Have ransom demands been received?”
“A few calls to that end, but they’ve been invalidated.” Steven took a deep breath. “Given the clean abduction site, no murder weapon, physical evidence left at the embassy and no contact with the ambassador, I believe this is a small operation and personal in nature. The two men coming in today could shed some light on those theories.”
Ken nodded. “Good. Make sure my office is notified immediately of any case developments and transcripts sent afterward.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ken turned to the Secret Service Special Agent in Charge at the other end of the conference table. “Agent Adams, I understand the Kensingtons are applying pressure to place their youngest daughter in a protected school next month and to increase her security detail.”
Steven braced for the reaction. David Adams despised interference in his protection details. Especially by unpredictable diplomats. Or FBI agents. Steven had gone toe-to-toe with the middle-aged agent on enough cases to steer clear whenever he could.
David clenched his jaw Brown eyes blazing, he straightened the papers in front of him. “Yes, sir. I’ve allocated four agents for Victoria Kensington’s around-the-clock coverage and met with Lady Kensington.”
“Are her requests unreasonable?”
Agent Adams backpedaled at Ken’s directness. “Not entirely, sir.” He looked at his planner. “She’s requested that her detail be removed, which won’t happen. And the fixation on this school in Alexandria is a bit extreme.”
Steven sat up straighter. This could get interesting.
David continued. “I have an appointment at ten today with the headmistress of Hope Ridge Academy, Janice Hall, and the first-grade teacher who will have Victoria in her class the beginning of September.”
Clint raised his eyebrows and nodded at Steven.
“Hope Ridge Academy is perfect placement for Victoria.” Steven leaned forward. “She’ll be in my son’s class, and according to the headmistress, the teacher is one of the best in the school.”
Steven met Agent Adams’s surprised stare. “Janice Hall is former FBI, and she runs a tight ship at the school regarding security protocol and academics. I met with her a number of times before registering James.”
Ken cleared his throat. “Then maybe you should accompany Agent Adams today.”
David stiffened and kept his eyes locked on Ken. “Agent Grivens and I can handle things at Hope Ridge.”
The seasoned attorney chuckled. “No doubt about that. But given agency stickiness at times, I think having the lead FBI agent brief both the teacher and the headmistress on his investigation would be good PR.”
Agent Adams swallowed hard. “If Agent Kessler has the time, he’s welcome to join us.”
Clint grinned across the table like he’d won a Texas-sized seed-spitting contest. No doubt his partner would torment him over this turn of events. So what? Steven would get to see his son’s attractive teacher and get away from his desk for a few short hours today.
No harm in that.
Maria Grivens walked the quiet halls of Hope Ridge Academy, her uncomfortable two-inch heels clicking in step with the vice principal. She noted every escape possibility on the schematics in her hands. A thorough report with all manner of details would be the minimal requirement of her supervisor, David Adams.
Mr. Perkins stepped into her personal space. “Interesting work, guarding a six-year-old?”
Maria bristled. She’d take her licks from coworkers who thought calling her “Teach” was a riot. But she wouldn’t accept a slighting comment from some spindly assistant principal. “This is a high-priority diplomatic assignment. I’m honored to be part of Victoria’s detail.”
The man’s warm smile irritated her. She’d been hit on by worse, though. Just not often enough to know how to respond without making everything awkward. “With your black hair and tan skin, I’d guess you’re of Hispanic
“A few calls to that end, but they’ve been invalidated.” Steven took a deep breath. “Given the clean abduction site, no murder weapon, physical evidence left at the embassy and no contact with the ambassador, I believe this is a small operation and personal in nature. The two men coming in today could shed some light on those theories.”
Ken nodded. “Good. Make sure my office is notified immediately of any case developments and transcripts sent afterward.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ken turned to the Secret Service Special Agent in Charge at the other end of the conference table. “Agent Adams, I understand the Kensingtons are applying pressure to place their youngest daughter in a protected school next month and to increase her security detail.”
Steven braced for the reaction. David Adams despised interference in his protection details. Especially by unpredictable diplomats. Or FBI agents. Steven had gone toe-to-toe with the middle-aged agent on enough cases to steer clear whenever he could.
David clenched his jaw Brown eyes blazing, he straightened the papers in front of him. “Yes, sir. I’ve allocated four agents for Victoria Kensington’s around-the-clock coverage and met with Lady Kensington.”
“Are her requests unreasonable?”
Agent Adams backpedaled at Ken’s directness. “Not entirely, sir.” He looked at his planner. “She’s requested that her detail be removed, which won’t happen. And the fixation on this school in Alexandria is a bit extreme.”
Steven sat up straighter. This could get interesting.
David continued. “I have an appointment at ten today with the headmistress of Hope Ridge Academy, Janice Hall, and the first-grade teacher who will have Victoria in her class the beginning of September.”
Clint raised his eyebrows and nodded at Steven.
“Hope Ridge Academy is perfect placement for Victoria.” Steven leaned forward. “She’ll be in my son’s class, and according to the headmistress, the teacher is one of the best in the school.”
Steven met Agent Adams’s surprised stare. “Janice Hall is former FBI, and she runs a tight ship at the school regarding security protocol and academics. I met with her a number of times before registering James.”
Ken cleared his throat. “Then maybe you should accompany Agent Adams today.”
David stiffened and kept his eyes locked on Ken. “Agent Grivens and I can handle things at Hope Ridge.”
The seasoned attorney chuckled. “No doubt about that. But given agency stickiness at times, I think having the lead FBI agent brief both the teacher and the headmistress on his investigation would be good PR.”
Agent Adams swallowed hard. “If Agent Kessler has the time, he’s welcome to join us.”
Clint grinned across the table like he’d won a Texas-sized seed-spitting contest. No doubt his partner would torment him over this turn of events. So what? Steven would get to see his son’s attractive teacher and get away from his desk for a few short hours today.
No harm in that.
Maria Grivens walked the quiet halls of Hope Ridge Academy, her uncomfortable two-inch heels clicking in step with the vice principal. She noted every escape possibility on the schematics in her hands. A thorough report with all manner of details would be the minimal requirement of her supervisor, David Adams.
Mr. Perkins stepped into her personal space. “Interesting work, guarding a six-year-old?”
Maria bristled. She’d take her licks from coworkers who thought calling her “Teach” was a riot. But she wouldn’t accept a slighting comment from some spindly assistant principal. “This is a high-priority diplomatic assignment. I’m honored to be part of Victoria’s detail.”
The man’s warm smile irritated her. She’d been hit on by worse, though. Just not often enough to know how to respond without making everything awkward. “With your black hair and tan skin, I’d guess you’re of Hispanic
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