Page 57 of Marked

“Isn’t that what I’m doing?”

“I mean a professional. The FBI has a team of counselors at the ready.”

“I’d rather not.”

“You might change your mind in a minute.”

Her words were ominous, a warning of sorts. When she got up and moved to the window behind her desk, alarm bells started blaring in my head. Propping her hands on the wooden frame, she dropped her chin to her chest and exhaled loudly. Something was off, I just wasn’t sure how hard I’d have to brace. Turns out I should’ve strapped myself in.

“I called a friend about Beth’s case.”Breathe, Lanie.“After you told me you were headed to Denver, several pieces clicked into place for me. You see, my friend was part of a joint task force in Colorado about twelve years ago, working to bring down a sexual slavery ring.”

Beth disappeared eleven years ago, so unless my math wasn’t mathing, Waverly was talking about the same group who took her.

“Who is this ‘friend’?”

She turned and sat on the window ledge. “McEntire Jones. Former Homeland Security operative, current chief of police in Shadow’s Edge, a little town in Western Maryland.”

“Wait.” A light bulb went off. “Mac? You called your ex?”

“Ex implies we had an actual relationship.” Placing her hands on her knees, she leaned forward. “No, what Mac and I had were delusions of grandeur. Luckily, we realized very quickly we were better friends than lovers.”

“Does he remember the case?”

“I’ll let him tell you.”

“He’s coming here?”

Eyeing her watch, she said, “He’ll be here any minute.”

Five minutes to be exact.

Chief Jones was exactly how I pictured him to be, only hotter and older. Waverly was pushing forty, but this guy had at least ten years on her, if not a few more. His dirty-blond hair was trimmed close to his head on the sides, spiked on top, with silvery streaks intertwined throughout. I could absolutely see the appeal.

When it came time for introductions, Noah curled one arm around my waist, pulling me back into his hard chest, while reaching out with his other to shake hands. It was a territorial move, which didn't go unnoticed by the rest of our team or our guest.

“It’s all good, Agent Anderson,” Mac smirked, “I don’t share either.”

Waverly coughed into her fist, while everyone else busted out laughing, myself included.

The atmosphere sobered quickly when Mac pulled out a thick file folder from his briefcase as we gathered around the conference table. It had to be about three inches thick with loose pieces of paper. These were his personal notes, not the official ones. It was a well-known fact in law enforcement circles that an investigator’s gut feelings about a case and the players involved were usually accurate, even if there wasn’t enough evidence to prove them. Basically, shit was about to get way more real than I was prepared for when I woke up this morning.

“As you all know by now, Beth Benson’s body was discovered in a mass grave two years after she was reported missing.” Noah threaded his fingers through mine under the table,lending me his strength. “What you don’t know is how the task force was able to find that particular grave site.”

Mac glanced at Waverly, who gave him a subtle nod.

“We had an informant. Someone in the organization who came forward with the location in order to escape prosecution, should the entire ring be brought down.”

“Who?” I learned forward, wanting confirmation but knowing the name before it ever left his mouth.

“Brandon Little.”

“Motherfucker,” Noah growled beside me.

No lie. I was going to be sick. My chair bounced off the floor as I raced from the room, ignoring my name being shouted behind me. I had one goal; make it to the bathroom down the hallway before I hurled spectacularly. Fumbling with the doorknob cost me precious seconds, but I was able to get it open and slide to my knees in front of the toilet before the first cramp hit my stomach. Everything I ate for breakfast reappeared.

That fucking bastard.I’d actually felt a little guilty when the DEA told me he’d been killed in his cell. Now I wish I could bring him back to life so I could choke the life out of him. All that time I’d been working with the man responsible for Beth’s kidnapping and ultimately her death. He’d been right in front of me for weeks, and I missed every sign.Goddammit!

“Easy, Darlin’. Take deep breaths.” Something cool pressed against my neck as Noah gathered my hair away from my face. I hadn’t even realized I was crying until his thumb swiped away the wetness under my eye. “I’m right here.”

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