“It means you don’t want to know what my plan is.”
“You don’t want me to know, because I won’t agree with you. The last time you didn’t listen to me you ended up suspended. Sometimes I know what I’m talking about. Give me some credit.”
“I’ll check in later.”
Josie ended the call, feeling a twinge of guilt for leaving him hanging, but he’d been correct. Otto would no doubt disagree with her plan, but she didn’t care. She needed to take care of business.
*
Josie showered and dressed in khaki pants and a short-sleeved top and sandals. She’d have been more comfortable wearing her gun and badge, but the lack of a uniform wouldn’t stop her.
She drove about five miles out of town north of the Mud Flats, to a small subdivision that held four homes situated around a cul-de-sac. With no other houses around for miles, the small cluster of homes had always made Josie think of a group of elite homesteaders.
The homes were a variety of styles, from modern minimalist steel and glass, to a rustic stone and wood cabin. Her destination was a two-story that looked like it belonged in the Texas hill country, built with blocks of limestone so light in color they were almost white. Josie pulled into the paved driveway of Steve and Caroline Moss and didn’t stop to reconsider before she exited the jeep.
She followed a stone pathway to a massive wooden door fit for a castle. No doubt Caroline’s parents had paid for the lavish home. As mayor of Artemis, Moss’s salary was paltry, and his side consulting job could not support this kind of home. As far as Josie knew, Caroline had never worked for a salary outside the home, at least legally. For years, her focus had been setting up political functions for her husband in an attempt to get him into the limelight; her goal was national recognition. Josie had no idea if the Republican Party ever considered Steve Moss as a contender for anything, but she’d not seen anything to support that idea.
She rang the bell and was surprised when Caroline Moss answered. She wore dress slacks and a cream-colored blouse. Her blond shoulder-length hair hung loosely around her face and gave her a polished look, although Josie noticed fine lines around her eyes and a tired sag around her mouth. Josie wondered if her appearance at Caroline’s door had caused the weariness.
“Good morning, Josie. Are you looking for the mayor?”
Caroline typically referred to her husband as the mayor, rather than as her husband. Josie figured the term put the emphasis on Caroline’s priority.
“Actually, I’d like to have a word with you. Do you mind if I come in?”
“No, of course not. Come on in. Let’s have a glass of iced tea out back. The patio is in the shade this time of day. It’s a nice time to sit outside.”
“That would be great. Thank you.”
Caroline led Josie down a hallway past a cream-colored formal living room, then past a dining room filled with colorful artwork and a massive dining room table where Josie figured much politicking took place.
In the back, a covered patio ran the length of the house and connected to a pool and a tiered garden area. Caroline gestured to two comfy chairs situated around a coffee table, but Josie opted for the chairs arranged around a dining table. She wasn’t there for comfort.
Several minutes later Caroline carried out a tray with a pitcher and glasses and set them on the table. She poured them each a glass of iced tea and Josie suffered through small talk about the drop in temperature that morning and the enjoyable eighty-degree weather.
At the first lull in the conversation Josie said, “I suppose you’ve heard that the mayor placed me on administrative leave.”
Caroline tilted her head and gave Josie what appeared to be a sympathetic look. “I hope you aren’t here to discuss that with me. You know that I support you, but I’m afraid he’s been tight-lipped about your suspension. With everyone, including me.”
“You’re saying that you don’t know why I was suspended?”
“No. I have no idea.”
“It involves you,” Josie said.
Caroline placed a hand over her heart and looked incredulous. “What an earth would I have to do with your suspension?”
“I told the mayor I had evidence that connects you to a human trafficking organization.”
Her mouth dropped and she laughed like it was an outrageous statement. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m referring to the five women that paid you to transport them from Guatemala to the United States.” Josie paused and watched Caroline’s shocked smile turn into a frown. “More specifically, to New Mexico to work as maids.”