We waited for SSA Hopkins to arrive after his phone call to Spelling. He had just gotten back to Milwaukee after delivering the bad news of Curt’s death to his mother in Waukegan. Hopkins told Spelling he was on his way and would join our meeting at Rosemond Diamonds in ten minutes.
Fifteen minutes later, John Bentley leaned over the large map that was rolled out across the conference table. Coffee cups held the corners down. Hopkins had just taken his seat, and we were about to begin the meeting.
“Everyone ready?” John asked.
Our nods confirmed that we were.
He pointed at the route he had planned for his driver to take from Milwaukee to Brookfield. “I may have to reconsider the back way I had originally planned and have the guys take the freeway instead. I wanted them to stay under the radar by driving the country roads, but in hindsight, that could be setting ourselves up for disaster. The freeway is the only route I’ll have my guys take if we go through with this move. I doubt if anyone would try to take down a Trident Armored Transport truck on a busy freeway while driving seventy miles an hour.”
When John finished voicing his idea, I spoke up. “How did these criminals know when your company was doing the move and the route you planned to take?”
Mr. Rosemond raised a brow and looked from face to face as he tapped a pen on the table. “Good question. I’d like to know that myself.”
First, the color drained out of John’s face, then it went bright red. “Are you people insinuating that this is an inside job? My company has been in business without a single mark against us for nearly thirty years.”
“Sir,” I said, “nobody is accusing you personally. How many employees does your company have on staff?”
“Trident is a nationwide company located in seven major cities. I don’t know how many people are employed overall. Transfers happen, and people get hired and fired. The number of employees changes all the time.”
“How many people are staffed in Milwaukee?” Spelling asked.
John pounded the table with his closed fist. “I resent this type of questioning. Maybe there’s somebody employed at the jewelry store who needs a raise and this is how they plan to get it. Why aren’t you grilling them?”
Mr. Rosemond stood. “We’re a family-owned company, John, located in one town, at the same storefront all along. We too have been in business for thirty years.”
“And every employee is a family member?” John asked, appearing to grow angrier by the second.
SSA Hopkins spoke up. “Okay, guys, this bickering is getting us nowhere. Somebody, somehow, has a connection with these criminals. I realize there was a press release on the opening of the new store, but the transport date, time, and route was never shared publicly. We can figure out the connection later, but right now we all need to work together.”
Spelling walked around the table to the whiteboard perched on an easel in the corner of the office. He picked up the red dry-erase marker and held it against the board. He started by drawing a number one. “We’re going to need the time this is supposed to go down tomorrow and exactly what the driver and guards normally do during a pickup and delivery.” He paused as if he had something else on his mind. “But before I get ahead of myself, let’s take a minute and review that map again.” With the red marker in hand, Spelling drew a line along the designated route then set the marker down. He studied the map.
“What are you thinking, boss?” I asked.
“We need a street view of the most secluded part of this route. I want a group consensus on the most likely area for an ambush to take place, and why. Let’s go.”
Mr. Rosemond said he was going to get his laptop computer and stepped away.
John huffed his anxiety and stood. “Like I said, Agent Spelling, I’m not subjecting my driver and guards to a planned attack on their lives. This is a waste of time, and the transport isn’t worth the danger. Rosemond Diamonds can find somebody else to do the move. My men aren’t going in like sheep to the slaughterhouse. I’m calling it off.”
“No you aren’t, now sit down. We’re going to review the most vulnerable spots along the route first, then you’re going to explain to us everything that’s involved in a transport, the normal precautions taken, and what your men do in a worst-case-scenario situation. I’m sure all of your drivers and guards had that type of training before they were hired, didn’t they?”
“Well, yes, but I’m standing firm on this.”
“Don’t worry, John. Your men will be fine because they aren’t transporting anything in that truck. My team and I are taking over. Our agent and his sister’s lives are at risk, and I intend to bring them home safely. We’ll be making the transport in an empty truck.” Spelling turned to address Mr. Rosemond, who sat down with his laptop in hand. “Tomorrow is about apprehending those criminals and rescuing J.T. and his sister. Your diamonds, Mr. Rosemond, can be delivered a different way, and I have the perfect idea.”
“But—”
Spelling shot him a stern look. “But what? Do you want all of your inventory stolen, possible deaths on your hands, and a lot of exposure, or would you rather have your diamonds moved quietly without any press?”
Mr. Rosemond hung his head. “You’re right, Agent Spelling. Go ahead and take over. I’ll do whatever you suggest. The Google street view is ready whenever you are.”