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assessment that Keaton was not who or what he said. Victoria had not been as convinced until the incident in Pozos. The attempt on her and her husband’s lives below the border had been one too many twists of fate with Keaton’s name, however obscurely, in the mix. Victoria had watched over these last months the toll that uncertainty took on Lucas. She wanted the issues surrounding Keaton’s identity and motives resolved once and for all. Going to Jim or having Sloan follow up would have been the easiest, but neither of the two would have been willing to keep Lucas out of the loop.
    This is the best way. This time.
    “Tomorrow is fine, ma’am,” Stark said. “What’s my cover?”
    “Mineral de Pozos was a mecca during the silver mining boom. But like many other places, when the mining heyday ended hard times fell upon the area, leaving it little more than a ghost town. Recently revitalization has begun, due to the low real estate prices that have attracted many artists.”
    “I see.” He nodded. “My mother is an artist.”
    “That background provides an opportunity for you to question the locals without stirring suspicions.” The Colby Agency had a reputation for hiring not only the very best investigators and security specialists but also those with diverse backgrounds. The combination was unparalleled in the business of private investigations. Victoria and her son Jim strived to maintain that superior balance at the agency.
    “I agree. I appreciate the opportunity.”
    Levi Stark had moved to Chicago from his home state of Florida nearly two years ago. He still hadn’t adjusted to the climate change but he’d meshed perfectly with the staff here at the agency. His work in the Colby Agency’s research department had been so outstanding that Victoria had been tempted to try and persuade him to stay there. But, like most who came to the agency, he had wanted to become a field investigator in time.
    “Excellent. Your contact for resources once you arrive is in the case file. He will provide whatever you need. I’d like you to keep me posted as often as possible.” Victoria suffered a twinge of doubt. This case, as she’d briefed Stark, sounded inordinately straightforward and quite simple. Yet, she feared it would not be nearly so. Lucas wasn’t alone when it came to suffering those troubling doubts related to Keaton. “Take extraordinary care, Stark. Your safety is to be your first priority.”
    “Understood.”
    “And Lucas cannot know.” The words left a bitter taste in her mouth, but they were necessary. This was something to which Victoria needed to attend, discreetly and promptly. Whatever Keaton’s obsession with Lucas, she intended to ensure he meant no harm.
    “You’re the boss. Off the record it is.”
    With that Levi Stark left Victoria’s office, the case file under his arm.
    He would follow the leads he found until the truth about Slade Keaton was revealed. As far as the rest of the agency would know, Stark was on vacation. Lucas would be most displeased that she had taken this route if he learned of her actions. As much as she regretted the need to mislead him in this way, Victoria had been in this business far too long not to trust her intuition. She wasn’t wasting another minute.
    For better or worse…it was done.

Chapter Two
     
    Mineral de Pozos, Mexico, October 11, 2:30 p.m.
     
    Casey Manning wandered onto the verandah outside her room at the Hacienda de Pozos. The sun felt good on her face. Locally designed and crafted wind chimes tinkled in the faint breeze. The view was nothing short of inspiring. Pozos presented a fascinating clash of ancient history and modern revival. Revitalized structures filled with contemporary art were shoehorned between stark ruins from the days when this ghost town had been a booming source of silver. Lucky for Casey, the hotel sat on a slight rise above the town plaza, providing an excellent surveillance opportunity of the activities beyond.