Free Iron Triangle: A Jackson Pike Novel (Book One of The Iron Triangle Series) by Patrick Adams

He was
constantly drinking, he became dependent on pain killers, and he couldn't sleep.
He would wake up screaming. His daughter became fearful of him. Their
relationship just died, along with most of Jackson's team on that
mission."
    Julie took a final drag from her Camel Light and crushed it
in the ashtray.
    "So they divorced. Jackson was crushed. Every time
Leigh would drop off their daughter, Jackson would have another job. His house
was a mess. Finally, she got to the point that she had to renegotiate the
custody agreement. There was no way she was going to leave young Clementine with
her dad, when he could barely take care of himself."
    Officer Howe interrupted. "But you say there was no
conflict. I'd think a man being deprived of his daughter could create a lot of
animosity."
    Julie's lips formed a tight line. "Leigh expected the
same. But Jackson complied with the new agreement without a peep. That was
several months ago, and Leigh hadn't mentioned her ex-husband in months. I took
that to mean everything was going well, and didn't pry."
    Her voice cracked. "Obviously, I was wrong."
    Tears streamed down Julie's face as she lowered her head,
peering intently at the gray ashes that littered the bottom of the metal
ashtray on the wooden table of the police interrogation room.
    Jimmy placed his bear like paw on the petite young lady's
left shoulder and gave her a quick and reassuring squeeze. "Thank you,
Julie. I can't tell you how much of a help you've been. I know this has been an
extremely difficult day." He paused, "I have your phone number, in
case we need any additional information. If you'd like, I'll have one of our
officer's give you a ride to work where you can retrieve your vehicle."
    Her soft brown eyes met Jimmy's own steely green eyes as she
spoke. "Tell me you'll catch him," she stated simply, a slight quiver
in her voice.
    "We will," said the mountain of a man,
determination lacing his words. He repeated under his breath; "We
will."

 

Chapter
16:
    5:00 PM- Saturday,
September 9 th
    Sumner, VA
    The dull ache in Jackson's mind continued as he sat
transfixed.
    His eyes followed the flashing light of his television screen, his ears tuned in to the voices of the news anchors
as he watched the evening news within his fading, sea foam green appointed
motel room.
    The former SEAL's mind raced as the follow on to the story
of the fire at the Carmike Chemical storage facility began.
    "In other news," recited the pretty blonde
co-anchor, "A double murder at the Marywood Apartments in Sumner late last
night has neighbors shocked and fearful."
    Jackson stared at the television.
    Images of his ex-wife and daughter flashed across the screen
as Jackson's eyes blurred with tears, his hands beginning to shake as his heart
sank.
    "The 32 year old mother and her 11 year old daughter
were shot to death last night. Details are still forthcoming at this time;
however, local police have identified the woman's ex-husband as a person of
interest in the murders."
    Jackson's own face flashed across the television screen as
the male newscaster picked up the narrative.
    "Mr. Jackson Pike is wanted for questioning in
conjunction with the murders that took place last night at the Marywood
Apartment Complex. If you know of Mr. Pike's whereabouts, please call our local
Crime Stoppers hotline..."
    That was the last Jackson would hear of the newscast for
now, his mind beginning to race.
    He stood up. He did his best thinking on his feet, possibly
another consequence of years of physically rigorous combat training. He began
to pace around his shabby hotel room but only got about two steps before he was
drawn back into the newscast.
    His famously selective hearing picked up the broadcast in
mid sentence as many of his questions were about to be answered.
    "In other news," read the seemingly disinterested
lead anchor, "Two people were killed today in a car accident on Willow
Lake Road. The two have been identified as Susan Winters and Mohammed