Penumbra (Spook Squad 3)

“Okay, got you. Fourth car back, you said?”

“Yep. I’d like a license plate and registration search done, if possible.”

“I’ve gotta zoom in the satellite. That could take a few minutes.”

“I’ll wait.”

Donner whistled tunelessly for a good five minutes, then gave a satisfied grunt. “Got him. Or her, as the case may be.”

“Who’s the registered owner?”

“One Jessie McMahon, from Eltham.”

Sam swore softly. Jessie McMahon. Gabriel’s sister.

The bastard was having her followed.

FIVE

“YOU WANT ME TO ARRANGE an intercept?” Agent Donner asked.

Sam flexed her fingers in an effort to relax her grip on the steering wheel. “No, I think I’ll handle it. Thanks, Donner.”

He nodded. “Give me a call if you need help.”

“Thanks. I will.” She flicked off the wristcom and stared at the white Toyota through the rearview mirror.

Why was Gabriel having her tailed? And why have his sister do it when he practically had the entire SIU at his beck and call?

She doubted that he’d provide any answers if she confronted him, but Jessie might. The few times she’d met his sister, she’d seemed more upfront, more accessible, than her brother.

A green-and-gold sign came into view, indicating there was a side road half a kilometer ahead, on her left. Perfect.

She leaned forward, switched the computer from auto-drive to manual and moved into the left-hand lane. Leaving the indicator on, she slowed and glanced in the rearview mirror. The Toyota had also switched lanes and was sitting behind a red Commodore.

Sam turned left. Not far ahead, the road did a sharp turn right and disappeared behind some trees. She put her foot down, accelerating around the corner. Once around it, she braked hard, the car shuddering as the tires struggled for purchase on the dirt road. As dust puffed around the car, she threw open the door and climbed out. A quick glance confirmed that the beginning of the road was hidden by the trees. Jessie wouldn’t know Sam had stopped until she rounded the corner, though she’d left plenty of room for the Toyota to stop. She wanted to question Jessie, not hurt her.

Sam walked across the road to the gum trees and waited. Two minutes later the Toyota came around the corner, making an unintentional beeline straight for her car. She had a brief glimpse of Jessie’s surprised expression. Then Jessie braked and the Toyota slewed to a stop. Sam hurried over and opened the door.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. Just chagrined.” Jessie glanced up, a wry smile touching her lips. “Gabriel’s going to kill me for being caught.”

“If he’s still alive after I get through with him.” Sam hesitated, trying to control the swift jab of anger. “You want to explain why he’s got you tailing me?”

Jessie ran a hand through her dark curls. “There’s a roadside diner about a kilometer up the road. Why don’t we talk there? I need some coffee anyway.”

“I’ll follow you there.”

Sam slammed the door shut, walked over to the Ford and climbed in. After starting up the car, she followed Jessie back onto the main road.

Once they reached the diner and had their order taken by the gum-chewing waitress, Sam crossed her arms on the table and leaned forward. “So, why is your brother having me tailed?”

Jessie sighed. “He’s worried about your safety.”

“Yeah, so worried he wanted me dumped as a partner.” Sam snorted softly. “Be honest, at least.”

“I am.” Jessie hesitated, her gaze suddenly intent. “And you know why he didn’t want you as a partner, don’t you?”