Jessie. As usual, he knew what she was thinking. “Not quite yet,” was all he said.
THIRTY-SIX
The following morning Special Agent Derek Tripp phoned Brandon.
“I thought after what happened to you in that jail cell, you deserve to know where the investigation stands.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“Where can we meet?”
“We’re staying at the Broadmoor. Why don’t you come up to the suite?” Bran gave him the room number and directions.
Half an hour later Special Agent Tripp walked into the living room.
“Nice place.” His gaze took in the warm amber sofa and chairs, the manteled fireplace, ornate mahogany writing desk, and views of the mountains.
“Special Agent Tripp, this is Jason Maddox,” Jessie said. “A friend from Dallas.”
“Jase was marine spec ops,” Bran said. “He’s up to speed on what’s been going on. You don’t have to worry about what you say in front of him.” The men shook hands, then they all sat down.
Tripp jumped right in. “To begin with, the guard who opened your cell last night has been arrested. He’s been charged as an accessory in the murder of Wayne Conrad Coffman and also the attempted murder of Captain Brandon Garrett, retired.”
“Good to hear,” Bran said.
“He did it for money. So did the two men who attacked you. They, however, are members of the Aryan Brotherhood, which fits your suspicion they were following Edgar Weaver’s orders. Unfortunately, so far they aren’t talking.”
“If they do, they’ll be as dead as Coffman.”
“I’ve also had our computer team looking deeper into the offshore account in Colonel Kegan’s name. There’s a chance we’ll be able to find the person or persons who opened the account.”
Bran slid a look at Jessie.
“What about Mara Ramos and Ahmed Malik?” she asked.
“Out of my hands. They’re being interrogated by Counter-Terrorism.”
“And Holloway?” Bran asked.
“I shouldn’t tell you this, but we’re trying to get a warrant to search General Holloway’s office and residence.” He rose from the sofa. “I’m afraid that’s all I have for now.”
“Thank you, Special Agent Tripp,” Jessie said, walking the agent to the door. “We really appreciate everything you’re doing.”
“I’ll be in touch.” Tripp walked out and Jessie closed the door.
“This is starting to move pretty fast,” Bran said.
“About damn time,” Jessie said, making him smile.
He checked his watch. The afternoon had slipped away, and there was something he needed to do.
“Once this is over, Hawk and I will be heading back to Texas. I was hoping maybe you and I could talk about a few things before that happens.”
Jessie’s gaze met his. “Like what?”
Bran looked over her head to Maddox. “You won’t feel left out if I take Jessie to dinner at that fancy restaurant downstairs, will you?”
Maddox chuckled. “I’ll manage to console myself with a big steak dinner and an on demand movie right here.”
“We won’t be gone too long,” Bran said.
“If we’re going out, I need to change.” Jessie headed for the bedroom.
“Put on something sexy,” Bran called after her. “I promise not to drool.”
Jessie just shook her head. Twenty minutes later, she emerged in a short black dress cut low enough in front to reveal the soft mounds of her cleavage. A pair of black high heels added a good five inches, and her long fiery hair hung loose around her shoulders.
“You look luscious,” he said as a rush of heat slid into his groin. She turned to give him a view of the back, showing off the curve of her sexy little ass and great legs. He almost groaned.
“I packed it when we were in Denver, just in case.”
“In case what? In case you wanted to seduce me?”
She laughed, but her eyes sparkled.
“You ready?” He had dressed in black jeans and his tweed jacket over a lightweight black turtleneck sweater. The bandage covering the slash on his shoulder was uncomfortable, but the wound wasn’t serious and he’d be able to strip off the dressing in a day or two. Jessie had fretted over it and babied him so much getting stabbed had almost been worth it.
She slung the strap of a small black handbag over her shoulder and walked ahead of him out of the suite.
The maître d’ at the Ristorante Del Lago seated them at a quiet table in the corner. A man-made lake shimmered outside wood-paned glass doors that slid open in the summer for alfresco dining. The restaurant had a European feel, with terra-cotta tile, heavy wooden beams, warm beige linens, and flowers on the tables.
Bran pulled out Jessie’s chair and seated her, then sat down across from her. He