Panama Deception by Jennifer Haynie

Author:Jennifer Haynie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jennifer Haynie
Published: 2015-04-09T17:23:31+00:00

25

1345 hours Central Daylight Time, Panama City, Panama

With hands shoved into the back pockets of her jeans, Alex paced. Her eyes darted from the candy bowl on Samantha’s desk to the mezzanine stairs where Jabir had headed to the second floor. The gold foil of the Reese’s mini-cups, meant as a peace offering for Samantha, glimmered under the overhead lights. She dared him to come downstairs to indulge his sweet tooth. Thanks to the e-mail the receptionist had sent to all staff, several gazelle had already visited the lioness’s watering hole.

But no Jabir.

“What’s the game plan?” Becca asked from where she leaned against a column as they waited for FBI Special Agent Mitch Gordon to show up.

“I figured that when we start to meet with him, I’ll pretend like I have to go to the bathroom. Then I’ll go and find Jabir since he’s not taking the bait.”

“Um, question?”

Alex couldn’t help it. She cracked a grin. “Did you expect me to go in there and listen to what Mitch had to say? You’re the cop, not me.”

“Right. Boy, if you’re caught…” Becca shook her head.

“If I’m caught, I’ll play dumb. Or claim I was there to see George. I mean, I feel like we’re buds now.”

Becca nodded. “He did seem to take a shine to you. Okay. I’ll cover for you, but I’m not sure how good of an actress I am.”

“Recall your undercover days. That’s all you need to do.” Alex sighed and sank onto a nearby chair. “Why do you think Ellie decided to stay behind?”

“I think Ellie’s way of dealing with crises is by withdrawing.” Becca crossed her arms. “I guess I’m worried about her. You know, what with everything going on with their business and marriage and all.”

“I know. Me too. But I wasn’t going to push her. And besides, since they released the crime scene this morning, I guess someone had to clean out the room so the hotel could rent it.”

“You’re right.” Becca swept a hand through her hair. “Well, we’ll try to do something tonight to cheer her up. You think we could get the guys to come over?”

“George, Markie, and Hoss?”

“Yeah. I mean, they were nice enough last night.”

“True. Maybe.” Alex rose when a man dressed in a khaki suit with a deep blue tie knotted around his neck approached them.

“Alex Thornton?” the man demanded. He removed his glasses and polished them with his tie.

“That’s me.”

“FBI Special Agent Mitch Gordon.” He stuck out his hand.

“Becca Alvarez.” Becca shook his hand as well.

“This way.” Mitch turned on his heel and led them up the stairs to the mezzanine. They turned right and headed to the set of offices over the consular section. Once they were inside, he closed the door and pointed to a couple of chairs. “Have a seat.”

“What’s the status?” Alex asked as she set her purse on the floor beside her chair.

“Of the case?”

Alex wanted to roll her eyes. “Our friend was kidnapped, Special Agent Gordon.”

“I’m very well aware of that.

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