by LENA DIAZ,
And that she hadn’t sat up most of the night trying to figure out whether she loved him too.
Not that it mattered. Love wasn’t something she’d ever had in her life, and had never expected to have. How was she supposed to even recognize it? And since he hadn’t asked her if she loved him back, did it even matter?
“Did you eat?” he asked as he headed into the kitchen.
“Cereal and toast. Want me to fix you some?”
He wrinkled his nose. “Not my idea of a good way to start the morning, but thanks just the same. I’ll whip up an omelet.”
Her mouth watered.
He glanced at her as if he could read her mind. “I’ll make two, just in case you saved any room.”
“I should politely say no since I already ate. But an omelet sounds wonderful.”
“Bacon, cheese, peppers and tomatoes okay?”
“Better than okay. Perfect.”
He smiled, but she noticed it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Regret sat like a cold knot in her stomach.
They ate in strained silence, with an occasional polite inquiry or answer. She’d never felt uncomfortable around him before, and she longed for the easy friendship they’d shared for so many months.
After helping him clean up, she stood on the opposite side of the marble island. “What’s the plan today? Are you going into town again to talk to more confidential informants?”
“I don’t think so. I put the word out yesterday with the ones I spoke to about letting others know what kind of information I was seeking. One of them will call me if something comes up.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Honestly, I’m kind of at a loss, not knowing who to trust anymore.”
“I don’t understand. Did something else happen? Why don’t you know who to trust?”
He studied her a long moment, then rounded the island. “Come to my office. I’ll show you something.”
She followed him down the long hall and stopped in surprise just inside what he’d referred to as his office. “This is a library, not an office.”
He’d continued to the large desk sitting in the middle of the room and turned to look at her. Then he glanced around as if for the first time. “I suppose you could call it that. I hired someone to decorate this place. I don’t really pay all that much attention to the details since I’m so rarely here.”
She stopped beside one of the built-in bookshelves that lined every wall, for two full stories. A balcony that ran the perimeter of the room provided access to the higher shelves. Rolling ladders gave access to the lower ones. “I could read a book every day and never read all of these. This must be what heaven is like.”
He shrugged and turned back to his desk.
Her delight in the space dampened with his lack of enthusiasm. She took a seat on the other side of his desk and waited to see what he wanted to show her.
He opened a laptop and typed for a moment, then turned it around, showing a picture of a yellow index card. “This was found in the warehouse where I was supposed to meet Butch and exchange money for Maria and the others.”
“Okay.” She crossed her arms on the desk so she could lean closer to read it. “Wait. I thought you said he didn’t show, that your cover was blown. That card says to meet Wolverine in a parking lot for further instructions.”
“It does. But it also says to smile for the camera. The warehouse was wired all over with cameras inside and out. And the original deal was no law enforcement or there was no deal. You were there. You saw what happened.”
She nodded. “Within moments of you going inside the warehouse, cops and special agents poured out of the woods and went inside too. I thought that was planned, part of the sting to rescue the women.”
“Yes, and to give them the benefit of the doubt, they did wait quite a while. Butch was a no-show. But I wanted to go inside and scope it out before they followed. Unfortunately, they didn’t wait. And as a result, no deal. Butch disappeared.”
“Did Wolverine show up the next day at the parking lot?”
He shook his head. “I was off the case officially then. But my contacts tell me that my boss staked out the lot all day, just in case Wolverine showed. He didn’t.”
She sat back. “Then he really is gone. The women have been taken somewhere else. I’ve lost my chance to rescue Maria.”
“I’m not so sure. Homeland Security put a net around Gatlinburg before we even went to the warehouse. They’ve been working with the state, using agricultural inspections as a guise to search trucks traveling on the highways. Bus stations and airports are under heavy surveillance. There’s no easy way for Butch to transport all those girls without coming under some kind of scrutiny. I imagine he’s hunkered down somewhere, in a house, maybe a remote barn or something like that until the heat dies down.”
The hope that had started to die inside her sputtered back to life. “That’s good, if all those people are trying to find them. Someone will see something, notice something. There’s still a chance. Right?”
“Yes and no. There are enough people involved so that Gatlinburg PD and Homeland Security have to make it look like they’re working hard to prevent Butch from leaving with his victims. But I believe that someone on the inside, maybe even someone in the district attorney’s office, is helping Butch, tipping him off so he can stay ahead of any searches. With them protecting him, it makes finding him nearly impossible.”
He stared at her, his jaw tight. “In spite of me trying to convince you that most of us in law enforcement are the good guys, it appears that you may have been right to fear me and the people I work with.” He punched a key on the laptop and another picture of a yellow index card appeared. “That’s what was on the back of the index card in the warehouse.”
For Homeland Security Agent Ian McKenzie.
She pressed a hand to her throat, immediately understanding. “Butch knew who you really were even before you went inside the warehouse, before the others showed up.”
“He did. And only a handful of people knew my true identity. I’ve been deep undercover for a long time, putting everything into motion. The only way for him to have known I’m a special agent with Homeland Security is if one of the men I’ve trusted all this time betrayed me.” He snapped the laptop shut and sat back. “That’s what I meant earlier when I said I wasn’t sure who to trust.”
She swallowed, hard, and asked the question that she had to ask. “I knew who you really were. At least, I did in the days before the warehouse meeting. Am I on your list of suspects?”
He frowned, then blinked as if the idea had never occurred to him. He immediately shook his head. “Of course not. Even if you weren’t vested in wanting your friend Maria rescued, you’re not the kind of person who would do that.”
She gave him a relieved smile. “I’m glad you know that I would never do something like that.” She frowned. “Wait. If you found that index card in the warehouse, then whoever betrayed you knows that you know, right?”
“Not yet, or at least I don’t think so. I was the only one there with the crime scene tech when he picked up the index card and turned it over. I haven’t told anyone about what was on the back because I’ve been trying to dig into who’s working the case to figure out who’d have a motive to help Butch. It’s not like a murder scene where we’re trying to get DNA or anything like that. Processing the index card isn’t uppermost on anyone’s priorities. It was dusted for fingerprints and came away clean. As far as I know, it’s now sitting in an evidence locker. Eventually, someone will see it, I’m sure. But there’s really no reason at present. The focus right now is on locating Butch and his victims.”
“How short is your list of suspects?”
He held up his fingers and used them to list the people most likely involved. “My boss at Homeland Security, the Gatlinburg police chief, an assistant district attorney who’s been our liaison
all along in this investigation, the special agent who’s been my liaison with my boss while undercover—”
“Chris Parker? The guy you asked to watch me at the duplex?”
He nodded and lowered his hands. “And you, of course. But I would never consider you as a suspect. Of the four I mentioned, Chris is the least likely. I called in an anonymous tip about him possibly accepting bribes, which initiated an immediate internal review of his finances. He’s been put on paid leave while the investigation continues. But my boss mentioned it offhandedly in a status call yesterday when I asked him how the search for Butch was going. From what Nash says, Chris’s bank records look squeaky clean, so they realize the tip is likely wrong.”
“And he’s a friend of yours?”
He winced. “Yeah, I know. Heck of a way to treat a friend. But lives are on the line here. I’ll tell him later why I did it. The most it does is inconvenience him and give him a paid vacation for a while. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
“I appreciate you letting me in on these details about the investigation. But I’m puzzled about why you did it.”
“No more secrets or lies. That was my vow to you yesterday. And I know how much Maria means to you. I wanted to lay it all out there so you’d know what’s being done to find her.”
“You’re a good man, Ian.”
His mouth tilted in an almost-smile. “For a cop, right?”
“You’re a good man, period. Proof that there are good cops out there. I’m just sorry it took me so long to realize it.”
His gaze captured hers for a long moment, as if he was searching for something. Then he picked up the manila folder sitting on one side of his desk and set it in the middle. “I need to get back to studying the case file, diving into the backgrounds on my pool of suspects and seeing if there’s anything I can do to steer the investigation based on my findings.” He waved toward the bookshelves. “You’re welcome to look around, find something to occupy your time while you have to stay here. I know you love to read.”
She glanced longingly at the bookshelves, but shook her head. “Maybe later. Ian, how long do you think Butch will keep the women in hiding before he gives up?”
“Gives up? I don’t see him ever turning himself in.”
“That’s not what I mean.” She splayed her hands on top of the desk and drew a shaky breath before voicing her deepest fear. “If he feels the net around the city is too tight and he won’t be able to escape with the women, do you think he’d try to escape on his own? Would he leave the women behind somewhere, locked up so they can’t get away and tell anyone about him? Could they even now be without food, water, left on their own to...” She choked on the last word, but from the grave look in his gaze, she knew she didn’t have to say it. And her questions didn’t seem to surprise him either.
“You’ve already thought about that possibility, haven’t you?”
He gave her a crisp nod. “It’s my deepest fear, that we’ll find them after it’s too late to save them. Which is why I need to get back to work.”
She put her hand on top of his, stopping him from opening the folder. “You need a sounding board, don’t you? Someone other than me. Someone who’s smart and has a background in law enforcement. Someone who knows the system and has established contacts over several decades. Someone who isn’t currently connected with the police, Homeland Security or the district attorney’s office, but yet knows the inner workings—I would imagine—of all three groups.”
His jaw tightened, and he tugged his hand from beneath hers. “Don’t, Shannon. Don’t ask me to do that. You know I can’t. You know why.”
She gave him a sad smile. “Yes, I know why. Maybe it’s time he knows why too. And maybe you can give him this chance to atone for what he did, and in the process save the lives of thirty women. Ian, the time has finally come. You need to go see your father.”
He shoved back from his desk and left the room, firmly shutting the door behind him.
Shannon’s shoulders slumped. In the span of just a few days, she’d managed to destroy her most treasured friendship. And now she’d made the man who’d professed to love her become the man who hated her. He’d trusted her enough to tell her about what happened all those years ago. He’d trusted her enough to tell her how he felt about her. And he’d trusted her enough to share details about the case, even though she knew it was against the rules of his job. And what had she done? She’d turned on him. Or at least that was how he must feel. And now he’d literally walked out of her life. There was no coming back from this. She’d well and truly lost him.
The door opened behind her. She turned in her chair to see Ian standing there in his black leather coat, carrying her jacket across his arm.
She stood and slowly crossed the room. “This is it, then, I guess. You’re turning me over to someone else to guard me until the danger has passed?”
“No. We’re going to see the Mighty McKenzie.”
Chapter Twenty-One
When Ian pulled into the long row of paved parking spots in front of his parents’ two-story cabin that rivaled his monstrosity in size, he didn’t recognize any of the vehicles parked out front. But the green-and-white SUV with a National Park Service shield on the door was a big clue.
“Ian?” Shannon asked beside him. “Is something wrong?”
He arched a brow.
Her face flushed. “I mean, besides the fact that we’re even here—which I sincerely appreciate. I know how hard it was to—”
He covered her hand with his. “It’s okay, Shannon. I can never stay angry at you for long, and I’m way past that. It’s just that asking my father for help in any way is a bitter pill to swallow.” He motioned toward the other vehicles. “Especially since he took my phone call as an opportunity to stage a mini family reunion, or maybe an intervention. My brothers are here.”
“Oh.” She gave him an apologetic look. “I’m really, really sorry.”
“If the Mighty McKenzie patriarch can help us rescue some victims of human trafficking, it will all be worth it.” At least, that was what he kept telling himself.
One of the thick wooden double front doors opened and his mother stood there, smiling and waving. He could see the sparkle of tears on her cheeks. “Ah, hell. She’s crying.”
Shannon followed his gaze. “Your mom?”
“Margaret McKenzie, in the flesh.” He squeezed her hand again. “Prepare yourself. She’s a hugger.”
The look of panic that swept over her face had him regretting his warning. “It’s okay. If you want, I can be the bad guy and tell her to leave you alone, not to touch you. I’m pretty used to the bad-guy role in my family. I don’t mind.”
“No, no.” She wiped her hands on her jeans and smiled through the windshield at his mother, who looked about ready to jump out of her skin waiting for them. “It’s just...weird. I don’t think my mother ever hugged me.”
Ian was so stunned that he didn’t get out of the Charger fast enough to open Shannon’s door. Like the amazing woman she was, she marched right up to his mom and let herself be wrapped in what was likely a bone-crushing grip. His mom was almost as tall as him, and not exactly on the small side.
“Mom, let her go. I don’t think she can breathe,” he teased as he reached them.
“Oh, goodness. I’m so sorry.” She smiled through her tears at Shannon. “It’s just that Ian has never brought anyone home to meet us before.” His mother held both of Shannon’s hands in hers. “It is Shannon, right? I think that’s what William said.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Shannon seemed about ready to hyperventilate as she looked at Ian. He was about to correct his mother’s assumption that they were a couple, but she didn’t give him a chance. It was his turn for a bone-crushing hug.
A few moments later, a cough sounded behind her and she let him go, wiping her eyes. “It’s b
een so long. I wish you’d visit more often.”
“Let them in, Margaret. It’s downright cold outside.”
Ian stiffened at the sound of his father’s voice. It was Shannon’s turn to comfort him. She slid her hand in his and squeezed, then continued to hold his hand, which gave him the perfect excuse not to shake his father’s hand as they moved into the foyer. Instead, he nodded.
His father nodded just as stiffly, then smiled warmly at Shannon. “Miss Murphy. I’m Ian’s father, William. The woman who was crying all over you is his mom, Margaret. Welcome to our home.”
“Um, thank you, sir. We, ah, appreciate your help, especially on such short notice.”
Ian knew how intimidating his parents could be. Given Shannon’s past and how uncomfortable she had to be meeting a former judge and prosecutor, he couldn’t be prouder of her. He squeezed her hand again and smiled when she looked at him. She offered him a tentative smile in return.
His father’s smile faded as he turned to Ian. “You indicated in our phone call that you’re in a hurry, that the reason for this meeting is of an urgent nature. We can talk in my office.” He smiled at Shannon again. “Miss Murphy, would you like to join us or would you prefer to stay out here with Margaret? I’m sure she’d love another opinion on the decorations she’s planning for our sons’ upcoming weddings here on the property.”
Ian’s mom surprised him by shaking her head. “I can tell that Shannon wants to be a part of your discussion.”
Shannon looked grateful when she met his mom’s gaze. “Yes, ma’am. I’d like that very much.”
Margaret smiled. “No problem, dear. You go on ahead with the men. Normally I’d insist on being a part of the discussion too. But I really am behind on helping make some decisions on the upcoming weddings. I’ll get back to it.” She headed toward the kitchen.
His father hesitated. “Might as well be comfortable. We’ll meet in the great room instead of the office.”
As if on cue, or as if they’d been listening, which was what Ian assumed, his brothers emerged from the hallway that led to the office. Shannon seemed to sink against his side as he reintroduced his brothers to her. He knew she was remembering their first meeting in the hospital, when they’d all pointed guns at her. To be fair, she’d aimed a gun at them too.