She looks at me as though I’m not too bright. “They killed them.”
“How’d they cover their tracks?”
She shrugs. “Most cases were declared suicides, but some were linked to serial killers. They’d use the same strategies to kill their victims.”
I clench my jaw, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
“You’re CIA. This must not be surprising.”
I shake my head. “No, not surprising. I’m trying to put together many different puzzle pieces at the moment. You heard the CEO is dead, right?”
She nods. “But they still know I know.”
I sit forward, placing my arms on my knees, softening my voice. “Who knows?”
It’s like trying to calm a wounded animal. She’s about to shut down or bolt. It’s in the gleam of her eyes.
She shakes her head, dropping it into her hands. “I don’t know. Whoever he was working with. Whoever controlled the drugs and human trafficking.”
“What was his role in all of it?”
She raises her head, blue bloodshot eyes meeting mine. “He traded and sold people and drugs. They profit-shared. He kept the authorities away using money and influence, which allowed their operation to rake in billions.”
None of this is surprising, but somehow, I didn’t expect the scope of it.
“And you’re afraid whoever he worked with is still after you?”
She nods. This time, moisture fills her eyes.
I reach out a hand and place it over her clammy one. “We’re going to find them, and in the meantime, I’m going to put you up in a safehouse with the CIA.”
Her eyes widen. “Really?” She almost chokes on her words, the relief evident.
“How long have you been here?”
“A year.”
She’s been living in seclusion and fear for a year?Fuck. How many others got out and are living the same life? I’m terrified to ask.
I pat her hand. “You ok to come with me now? Or would you like me to send someone tomorrow so you can get your affairs in order?”
She looks around the room, and as she does, I notice how skinny she is.
I change my mind.
“I think you should come with me.” I’m firm, but my voice remains quiet.
Her eyes find mine again, and there’s a bone-deep relief that takes over. She nods as I lead her out of the prison she’s been living in.
She squeezes my hand until we reach my car, and I open the passenger door and let her slide in before shutting it. Walking to the driver's side, I shoot off a text to Ella.
Nova:I need a safehouse for a witness.
Ella:Witness for Owen?
Nova:Witness for the crimes of the CEO of the third company.
Text bubbles pop up then disappear. Because I don’t want to scare the woman, I get in the car and put my phone away.
