Page 136 of Ozzie

“I won,” Walton says.

“Good. I don’t play games,” Harding says, serious as always.

Sometimes, I have a hard time picturing her with Peaches. Peaches is one of the guys we regularly work with from the Morgan Thompson Security office in Seattle. He comes across as much less serious, and I wonder if they drive each other nuts.

“I looked into both men and discovered another agency has been investigating McMahn for a while. I can’t get into the details, but they were able to give me enough information that it confirmed he’s our man.”

The senator shakes his head. “McMahn is the one trying to frame me?”

“I’m afraid so. But there was one thing in his history that might explain how he was able to do it,” Harding says.

“What’s that?” I ask.

Harding stares at Walton. “I’m sorry you have to learn this way, but your wife and McMahn had an affair. It lasted several months and ended about six weeks ago.”

The senator laughs. “My wife? No, you must be mistaken. She has zero interest in sex. She says it’s because she’s going through menopause.”

Harding nods. “She’s lying to you. The other investigation has photos. I’ve seen them.”

The color drains from the senator’s face. “Is that why she wants a divorce? Because of him?”

“I don’t think they are together anymore, like I said,” Harding says.

Walton stands and walks into the kitchen. “She fell for his bullcrap?”

I jump up and walk to him. “I thought you said he’s an honest man.”

“Well, clearly, I was wrong. He stole my wife and now wants to steal my job?”

Harding stands. “It’s a bit more complicated than that. But Simons and I will stay here with you until the investigation into McMahn is done. I’ve been advised it might take a few days. Which means Ozzie and Lightning, you are free to go once we swap keys.”

She tosses her keys to me, and I dig our keys from mypocket. The car had been loaned to us by someone she works with. I suspect it belongs to the CIA.

“You know the lot to leave it in. Text me the parking spot number,” she says.

Yes, we’ve done this before. The lot is near the Dulles Airport, which means we might be able to get home tonight.

“Okay, sounds good.” I walk over to the senator. “Good luck. I’m sorry about your wife. But for what it’s worth, your son loves you.” I’m not sure why I’d felt the need to say that to him, but when he glances up at me, his eyes are glassy.

“Thank you. I really appreciate that.”

We say our goodbyes and are on the road shortly after. I drive as Lightning pulls up flights for us.

“There’s a flight in three hours we can make. I’m buying our tickets now.”

Part of me wants to stay on the road and drive straight through. But I can hear Harding now telling me we’d need to get this car back to DC. A flight it is. “Sounds good.”

I can’t shake the expression on the senator’s face. It was both sadness and disappointment mixed together. Earlier, he’d said he hadn’t been there enough for his family because of work. Being without any family of my own, I would appreciate any I could have. That’s why I’m grateful for my friends, and I do everything I can to be there for them.

If things continue with Piper the way I see them going, she’ll be my family. I want to say I’d never let work come first, but the truth is, if I’m on an assignment, I won’t knowwhat’s going on at home. The only reason I can deal with that now is because Durango is as protective of Piper as I am, so I know she’s safe.

Once the airplane lands,I send a text to Piper asking if I can come see her. I also let Durango know I’m back home.

Durango:I need you and Lightning to meet me ASAP. Piper was taken by John again. I’m here now. I’ll send you a pin of the location.

The location comes through. A hotel and it’s not too far from the airport. I nudge Lightning and show him the messages. He nods.

Ozzie:We are getting off the plane now and on our way.

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