Page 9 of Shades of Mercy
He had a point, but accusing her partners didn’t seem plausible. “I trust them.”
“I hope you’re right.” He rubbed the creases from his brow. He’d aged considerably since he started the undercover agent position. His marriage was also on the rocks, which could have contributed to the physical change.
“Why do I get the feeling that you’re not telling me something important?”
“The less you know, the better.”
She crossed her arms defiantly. “If you’re not willing to tell me anything, then I’m not willing to uproot my life. You’re not the only one with responsibilities,” she reminded him.
“Do you have to be so stubborn?”
“That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”
“Look, I’m sorry I dragged you into this from the start. I should never have asked you to infiltrate Cross’s files. I knew it was risky, but I knew I could trust you. It seems not everyone can be trusted these days.”
“Youcantrust me. Ethical hacking is my job, and it’s what I’m good at. You’ve never protected me frommyjob before. You’re starting to worry me aboutyoursafety. If someone is leaking information to Cross, then your cover was blown a long time ago.”
Mateo was too young to look so old. She almost felt sorry for making things so difficult, but having him as a brother had never been a walk in the park. He’d always been too protective and overbearing. As a teen, he’d been watching over her shoulder no matter where she went. Every man she’d dated, he vetted them like they were applying for a position in the CIA. If he saw so much as a speeding ticket, he felt like it was too risky for her to get involved with them. At times, he treated her like she was two, not thirty-two.
He’d probably be upset if she told him he should be more worried about his love life than hers.
“Talk to me, Mateo. I’m not asking for a play-by-play, but I’ve never seen you so worried.”
“The case…it goes far deeper than I first suspected. I’m finding more connections every day. We uncovered something else that makes things more dangerous. I can’t trust anyone on the inside.” He exhaled and shook his head. “You shouldn’t trust anyone either.”
“What are you not telling me?”
His hesitation built up the suspense. “Uncle Joe and some of his police friends are under surveillance. There’s critical information that many badges and other high-profile individuals want to keep from falling into the wrong hands. Cross has had connections in the police department for a while now. They turn a blind eye, and he pays the officers. They will protect one another.”
“Uncle Joe? That’s not possible. He and Aunt Sue have always been good to us. Do you remember how many times we stayed summers with them when we were kids?”
“It is possible, Mercy. There are so many people involved, and that is why you need to be safe. I can’t focus on this case if I have to keep an eye on you.”
She couldn’t seem to wrap her head around the idea that Joe, a bubbly, kind soul, would be involved with a criminal, especially one like Cross.
“It doesn’t look good,” Mateo said quietly. “I know it’s difficult to digest. When I found the connection, I couldn’t believe it myself.”
“I understand. I do…but…”
“If you truly want Cross to be taken down, then this is what you need to do. Listen and stay low.”
“I could stay at my apartment. I won’t go anywhere.” She had a feeling she wasn’t going to like the answer. At this point, she was grasping at straws.
“Cross already knows where you work, where you live, and your hobbies. This time, you escaped. Next time, they won’t make a mistake.”
“Your life is in danger, too.”
“I can take care of myself, but I need to stay focused.” He blew out a long breath. “I know you’re stubborn, but knock off the conflict and let me do what’s best.”
“I’ll go home and pack a bag—”
“No, you won’t. It’s not safe to go back there until this case is done and dusted. I’d bet my bank account that Cross already has one of his men camping near your apartment.”
“What about Russ and Lulu?”
“Who the hell are Russ and Lulu?”
“My ferns. I forgot to water them.”
