with the ability to perform the task. The Saints were called in when large companies or government agencies needed computer, building, or personnel security.
“After solving Senator Creston’s daughter’s murder and the subsequent murders that went along with that case, we have some down time. Work on your assignments as they come and we’ll meet back here at the end of the week.”
Chad spoke up, “Before we leave, Jack, I wanted to ask if you had an objection to me investigating a little into the explosion that killed my friend.” He hastened to say, “I know the FBI and ATF are on it, obviously, but I’d like to keep up on their investigation.”
Jack eyed the Saint with the biggest heart, seeing the pain etched on his face. “I’ve got no objection at all. I’ve read the preliminary report…”
Chad nodded, continuing, “The initial investigation puts it squarely in the terrorist camp. It’s one thing to know ISIS has a long arm into this country, with cells everywhere. But it’s different when someone you know was killed by them. And in this country. The agencies are looking to find out what they can about whoever was in that house and what other places they may be located waiting to blow the shit out of the next unsuspecting person.” His passionate speech over, he leaned heavily back in his chair, rubbing his hand over his face.
“You mentioned your friend had a wife. How’s she holding up?” Marc asked.
Chad looked around the table seeing nothing but concerned faces. He shook his head, “I honestly don’t know. I fucked things up a long time ago with her and it doesn’t look like I’ll be unfucking them anytime soon.”
The others wisely kept quiet, knowing Chad would share more, if and when, he decided to. Walking over to Luke as the group headed up the stairs, he asked, “Can you set me up with some general surveillance on my laptop?”
“Sure,” Luke answered, not questioning why Chad made such a request. “What do you need?”
“I’d like to be able to keep tabs on Danielle Houston Turner. Nothing too intrusive, just…” he shook his head, “I guess that’s an oxymoron, right? Non-intrusive surveillance.”
Chuckling, Luke agreed. “No worries, man. You want to make sure Adam’s widow is okay. What are you looking for?”
“Just her address and if she changes her phone number. And employment. Our friendship is…I guess you could say strained at best. I want to make sure she’s okay even if I’m the last person on earth she wants to be around.”
Luke peered closely at his friend, seeing grief as well as regret. “You got it, man. I’ll get it set up today.”
Slapping Luke’s shoulder in thanks, Chad headed up the stairs after the others.
*
“Honey, are you sure you don’t want any dinner?”
Dani closed her eyes for a moment, loving her parents’ concern…and hating her parents’ concern. She would have never considered moving back into her childhood home if she had not been desperate to get out of the house she shared with Adam.
Taking a deep breath, she replied, “I’m sure, mom. I’ll eat a bite later when I feel like it.” The truth was her stomach had been churning since she first received the call about Adam’s death. Moving from the den, out to the sunporch, she sat on the glider letting the swaying motion ease her tension.
She loved the glassed-in porch, the sun beating down creating a warmth enveloping her even though the early spring day was cool. It seemed she was unable to get warm. The cold of the funeral had seeped into her bones and nothing gave comfort. Sipping a cup of hot tea, she closed her eyes, allowing her mind to flow with thoughts…memories.
Had it only been less than two years since she, Chad, and Adam met and formed the odd Three Musketeers? At first, it was so obvious Adam wanted to get into her pants and equally as obvious Chad did not want him to. Once she made sure Adam knew that was not going to happen, the three