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For two days, we didn't leave the A-frame. We only answered calls and messages that couldn't wait like Tom's call with details of the plan for Jim's memorial service, and Laurie's call just to check in.
In the office, we pulled up the calendar for Chance's business and reworked it again. John agreed to take the next trip, so Chance and I had more time to work on a plan for our future.
We were working on our lists in the upstairs office when we heard a car pull in. We weren't expecting anyone. When I looked out the window, I was surprised to see Agent Driscoll walking up to the door carrying a box.
"Hi, Agent Driscoll. How are you?" I asked.
"I should be asking you that. Are you doing OK?"
"I'm working on it. Come on in," I said, motioning him inside. "Is that box for me?"
"Your weapons from the cabin in Arkansas are in there."
"Agent Driscoll, this is my boyfriend Chance Munroe." The two men shook hands, but I didn't miss the apprising look each gave the other.
"Can you stay for coffee?"
"Sure," he said.
As we sat at the kitchen table, Agent Driscoll filled us in on the case. With Randerran dead, the guards were cooperating. One of Randerran's men had given them the location of the building where Cassie and I had been held.
"Do you think there'll be a trial?" I asked.
"Maybe not. The guys working for Randerran are mercenary types. They'll likely make plea deals and serve some time. Our investigation into Randerran may add charges to Dr. Wilhelm or some of those arrested in the earlier situation at the lab."
"I don't know if you can tell us or not, but did Jim have a family? He talked about his dad and a brother, but I'm not sure if that was real or part of his cover."
Driscoll pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and pushed it across the table to me. "That has the information on his funeral. He has a dad and brother, though the details may not be what you were told."
"Does Laurie Beckett know about this?" I asked.
"Is she Jim's girlfriend you mentioned."
"Yeah."
"Probably not, but you can pass it along if you think she'd want to know. She isn't officially part of the investigation, so we had no reason to talk with her."
"We'll take care of it," Chance said. "Thanks for letting us know." I was picking up a bit of a weird vibe between Chance and Agent Driscoll, but this whole situation was crazy. It was probably nothing.
Agent Driscoll drained his coffee cup. "I'd better get going," he said.
"I'm not sure where you're headed, but would you like a coffee for the road?"
"That would be great. Thanks, Everly."
At the door, I handed the agent his coffee in a go-cup. "Thanks for your help with all of this," I said, stepping in and hugging him.
"It was a pleasure to work with you. If you ever need a job, DHS would be lucky to have you," he said. "Mr. Munroe, would you walk me out?"
Chance followed the agent out the door, leaving me a little pissed that they felt the need to talk behind my back. I hate that kind of thing.
When Chance returned, he pulled me in for a long hug. "I know I say this a lot, but you're amazing."
"What was that all about?" I asked as we parted.
"The agent wanted to tell me what a rock you were during all this and how lucky I was to have you in my life. I think he has a bit of a thing for you."
"I doubt that. He was very kind and a little young for me. When we were together, I wasn't at my most charming. During this latest escapade, my emotions were strung tighter than an aging debutante's pony tail."