There it was. Motive.
Andi let the air leave her lungs slowly. “If you believe we’re suspects, then say it.”
The agent’s expression didn’t change. “Right now, I think you’re a complication.”
“We’re the ones who called this in. Why are you taking this other podcast more seriously than you’re taking our initial phone call?”
He didn’t respond.
Instead, he clicked off the recorder. “This investigation is ongoing. I strongly suggest you and your team stop inserting yourselves into it.”
Andi stood, legs steady despite the tension humming under her skin. “With respect, we didn’t insert ourselves. Someone pulled us in.”
CHAPTER
FORTY-EIGHT
Duke didn’t like being separatedfrom Andi.
He didn’t pace. Didn’t argue. He sat in the small interview room with his hands folded loosely in front of him, posture relaxed enough to read as cooperative. He answered questions when asked. Gave timelines. Confirmed travel details. Nothing more.
Still, the minutes dragged.
The agent had left him alone in the room.
Too long.
Duke waited.
The door finally opened, and the agent offered a clipped, “You’re free to go.”
Duke stepped into the hallway and joined the rest of the team in the lobby. The rest of the team—except Andi.
Of course, they were still questioning her.
Ten minutes later, she finally emerged.
Duke soaked in her details. She looked composed and controlled—like she always did.
But Duke caught the tightness in her shoulders and the way her gaze flicked to him.
He met her halfway down the hall.
He reached for her hand and quietly asked, “You okay?”
She nodded once. “I’m good.”
That was enough. For now.
“You?” She glanced up at him.
“Just worried about you.”
They joined the rest of the team for updates.
Matthew blew out a long breath. Rupert muttered something sharp under his breath about liability. Simmy’s shoulders eased, though she stayed close. Ranger didn’t say a word—his attention already drifting to his phone.
Two agents in two different vehicles drove everyone back to the hotel. The ride passed in silence, city lights streaking past the windows, Los Angeles glittering as if nothing underneath it was wrong.
