Page 24 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

The underlying message was clear. Whitmore didn't want Sage to return to her job as Special Agent in the Criminal Investigation Division. Unfortunately for him, his actions also confirmed to Kaden that there was more to the entire situation than met the eye.

Kaden looked at Slade, who gave him an inconspicuous nod. Whatever Congressman Beats was hiding and whether Whitmore and Jessica Hewitt were involved or just trying to protect him for some reason, he would find out. Once he did, Slade would make sure that heads would roll.

The country had had enough of corruption. It was time to send the message to other corrupt players. Little by little, step by step, they would win the day, no matter how long it took.

“This is absolute bullshit!” Sage exploded after a long silence. They had taken off from DCA airport an hour ago in Kaden’s private jet on the way back to Triple K. Up to now, she had been silently fuming.

“I worked my ass off for the last eight years and this is how they treat me? What happened to the process of discussing the matter? No! He just fucking suspends me.” She slammed a fist against the arm rest. “They never even spoke about the case with me before today.”

“Then how did they know that it leaked out that you were investigating that specific cold case?” Kaden asked.

“D.D. Palmer asked me what I was investigating that could have triggered the attempt on my life. I told him about an anonymous tip I received and that I was looking into certain allegations. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Nothing I have at the moment is substantial enough to open a full-blown investigation. Except…”

“Except what?”

“Except that Beats was at the meeting, which confirms my suspicion of his involvement, so… maybe the attempted hit wasn’t because of someone else having it in for me.” She stared, wondering. “But Director Whitmore and Attorney General Hewitt? Do you think they’re involved, as well?”

“Possibly. Either that or Beats has dirt on them, making both of them dance to his tune. One thing's for sure, Sage. You’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest big time. No more taking any chances. From this point forward, you don’t go anywhere without one of us stuck to you like white on rice.”

“That's gonna drive me crazy, Kaden. I’m used to being out there, in the field, or scouring the internet for information. I can’t just sit around the house all day every day. I’ll go mad.”

“I get that. So, here’s the deal. Slade and I have decided to continue your investigation. If we have all the information that you already gathered, it’ll save us a lot of time. And yes, this includes you. The heartbeat of our operations is situated in a bunker, thirty feet under the barn. To keep you safe and out of harm’s way, you will work with Keith. He’s our resident IT and dark web expert.”

“Thank you for including me. I would’ve been splenetic otherwise.”

“Have you given any thought to what Whitmore said?”

“He said a lot of things. I haven’t thought about anything else since we left the FBI,” she said angrily. “Perhaps you should be more specific.”

“I’m speaking about your future, Sage. Is it truly worth putting your life on the line for a Bureau that has turned on you?”

“Corruption is everywhere, Kaden. I just… I find it a bitter pill to swallow that people as loved and powerful as Deputy Whitmore and Attorney General Hewitt are the core of this rotten apple.” She smiled wanly. “At least at the FBI, I can make a small contribution to limiting the damage bad actors cause to my country.”

“We’ll soon find out whether or not they're involved. Personally, the way Whitmore acted? He’s got guilty written all over his face.”

“Maybe.” She studied her nails. “And what about Beats? I assume you are friends?”

“There are many members at Club Rogue, Sage. I have a very tightly knit group of friends, all of whom I’ve selected very carefully over the years. Beats isn’t one of them.”

“So then, why not kick him out of the club?”

“Some of the members were chosen based on an ancient Chinese military philosophy originated by the genius, Sun Tzu. He said, “Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer.”

“But he could irreparably damage your reputation if he blurts out that you are the owner of a BDSM club.”

“My ownership of the club isn’t a secret, Sage. Clubs like ours haven’t been illegal for many years. As long as we adhere to the rules and regulations laid out, we’re safe. We run a clean operation. No harsh or hard BDSM is allowed. No blood, cutting, burning, or over the top sadism either. People go there to experience their personal erotic pleasures. No scene happens without mutual consent.”

“That’s not the point, Kaden. What is legal is not synonymous with what’s moral. Lawyers operate on that idea. But not Joe Blow and his family. They would throw you off the edge of a cliff in a heartbeat if they knew about your personal life. You wouldn’t have a pot to piss in if convicted in the court of public opinion. I can’t believe you don’t understand that.”

“Oh, I understood that from the get-go, which is why being in the intelligence-gathering industry is a great balance to my personal life. It provides me with an anonymity clad in impenetrable armor. Let’s just say that everyone has skeletons in their closet.”

Sage looked dumbfounded. “Well, aren’t you a clever little boy?”

“One needs to be to operate successfully in this fucked-up world.” He squeezed her hand. “For now, I want you to relax. Beats might know you’re under my protection, but no one knows where I live. The ownership of Triple K is a closed corporation, so no one can access information about any property associated with my legal name. I am very protective of my personal life. You have no need to worry about anyone finding us. We’re safe on the ranch.”

“That’s a relief. Thank you, Kaden.”

“For what?”

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