Chasing Gold

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Caitlyn’s excitement was infectious.

“Here, there’s a Fountain Square, a public area and location for large events. Also, it’s the chili capital of America. Crouch always did like his food. Add to that — we have the Cincinnati Bengals.”

She looked around expectantly.

Alicia narrowed her eyes. “You’re saying they’re headed to Cincinnati?”

“Of course, it all fits. What else could it be?”

“How far is it from here?”

Austin was already checking. “I could drive it in seven hours.”

Alicia paused before making what could be a fatal decision. “Are you sure, Caitlyn? There’s nothing else.”

“I understand your reticence, but it fits. It all fits. The only trouble is — Cincinnati is a big bloody place.”

Alicia pointed at the second line. “Sakura. Old Rybolt?”

Austin spoke before anyone else. “There’s a street in Cincinnati called Old Rybolt. I have it here, on the app.” He carefully scrolled around the screen, zooming in and out as he searched for more clues.

“That’s one more big coincidence,” Caitlyn said. “We have to be right.”

Alicia was close to agreeing when Austin let out a sudden revelation with an excited squeak.

“And here’s another! There’s a Sakura Steakhouse on Old Rybolt. Right there.” He jabbed at the screen. “It must be where our bad guys are planning their next meet. Or lunch. Or whatever.”

Alicia needed no more convincing. “Grab some provisions, people. We’ve got a seven-hour drive and we’re over an hour behind. It’s time to dig in.”

She glanced up at the ceiling as if seeking inspiration. They were teetering on the edge here. Close to losing Crouch and the banner, but somehow managing to hang on by the tips of their fingers. Tension was a taut wire, tugging at every nerve in her body.

When Russo grabbed her shoulder, she jumped.

“C’mon, Myles, get a friggin’ move on. Can’t stand staring at the pretty necklaces all day.”

And just like that, she knew without any doubt that they were in with a chance.

They swopped drivers for the first few hours, giving Austin some rest and saving him for what they expected would be a fast drive through the heart of Cincinnati. Caitlyn called her new FBI contact, Agent Merriweather, and explained the situation.

First, she asked for help.

“We’re still putting out fires at this end, Miss Nash, but I’ll ask the police chief to get CPD to help. You say you have a location?”

Caitlyn reeled it off.

“Cross-agency relations are usually rocky, at best.” Merriweather affirmed something she already knew. “And, I have to say at this point that the banner theft must be kept secret. No leaks, understand? America does not need to know right now.”

“I totally understand,” Caitlyn said. “But, sir, you should know — these people have a plan for that banner. I don’t know what it is for certain, but you can be assured it won’t be covering it in glory. We need men, cars. Preferably, helicopters.”

“I hear you,” Merriweather said. “And I agree. I’ll be in touch.”

The line went dead. Caitlyn sighed.

Alicia tapped her watch. “We’re gaining on them, we have to be. And this time — they’ll never see us coming.”