Chapter 42

FORTY-TWO

SUNDAY

Helena

Back at the ranch, Beth had worked the previous evening hacking every local hotel and motel's computers for lists of bookings until she'd found Dr. Clint Brewer. He'd booked two nights and was in room number twelve in a hotel right in the center of town. Surprisingly she'd slipped into an easy working relationship with Carter. He guarded his past, which intrigued her because she'd read his file and knew about his PTSD and time off the grid. To her, he appeared laid-back and relaxed most times. He loved his work and was a dedicated agent. Instinct told her he'd report her in a second if he discovered her hidden identity.

At the kitchen table, with Styles one side of her and Carter the other, they discussed tactics. Jo had fixed breakfast and they were lingering over coffee. She turned to Carter. "We know the doctor will be leaving the hotel to go to the Big Hearts Adoption Agency to arrive for his appointment at ten. So if we stake out the hotel, we'll know what vehicle he drives and you can attach one of your trackers."

"How are we gonna know it's him?" Carter raised both eyebrows. "It's a big city."

Beth had considered this and smiled. "Nothing has come back from Wolfe yet, but we do have what Ginny told Sheriff Alton. He's in his fifties, balding, and fat and likely carrying a bag, briefcase, or something similar."

"We should have eyes on him the moment he leaves the hotel. If possible, we'll get photos." Carter added cream and sugar to his cup and stirred slowly. "I'll get a tracker on his vehicle. The moment he goes near it."

"The thing is, we don't know if his vehicle is a rental. He could fly away to parts unknown and we'll lose him again." Styles looked at Beth. "I figure it's essential that you get a tracker into his bag when you go see him."

Mind working overtime, Beth nodded. "I'll do my best." She checked her watch. "You'll need to leave soon to get to your appointment early and can't risk being seen with us."

"You have a point." Styles gave her a long look. "You'll be in disguise as well, and he might notice you too."

Beth shook her head. "No, he won't. I'll wait to put on my wig before our appointment. I'll look different with blonde hair. He won't take a second glance at me."

"Okay, I'll grab my things." Styles stood. "Ready, Jo?"

"Yeah." Jo smiled at Beth. "He won't slip away from us, Beth. I have a tracker with me as well to drop into his bag if I can. Styles can distract him."

"Just don't get caught." Carter frowned. "If he discovers a tracker, he'll shut down everything."

"I won't." Jo followed Styles to the front door, grabbing her coat on the way.

Beth finished her coffee and placed her cup in the dishwasher. All night she'd tossed and turned, making plans and then dismissing them. She must get to the doctor and remove him from the equation. Once he was dead, there'd be no need for search warrants. His property would be open for them to legally peruse. She'd have full access to his files, but not his patients, although she doubted he'd have a list already. She'd make sure their confidentiality was preserved. The rest, his links to the dark web, would lead her to Shoebridge, the one she considered to be his second in command, and hopefully, Shiloh Weeks.

The network of monsters would crumble, each section removed from the ring by the FBI, but first she needed to take out the doctor. Cutting the head off the snake was her only option. Arrest and a long time in custody before trial would see his ring moved into oblivion, and left to continue with another monster in his place. His people would be scrambling to take over the empire. Setting up a plan and making it work would be difficult under the scrutiny of three special agents, but she'd been in worse situations. The false bottom in her FX bag would supply everything she needed for a swift and fatal encounter. Determination strengthened her spine and she straightened with conviction. She'd make it work, whatever the outcome, she must stop this monster.

"It's been good getting to know you, Beth." Carter rinsed his plate and added it to the dishwasher. "When this is all over, we should all go out and let our hair down."

Surprised, Beth looked at him. "Yeah, well letting our hair down in Rattlesnake Creek is dinner and a game of pool at TJ's Bar and Grill." She chuckled. "I hear Snakeskin Gully isn't much better and has tumbleweeds rolling up Main."

"Ah, I forget you're a city girl." Carter grinned. "TJ's is fine dining where I come from and a night drinking beer and playing pool would be my idea of bliss." He closed his eyes and sighed. "Talking Jo into coming would be difficult. She's a mom and, with Jaime at home, she rarely takes any time for herself."

Beth headed for the door and pulled on her coat. She turned to look at Carter. The brown contacts made him look so different. "That's a shame. I'm good to go. My wig is in my bag along with your mustache. Don't forget your other hat."

"It's in the truck." Carter pulled on his coat, pushed on his old brown Stetson, and followed her out the door. "I'll wear my old hat until we go see the doctor."

Beth climbed into the truck. "That sounds like a plan."

After driving for half an hour, they arrived in Helena and easily found the hotel. They parked a ways away, where they could make out people coming and going. The streets were relatively quiet. Still being so cold and kind of between seasons, tourists were fewer at this time of the year. It was two hours before the doctor's appointment with Jo and Styles. Beth yawned and Carter tossed a toothpick in his mouth and slid down in his seat.

Beth waited for ten minutes and then groaned, clutching her belly. At once Carter looked at her and she shrugged apologetically. "Sorry, it's cramps. Just what I need right now and two weeks early." She peered out of the window. "I need to find a convenience store and a restroom."

"There's one down there, same side as the hotel." Carter frowned. "That diner will have a restroom. Do you want to head there, and I'll grab what you need and bring it to you?"

Touched by his consideration, she shook her head. "No, you might miss the doctor and that's our priority right now. I'll be fine."

"Do you figure it was caused by that animal trying to kill you yesterday?" Carter frowned. "Maybe you need to see Nate for a checkup?"

Beth reached for the door handle. "I'm okay but I must go. Now. I'll be back as soon as I'm able." She hurried along the street checking her watch. Time was moving way too fast.