of the hit-and-run,” Francesca said. “And we started our preliminary research. We’ve come across a complication—”
Voles frowned. “You’re giving up?” he asked. “Already? I thought more highly of you than that, Agent Bellucci.”
The words were like a punch to the gut. Francesca steeled herself against the disappointment and went on.
“We’re not giving up,” she said. “But we’ve reached a roadblock, something that will require more resources. Lindström has gone back to Konäs.”
Voles was quiet for several moments.
“You have proof of this?” he asked.
“He bought a commercial airline ticket,” Francesca said. “A call to the airline will confirm that the ticket was used, and we can likely find a flight attendant to interview and verify that a man matching his description was on the flight. And, of course, Laird and I will proceed with those confirmations. But we felt that no time should be wasted, and the agency should move ahead to the next stage of the investigation. So we are bringing the information directly to you.”
Voles nodded, his analytical gaze fixed on her. “And what would the next stage of the investigation be?” he asked. “In your opinion?”
“We can’t rely on the Konäs government to send Lindström back to us,” Francesca said, knowing that he was testing her. “And we certainly can’t allow him to flee justice. The only possible solution is to send a team after him.”
She was sure that Voles had already decided to do exactly that. He was evaluating her now, and answering his questions well was a chance Francesca had to make a good impression on him. The best thing she could do, she knew, was to make a recommendation that aligned with what he had already decided to do.
He’s probably decided to send Chuck Stevens. Which meant that if he asked her who ought to go, she should recommend Stevens. That would be excruciating. It would kill Francesca to suggest that her very first big case be handed off to that chauvinist jerk.
Laird and I are perfectly capable of handling this. How can I convince Voles to send us?
To her surprise, though, he didn’t ask her who should pursue the suspect.
Instead, he said, “Well, what are you waiting for?”
Francesca was confused. “What do you mean, sir?”
“I have my team already,” Voles said. “If you need to go to Konäs to continue working on this case, you’d better go home and pack. Have the department assistant make arrangements to get you on a flight this evening. You’ll get a per diem for expenses.”
Francesca couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You’re sending us to Konäs?”
“Your assessment of the case is correct,” Voles said. “Somebody has to go. Somebody has to find our suspect and bring him back here to stand trial. We can’t depend on local government or law enforcement officials to do it for us.” He inclined his head a little. “You came to that conclusion very quickly. I’m impressed.”
He’s impressed! Francesca tried to contain her excitement.
She nodded. “Thank you,” she said. “You won’t regret sending me, sir.”
“I hope not,” Voles said. “I expect you to get this done, Agent Bellucci. Don’t come home until you’ve got this criminal in cuffs. We’re not going to let the world get the message that crimes can be committed against citizens of the United States and the criminals can walk free if they’re royalty.”
Francesca couldn’t have agreed more. “He’ll be held accountable,” she said. “Don’t worry.”
“I’m taking a chance, entrusting a case like this to a rookie,” Voles said. “Show me that I was right to put my faith in you.”
“I will,” Francesca promised. At least he didn’t say he was taking a chance by entrusting the case to a woman!
Voles nodded. “You’re excused,” he said. “Get Laird and get out of here. We’ll get you on the earliest possible flight.”
“Thank you, sir,” Francesca said. Her heart soared as she got to her feet and headed back out onto the floor. She couldn’t keep the smile off her face.
We’re going to Konäs!
She was going to handle, not just a high-profile case, but an international case. She was going to find Lindström and bring him back, force him to reckon for his crime. And then Voles would never be able to question her merit or her abilities again.
She stopped by Laird’s desk to give him the good news. As expected, he was as thrilled as she had been. Francesca itched to look over at Agent Stevens, to see how he was reacting to the fact that she had been entrusted