Since Phil’s last check had been less than a week ago, four days would make sense. Bringing the program to life, Phil asked, “Have you mentioned this to anyone else?”
“No. I found it earlier today. I ran some tests to see if maybe it was the program. When I couldn’t get anything definitive, I waited until you were alone to see if you could learn more. I’m hoping it’s some kind of glitch or malfunction with the surveillance.”
“Have you mentioned anything about Patricia—at all—to Rawlings?”
“No. With the new baby coming, he’d lose it. And I sure as hell wouldn’t say something to Mrs. Rawlings without telling him first. It’s just us. I wanted to run this by you. I wasn’t even sure how you felt about Taylor knowing.”
The two men sat across the table from one another as Phil searched his tablet, typing furiously. “Stupid bitch.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “She couldn’t let it go.”
Eric nodded toward the tablet. “Can you verify her location?”
After a moment, Phil nodded. “The last time I checked, her virtual presence was still in London. Her login information was active from her place of employment and her home.” He continued to type. “I see here where she applied for a new credit card.” The blood drained from his face as his heartbeat intensified. “Shit. You’re right. She hasn’t logged in from work in the four days. The new credit card isn’t under the same name we gave her, but it’s here. She was dumb enough to use her work computer to complete the application.” The two men sat in silence as Phil read his screen. “Shit. Here’s an airplane ticket. She probably thought that if she bought it at the airport using the new credit card we wouldn’t know.”
Eric’s head moved slowly from side to side as he watched Phil.
When Phil looked up, his hazel eyes narrowed. “She’s fuck’n stupid. By tracing the card I can even see the hotel where she’s staying.”
Eric leaned forward. “In the States?”
“In Cedar Rapids.”
The air in the room dissipated as the sound of their breathing echoed. Finally, Eric asked, “Can you tell the room number?”
Phil swallowed as their eyes met. “Yes.”
“We gave her a chance—two really.”
Ignoring the exorbitant pressure, Phil clenched his teeth harder. “That was two too many. Don’t say a word to anyone—anyone. I’ll be back by morning.”
“I’m going with you,” Eric declared.
“No, you’re not. You’re staying here.” Phil didn’t wait for Eric’s response. He was in order mode. “Watch the gate, watch the monitors. There’s no guarantee she’s sitting in that hotel room. Fuck!” Phil’s voice rose. “She’s been here for three days. What if she’d—?”
“Like you said, she’s stupid. She doesn’t know we’re on to her.”
“She’s arrogant. She thought by using a new name on the airline and hotel reservations we wouldn’t be able to find her.” Phil leaned over his tablet and typed again. Only the sound of the clicking keys filled the air until he stood and said, “She has two tickets for her return flight to London, the day after tomorrow.”
“Two?”
“Yes, the second ticket is for a child.”
Eric nodded. “I’ll go to the security office right now and watch. If you need me, call. I’ll be there.”
“If anything happens, you don’t know a damned thing about this.”
“Are you kidding me? Nothing’s going to happen. I’ve done my homework too. You’ve got this.”
“I do,” Phil confirmed.