“My men heard a gunshot this morning.”

The four women gasp simultaneously.

“Wait. Let’s not jump to conclusions. It could be anything.” Tasha lightens her tone. She needs the women to keep their composure. She needs to get as much information from them as she can. “What can you tell me about Eric Adams? What is Ms. Kennard’s relationship with him?” Tasha asks quickly, hoping to divert a breakdown.

“They’re dating. Have been for about five months.” Alice answers the Captain’s question with a frown. “He’s a real douche bag.” She adds.

“Yes. He’s a disgusting man. He’s sleazy. He’s some big shot entertainment lawyer.” Helena explains. Tasha smiles at the look of shear loathing on each of their faces.

“We believe Mr. Adams and three others are responsible. Henry Bell…” Tasha waits for any signs of recognition. Receiving none, she continues. “He owns a security firm in Los Angeles. He used to live in New York and has been known to have connections to the mafia. The FBI has been keeping tabs on him.”

“The mafia is after Tina?” Dana asks unbelievingly.

“No. This has nothing to do with the mafia. We have that on very good authority.” Tasha regrets her vague explanation. She shakes her head before continuing. “Eric Adams hired Henry Bell and his team. But we don’t know why.”

All four women look at each other and shrug their shoulders. The Captain purses her lips in frustration. She looks at each of the women before blurting out her next question.

“Do any of you have any idea why Eric Adams is after Tina Kennard?”

*********************************

“Where is it Tina?” Eric is practically spitting. He’s been asking his now ex-girlfriend the same question for twenty minutes. He scratches at the stubble on his chin and growls in disgust. He hasn’t showered in days. His dress shirt and trousers are filthy and wet from sweat and his two hundred dollar shoes are caked in mud. He eyes the blonde curiously, trying to determine if she’s telling the truth.

“Where the fuck is what? I have no fucking idea what you’re looking for!” Tina responds angrily, her eyes are filled with grief and fury.

Eric shakes his head and kicks a stone with all his might. The stone shoots off his foot and disappears into the brush. He’s starting to believe that Tina has no idea what he’s talking about. Maybe she hasn’t had a chance to find it herself. He frowns, not liking his decision. He doesn’t want to reveal more than is necessary but doesn’t see any other way. He hesitates for only a second.