“Not currently.” He doesn’t give me any more information, and I don’t want to push, but when I’m about to say goodbye, he whispers, “She died of cancer a year ago.”
Oh, fuck.
I’m such an ass. I should’ve known.
Everyone at the CIA knows about what happened to my dad and why I joined the CIA in the first place. No one asks about it, but they’re at least aware. Here I am, not even realizing my new partner lost someone, too.
“That shit sticks with you. I’m so sorry, Gray.” It’s all I can offer, though I know it will never be sufficient. The hole they leave in your chest never quite goes away, no matter how much time has elapsed.
“Thanks, Nova,” he replies softly. There’s another long pause before he adds, “It’s been an honor to work with you. Your strength in the face of adversity is admirable—inspirational.”
My chest constricts. I’m no role model. I have anger issues, and I’m pretty sure I joined the CIA for revenge, chasing some unattainable justice.
“Get some sleep, Gray,” I say instead of telling him about all the insecurities that have lived with me since the day my dad died.
“Only if you do.” He chuckles, a bit of lightness returning to his voice.
“I’ll try,” I reply, though I’m sure he knows it’s not true.
Not five minutes after I hang up the phone with Gray, Ella calls.
“Eagan found an interesting lead,” she begins, her tone far too casual, which has me sitting up straighter.
I wait for her to continue, but she’s intent on drawing out the drama.
“Ella,” I grind out.
“The third company—and third victim—has been involved in some major cover-ups. Hushed lawsuits, employees disappearing. That kind of thing.”
“What were they trying to hide?”
There’s a long silence on the other end. “They covered their tracks well, but Eagan discovered some encrypted sites with discussion on the company. Human trafficking, drugs, and sexual assault were all mentioned.”
Somehow, her revelation doesn’t surprise me, but I let her finish.
“Eagan also found the name of a whistleblower that apparently the company tried to get rid of, but the person disappeared.”
My body tenses, and my question comes out so hopeful that it’s barely a whisper. “Do you have a location?”
I can almost hear Ella beaming on the other line. “Yes.”
I jump out of bed, even though it’s ten at night and I can’t be sure the person is still in the area. They’re likely halfway across the world if what Ella is saying is true.
“Want to hear the good news first? Or the bad?” she asks.
I frown but pull on black leggings and a fitted, long-sleeve, black shirt, sweeping my hair up in a ponytail. “Bad.”
“They have one hell of a security system, and the house is out of comm range.”
I swear under my breath. “And the good?”
“It’s within driving distance.”
Pausing by the large window in my bedroom that overlooks the Bay Bridge, I consider my options.
“You’re planning on going tonight.” It isn’t a question, and I can hear the resignation in Ella’s voice.
“What? No lecture?” I try to lighten the mood.
