Playing Dead_ A Novel of Suspense - Allison Brennan [136]
“You want me to lead you to who killed Oliver? I had nothing to do with that, I had nothing to do with anything, and I’m not going to let you get me killed.”
Hans sat down. “I’m in a position to offer you immunity, Mr. Collier.”
“You’re not an attorney. You can offer me nothing.”
“I have a lot more clout than you might think. I’m not simply a babysitter transporting criminals cross-country.”
“I’m not a criminal,” Collier said. “I’ll stay here until my attorney arrives. And I’m going to sue you for false arrest, transport across country without my permission, and harassment.”
Mitch’s phone beeped and he frowned. He looked at the message. It was from Grant.
We found the S550. Registered to Chad Harper, we’re at his residence. He lives in a guest house on the property of Richard and Tiffany Mancini. He’s dead as well as the Mancinis. Call me ASAP.
Tom tried to open his eyes, but everything was too bright. His whole body felt bruised and heavy, but he wasn’t in any acute pain.
“Tom?”
Nelia was still here. “Umm,” he moaned.
“Thank God.”
He felt something warm touching his hand. Was Nelia holding his hand? He couldn’t tell. But he was alive.
“Claire came by early this morning,” Nelia said.
She’d looked so tired last night, but she’d come to him. His daughter believed in him. He had her back. The overwhelming relief and joy settled his soul like nothing else could.
“Am I—” Every word was a chore.
“Shh, don’t talk. Now that you’re awake, you’re going to be fine. Better than fine. The surgery lasted over eleven hours, but they got the bullet out and repaired the damage. You just need time to heal.”
Time. Did he have time?
“I know what you’re thinking,” Nelia whispered close to his ear. “You’re safe here. You’re safe with me. I will do everything in my power to make sure you are cleared. Claire is working on it. The FBI believed you yesterday, they are following up on what you told them and everything Claire learned. Agent Elliott and Agent Bianchi both came by to check on you. They have a man on the door, but I think it’s more as protection for you at this point.”
“Good.” It was all he could say. Except, “Love you.”
“I love you, Tom. We’re going to get through this. You, me, Claire, all of us. There’s no one who deserves peace more than you.”
“Call Claire.”
“And tell her you’re awake?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll do it as soon as I find a nurse.”
THIRTY-NINE
Mitch stared at the three dead bodies in the entry of the midtown mansion.
Richard Mancini was a wealthy and successful Sacramento area developer. His bodyguard—for lack of a better word—Chad Harper had drawn his gun. His wife was dead just over the threshold of the living room.
He saw how it played out. Someone came to the door—had to be buzzed through, unless they had the code—and Harper opened the door. Did he see the threat immediately and draw his weapon? Or were they having a conversation, and it wasn’t until a few minutes later that he suspected a threat? Pulled his gun, but the shooter was faster. And accurate. Twice in the chest and once in head. Bang bang bang. Mancini must have been next, because there was no attempt to flee.
This was an experienced, professional, cold-blooded killer.
Mrs. Mancini, the least threatening, had been the last victim. She’d run toward the living room, perhaps toward a phone or just to get away from the shooter. She’d been shot in the back three times.
Why were they killed? Mitch looked around. There was a secure gate at the entrance, secure locks at the doors, there had to be cameras and added security.
“Did you find any cameras?”
“Yes, all digital, all erased. I have an e-team coming down to see if there are backups anywhere, but we couldn’t find anything.”
“The killer knew there was digital security. He knew the victims.”
“I’m guessing yes.” Grant led Mitch back outside. “The Escalade is registered to Richard Mancini. It’s packed with suitcases. His passport was in his pocket, Dina Mancini had a passport in her purse. They were going on a trip, and it hadn’t been planned. We’re calling