Before their late-night meeting began, as they sat at the back of the building, Erik updated Jacob about the surprise visit he had gotten from law enforcement that afternoon.
“Were they officers or detectives?” Jacob asked.
“There were four of them—two men and two women—and they weren’t wearing uniforms. They had the cops haul Lucas and me to the police station, where they questioned us. Those assholes had pictures of me following Brandon on Hemmer Street yesterday. I knew that kid was too ambitious for his own good. He thought he was a hotshot, got careless, and returned to the scene for whatever stupid reason. Somebody had to have seen him there, or the cops wouldn’t have been looking for him.”
“Hmm… maybe detectives, then.”
“Wait a minute. I remember the guy saying that their agents were searching the apartment.”
“Agents, huh? That means the FBI is already involved. Probably because five people died within a short time of each other and in five different police jurisdictions. They obviously know the murders are connected, but now we’ll really get them scrambling. You did put the gun back where you got it from, right?”
“Absolutely. The FBI thought they were going to scare me with their search warrant tactics, but the duplex doesn’t have anything inside that’ll help them. It’s a typical guys’ apartment filled with dirty clothes, dirty dishes, and empty beer bottles.”
“You did good, Erik. Now let’s see how proud you’ll make me tonight. Are you ready to head out?”
“You bet I am. That lady won’t know what hit her.”
“Remember to always keep the gloves on no matter what. I’ll pass out the weapons you’ll use in a minute.” Jacob turned his wrist. “Let’s go back inside. I need to call our meeting to order.” After returning to the makeshift stage made of pallets, Jacob and Evelyn sat down. “Is everyone in attendance?” Jacob counted heads by jabbing the air in front of each attendee.
Micah, in the second row, looked around. “I don’t see Brandon.”
“Brandon bowed out,” Evelyn said. “He had a change of heart. Now, shall we get started?”
Jacob went over the instructions in great length for each of the four remaining recruits and Erik, as was discussed in secret that morning between Brandon, Evelyn, and himself. Erik would take over Brandon’s duties.
The basket was passed around, and each recruit pulled out a homemade garrote.
“Do all of you know how to use the garrotes?” Evelyn asked.
They nodded.
“Okay, then. Each one of you has a target that you’ve studied up on. You know their name, their face, and why they were chosen. The location where you’ll find them is in your notes. We deliberately picked people who are out and about in the late evening so nobody has to risk their own safety by breaking into homes.” Evelyn slapped her hands together. “Any questions before we send you out into the world?”
“Who’s taking Brandon’s place?” Micah asked.
Erik spoke up. “I volunteered since I was his handler.”
“But I thought nobody was allowed to bow out after that first night.”
Jacob took over. “Brandon was the only exception, and he swore he’d never talk about us or our plans to anyone. I have complete confidence that he’ll never utter a word. The rest of you have come too far, so bowing out isn’t an option anymore. Everyone stay invisible, be careful, and we’ll gather at the South Barclay Street location tomorrow night at ten o’clock. We’re getting close, and you’ll learn the identity of the real targets then.” Jacob gave Erik a nod, then everyone left the building.