood had told him in the email. “Question is, if you’d given them the additional funding in the past three months, would they have solved the cases we did?”

  “I don’t think that’s something that can be determined in hindsight.”

  “Actually, it can. Take the Dallas case. There were a number of cold-case victims attached to that one. We didn’t just find the one you called us in to find. You had a serial killer in your ranks.”

  Governor Greenwood’s expression remained solemn. “The fact that it involved serial murders made it the FBI’s jurisdiction. We weren’t sitting on those cases. They weren’t ours to handle any longer.”

  Brantley stared at him, hating that the man could be so level-headed about this. Brantley was itching for a fight, yet it was clear the governor was not going to give him one.

  “Why’d you call me here?” Brantley demanded, sitting up and putting his elbows on the arms of the chair. It took everything in him not to shoot to his feet and march out the door.

  “I thought I owed you the respect of telling you face-to-face that, as of January fourth, the task force will no longer exist in the eyes of the state.”

  “The fourth. Monday. Jesus Christ. You told me there’d be a discussion around it.”

  Governor Greenwood was watching him, his eyes intent when he said, “It’s come to my attention that it’s no longer necessary. I’m not in a position to win the vote.”

  Brantley wanted to slam his badge down on the man’s desk, to tell him to shove it up his ass, but he refrained. He immediately thought about Reese, about JJ and Baz, Trey and Charlie. He had a team to consider before he burned bridges he couldn’t afford to burn.

  He stood, inhaling deeply and nodding at the governor before turning toward the door.

  “Brantley, I assure you, this wasn’t my plan.”

  “I’m sure it wasn’t,” he grumbled on his way out.

  An hour later, after taking the scenic route back from Austin, Brantley pulled into the driveway of his cousin’s house. Because he hadn’t wanted to burden Reese with the news—not yet, anyway—he had called Travis.

  “Hey, man,” Gage greeted as he was walking up to the front door.

  Travis’s husband was sitting on the porch swing, one-and-a-half-year-old Maddox—the youngest of their five kids—perched on his lap.

  “They relegate you to the yard or what?” Brantley joked.

  “Mad likes it out here,” Gage said, gripping the little boy firmly when he tried to squirm to the ground.

  Maddox didn’t appreciate the gesture, throwing his arms out in Brantley’s direction, clearly looking for a change of scenery.

  Brantley grinned, reached for the kid, and hefted him into his arms. “What’s up, little man? You keepin’ your daddy busy this mornin’?’

  Maddox offered a shy smile, his eyes darting back to Gage as though he wasn’t quite as content with his decision to relocate anymore.

  Laughing, Brantley passed the baby back. “Travis inside?”

  Gage’s expression shuttered when he answered with, “In his office.”

  Brantley considered explaining himself, assuring Gage that he wasn’t here to discuss Juliet Prince or the task force’s attempts to find her, but he didn’t have the breath to do it. He was running on caffeine fumes and mounting frustration as it was. No sense getting into an argument over something that wasn’t even on the agenda.

  He stepped inside the old, historic Victorian that had belonged to Gage’s grandmother, if Brantley remembered correctly. Kylie, their wife, had restored to its original splendor, the hardwood floors and wainscoting gleaming with a thick varnish.

  The house smelled like lemon cleaner and fresh bread, a combination that made him think about his childhood home. It had always been welcoming like this.

  From somewhere in front of him, he heard the television. Every so often, he heard a couple of kids arguing over what they were going to watch. Even that made him smile.

  Turning to the right, he rapped his knuckles on the closed French doors.

  “Come in,” Travis called out, his gruff, deep voice booming.

  Brantley stepped inside, closed the door to block out the noise.

  “Hey, man. What’s up?” Travis asked, motioning toward the couch that acted as a separator between the desk and the doors. “You didn’t give me any details on the phone.”

  No, he hadn’t because he hadn’t been sure how to phrase it at that point.

  He propped himself on the couch arm rather than sitting down. “Just had a conversation with the governor.”

  Travis leaned back in his chair, rested his elbows on the armrests, steepled his fingers. “And it wasn’t good news, I take it?”

  “He’s disbandin’ the task force.”

  “What?” All casualness disappeared from Travis’s expression as he shot up straight. “Why the fuck would he do that?”

  “Somethin’ about financial allocation or some shit.”

  “Well, fuck me,” Travis breathed out, sounding sincerely shocked and more than a little pissed.

  Everyone knew the task force was currently investigating Juliet Prince’s whereabouts. While technically the FBI was involved because of the kidnapping, the task force had made it their main priority.

  Not to mention, Travis was a silent partner with the team, providing financial backing when necessary. Probably would’ve been wise to clue him in when the governor initially warned him this might happen.

  “So what’re you gonna do now? You got another job lined up?”

  “I do not. Nor will I be lookin’ for one.”

  Travis frowned, obviously waiting for more.

  “I’m gonna keep the task force,” he said, as though it was as simple as that.

  A deeper line formed between Travis’s eyebrows. “Meanin’ you’ll run it without the backing of the state?”

  “I damn sure can’t give up now,” he argued, although he knew Travis wasn’t pushing him to quit; he was merely curious.

  “I’d prefer you didn’t.” Travis relaxed again. “I’m not sure what I would’ve done without you and Reese. Seriously. I know y’all haven’t worked a lot of cases, but you’ve accomplished quite a bit in a short time. I think it’s smart to take it private.”

  Brantley stared at his cousin, then asked the one question he c
ouldn’t hold back. “I’ll probably need some financial backing to start. You still in?”

  Travis’s spine straightened, his countenance shifting.

  Brantley figured this was the businessman he was now having a chat with, not his cousin.

  “I don’t have a business plan yet,” Brantley added quickly. “But I will. I promise you that. I’ve been talkin’ with Reese’s brother. Thought I’d seek their help, too. Financially, that is.”

  “Sniper 1 Security. Smart move on your part.”

  “Yeah. Not gonna get my hopes up until I have an official conversation with them. What I need to know is whether or not I can depend on you in the same manner you’ve assisted thus far.”

  “That I can do,” Travis stated firmly. “As for an investment, get me a business plan. I’d like to go over it with Gage.”

  Brantley nodded. “I’ll get it worked up.” He stood. “Anyway, I needed to vent before I head back to HQ. Last thing I want is for Reese and the team to think they’re out of a job.”

  “I know the feelin’.” Travis stood. “Just remember, you can lean on them, too.”

  Brantley grinned, starting toward the door when Travis joined him. “Wow, that’s downright psychological of you, Dr. Phil.”

  “Fuck off,” Travis grumbled, grinning as he opened the door.

  The friendly banter helped to lift some of the weight off his shoulders.

  It was enough motivation that Brantley decided he would tuck away the news until after the first of the year. He wanted to enjoy some time with Reese, and that wouldn’t be possible if he told the team they were out of a job come Monday.

  *

  “Why’d Brantley drop by earlier?”

  Travis glanced over at his husband, saw the concern in Gage’s eyes.

  They’d just sat down for the evening, having spent the past half hour doing the dishes while Kylie got the kids started on their baths and showers. Maddox had gone first, then was passed off to Travis to dry and dress. The little boy was now at Travis’s feet, staring up at the television, where an animated snowman was keeping him transfixed.

  “Governor Greenwood’s disbandin’ the task force,” Travis told him, watching the stairs for the next kid to come down.

  Kate was currently doing the independent things, showering in their bathroom, while Kylie helped Kade and Haden, who were taking a bath together. Last would be Avery, who was gathering up the Barbies she wanted to take swimming in the tub with her.

  “Really?” Gage sounded perplexed by the idea. “But I thought…”

  “Who knows. He’s claimin’ it’s budget cuts and says he doesn’t have support to maintain the team.”

  “He? As in the governor?”

  Travis nodded.

  “You talked to him?”

  “I did.” Travis glanced at the television, down to Maddox, then back to Gage. “Called him this afternoon to see what’s up. He sounds bothered by the notion but swears there’s nothin’ he can do about it.”

  “Seems a bit abrupt, don’t you think? The team’s only been in place since September.”

  “I know.”

  Travis did not need to be reminded what had been the prompting factor for the task force dedicated to locating missing persons. He’d lived that nightmare and had no desire to rehash it any more than he already did.

  “And yes,” he continued, “it does seem abrupt. Which is why I called him. He’s standin’ behind the decision.” Travis smiled at Maddox when the little boy looked back at him, pointing at the television. “I know, little guy. Cool, huh?”

  Maddox grinned wide then turned back to the TV.

  “Brantley’s thinkin’ about takin’ the task force private,” Travis continued, glancing over to catch Gage’s reaction.

  “I think that’s smart. They’re good at what they do. No sense lettin’ their talent go to waste.”

  “He’s chattin’ with RT and Z, gettin’ the scoop on the private gig.”

  “They’d have the answers,” Gage said.

  Travis stared at his husband, realizing Gage had been supportive of every single thing Travis had said since they sat down. Too supportive, in fact.

  “Spit it out, Gage,” Travis bit out, keeping his voice low, tone as even as he could. “Why does it sound like you’re placatin’ me?”

  “I just wanna make sure you’re not goin’ down that rabbit hole again.”

  Travis took a long, deep breath, willed his temper to cool, because this was getting old fast.

  Although Travis had apologized and sought Gage’s help in keeping his violent need to find the woman who had kidnapped their daughter in check, it was clear Gage still didn’t trust him. Two weeks ago, Travis had broken down, and he’d thought they’d moved on from that.

  Clearly he was the only one who had, because ever since then, he saw the way Gage watched his every move. As though he expected Travis to snap at any second.

  “I’m not doin’ this with you,” Travis hissed, getting to his feet. “If you don’t trust me, just say so. Otherwise, stop treatin’ me like a child.”

  Realizing his outburst had drawn Maddox’s attention, Travis forced a smile at the baby. “Sorry, little man. Keep watchin’ Frozen. It’s all good. The daddies are just talkin’.”

  Or they had been, because once Maddox turned back to the television, Travis left the room.

  A second later, he left the house altogether.

  He needed a beer.

  *

  Gage heard the front door slam shut, the sound making him flinch.

  He’d done it again. He’d gone and pissed Travis off.

  Seemed to be par for the course these days. Almost as though Travis was looking for a reason to get angry.

  Gage actually understood that part. He had a feeling he was looking for a reason, too. If he could maintain his anger and frustration, continue to worry about Travis, he didn’t have to dwell on the thoughts that plagued him. Ironically, they were the same thoughts he gave Travis shit about.

  “Did Daddy-O leave?”

  Turning his head, Gage saw Kate standing in the doorway, wet hair tangled, her eyes filled with concern as she watched him.

  “He had to go out for a bit.” Gage patted his thighs, spreading his feet apart. “Come sit down so I can brush your hair, then you can grab a blanket. We’re watchin’ Frozen.”

  “You know we’ve watched this like fifteen times this week,” Kate said haughtily, a new thing she’d started recently.

  “Yet it’s still your favorite,” he reminded her.

  Kate grabbed a throw blanket and dragged it behind her as she headed over, dropping to her knees in front of him, her eyes already glued to the television screen. He took his time combing her hair, detangling it without making her mad, a skill he’d acquired long ago. When he was finished, she curled up on the couch with her blanket, head on a pillow, her feet poking into Gage’s thigh.

  This had become their nightly routine as of late. After baths, the kids would congregate in the living room for a bit. Then one by one, they would take them to their rooms. Only in the past few days had Kate started exerting more independence, coming out of her shell after her horrible ordeal. She was still having nightmares of the days she’d spent with Juliet Prince, the woman who had kidnapped her during a field trip to the state capitol, but he had to believe they were making progress.

  Although the therapist they were seeing said it was normal for her to continue to have these feelings, Gage wondered. Then again, he wasn’t trained to know what was right or wrong in this situation—or whether anyone really was—so he had to take the woman’s word for it.

  And perhaps that was the reason he continued to keep an eye on Travis. Gage didn’t have to hide his feelings there. He didn’t have to pretend he wasn’t worried about Travis the way he had to pretend with Kate. Kylie continued to remind him their only goal with Kate was to show her support and love, to make sure she knew she was safe.

  So that was what Gage d
id. And when he wasn’t plastering on a fake smile, he was projecting all his emotions on Travis.

  While the kids watched the movie, Gage continued to watch the door, expecting Travis to return at any moment. Every so often, another kid would join him until all five were scattered around the living room. Kate was still on the couch, Kade had taken up his position in Travis’s recliner. Avery was lying on the floor, head on her hands as she intently focused on her absolute all-time favorite movie. Haden had been the last to join, his thumb in his mouth while he sat on the floor between Gage’s feet. And Maddox was still where he’d started, only he was now lying down, his eyelids getting heavy.

  When he heard footsteps on the stairs, Gage glanced over, saw Kylie coming down.

  “Where’d Travis go?” she asked, her voice low so as to not disturb the kids.

  “He needed some air.”

  He immediately saw the concern in his wife’s eyes, knew she worried about Travis the same way he did. And while they’d seen a significant change in Travis these past couple of weeks, it appeared that it wasn’t all that easy to simply shut off that worry.

  It wasn’t that he wanted the search for Juliet Prince to stop. No, Gage merely wanted Travis to let it go, to allow the authorities to do their job. There was nothing they could do about it. The woman was long gone, and he didn’t see her ever coming back. She’d gotten her revenge by making them suffer for those couple of days Kate was missing. If he had to guess, Juliet had already moved on.

  “He’s fine,” Gage assured Kylie, realizing she was waiting for more.

  Kylie’s eyes cooled, her expression hardening. “You might try repeatin’ that after you start believin’ it yourself.”

  Before he could reach for her hand, she spun around and stomped off.

  And just like that, Gage had managed to piss off both his husband and his wife.

  He was on a fucking roll today.

  Chapter Six

  Thursday, December 31, 2020

  “You can only hide for so long,” JJ muttered at the image on her computer screen. “I will find you, I promise you that. And when I do…”