later in the week. I hope to be able to share then.”
“I look forward to hearing from you. I’ll be honest, the article wasn’t taken very seriously. It’s nice to talk to someone who cares.”
“I care. I’m not the only one. More people are going to when they hear about this.”
And sometimes that caring was Kelsey’s biggest weakness.
She ended the call and flipped pages in her notebook to the list of lobbyists.
The dots were connecting in her head. She just had to find proof that would stick to Dixon.
Now she knew what he was involved with.
God, she wished she didn’t.
Kelsey had seen horrible things. It was the nature of the job. But the worst, by far, were the atrocities done to children.
Dixon could die for all she cared. She didn’t have concrete connections, yet. But she’d get there.
“Hey, you.” Felecia flopped down in the chair across from her. “That phone call sounded intense.”
“I’m going to have nightmares.” Kelsey massaged her temples.
Felecia stared back at her, compassion written into every line on her face. “I’m sorry.”
“What’s up?”
“Diha suggested I offer you my services. Anything I can help with?” Felecia leaned her elbows on the desk.
“Actually, yeah. So, I just got done talking with this Venezuelan journalist. She did a big expose about the cartel trafficking citizens straight out of the airport who were just deported from here. She didn’t come out and say it in the article, but she and I both agree that someone on the US side has to be setting it all up.”
“And you think its Dixon.”
Kelsey nodded. “Yes. Here’s a list of the lobbyists he’s met with since I was in the office. I want to make another list and highlight the ones I think might be more closely involved with this case. Like this guy? Santiago Fernández? He’s a lobbyist for, well, technically I guess he’s a lobbyist for the economic impact of the US on foreign vacation spots. He has close ties to six different resort chains, all in South America. He’s also been accused of taking bribes. What’s he all about? I think he’s connected. I don’t know how yet, it’s just a feeling.”
“Then let’s trust your gut. Give me your list, prioritize them however you want and I’ll get started.”
“I’ve done a surface level check on all of them. It was about all I could do the other day. So we aren’t starting from scratch.” Kelsey spread out the sheets of paper she’d made with her notes.
Order. How to order them?
She began skimming the notes and making a pile, picking up only those lobbyists who she couldn’t see being connected.
Then there were ten sheets of paper.
She set aside her first stack. “I don’t think any of these are involved in the... The, ah, human trafficking.”
For some reason, saying that to Felecia made it seem more real than before.
What Kelsey wouldn’t give for Baruti or Samuel to take a look and give her their gut feeling.
“Any word on the agents?” she asked, keeping her eyes on the paper.
“Nope,” Felecia whispered.
Kelsey would have to do this on her own.
She slid Santiago Fernández’s piece of paper over to the side. He’d be one of the last ones she picked up. For some reason, he’d just stuck with her. His smile. It had given her the creeps.
At long last, she picked up the final piece of paper and looked across at Felecia.
“That’s it, then?” she asked.
“I think so.”
Felecia held out her hand. “Let’s get started.”
Kelsey’s phone rang. She glanced over at the display and her breath stopped.
Walter Reed Hospital.
Robert had been moved there for the added protection.
She snatched the phone up. “Hello?”
“Is this Ms. Kelsey Young?” a deep voice asked.
She stared across the desk at Felecia. “Yes. Yes, are you calling about Robert Brown?”
“Yes, ma’am. I was asked to inform you that he’s awake and alert.”
“That’s great news. Fantastic.” She blew out a breath. “When can I speak with him? You know what, I’m on my way. It doesn’t matter. I have to speak with him.”
She hung up the phone.
Kelsey wasn’t sure if Robert would command Zora’s attention, or if her plate was already too full.
“Come on. Get a coat.” Kelsey grabbed hers from the back of her chair.
Felecia’s eyes widened. “I’m going?”
“You’re going with me to hold a notebook and look like you’re taking notes. That’s it.” Kelsey paused in adjusting the way her coat sat on her shoulders. “You get your stuff. I’m going to check in with Logan before we go. Then we’re off,