Dial by Elizabeth Cage Page A

the room in front of them. Diva and the Big Boss were now on their feet, agents at their sides. Slowly they began to walk from the room.
    â€œWait!” Diva yelled suddenly. She broke free from the agents’ grasp and lunged toward the mirror. Her eyes were wild as she pressed her face against the two-way glass.
    â€œThe gun!” Diva yelled. “Remember the gun!” Before she could say another word, the agents regained their control of her and led both suspects from the room.
    â€œWhat did she mean by that?” Theresa wondered aloud. “Remember the gun. . . .”
    Caylin shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe it’s some kind of weird organized-crime slogan.”
    â€œI don’t know, and I don’t care,” Jo said. “But at least this mission is over with.”
    Theresa nodded. The mission was over. Unfortunately, not one of them was in the mood to celebrate.

ELEVEN
    Check out all the amazing clothes we acquired during this mission,” Caylin said to Jo. “I can’t wait to wear these duds back in the States.”
    â€œMaybe I’ll change my image,” Theresa added brightly. “I’ll turn in my khakis for a dressy evening gown.”
    Jo shrugged. “You can have my stuff. I don’t feel like dealing with the whole packing thing.”
    Caylin exchanged a glance with Theresa. This was not the Jo they knew and loved. But nothing they said or did seemed to be helping to bring her out of her funk. And they had said and done just about everything. The girls had come straight back to HQ after the interrogation, and they had spent the last hour trying to cheer up Jo while they got ready to head back to the United States. Unfortunately, nothing was working.
    â€œMind if I come in?” Danielle was standing at the door of Jo’s room, looking more maternal than usual.
    â€œPlease do.” Caylin hoped Danielle had the magic words because she and Theresa were crashing and burning over and over again.
    Danielle sat down on the queen-sized bed and looked thoughtfully at Jo for a few moments. “I know this mission has been tough for you, Jo. But you should be extremely proud of yourself. Not many daughters of murder victims are able to be responsible for the ultimate conviction of their loved one’s killer.”
    Jo sighed. “I know, Danielle. . . . I’m just so drained. After reliving all of those awful memories, I feel totally and completely tapped out—like I could get into bed and sleep for a hundred years.”
    â€œAll of you girls deserve a—” Danielle’s statement was cut off by the sound of someone knocking at the front door.
    â€œDid anyone order a pizza?” Caylin asked, making yet one more attempt at a lame joke. When no one responded, she shrugged. “I’ll get it.”
    â€œWe’ll all get it,” Danielle said, heaving herself off thebed. “You never know who might be paying us a not so friendly visit.”
    The group trooped downstairs, where Caylin opened the front door warily. Standing on the front step was none other than Chico—and he was holding one of the biggest vases of flowers Caylin had ever laid eyes on.
    â€œI have come to express gratitude to you wonderful girls,” Chico said. He bowed deeply. “Thanks to your courage, I can live like a normal person without fearing that horrible, horrible man.”
    â€œYou have been totally exonerated, then?” Danielle asked.
    Chico nodded. “The agents are now aware that it was I who make communication to The Tower. Diva, she discovered my betrayal and take control herself. But I was meant to be the one you meet in Rio.”
    â€œI’m glad your world is safe again,” Jo said. For the first time since she recognized Diva’s father, Jo sounded like her old self. Thank goodness.
    Again Chico bowed. “You girls are my heroes.”
    Jo stepped forward and embraced Chico.