be careful.”
“You think he’s onto us?”
“I don’t think he’d risk his life for her,” Madison said. “He wants his hands on that money, but he’ll get rid of her if he thinks anything is off. He’s not going to let anything stop him from getting out of the country.”
He tried to read her expression. “Agreed.”
“I’ll go in her place,” Madison said. “The driver doesn’t know what she looks like. Then you can follow me, but at least having someone in the car will ensure we don’t spook him.”
“What happens when you step out of the car and Barrick realizes who you are?”
“You’ll be right there surrounding him.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know. There are too many variables we can’t control. Too many things that can go wrong.”
“If Patterson can trace his phone, there’s a good chance you can take him down before I even get there. But we need insurance that he doesn’t change his plan or disappear again.” She shot him a smile. “You’re not going to talk me out of this, are you?”
“Not unless Michaels pulls the plug on the plan. You’re the most capable marshal I know.”
She smiled. “Well said.”
Michaels turned out to be easy to convince. After hanging up with the chief deputy, Jonas instructed one of the officers to hold Bianca at the station. Then he and Madison headed back through the crowded airport to meet Bianca’s ride.
“We’re tracking you on both your phone and the tracking device in your shoe,” Jonas said.
“Good, because you’re not worried or anything, are you?”
“It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
“I think your overprotection has to do with that bet we made.” She raised her eyebrows. “You’re worried he’s going to get away and we won’t have our chowder celebration dinner.”
“This guy isn’t getting away, no matter how far he goes. And yes, I’m getting my chowder dinner as well.” He stopped beside her, then turned and brushed his hand across her shoulder before catching her gaze. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t completely trust Bianca, and I certainly don’t trust Barrick.”
“I will be. I promise.”
They stepped out into the humid Houston air to the pickup area. Jonas moved to the side like he was waiting for a ride, but stayed close enough to see the pickup.
A black sedan pulled up beside Madison and the driver rolled down the window.
“You’re Tyler?” Madison asked.
“Yes.”
“Thanks for picking me up. Sorry I’m late. I had some baggage issues.”
“That’s fine. Can I help you with the bags?”
She shook her head, picked up Bianca’s suitcase, and opened the back door. “How far is the other airport?”
“A little more than thirty minutes away, depending on traffic. Don’t worry. Your boyfriend arranged everything. You’re in good hands.”
Thirty-Two
The plan was simple, in theory. Madison would pose as Bianca, luggage and all, with Bianca’s driver. Jonas and one of the officers who worked at the airport, Sergeant O’Conner, would follow her from a distance, with a second unmarked car following close behind. Madison’s phone was being tracked along with the additional backup tracker they’d placed in her shoe. On top of that, there were a dozen agents on their way to the Hobby airport who would be there as backup in case Barrick decided to put up a fight. The noose was slowly tightening.
So why did he feel so on edge?
Jonas blew out a sharp breath. He trusted Madison. There was no doubt about that. But he also knew they couldn’t trust Bianca. She was being held at the airport so she would have no chance to communicate with Barrick. He might believe the information they’d given her had shaken her, but he wasn’t convinced her loyalty didn’t outweigh anything new that she learned. And they couldn’t take a chance of their plan changing.
He glanced at his watch, knowing time was running out. In a few short hours, if they didn’t find him, there was a good chance that Barrick would be across the border and long gone with or without Bianca’s money. Something they couldn’t afford to let happen.
They headed down the highway, three cars behind the driver, making sure they stayed far enough back that they weren’t made, and yet close enough to keep them in their sights.
“I’m surprised Barrick doesn’t just try to cross the border into Mexico,” O’Conner said.
“He knows we’re after him,” Jonas said. “He probably also knows that we have a field office in Mexico. The chances of him getting through are slim to none.”
Jonas