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“He was a menace to his family. I’m glad he’s dead,” I respond.

“You’re in the clear for killing him. It was an obvious case of self-defense. We can wrap it up as soon as we get your official statement. When can you come down to the field office?”

“Later.” I don’t commit to a day or time because I’ll go when I feel like it. I hate formalities.

“That said, we still have the kidnapping to deal with. We know you have the kid hidden somewhere on the property. We also realize you were just trying to protect him, and you did, but now’s the time to hand him over. We’ll place him in foster care until he can be moved into a good home.”

“A good home.” My jaw clenches as images of the hellish foster care home I was stuck in come rushing back. “We don’t know where he is.”

“Right. Did you know the FBI has a file on Underground Vengeance?” he asks far too casually.

“Nope.” I don’t know where he’s going with this, but I don’t like it.

“We know you protect people who can’t protect themselves. In some cases, the law failed the kids. In others, you went ahead with your own brand of vigilante justice.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I lie.

“Regardless, we’ll never stop looking for Max Curtis. It would be in your best interest to hand him over. We’ll look the other way on the outstanding cases we know you’re involved in, but you have to give him to us.”

“He’s not here.” I stare the agent down, unflinching.

“Here’s my card. I recommend you find him before the end of the day, or your file will move to the top of my priority list.”

“Are you threatening me?” I get right in his face, but he doesn’t back down.

“I don’t threaten. I promise.” His smile radiates the smug confidence common with FBI agents. I want to punch it right off his face but shove my clenched fists into my pockets instead. Now isn’t the time to fight. Max’s safety is still my top priority.

As soon as the agent leaves, I turn to Nina. “Where is Max?”

“In the safe room with Reaper and Talon.”

“We’re not turning him over to the feds.”

“Obviously.” Nina rolls her eyes. “How’s Julia?”

“The same.”

“I’m surprised you left her side.”

“Her parents showed up.”

“Did you talk to them?”

“No.” I rub the back of my neck.

“Why not?”

“What would I tell them? Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Brant. I almost got your fucking daughter killed. Oh, and I’m fucking her, too.”

“Is that all you’re doing?” Nina asks wryly.

“No.” I look away from her intelligent gaze.

“Are you okay?”

“No.” Lying to her is pointless. She can read my moods better than anyone.

“I’m making breakfast. Come in and talk to me.”