Danielle Spooner hugged her. "Beth, I'm so sorry; you remember Trip?" She was sincere in her sympathy.
"It's been a long time, Trip.” Elizabeth took a wobbling step back.
"I was new to the job twenty years ago. I didn't forget your pain then and now. I'm sorry."
Kieran saw the shudder move through her. "Excuse us, as you can imagine, this is difficult for Dr. Reed."
Kieran wrapped his arm around her to lead her from the room. "Throw some water on your face." He reached into his suit pocket. "Drink this."
"Rumor has it you’re a tough guy. I will maintain the charade." She pecked his cheek and opened the protein drink.
When Elizabeth returned to the room a few minutes later, Kieran looked toward the doors and tipped his head at Julian and Archie. Todd Duran and Brynn Hackman joined the line.
Kieran whispered, "You don't have to do this."
Elizabeth resumed her place, front and center. "For Marty I do." Two other operators protected the entryway to allow Archie and Julian to come closer.
Todd walked beside Brynn. When her attempt at surprise at Kieran’s presence failed, Todd's eyes widened with a new awareness. "Dr. Reed, my name is Todd Duran. I'm from Homeland Security. I had the pleasure of meeting your father when he was governor. I am so sorry. This is Brynn Hackman. We heard the terrible news on our way here for business. We wanted to express our condolences."
"Thank you for coming."
Todd moved to say a prayer at the coffin, but Brynn remained. "Dr. Reed, I met your father once when he was first elected governor. I was an intern for the incoming Iowa senator. I also spent some time with Martin Bailey. Kieran, I'm sure Ian told you, he called me for help. I told him I couldn't help a murderer. Again, I'm sorry for your loss." Brynn walked off to say a prayer.
"How does Marty know her?" Elizabeth's eyes narrowed.
Kieran gave her a small laugh. "Martin refers to her as a snake in the grass."
As the session continued through the evening, she remained stoic. "Chère,you did well. Let me take you home." Julian took her hand.
"I want to check on Austin, Troy, and Lissa, and I need to hold Lola. I want to go to the hospital."
Kieran pulled Julian to his side. "Watch her like a hawk. I need to call Todd Duran. He's in the dark."
SLAP. "Wakey-wakey." Martin turned his head to focus on the hand that struck his cheek. Brynn Hackman was sitting across from him. "Hello, Martin."
"I figured you'd climb out of your pit." Martin scanned the room and saw the one-way mirror.
"You called me—said you had information for me. I saw your ex-boss Kieran, and your ex-fiancée at her daddy’s wake. She will be ex-everything soon enough," she yawned.
"You touch one hair on her head, and I will..." Martin's eyes blazed with anger.
"You'll do what? You are not in a position to do much of anything. I'm looking forward to seeing you die. The failure of this operation will land squarely on you and Chase Security. I won't have to worry about you getting in the way anymore," she acted triumphant.
"Tell me, Brynn, how did you become caught up in this? Power, money, or sex?"
"What if I told you none of the above?"
"Ah, then, daddy issues. After all, Daddy got you the Homeland job. You've never earned anything without his help. You figure you would show him?"
"You bastard, you don't know what you’re talking about.” She slapped Martin hard across the face again.
He tasted the blood that dripped from the corner of his lip. "You do realize Ian and Kieran are aware of all the information I know." His chin rose, mocking her.
"Ian told Todd it was your show. Kieran told me the same thing." Her mouth pinched.
"Because, baby, we had a big fish on the hook. We played you. What do you think Jenner is going to do to you when he learns you’re the weak link? He hit you yet? Maybe he's introduced you to his preferred manner of fucking?" Martin joked at her expense.
"I don't have to take this from you. I’m going to tell Kieran and Ian I had a change of heart after the viewing, but you took advantage of my kindness and attempted to escape, dying in the process." Brynn banged on the door.
