“You did all the hard work.”
“Maybe, but I wouldn’t have been able to get the search warrants without you. I’ll let you know what happens after my stories are published.”
“Sounds good.”
Before common sense kicked in, she stepped into Matthew’s arms and gave him another hug. She forced a smile as more tears filled her eyes. “Two hugs in one night. We’re setting a world record.”
“If you don’t leave now it won’t be the only world record you’ll have to beat,” Matthew said gruffly. “You need to hurry or you’ll miss your flight.” He leaned forward and kissed her quickly on the lips. “Call me as soon as you land.”
Ashley stepped into the elevator and pushed the button for the first floor. When she was finally alone, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
There were lots of reasons why she needed to leave Bozeman. It was the best thing she could do for her career, she had friends she loved and a life in New York that was better and busier than what she’d ever had here. She’d left once, and she had even more incentive to do it again.
The doors opened and she pulled her carry-on into the security area. With a trembling hand, she wiped her eyes and looked through a window at the crowds below.
Matthew and Jason were still in the terminal building. While Matthew spoke to someone on his cell phone, Jason scanned the people around them.
Ashley had no idea what he was looking for, but it must have been important. The frown on his face was enough to stop anyone getting close.
When Matthew ended his call, Jason started talking.
Matthew nodded a few times then looked at the people taking the escalator to the first floor. He said something to Jason, then rubbed his forehead.
She hoped whatever they were talking about had nothing to do with her, because they seemed worried.
A child screamed from somewhere behind her and Ashley glanced at her watch. Shereallyneeded to get through security.
Her carry-on spun on its wheels as she hauled it to the nearest line of people. With her ticket clutched in her hand, she tried to think positive thoughts, but all she could see was the sadness in Matthew’s eyes when she’d said goodbye.
***
As soon as she walked into the arrivals area of LaGuardia Airport, Ashley saw Bonnie. She was waving frantically from beside Harry.
She smiled and waved at her friends. Her gaze landed on a man standing beside Harry. He had the same kind of guarded expression as Jason. He wasn’t here to welcome anyone home.
Ashley moved through the crowd, heading straight into her friend’s open arms.
“It’s so good to see you,” Bonnie said as she hugged her tight. “I made a sign welcoming you home, but Harry didn’t think it was a good idea to bring it.”
Harry kissed her cheek. “Welcome home.” He nodded at the man standing beside him. “This is Special Agent Fallon. He works for the FBI.”
“What’s happened?”
Bonnie pulled her close. “Wait until we’re in the car.”
Harry and Bonnie took a suitcase each, wheeling them quickly across the terminal. Ashley looked at the FBI agent. He was studying the people around them, blocking access to anyone moving too close.
The wheels of her carry-on bumped over a mat as they left the building. Even at ten o’clock at night, the hot, sticky, summer heat hit her like a blast from a furnace.
They moved quickly along the sidewalk, dodging families with mounds of luggage and people who looked as though they were lost.
The FBI agent veered left. The lights on an SUV blinked as he unlocked the doors. “Get straight into the car. I’ll organize the bags.” He took her carry-on out of her hands and led her toward the passenger door.
“I’ll sit beside you and explain everything,” Bonnie said from behind Ashley.
As soon as they’d pulled on their seat belts, Special Agent Fallon started the ignition and drove out of the parking lot.
Harry’s relieved sigh did nothing to calm Ashley’s nerves.
