Miguel knew before he left there. Caseman had done his research and was well prepared when he came to see Miguel.” She nodded at the techs. “They’re having trouble with the trace or ID on the phone calls because of static interference. But I just gave them a copy of the audiotape taken the day Caseman was schmoozing Miguel in the garden. It might not be the same person, but it could be. Anyway, it was much more clear than the phone calls.”
“Just the audio?” Kendra asked. “You couldn’t get the video of him?”
“No video. I told you he was prepared and very careful not to be seen. He did a masterful job of hiding his face from the cameras. But he could hardly spend half a day with Miguel without talking to him and I guess he considered it safe.”
“Not if he has a record,” Lynch said. “And I’d bet it’s one that will pop up no matter how nice a guy Miguel thought him. The minute we get it, we’ll put it through facial recognition and get a list of known associates.” He took a step toward the techs and demanded, “How soon?”
“Leave them alone,” Jessie said. “They said not long. And we’re not desperate yet. I called Metcalf before I left Dee’s place and set him to trying to locate anyone besides Miguel on the property who could find us a video. Otherwise, we’ll just have to have Miguel go to the sketch artist. At any rate, I don’t want you intimidating these guys, Lynch.”
“Moi?” He tapped his chest. “I’m a pussycat.”
“With tiger instincts.”
“It takes one to know one.”
Jessie nodded wryly. “Yeah, I know about intimidation. I had a talk with Colin about it earlier today. But this is my lead, so you’ll do what I say, Lynch.”
He shrugged and dropped down into a chair beside the door. “Just trying to add a little encouragement.“
“After lecturing me on being patient,” Kendra said.
“That was different.” He grinned. “That was a case of hurry up and wait. This is something I can get my teeth into.”
“And we’re back to the tiger instinct again,” Kendra said. “Do you think I don’t know how pissed off you were to get so close to those bastards and then have the chance yanked away from you?”
His smile faded. “You can’t say I tried to hide it. And there’s no way in hell Kelland is going to let me deliver the ransom this time. I was a little too efficient and probably left a bad taste in their mouths. They might even set up another method of delivery. Which leaves me twiddling my thumbs unless I can figure another way to take them down.” His gaze shifted to Jessie. “So I’ll follow your lead, if that’s the only way I can do it. Give me your marching orders.”
Jessie blinked. “Now, that’s an offer I’ll probably never receive again.”
“Yep. No promises.” His gaze went back to the techs. “So are you sure you don’t want a little help right now?”
“I’m sure. I can wait until they—” The ringtone on her phone was sounding, and she looked down at the ID. She tensed. “Kelland. Why the hell is he calling me? Unless they told him—” Her hand was shaking as she pressed the microphone. “Jessie Mercado. Have you heard about the proof of life on Dee, Kelland?”
“Yes. No. Maybe,” Kelland said curtly. “I’ve just received a call and they say they’re ready to deal. But they won’t talk to me or Lynch. They want to give proof of life info only to you, Jessie.”
“What?” She stiffened in shock. “Why?”
“How the hell do I know? Maybe because you were the one who was furnishing Dee with the question to answer before.”
“Or it could be that she’s already dead and they just want to twist the knife.” Her teeth bit into her lower lip. “The bastards would realize the shock value would be that much more terrible if they told one of her best friends that they’d killed her.”
Kelland was silent. “I won’t deny that’s a possibility. But you’re not going to refuse to come up here to my office and listen to what they have to say.”
“No, I can’t do that,” she said hoarsely. “You know I have to hear it. I’ll be right there.” She cut the connection. “You heard him,” she said to Lynch and Kendra as she turned toward the door. “I seem to be in demand. I’ll let you know as soon as