Noah had scanned through the security dossier on Molly that Parker had provided, but now he popped it open again on his phone. There were a number of people listed under “Known Associates,” along with photos. It only took him a few seconds to figure out who Moose must be referring to.
“That would be Charles Kitchener,” he said. “According to the file, Molly has dinner with him three or four times a month. There’s no indication that there’s any kind of romance involved, however. He’s listed as a Professor of Forensic Psychology at Argosy University. He’s also a member of Mensa, so that could be how Molly knows him. She became a member when she was only nine years old.”
“Oh, so that’s why the relationship didn’t last,” Sarah said softly. “She was just too smart for you, huh?”
“She’s definitely got the brains,” Noah said. “But like I told you, it wasn’t a real relationship at all. Just a smokescreen, that’s all it was.”
“Well, if that’s the case,” Moose said, “then it probably wouldn’t matter if we could overhear the conversation. We wouldn’t know what they were talking about, most likely. Besides, I think it’s a lot more important for us just to pay attention to who pays attention to her. If our guesses are right, then the bad guy probably has somebody watching her right now, just the way we are.”
“Exactly,” Noah said. “That’s why you’re there, to try to spot whoever he’s got watching Molly. If we can get a line on who he’s using to trail her, then there’s at least a chance we can track that person back to our target.”
“Kinda have my doubts about that, Noah,” Sarah said. “I think he’s more the type who would keep his own location a secret even from the people he’s working with, at least as far as he can. If he’s got someone tailing her, that person won’t know where he’s at. He’d probably only report by phone, or else he’d simply wait for Nicky boy to contact him.”
“I’ve considered that, too, but right now we have almost no intel at all. If we can at least identify someone working with him, that puts us a little ahead of the game.”
“Well, then get ready,” Moose said suddenly. “I’ve got an eyeball on somebody who sure is interested in your old girlfriend.”
TWELVE
“Be careful, just observe,” Noah said after Moose described the man who was watching Molly like a hawk. “We don’t want to tip him off that we’re watching her, too. Try not to let him figure it out.”
“Boss? She works for that high-powered think tank, right? Could be this guy is just part of their security, keeping an eye on her and making sure she’s safe.”
“No, I don’t think so. The security dossier on Molly says they’re fully aware of whatever relationship she has with Kitchener, I don’t think they’d be watching her that closely. Of course, we know that Doc Parker has surveillance on her, so it could be one of ours. What do you think of that, Moose? Any chance the guy you’re watching is part of our own group?”
“Could be, Boss,” Moose said. “I don’t know how we can find out for sure, short of walking up and asking him.”
“Okay, let me see what I can find out.” Noah took out his phone and dialed the home office number. Since it was only three thirty back there, the receptionist answered promptly.
“Brigadoon Investments, how may I direct your call?”
“Doc Parker, please, Noah Wolf calling.”
“Yes sir, one moment.” Noah had to put up with the hold music for about twenty seconds, and then Parker’s gruff voice came on the line.
“Any updates?”
“We’re on station,” Noah said. “We’ve taken up surveillance on Molly, and noticed someone else watching her pretty closely. Any chance you can give me an idea of who you’ve got keeping an eye on her?”
“Give me a moment,” Parker said. The hold music returned for nearly a minute and then Parker came back on. “We’re using a team of four that we borrowed from DEA. My secretary is sending you the files on them right now, photos and all. We’re also sending you their secure cell numbers, and notifying them that they will be under your command from here on out.”
“Sounds good,” Noah said. “I’ll contact them later this evening, and we’ll take it from here. I’m hoping it will give us a chance to spot Nicolaich before he can make a move. I want to take him out as quickly as we can. Any updates on the Dragon Lady?”
“Nothing new, she’s still in the coma. They’re probably going to wake her up tomorrow, but if she can’t behave herself, the doctor says she’s going right back under. Don Jefferson is doing very well and may get to come home as early as tomorrow. He won’t be back at work anytime soon, though.”
Noah’s phone vibrated in his hand. “Hopefully it won’t be too long,” Noah said. “I think this outfit needs both him and Allison to keep it headed in the right direction.”
“Hey! I don’t want this damned job, but I’ll do it as long as I have to, and I’ll do it pretty damn well, too. You trying to make a comment about my leadership?”