Page 61 of Hunter's Game
“Like I got shot.” Eden managed a weak smirk. “You look suspiciously unruffled for someone who was in the middle of a war zone.”
“Some of us know how to delegate the messy parts.” Katherine’s smile was genuine as she moved to check Eden’s monitors. “Though I have to say, your method of taking down Romano was...effective.”
“Speaking of messy parts.” Eden’s voice strengthened slightly. “Want to tell me why the Devil’s Mark patches are working with federal agents?”
“You knew they would.” Katherine raised an eyebrow. “Just like you knew I was never really working for Romano.”
“Suspected,” Eden corrected. “Since you were my mother’s best friend, it seemed unlikely you’d actually married her killer’s brother.”
“Your mother.” Katherine’s voice softened. “She would be so proud of you. And so angry about the risks you took.”
“Like mother, like daughter.” But the words triggered something. “The letter. Carson said something about my mother knowing...planning...”
Hunter produced a sealed envelope from his jacket. “Found it in Carson’s effects. It’s addressed to you.”
Eden’s hands shook slightly as she took the letter, recognizing her mother’s handwriting. The date at the top was the day she died.
“I’ll give you a minute.” Hunter squeezed her hand before stepping out. Katherine followed, leaving Eden alone with her mother’s last words.
My dearest Eden,
If you’re reading this, then you’ve followed the breadcrumbs I left, discovered the truth about Romano’s operation, and put yourself in terrible danger to expose it all.
I’m so sorry, my love. Sorry that my choices, my investigation, set you on this path. Sorry that I couldn’t protect you from the darkness I discovered. Sorry that I had to leave you.
But I’m also proud. Proud of the woman you’ve become, the fighter you are. Proud that you chose justice over safety, truth over comfort.
Carson will give you this letter when the time is right—when you’re ready to understand why I made the choices I did. He’s been working with me, gathering evidence against Romano’s organization. Everything I discovered, every pieceof proof I collected, he helped hide it where they would never think to look.
In plain sight.
The artifacts Romano’s been using to launder money and influence? Look closer. Each piece tells a story—not just of ancient civilizations, but of modern corruption. The documentation, the paper trails, the proof of every crime they’ve committed...it’s all there, hidden in the very things they’re using to build their empire.
Katherine knows where to look. She’s been my eyes and ears inside Romano’s operation for years, playing the grieving friend turned loving wife. When you’re ready—truly ready—she’ll show you what I found.
But be careful, my darling girl. Romano’s network goes deeper than anyone suspects. There are powers involved that make him look like a small-time criminal. People who will do anything to keep their secrets buried.
Trust your instincts. Trust Katherine. And most importantly, trust your heart. Love is not a weakness, no matter what your father taught you. It’s the only thing worth fighting for.
I love you more than life itself.
Mom
P.S. If you’re reading this while recovering from doing something terribly noble and self-sacrificing, remember what I taught you: martyrs don’t get to finish the fight.
Eden felt tears on her cheeks as she finished reading. She quickly wiped them away as Hunter and Katherine returned, accompanied by Assistant Director Wilson of the FBI.
“Agent Mitchell.” Wilson’s smile was genuine. “Good to see you awake.”
“Ex-agent,” she corrected automatically, then really looked at him. “Unless that’s what these deals you’re offering are about?”
“Among other things.” He pulled up a chair. “Your operation exposed corruption at every level of law enforcement. Romano’s network went deeper than anyone imagined. We’re still uncovering connections to international crime syndicates, terrorist organizations, even foreign intelligence services.”
“And you need help cleaning house.” Eden’s mind was already working despite the pain and medication. “That’s why you’re making deals with outlaws.”
“We need people who can operate in the shadows.” Wilson nodded. “People who understand how these organizations work, who can move in circles federal agents can’t reach.”
“People like the Blind Jacks.”
