“We texted.”
“I know, but—” She pulls back and studies me. “What’s wrong with Pitt? There are all kinds of rumors. He’s dead. He’s missing. And two federal agents dropped by to see you.”
“Which happens often,” I say, trying to calm her down. “It could be about Waters. Did you get a name?”
“No,” she says. “They wouldn’t talk to anyone else. They were at the front desk. There might be a card up front.” She casts Lucifer a look. “Hi,” she says. “I’m Grace.”
And she’s so sweet and charming, too. The girl next door, with cute dimples and all.
Cindy, who’s more of a blonde goddess, and presently staring at Lucifer, cuts me a look. “Yes, Pri, what’s up with Pitt, and who is the blond tattooed god you have with you?”
Lucifer laughs, a low, entertained laugh and I can almost imagine Savage and Adrian cracking jokes as they listen in. “Lucifer,” he introduces himself. “From Walker Security, an international team contracted by the DA at Pri’s request. We’re here to assist with the investigation in an official capacity.”
“We?” Cindy asks. “How many of you are there?”
“Unlimited resources,” I say, following the plan. “Walker is quite well-known, sought out by heads of countries around the world. They’ve also taken our witnesses into their protective care.”
“But why?” Cindy says sarcastically. “I mean, law enforcement was doing such a good job. Not,” she adds. “Talk about a major fail that got people killed.”
I motion them forward. “Let’s head to the conference room and bring Lucifer up to speed.”
Cindy smiles at Lucifer. “I’ll be your guide.”
Lucifer glances at me and I nod my approval. Cindy knows this case. She’ll be a good, and obviously willing, resource for Lucifer. Now it’s Grace rolling her eyes as she falls into step with me behind them. “Seriously,” she says softly. “How are you?”
“Seriously,” I reply. “I’m good. I’ve just had my hands full today.”
“What’s going on with Pitt?”
We pause outside the conference room. “The less you know right now, the better. Okay?”
Her eyes go wide. “Oh God. Is he okay?”
“I don’t know,” I say, but I do know. Pitt was hurt badly and at this point, he has to be dead. Doesn’t he?
“That doesn’t sound good,” she says. “Please tell me if you get word on his safety. I didn’t know him that well, but I knew him often. You know what I mean?”
“I know.” I squeeze her arm and send her on her way, and since she’s not part of this case, that means back to her office. Which brings me back to Josh. Grace isn’t a part of this case and yet he used her to embed himself in the middle of everything. It could be about earning a paying contract, I know. But I’m back to yet something else that just doesn’t feel right.
I head into the conference room and our entire team of twelve is assembled. The relief at my presence is palpable as Lucifer and I each claim open seats at the table, across from one another. Cindy, who is next to Lucifer at the table, introduces him and Lucifer explains his role. The moment he wraps up, Cindy asks, “What about Agent Pitt? Josh said he’s missing.”
Josh said, I think. Where did Josh get his information? The Feds? Waters? Who?
“That’s true,” Lucifer confirms, surprising me with his directness on the topic. “Former Federal Agent Adrian Mack, also known as Adrian Ramos, resurfaced and is willing to testify. There was a threat on his life and Pitt intervened. Mack is in hiding. Pitt is missing, but also severely injured.”
“Wait,” Cindy says, staring at me as the team murmurs wildly. “Adrian Mack surfaced?”
“He did,” I confirm. “And he’s a hell of a witness. He wants immunity and I’m waiting on that paperwork from Ed. The problem is that Chicago issued a warrant for his arrest for the murder of his brother.”
The room erupts again and I hold up a hand. “We believe Waters is behind it. Mack was never in Chicago. His brother was undercover with the Devils as well and yes, he’s dead.”
“Walker is working on a federal immunity agreement for Mack,” Lucifer adds, and then changes the subject, his gaze scanning the room. “What else did Josh tell you?” he asks, drawing Cindy’s attention to him.
“Not much,” she says. “He stressed the urgency to find him. That’s what he’s had our team working on this afternoon.”
I sit up straighter. “Josh has been directing our team? On what authority?”
She blinks at me. “He said Ed’s. I thought you knew.”
Lucifer looks at me and then around the room, before he says, “Show me everything Josh accessed while ‘helping’ our team.”
Cindy eyes me and mouths, “What’s going on?”
My phone buzzes and I reach for it in my pocket, to find Ed calling. “I need to take this in private.” I stand and grab my briefcase and purse and exit the conference room.