“It’s my understanding they’ve located the bodies,” the governor stated.
“According to Baz, yes. They’re in the process of confirming the identities and notifying the families.”
“I talked to Lauren’s mother. She’s happy her daughter’s home, as is Lauren’s father. They’re committed to helping her through this, hoping she will eventually come back to them.”
Brantley had no idea what the possibility of that happening was. Lauren Tyler had been emotionally abused, not to mention sexually, for nearly a decade. He doubted it would be easy, but he was happy that she had family to support her. Even if she didn’t realize it now, she was lucky to have them in her corner.
“But that’s not why I asked you here,” Governor Greenwood said. “I actually wanted to talk to you about another case I’d like your team to work on.”
“Another missing person?”
“In a sense, yes. There are a number of police departments who’ve been working on identifying a group who are luring children from their parents via social media.”
Brantley didn’t need to hear anything more than luring children to know that his team would be fully on board. “We’re more than willing to assist.”
“Not assisting,” Governor Greenwood corrected. “Heading up the task force. I’ll put you in touch with the various departments. You can take it from there.”
Brantley nodded.
“I will say that I think you’ll need more people on your team.”
“I’m in the process of making that happen,” he admitted.
“Good. I think you’re off to a damn good start.”
An hour later, Brantley was stepping into Chuy’s—the best Tex-Mex restaurant on the planet—where he found Baz already waiting for him, a basket of chips and a bowl of jalapeño ranch dressing in front of him.
“I apologize for startin’ without you,” Baz said, though there was no remorse in his words.
“Sorry I’m late. Had a meetin’ with the governor.”
“Well, in that case, you’re excused.”
The waiter appeared to take their order. Brantley didn’t need to peruse the menu as this was his favorite restaurant. After rattling off his selection and allowing Baz to do the same, they both dug into the chips.
“If you don’t mind me askin’, why’m I here?”
“I’m not one to beat around the bush,” Brantley told him.
“Good. Then no need to start now.”
Smiling, Brantley sipped his tea. “I did some research on you.”
“Yeah?” Baz seemed not at all surprised or bothered by the notion.
“You’ve got quite the record for closin’ cases.”
“It’s my job.”
“It is, yes. You’ve also got a knack for pissin’ off your partners, as well as the brass.”
“I’m friendly like that.”
“Yet when I worked with you on this last case, I detected no issue with authority.”
“Maybe I like you.”
“But not the rest of the APD?”
Baz smirked. “It’s not the authority I have a problem with. It’s the red tape and the bullshit.”
Brantley had figured as much. He’d read the man’s file, seen the comments made by his bosses over the years.
“I’ve got a proposition for you.”
“You gonna put in a good word with the governor? Ask him to let us do our jobs?”
“Don’t need to. I’ve got a job in mind for you that’ll allow you to do just that.”
Baz sat up straight, dropped the chip he’d been holding. “A job?”
“I assume you did your own research,” Brantley stated. “Into me and my task force.”
“Of course I did. Had to know what I was walkin’ into on that case.”
“And what conclusion did you come to?”
“For starters, you’ve had quite the military career.”
Brantley didn’t comment.
“That’s if all that redaction says anything.” Baz grinned. “And your partner … his record’s as secretive as yours. I find that interesting. Two special operators, one Navy, one Air Force, working together.”
Special operator? Reese?
Brantley’d had no idea.
“And then there’s JJ. She’s”—Baz’s gaze lowered—“impressive. Let’s put it that way.”
“To sum it up…” Brantley prompted.
“I’m impressed. Hard not to be, I figure. And I enjoyed working with the three of you. Learned a few things.”
“So if I were to offer you a job?”
Baz’s expression was almost comical. Clearly he had not expected that, although Brantley wasn’t sure why that was. He’d been alluding to it since he sat down.
“Me? A job? With your task force?”
“Yes.”
“What’s the catch?”
“There is no catch. We’re in the early stages, but you got a firsthand glimpse of our mission. We’re tacklin’ cold cases as well as those that arise. Our objective is to solve as many as we can, do whatever it takes to bring closure to the families.” Brantley took a drink, set down his glass. “Sounds like we’ll be leadin’ some special task forces with various departments across the state. It’s why I met with the governor this mornin’.”
“And the rules?”
“Conduct yourself appropriately and solve the case. That’s what I expect. We’ll be teaming up with police departments and other government agencies. We’re workin’ at the direct order of the governor, but he’s not micromanaging. I don’t have a lot of rules, provided you can do your job.”
