“There are people being hurt—dying—while you gather your evidence to make sure this guy has no loopholes to slither through.” Cruz thought about Calhoun.
A sad look flashed past Captain Jones’s eyes and was gone. “Some are surviving because of my intervention as well. The video your dog had implicates many men who only agreed under duress. It would be unfortunate to catch them in the same net we use to snare my business partner.”
Harris had a family. How many others did? How many wives, kids, relatives would be hurt if men like Harris were caught up in legal action?
“I see what you mean.” Cruz paused, then tossed a bit of information out. “We have a mutual acquaintance, Evans. He’s got a copy of the highlights right now. Probably plans to bring it back to you or your partner in exchange for bailing him out.”
Captain Jones nodded. “His ability to identify the entire group here puts this portion of the operation at risk. A good reason to cut losses here and leave.”
Cruz had been planning to give Evans enough rope to hang himself. This wasn’t exactly what he’d had in mind, but it’d do. The investigation Captain Jones was conducting was serious business, every bit as dangerous as the situations Calhoun and the other men were facing. And then some. If Jones’s business partner suspected him, Lyn’s stepfather was a dead man.
Captain Jones regarded Cruz with a steady gaze. Cruz gave the man a nod in grudging admiration. This undertaking wasn’t easy. And he might never be sure he had every person involved.
“Take her out of here, Mr. Cruz. Do a better job of keeping her safe.” Captain Jones’s voice cracked. “I will continue my mission. It won’t be much longer and then the men who didn’t want to be part of this in the first place will be able to breathe. You’ve done me a favor with the group here. It will be fairly easy to see to it these men face charges while I go back to my business partner and tell him how unfortunate it was that they were incompetent enough to be compromised.”
Cruz nodded. What else was there to say? He needed to get Lyn safely out of here and then he could absorb the new information.
“Lyn knows nothing. I’m sure my business partner will keep an eye on her and agree. Especially when he’s told the asset was killed here.”
“You are not touching Atlas.” Lyn shot to her feet.
“Sergeant Zuccolin shot the dog dead. We both saw it.” Captain Jones stared at Cruz.
Cruz nodded. “I run a kennel. I could’ve brought more than one dog.”
The other man nodded.
Lyn held her peace.
It would be better for all of them if no one was looking for Atlas anymore. And now that Atlas had chosen his handlers, easier for him, too.
“Take the dog with you.” Captain Jones’s tone was definitely gentler. “He’s seen enough and based on your reports, it’s likely his rehabilitation will require further work. It would be best for everyone if he disappeared.”
Lyn bit her lip, obviously caught without words.
Well, that was a first.
Captain Jones looked at Cruz. “My condolences for the loss of your friend. This is the best I can offer you in his memory, for now.”
It would have to be enough.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Minor concussion, if that. Some bad bruising.” Forte packed up his med kit. “Pretty sure you’ll be all right with some real rest. You sure you two don’t want to go to the emergency room?”
Cruz looked at Lyn, who shook her head.
“I just want to stay here.” Lyn had curled up on the couch with Atlas, sitting as close as the big dog could manage on the floor.
“Whatever you need.” Cruz turned to Forte. “Thanks, man.”
“Okay, but if she develops a headache or nausea or starts acting odd at all, she really does need to see a doctor. Call up to the main house if you need anything.” Forte left.
Cruz sighed. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the emergency room? Forte is EMT certified but he’s not a doctor.”
Lyn shook her head slowly. She was in obvious discomfort and the bruise on the side of her face was blooming into an even more impressive sight as the hours went by. Anger burned Cruz every time he looked at her face.
It was a good thing the man who’d hit her would be in prison.
“It feels a hundred percent better just being here.” She gave him a smile. “And no headache, just some throbbing when I turn my head too fast.”
“Then quit shaking your head.” He gave her a kiss to take the sting away from his retort. She was a trooper, no doubt about it. “You hungry at all?”
She wrinkled her nose.
“I’m not saying I’m going to put a full cheesesteak in front of you piled with fried mushrooms and onions.” David chuckled. He could go for one of those himself, though. “I was thinking maybe I’d exercise my actual cooking skills and make you a cup of soup.”