“The Black Vipers,” I say, knowing exactly who they are.
“I arrested his brother a couple of years back,” Benson says. “Seized about four million dollars in product. We did everything we could to get his brother to roll on Salazar and give him up, but he took the fall for it all.”
Reid nods. “Ashford and the Salazar crew went to work right away, infiltrating your department, hacking phones and other devices to gain enough intel to blackmail and intimidate potential moles, including Gainey and Parker. And Ashfordbegan his plan to not only fuel his laundering operation but also to help exact revenge for his new business partner.”
Benson runs a hand through his hair, his body tense, jaw ticking with frustration and anger.
“Gainey and Parker were having an affair. We found hundreds of text messages and photos exchanged between the two of them. That must have been what they used as leverage to get their cooperation.”
“Fuck,” Benson murmurs, gripping the back of his neck.
“You weren’t the only one being targeted. We uncovered evidence involving narcotics units throughout other precincts in the city and a fuckton of dirty cops on his payroll. He knew you couldn’t be bought, so he had to find another way to get rid of you.”
Anger rolls through my body.
“What about the chief? Foster? Did you find anything indicating their involvement in this?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest, attempting to tamp down my simmering anger.
Not only is the man whom I thought was my father a lying piece of shit, but he’s also played a part in trying to destroy the man I love.
“Nothing,” Reid says, blowing out a frustrated breath.
“Foster had nothing to do with this,” Neil says with conviction from the other side of the room.
“Dad,” Reid starts, his voice calm but firm. “I think we should still be cautious of anyone outside of this circle,” he says diplomatically.
His father gives him a hard look but nods in agreement. “What’s the move?”
“We have enough evidence to arrest Ashford and send him to prison for a long fucking time. But we need more evidence ifwe are going to take down Salazar, too. There is nothing directly linking him to any of this. We need a confession.”
“And how do you plan on getting that?” Benson asks.
Reid’s gaze shifts to mine. “How do you feel about wearing a wire?”
While Reid, Karmen, and Oakley work out the details of the recording device, my father and I make ourselves a cup of coffee while standing off to the side of the room. I’m thankful he’s here. I know it eases his mind to have eyes on me, even though it’s completely unnecessary. I don’t have children, but I would imagine if I did, nothing could keep me from them.
“How’s Mom been feeling?” I ask before taking a drink of my coffee.
“She’s been good the last few days. More energy than she’s had in a while. I’m pretty sure it has to do with Reese being home.” He takes a sip of his own coffee, smiling affectionately. “She loves it when any of you kids are home, but you know how close those two are, her being the only girl and all. It’s done wonders for her spirit.”
Dad clears his throat. “How are things with you and Karmen?”
“We still have a lot to work on, but we’re good.”
He gives me a knowing smile. “She’s good for you.”
“Yeah, and how do you know that?”
“She challenges you. She makes you better. Plus, I’m your father. I know these things.”
We share a laugh.
“How long are you staying?” I ask.
He finishes off his coffee, then tosses the paper cup in the recycling bin next to the trash. “I’m on the red eye tonight.”
I should have known he wouldn’t leave her for long. Aside from his kids, my mother is his entire world.
I swallow around the emotion clogging my throat. “Do you think she’ll be okay?”
