Page 95 of Trapped Truth

“I’m interested in your knowledge of Nolan Madden’s operation, particularly when he relocated after our investigation. Clearly, you remained in contact with his son.”

“Blaine has hired my help multiple times. Yes.”

Most recently to locate Ember, then to track down Gracie Livingstone. The latter of which Gunnar only agreed to do in exchange for my head on a stake. Clearly, his professional talents are reserved for the highest bidder.

“Through our limited interactions, it was clear that Nolan Madden was driven by revenge,” Gunnar reveals. “He was obsessed with rebuilding his reputation and influence, one kill at a time.”

“Did you assist with those kills?” Tone clipped, Warner maintains a veneer of calm.

“I did whatever I was paid to do, Agent Mead. There’s no need to act all high and mighty now. I’m sure this company has overstepped many ethical lines to achieve its own goals.”

“Perhaps that’s true, but we don’t fan the flames of conflict unnecessarily. You didn’t find working for both Nolan Madden and his son to be a conflict of interest?”

My twin’s grin is downright predatory. “Do you think that terminology exists in my line of work?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“My clients don’t buy my loyalty; that price would be too steep for all the world’s riches.” There’s not an ounce of doubt in his voice. Just pure cockiness.

The concept of him bouncing between criminal empires, hiring out his services where their own ranks have failed, delivering results without being traced… It’s no wonder he was in demand. Afterwards, he had the benefit of fleeing while whole empires tore themselves apart.

Ew… Am I impressed right now?

“I’m going to show you a sketch and a 3D render.” Warner removes the papers from his notepad. “Tell me if you ever crossed paths with this woman while working for Nolan Madden.”

“He hosted a great many women, you know.”

“Hosted? That’s debatable.”

“You know what I mean,” Gunnar grunts.

Printed references to the mysterious Angela are slid across the table. From Blaine’s old, crumpled photograph and Gracie’s sketch, Fox used cutting-edge software to create an age-progressed composite. It’s rather lifelike.

After studying the images, Gunnar flicks the paper aside. “This is a dangerous thread to follow.”

“Tell me who she is.”

“If you’re asking me about her, then you already know.”

Thank fuck Blaine isn’t here to listen to this with me. Last I heard, he’d taken off to check in with his people. Probably needed space to cool off and think. That hasn’t stopped Ember from worrying about him relentlessly since Gracie’s breakthrough.

“Is Angela the mother of Blaine Madden?” Warner remains stoic, not even flinching.

I crane away from the laptop, almost afraid to hear the answer. Frankly, I’m terrified of what it’ll mean for our team and this investigation.

“She birthed him.” Gunnar dips his chin down once in a brief, flat gesture of confirmation. “That’s where her involvement ceased.”

“And she’s alive?”

“Last I heard. Yes.”

The screen slams shut underneath my white-knuckled hand. Just when I think we’ve uncovered the lowest of the low, a whole other dimension of hell opens up. Blaine’s ghost is back to haunt him, very much alive.

Yet still stuck.

Just like countless other victims.

I don’t have to love the guy to appreciate the ramifications of this discovery. Growing up never knowing your parent is one thing. Discovering she’s alive and has spent three decades in bondage might tip Blaine over the edge to the point of him starting an all-out war.