Page 93 of The Truths We Find

“When charges are officially brought against Tate and Sam, you give Alexa Li the exclusive details a few days before anyone else.”

“Trying to get another award, huh?”

I shake my head. “No. This has nothing to do with that. I won’t be touching this story. It’s hers.” My chest tightens as I say it, knowing what that means. “I can’t report on it because of my personal ties. It would destroy my credibility.”

And I know how this goes. When charges are filed and this inevitably ends up at trial, I’ll be dragged into that courtroom because of Sam. Because of the years I spent with him. Because of this conversation right now.

Agent Russo thinks for a second, then holds out his hand. “Deal.”

We shake and he gestures towards the door. As we walk down the long hallway, he talks through his plan to get a forensic team together to meet at my apartment.

When we reach the lobby, I spot Gavin sitting in one of the plastic chairs. His elbows rest on his bouncing knees, hands folded, head down. He looks… nervous.

“Hey,” I say, approaching with my best attempt at a reassuring smile.

“Oh my God, Dani!” He jumps up and closes the distance between us in an instant, pulling me into him so there’s no space left.

I wrap my arms around his middle, pressing my head against his solid chest.

He rests his cheek on the top of my head. “Are you alright? No one would tell me anything.”

I hold on tighter, refusing to let go. “I will be,” I whisper, letting the warmth of him ground me.

Agent Russo clears his throat, and Gavin and I slowly separate.

“Danielle, the team will be at your place in a few hours. We ask that you not return until you hear from me. Do you have somewhere to stay in the meantime?”

For a split second, the weight of that hits me. Don’t return. Like my home isn’t mine anymore. Like it’s already a crime scene.

I glance up at Gavin, then back at Agent Russo. “Uh, yeah. I have a few places I can go.” I sound steadier than I feel.

He hands me a business card. “Call me if you think of anything else. We’ll be in touch.”

I nod as he turns and walks down the hall, his footsteps echoing longer than they should.

The moment he’s out of sight, Gavin whispers in my ear, “What the fuck is going on, Dani?”

I wish I had an answer. I wish any of this made sense. Instead, all I can see is Sam’s face, replaying every memory like it’s been edited with a darker filter.

“Let’s just get back to your place,” I say quietly. My chest feels tight, my thoughts loud and chaotic. “Please? I need a drink.”

Once we’re inside Gavin’s house, I head straight for the couch and collapse into the corner of the sectional that’s unofficially become my spot. The familiarity of it should comfort me. Instead, everything feels slightly off.

I’d planned to tell him everything on the drive home. I’d even started rehearsing it in my head. But exhaustion knocked me out within minutes. The next thing I remember is Gavin gently nudging me awake in the driveway.

He walks into the living room now with two beers and hands one to me before sitting beside me. The couch dips under his weight.

“What’s going on?” he asks, watching me closely. “Do we need to call a lawyer?”

His question barely registers. My brain is still stuck somewhere between Tate’s muscle and military manipulation.

“Where are Emmett and Alexa?” I ask instead.

“They’re still at Alexa’s place. She wanted to come here, but Em convinced her to give us space.” He watches me carefully. “I texted her when you left with the detectives and again when we left headquarters. They’ll come by later if you’re up for it.”

“Yeah… maybe.” My voice sounds distant, even to me. “I don’t know what I’m feeling right now.” That’s not entirely true. I feel everything. Anger. Betrayal. Humiliation. But none of it has settled into something I can name.

“First things first,” he says gently. “Do you need a lawyer?”