Cobb, who narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized it carefully. Startling, he said, “Shit, I know one of the other guys in this picture. That’s Tahoma Starr. He’s one of Senator Rector’s aides. I don’t know why nothing ever came up about him hanging with Bert.”
“Is that all that strange, though? Bert hangs around Josie’s dad a lot.”
“Maybe. I don’t know, it just strikes me as odd.” Pulling out his phone, he fired off a quick call to Josh. “Check out any relationship you can between Bert and Tahoma Starr. For that matter, check Tahoma’s relationship with Timothy Hobson or Roberto Mendez, as well.” Disconnecting, he looked at Drew. “Let’s get outta here. I’ve got another stop I want to make.”
Drew turned and glanced out the window. “He’s got an amazing view, that’s for sure.”
“I thought the same thing when I first saw it.”
Drew turned around and held Cobb’s gaze. “You grew up with this view.”
Cobb shrugged. “Part of the time. Remember, my parents traveled with my dad’s job for a while, so I was overseas and then in D.C., but yeah, my grandparents were always here and part of my childhood was here as well.”
“Miss it?”
“You, too?” Cobb asked.
Drew chuckled. “I take it Tate was wondering if you’re thinking of staying.”
Shaking his head, Cobb replied, “No. I love the state but I’ve got no desire to move back here. Visit? Absolutely. Live here? No.”
“And what about Josie?”
He sighed heavily, knowing what his friends were asking. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told Tate. Right now, I don’t know. My main concern is keeping her safe. When that threat is gone, she and I will have to figure out the next step in our relationship.”
They slipped out of Bert’s apartment, but Cobb’s mind was in turmoil. He wanted Josie. He wanted Josie with him. But what if she wants to stay here?
Once in the rental SUV, Cobb drove to Senator Rector’s office. “I’m gonna run in to talk to him for a few minutes.”
“Take your time.” Drew leaned back and closed his eyes. “Take your time.”
It didn’t take long for Cobb to be escorted into John’s office. The senator lifted his gaze from his desk, a wide smile crossing his face as he looked at Cobb and then past Cobb’s shoulder. His smile faltered as he brought his gaze back to Cobb.
“Isn’t Josie with you?”
“No, sir, I had business in town today, and she is at the clinic—”
“But—”
“Don’t worry, John, she’s well accompanied. I had a friend fly me here, so it’s a quick hop back as soon as we’re finished.”
The senator leaned back in his chair, heaving a sigh. “I’ll be so glad when this business is over. My wife and I were just saying that we hated the danger that Caesar put our daughter in. If only I hadn’t listened to the advice to recommend him to her.”
“Who recommended him, sir?”
“I think it was Carmen… no, maybe it was Tahoma. Oh, now I can’t remember. I’m sure it was someone from this office, but I wasn’t paying much attention at the time.” He looked up, his eyes wide. “Should I ask them? Would that be important?”
“No, sir, let’s not do that now. I wanted to warn you before anything comes out in our investigation, but your nephew, Bert, has habits that could be potentially embarrassing to your next campaign or even your current senatorial position.”
John’s lips tightened as his face hardened. “Gambling. I’ve warned him to be more careful.”
“That and other habits that aren’t healthy.”
The silence loomed between them and John finally sighed heavily. “I was afraid of that. He’s so much more of a follower than a leader, and a few of his friends haven’t impressed me.”
“I’m looking into him because no one is outside our investigations, but I’m relying on your discretion to not say anything to him now.”
“You don’t want Josie to suffer for her cousin’s poor choices.”
“I’d rather be the one to talk to her when this is over.”
John nodded slowly. “You care a great deal for my daughter. I’m glad, Jorge. In the middle of this mess, it gives her mother and I great pleasure that you two are together.” He looked down at his clasped hands resting on his desk and hesitated. Finally, sucking in a deep breath, he looked up and held Cobb’s gaze. “And when the threat is gone?”
“I’m not sure what will happen, but Josie will be the first person I’ll talk to about what I hope for