Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“Go ahead and tap into his phone through the Bluetooth pairing in his car,” Zale suggested.
A woman’s voice filled the car. “This is a message and documentation I’m sending to all the large media outlets regarding the business activity of Jacob Scroggins, Sr. and his son, Jacob, Jr. The elder Scroggins’ career as a financier is a decoy. His real income comes from drug and human trafficking. His son is integrally involved in all the illegal activities. I was loyal to him until he decided to target my granddaughter. She’s only eleven. I stayed for the last four weeks to gather proof. I had access to everything. Enclosed you will find videos, documents, shipping contracts, photos, and known collaborator contacts and profiles. I have gone into hiding to protect myself and my family. You may contact me through my lawyer, Augustus Scalari.”
“That’s his former secretary. I think he recognizes that voice,” Max suggested as Scroggins’ expression morphed from shock to absolute panic.
They watched him grab his phone and pull up a number. The sound of a disconnected line rang through the Bluetooth connection in the car before he was notified that the number was no longer in service. He pounded on his steering wheel before systematically calling one number after another. No one answered.
“How did you find out about the secretary, Zale?” Koa asked.
“I had some buddies digging into his close associates. Turns out she’d contacted the FBI about a month ago.”
“And they hadn’t moved on this yet?” Hank spit out, obviously pissed.
“I’m impressed the secretary could maintain her composure for so long. Her life was in jeopardy every day,” Zale said.
“Do you hear sirens coming over his Bluetooth?” Max asked with a shit-eating grin.
“I shared his location with the police,” Koa admitted. “Oh, and the news. They’ll arrive soon.”
“Secretary, police, and the newsies. That would be three, four, and five,” Zale announced, noting the next three ways Scroggins’ world had come crashing around him. “He’s going to look good in that pink powder on all the news outlets as they feature his crimes. I think that’s my favorite one. Thanks, Max.”
“My pleasure. I wish I had a picture of his face when his secretary started talking,” Max laughed.
“You don’t really want to remember him, do you?” Jerico asked.
“No. He’s not worth an iota of space in my brain,” Max agreed. “His evening just got worse. Sucks to be him.” The team turned back to the camera feed and watched Scroggins’ face as patrol cars entered the parking lot, cutting off his retreat.
“There’s still a faint smirk on his face. I wonder how long it will take for him to realize that he isn’t above the law anymore,” Jerico commented.
“His lawyer will clue him into that,” Zale suggested. “Let’s go home, guys. I know a couple of little girls who’ll want to know what’s happened.”
CHAPTER 18
“Am I going to have to testify in court?” Pippa asked a few days later when the news stations still featured details about the crimes.
“Probably not. You got away. The others that didn’t will be much stronger witnesses to the atrocities that the Scroggins family executed. If so, I’ll be there to support you,” Zale promised.
“I know. You’re always there for me.”
Detectives Wilcox and Moore had stopped by earlier to give them an update on what was happening. The Feds had taken over the case so the amount of information they knew was limited, but they’d wanted to let Pippa know that both father and son would go away for a long time and the judge hadn’t approved bail fearing they were a flight risk.
Pippa cuddled on her daddy’s chest as they watched the evening news. Each day, the bruises faded a bit more, and Pippa had more strength. She planned to go in to work in the office tomorrow. Random moments of panic flooded through her like she was still in danger, but those were infrequent now and less severe. Seeing the coverage of the men appearing in court and being led to jail helped.
Zale had walked her down to talk to the neighbor who’d called the police. The sweet lady who navigated with the help of a walker had tried to apologize for not coming out to help. Both she and Zale had assured her they were glad she’d called in the experts.
“What would you like to do this weekend, kitten?”
“Could we have another barbecue? I’d like to thank the team for helping us,” Pippa asked.
“Of course we can. My team would never have not come to our aid. Just as we will always be there for them,” Zale told her.
“I know. You all are bonded. I wish the other guys would find their Littles. I love getting together with Aspen. She’s my best friend now.”
“I’m glad. Aspen’s pretty awesome. Finding a Little is tough. You all like to hide,” Zale teased.