Choices will Destroy (An FBI Romance Thriller Book 14)

by Morgan Kelley

  “You’ve got a point,” Elizabeth stated. “Our kids would be safe. Once Ethan becomes director, even deputy, our kids will have security just like Gabe’s.”

  Right there was reason enough for them.

  “Okay, cons?” Callen asked.

  “The cases will be tough.”

  She laughed. “Uh, hello? Do you recall the last few? We’ve had a killer mummifying people, someone eating victims in chili, and Bonnie and Clyde. I already work some shittastic cases. What could they possibly throw at me? Dracula? Godzilla?”

  She had a point.

  “He’s giving me the option to pick my team. If that’s on the table, I can do this. We all know that I’m only as good as the people who work with me on a case. I need the best, and we have that.”

  The men looked hesitant.

  They were worried about her risking her life. It was clearly written on their faces.

  “I don’t doubt you, Ethan. How hard is it to give me the same courtesy?”

  He heard the hurt. “No, you’re wrong. I know you can do it. I just don’t know if I want you wearing a bull’s-eye. That’s the big difference. At FBI West, I can veto jobs, and we have done just that. Here…I can’t. If one comes in, you’re gone.”

  “You’re my profiler. If it’s out of town, you’ll be joining me, as will Callen. I can do this. I need a change. I moved out West when you were offered the job, Ethan. I never hesitated. I’m telling you that it’s time for me to make a change.”

  Both men were well aware of why she wanted a change. It had everything to do with Christopher Leonard and having to see his house every day.

  He got it.

  “It’s not just up to us. Let’s take a minute and call the other part of the team. He’s with our kids, and if he won’t go, we can’t leave him. You and I both know he won’t survive without his grandkids. This is his call.”

  “Are you saying we’re on the same page?” she asked.

  Ethan nodded. “I am.”

  Callen agreed. “I’m up for the move. I’ve never been outside of Damascus, except on cases. I could live here. With Dad, we’ll bring the Native population to eight.”

  She laughed. “There are reservations here. Just not as many, since white man pushed you savages out West.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Mmmmm…savages. That makes me think naughty things.”

  She snorted.

  Ethan pulled out his tablet and they got into position, flanking their woman. When Wyler’s face came on the screen, he was worried.

  “Are you three okay?”

  “Yes, why?” Elizabeth asked.

  “It’s the middle of the day, and you’re calling.”

  They could see the girls playing, but the boys? They were sitting on Johanna’s lap.

  Elizabeth started laughing. “We had a break. Why are my sons giving our agent the Blackhawk grin?” she asked.

  “They didn't learn it from me,” Wyler stated.

  Everyone looked at Callen.

  “Come on! They have good taste. Johanna is pretty. They have to start somewhere. Maybe they like older babes.”

  Wyler shook his head when Elizabeth punched his son. “Oh, Callen, when will you learn?”

  Ethan knew they needed to reel this in. “Dad, we have to talk to you a second.”

  “About?”

  “I was offered the Deputy Director position in DC.”

  The man stopped moving. “I see.”

  His smile was gone.

  Tears filled his eyes.

  Then he began wiping them. “I understand, son. You're moving and the kids are going too.”

  Elizabeth wanted to cry just from the look on his face. “Oh, Dad! We want you to come with us. We want to move, but we won’t unless you feel you can do it. You’ve lived there your whole life, and if you can’t move across the country, then we won’t.”

  “You’d stay for me? You’d give up that amazing opportunity and the prestige?”

  “It’ll come along again. I’d stay there if you wanted me to. Our kids need you, and we do too. There’s no way you’re being left behind. We all move together, or none of us move.”

  “Are you serious?”

  Callen loved his father very much. It took years, but they’d mended the fences.

  “Can you handle a move across the country?” he asked.

  “I can.”

  “Do you want to?”

  He thought about it. “There has to be one condition for me to do it.”

  They waited.

  “When my time comes, and I die, I need you to bring me back home. I want to be with my father, wife, and mother. I have to come back home.”

  Elizabeth was crying again.

  “Oh, sweetheart, don’t cry.”

  “Baby hormones. This sucks. I want off this rollercoaster,” she stated.

  The men each gave her a kiss.

  Ethan stared into his father’s eyes. “I promise to have you buried right next to my mother, your wife. I swear on Granddad’s grave.”

  “Then let’s go. I want to see some sites. Me and the kids can have some fun in the Northeast.”

  “That’s it?” Callen asked.

  Wyler laughed. “Yes. Where they go, I go,” he said, pointing at the kids. “Plus, I’d miss you three. I’ll pack again. You know, you could have decided this one house ago. It would have made our lives so much easier.”

  They started laughing.

  “I can’t believe we’re moving and taking new jobs,” Callen stated. “I think we live for the chaos.”

  Wyler cleared his throat. “You realize both your agents overheard your conversation, and they’re staring like deer in headlights.”

  Ethan forgot to have his father leave the room.

  Well, crap.

  “Get them.”

  He waited as his father handed them the tablet, and the kids were moved off Johanna’s lap. When they sat there, they tried to keep a straight face.

  “So, you heard our news.”

  “Yes, sir,” they said together.

  “Can I trust you to keep it quiet? If this gets out, the place will go to hell in a hand basket.”

  Johanna nodded. “Yes, sir. We’ll miss you both.”

  Elizabeth grinned. “Have you ever been to DC agents?” she asked.

  “Training and that’s it,” Brody said. “I’ve always worked out of Damascus.”

  “Me too.”

  “Would you like to move here? I’m allowed to pick my team, and I happen to know that left to your own devices, you tend to break the rules. You know, like getting hitched.”

  They stared.

  Ethan laughed. “Here we go. So much for keeping this under lock and key.”

  “Ma’am?” Brody asked. “Can you repeat that?”

  She grinned at them. They’d been through a lot, and they’d proved their worth. She couldn’t imagine not having Broderick and Johanna on their team.

  “I’m asking you if you’d like to join our team. I’m allowed to pick my agents and staff.”

  “Are you serious?” Brody asked.

  “Yes. I’ll warn you. The cases may be uglier than what we’ve worked already. It’s not going to be easy. You’ll have to work for it.”

  Brody glanced over at Johanna. He knew that she wanted away from Damascus. Her mother and Brody’s father had gotten married, too, and they were making her crazy.

  “I’m in,” Johanna said.

  “Me too,” Brody offered.

  Elizabeth grinned. “Okay, but keep it quiet. No one knows yet, and if it gets out…you stay behind.”

  They saluted.

  “Goofs,” she said, shutting down the tablet.

  “So, we’re doing this,” Callen said.

  “It looks like it.”

  “Let’s tell Gabe.”

  When they went to the door, he was sitting on the couch with four coffees beside him. When he looked up, they were smiling.

  “Have you made
up your mind?”

  “Yes. We have.”

  “And?”

  “We accept.”

  Gabe stood and crossed to his family. First, he shook hands with both men. “Welcome aboard.”

  Then he hugged Elizabeth.

  Bringing his mouth close to his ear, he whispered so only she’d hear.

  “Welcome home, honey. I’ve missed you.”

  And again, thanks to the hormones, she cried.

  * * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *

  Gabe’s Office

  After grabbing some lunch, they got down to business. There were papers to sign, as they were officially accepting their new positions.

  Livy joined them, and when she heard the good news, she wept, which then set Elizabeth off.

  It was brief, and immediately afterwards, the first thing out of her mouth was, ‘Can we be partners?’

  Gabe simply sat there laughing.

  He saw that one coming a mile away.

  As much as the idea freaked him out, he knew that his wife would be completely safe with Callen or Elizabeth. From what he’d seen, Callen was so in love with Elizabeth, that he’d never try anything with Livy.

  At the same time, Elizabeth was so in love with Livy that they’d watch each other’s back.

  Then, with Ethan’s help, they’d put out all the fires that popped up when the three of them wrecked the place.

  It was the best plan ever.

  When Elizabeth stood, she knew what she needed to do.

  “I’m heading down to autopsy to check on the team. I want to make sure Doctor Legend has everything under control.”

  Livy spoke up, “He’s running it like a pro. Carol Spade tried to pull some shadiness over on him, and he chewed her up and spit her out. Then, Merry, rode her ass like no one’s business. You can tell who trained them.”

  “Shit! I missed it? I love when my staff gets all riled up.”

  Gabe shook his head. He was definitely a masochist. Elizabeth was going to be a handful. “I’ll go down with you. I want to make sure they’re not wrecking the place. I do have to sign my name on the paper for this one.”

  Ethan went to stand only to have Callen grab his wrist. “Why don’t you stay with me? We’ll keep Livy company.”

  He knew what his brother was doing, and he wasn’t going to fight it. Honestly, he didn't want to see the woman on the table. When he had to remember her, it was going to be that time he stopped and had lunch with her.

  That was the memory he wanted, not what the killer had left behind. He couldn’t face it, and he was willing to be weak in front of the people who had his back.

  “I love you,” he called to his wife.

  She smiled at him, her hand on her belly. “I love you too.”

  When Gabe’s door closed, she grabbed his arm and hissed in pain.

  “Shit!”

  He lowered his voice as he helped her to the couch. “Lyzee, are you okay?” he asked.

  “Braxton Hicks. Bad.”

  Those were the only words she could get out while the pain wracked her body.

  He held her hand, trying to soothe her any way he could. When he glanced over at the door, he almost suggested getting Callen and Ethan.

  She stopped him. “If you do, they’ll freak out. It’s just some contractions. They aren’t the real thing. I’m still seven weeks away from my due date.”

  He placed his hand on her belly, and he could feel the baby going crazy. “Okay, here’s the deal. I don’t tell them, but after the trip to autopsy, we head to my place. You can put your feet up, and I’ll get you a whiteboard.”

  “Deal,” she said, getting back to her feet. “See? I'm okay.”

  She ran her hand over the baby.

  That one sucked.

  “Take it easy, Timothy,” she said, running her fingers over her bump.

  “So, that’s his name?”

  “Timothy Wyler. We’ll call him TW. It’s not as catchy as CJ and EJ, but since this is my last one, I need to cover all the grandparent bases. I’d hate to leave anyone out.”

  He laughed, leading her to the elevator.

  “Well, I like it. A kid needs a name that stands out, like Gabriel. It makes it easier to remember.”

  She agreed.

  When the elevator door closed, she stared over at him. “Why did you really give us this job?”

  “I told you because I want you back here. I miss you. Ethan set FBI West up so it can run itself, and I want something for myself. This case has made me nostalgic. I miss having BBQ’s.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “I’m jealous, okay? You found a new family out there with the Blackhawks, and I feel left out. We had fun. We used to watch games and laugh.”

  She thought of Chris.

  Elizabeth got it. They had done the same.

  “I want you back in my life. Livy does too. She needs her best friend. I need my sister.”

  She kissed him on the cheek. “I believe you, and since I do, you get to buy me my first drink—post baby.”

  He gave her a fist bump. “Absolutely. I have whiskey in my office.”

  “Great. I can see the news now. ‘Elizabeth Blackhawk, ball buster extraordinaire, gets tipsy at the FBI offices. Casualties expected’.”

  He laughed. “I retract my offer of booze.”

  When the elevator doors opened, they put on their serious faces. It wasn’t hard. Elizabeth was heartbroken over Kay. She wished she was quicker and could have saved her, but she knew better.

  She could only do her job.

  Over the last few cases, she knew the cold, hard facts. She wasn’t responsible for the crazy.

  It was out of her control.

  As they entered the autopsy suite, everyone was working in silence.

  That spoke volumes.

  When Merry looked up, she rolled her eyes, and Elizabeth got why. The DC techs were riding the FBI West ones. It was a competition to see who had the bigger balls.

  Well, that wasn’t going to fly.

  They all knew Elizabeth’s people were the best.

  Now that they were heading that way, this was going to be her home too. She expected everyone to up their game.

  “So, what do we have?”

  “Tox is still running, but we found a plethora of pills in the woman’s home, Director,” Merry stated.

  She wasn’t shocked. Kay was an elderly woman with a great deal of medical issues.

  “I see. What else?”

  “There was no alcohol, so she wasn’t drinking.”

  Carol snickered.

  Elizabeth caught it. “Problem?”

  “She was ninety. I doubt she’d be pounding booze in her downtime. She was probably addicted to ‘Wheel of Fortune’. Anyone want to buy a clue?”

  Merry went to say something, but Elizabeth signaled her. She would handle the woman in due time.

  “Doctor, what was TOD for Mrs. Feinstein?”

  Zane flipped through his papers. “It was late last night. I put it at about eleven or eleven thirty.”

  That made sense.

  “Carol, let me school you here on how I run my team. I know we’ve had this conversation before, but let’s revisit.”

  The woman didn’t look happy.

  “Merry’s job is to hit all the highpoints for me. She does Tox and blood screens. She’s not supposed to look at our victim and guess if she liked alcohol. If this woman was killed at eleven last night, she was likely moved later when no one was around. The snow was fresh, so that meant when it started at four this morning, she was in place.”

  Carol said nothing.

  “She’s following procedure. You’re speculating, and while I like a little guessing with my cases, blatant jackassery isn’t allowed. I’m the only one in here who gets to decide what is pertinent, and what isn’t. That’s why they gave me the flashy title and all the shitty responsibility that goes along with it.”

  Carol crossed her arms.

  “Cl
ear?”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes what?”

  “Yes, Director.”

  She smiled. “Thank you for that. Now, shall we continue?” she asked.

  Merry had to cover a smile.

  “I’m ready, ma’am. We pulled trace off of Mrs. Feinstein, and it’s running. One particular specimen was a blonde hair, but again, we didn't get a root, and I’m not able to pull anything related to DNA.”

  She figured as much.

  “How about at her townhouse? Did we find anything pertinent there?”

  “We swept it for prints, and I found a few on the doorframe. We’re running them now to see if they pull anything, but they could have been from anyone.”

  Elizabeth noticed Carol Spade looked bored.

  She wanted to wipe the smirk off her face. It was time to stop the woman from getting too big for her britches.

  “Yeah, you’re right about the prints. They could be from anyone. When I was first starting out, I had this case. One of the techs on the team actually stood in the doorframe and touched it. She wasn’t wearing gloves.”

  Merry laughed. “How long did it take to kill her?” she asked.

  “Oh, I didn’t, did I, Carol? I was new then, and I had boundaries, now… not so much. I pretty much say whatever comes to mind.”

  Zane laughed. “Yeah, you do.” He glanced over at the tech. “Get a thick skin, or get a new career, Ms. Spade. You won’t make it a week with the boss lady.”

  Wasn’t that the truth?

  She focused on her doctor. “What can you tell me?” she asked. Elizabeth noticed he was examining a part of the woman’s thigh.

  “I’m checking the cuts. I’ll have more for you in the morning. I had to put her back together in order to find a clean incision to examine. Doctor Leonard left me excellent notes. I’m going to miss him.”

  Carol made a comment.

  Elizabeth faced her. “I’m sorry, what did you say about Doctor Leonard?”

  “We heard he left. I’m not surprised. The only shocking thing is he lasted this long.”

  Her blood pressure shot up.

  Gabe went to say something, but Elizabeth had this one under control. There was no way she was going to let this tech insult a man she held in highest regards.