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Becca and Audrey seem to think on that for a minute. Audrey is the first to respond.
“Will you be able to find Becca’s sister if that’s the case?”
Pierce’s expression sharpens, his features turning hard and deadly. “We will find Becca’s sister—and anyone else we identify as a victim—no matter what.”
Becca turns to Audrey, directing her question at the woman beside her. “What does he mean?”
Audrey glances at me, and I give her a slight nod, letting her know it’s okay to speak freely. I think hearing the truth might help Becca with everything that’s going on.
Audrey focuses on the smaller woman. “If they can’t take these men down through the courts, they’ll hunt them down and eliminate them.”
Becca stares at Audrey for a minute, and I start worrying I’ve made a mistake. Maybe she’s not ready for the reality of what I do—what Alaskan Security does—even though she witnessed a small piece of it last night.
Becca turns to Pierce. “Why don’t you just go kill them now?” She sets her drink on the table, leaning both hands against the surface as she lowers her face in front of the camera. “Hell. Give me a gun and I’ll go do it myself.”
If Pierce is surprised by her words, he doesn’t show it. Instead, he calmly says, “If it comes to that, I’m sure we can arrange for you to obtain retribution.”
That seems to satisfy Becca. She picks her coffee back up, sucking down another long drink as she steps back into place.
But Audrey has more questions. “Who is this guy you found? What do you know about him?”
“He’s worked for the department for over a decade as an undercover officer. A few years ago, he became frustrated with his superiors’ focus on taking down a particular group within the city even though that group was no longer an issue. Since then, he’s been moved from place to place within the department because he’s now seen as a problem for rocking the boat.” A slight smirk lifts Pierce’s lips. “Which was a mistake because now he’s angry and wants to expose everyone involved in the corruption.”
Becca snorts. “Heclaimshe’s angry, but I’ve dealt with enough guys in that department to know they’re so far up each other’s asses they can’t even see the sun.” She shakes her head. “It’s probably just bullshit and he’s trying to set us up.”
Audrey doesn’t seem to be paying attention to Becca. Instead she steps closer to the computer. “Doyoubelieve him?”
“I do.” Pierce’s answer is immediate and unwavering.
Audrey turns to look at me. I know what she’s asking, and I give her another nod.
“Okay then.” Her gaze pauses on Becca before moving back to Pierce. “When are we talking to this guy?”
TWENTY
AUDREY
“This guy better be legit or I’m going to kill him.” Becca sits next to me in the back seat, arms crossed over her chest, scowling like she’s capable of the murder she’s threatening.
I get it now that I have someone I’d kill for.
Have killed for.
“You’ll have to get in line.” Maddox is tense, his whole body strung tight as we drive through downtown Memphis. “But if it makes you feel better, I’ll let you kick him when I’m done.”
Becca’s lips press into a considering line. “I’ll think about it.”
“Pierce believes him.” I’m still clinging to hope. Leaning into optimism. “And Intel didn’t find anything sketchy when they looked into his background.” Even if I didn’t believe Pierce, I’d believe Heidi, Harlow, and Mona. They seemed genuinely upset by what’s going on. If they saw anything during their investigation that caused concern, we wouldn’t be driving to meet Officer Romero at a hole in the wall Chinese restaurant on the other side of town.
We’d be hunting him down so Intel could ruin his life.
Becca gives me the side-eye from behind her glasses before turning to stare out the window. “I guess we’ll find out if they’re as good at what they do as they say they are.”
I understand her skepticism. I’d probably feel the same way if I didn’t have so much faith in Maddox.
Or if it was someone I cared about’s life on the line instead of mine.
“If he’s full of shit, I’ll take care of it.” Owen turns in his seat, eyes fixing on the woman beside me. “Nothing bad’s going to happen today.”