Page 25
“IT’S A LOGICAL conclusion,” JD stated confidently in the bustling CI office on Gulf Island as he leaned back in his chair. The faint sounds of typing and murmured conversations served as a backdrop while Casper absorbed his words. Across the table, Cassie observed him thoughtfully. Sitting beside her was a newcomer named Daisy, who had just returned from her research expedition.
As Nettie returned to the office, flanked by Doc and Cowboy, Casper remained at the table with JD and Cassie. Daisy’s demeanor was proud, and a hint of excitement in her tone chimed in. “I meticulously sifted through all their cases. This is the only instance where their paths intersect.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their implications.
Cassie’s brow furrowed slightly as she added, “That’s assuming you believe David’s accident wasn’t simply an accident. If it was just a mishap, you risk jeopardizing everything you’ve built by pursuing this line of inquiry.” The tension in the room was palpable as Casper weighed her caution against the unsettling gnaw in his gut.
Before Casper could gather his thoughts, JD interjected, “The only element that seems disconnected is the series of threatening notes. They surfaced before your brother was apprehended. And the first shooter claimed not to know the notes. Or at least that’s what he insisted before he met his untimely end.”
Casper felt a deep pang in his chest as though the weight of the investigation’s implications was pressing down on him. “Then we’re looking at two separate individuals involved in this,” he concluded, struggling to make sense of the chaos.
Cassie raised an eyebrow, a mix of skepticism and concern illuminating her features. “Do you genuinely believe your brother could have orchestrated the entire scheme from inside a prison cell? I’m talking about the first shooter.”
“It’s a possibility.” The words tasted bitter on his tongue. “He associates with a dangerous crowd, one I would choose to steer clear of at all costs.” A sense of betrayal washed over him, twisting in his gut at the thought that his brother might be linked to the alarming string of incidents involving Nettie. He pondered what his brother’s thoughts might be when Casper intervened to save her, time and again. But dwelling on that notion was a luxury he couldn’t afford. He had to resolve this case swiftly so that Nettie could reclaim her life, free from the shadow of HIS agents infringing on her privacy or invading her home for her supposed protection.
Casper rose to his feet, the weight of determination settled on his shoulders. “You focus on the notes,” he suggested despite the swirling chaos in his mind. “I believe we’re dealing with two different individuals in this case. I’ll handle the shooter angle.” With that, he turned away from the cluttered table, only to pivot back, a grateful spark illuminating his eyes. “Thank you.”
JD acknowledged him with a nod, his expression softening as he cast a fond gaze at his fiancée. “Anytime, my friend. We owe you more than you can possibly imagine.”
A broad grin broke across Casper’s face, momentarily dispelling the turmoil. “So, when’s the big day? When are you two finally tying the knot?”
Cassie’s face lit up, radiating joy. “Soon,” she replied. “We’re just waiting for Mom and Levi to come back.”
Casper felt a swell of happiness for the couple. Their journey had been fraught with challenges, yet they had emerged stronger and more united than ever. The bond they shared was something that Casper deeply yearned for in his own life. Yet, it was like chasing shadows at dusk—ever elusive.
Nettie drifted into his thoughts like the gentle ripples of water, her image bringing forth a vivid tableau of a shared life full of laughter and dreams. For a fleeting moment, he envisioned them side by side—she, with her bright smile as an attorney navigating the legal landscape of Mississippi, and he, an agent in the bustling realm of Maryland, dedicated to his work. However, that romantic vision slipped away like sand through his fingers, leaving behind a stark reality. The constraints of their careers anchored them firmly in their respective states, making any notion of togetherness feel utterly impractical. The possibility of their paths crossing seemed limited to fleeting moments of passion, yet even that seemed uncertain and distant in the face of their hectic lives.
“Good luck, man,” JD said, rising to his feet, the shadow of concern etched on his face. “You’re going to need it.”
Cassie cleared her throat softly, her gaze darting to JD. A spark of pleading flickered in her eyes.
Sensing the tension in the air, Casper asked curiously, “Was there anything else?”
“No,” JD replied firmly, but the moment was lost as Cassie shook her head decisively.
“He should know what he’s walking into,” she insisted, her tone grave.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Casper snapped, anxiety creeping into his voice. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on him, and he grew increasingly concerned about his brother and the unsettling climate surrounding them.
“Well,” Cassie began, “Nettie asked me to look into you because she suspects—no, she believed—you might be involved in the incidents. You know, trying to craft a narrative of her beloved hero to influence her during your brother’s case.”
Casper felt a wave of insecurity wash over him, draining away the confidence he had once carried. “What?” The revelation struck him harder than a punch to the gut, leaving him reeling. The thought that Nettie, someone he trusted deeply, could suspect him of being behind the troubling incidents was a bitter pill to swallow.
“Anyhow, I have information on Marie and her daughter, Kayla, if you want. I could only go so far without Levi, but Devon could do much with the information.”
Casper’s gaze flickered to her. Uncertainty was etched across his features. Part of him hesitated, fearing the truth that it might unravel. Yet, a deeper instinct stirred within him—the desire to embrace his responsibility if he was indeed the girl’s father. The first thing he would do would be to confiscate that cursed phone from her possession, a device that seemed to fuel more trouble than connection.
As he braced for whatever news awaited him, he tentatively reached out, and Cassie placed a small, unassuming file in his palm. Its weight felt significant as if it harbored secrets that could alter everything.
“I’m trusting you not to disclose this conversation to Nettie,” Cassie warned, her tone serious. “I believe you need to understand the full extent of your situation and what you’re confronting from all angles.”
Casper closed his eyes momentarily, gathering his thoughts, then opened them with a renewed sense of purpose. “Thanks. I’ll keep it quiet.” He meant it wholeheartedly. Now, he faced the formidable task of convincing Nettie that he was one of the good guys, battling against the doubts entwined around him like a thick fog.
As he sat in the driver’s seat of his rugged Jeep, the afternoon sun glinting off the vehicle’s glossy exterior, he found himself fixated on the worn folder resting on the passenger seat. The silence was abruptly shattered when his phone rang, causing him to jump slightly. With a quick motion, he accepted the call through the Bluetooth speaker embedded in the dashboard.
“Hey, man,” he greeted, trying to shake off the lingering tension.
Jesse’s voice came through the speaker. “How are things? How did the meeting go? Sorry I couldn’t sit in, but we pulled an urgent government case that required pulling some guys off vacation.”
“Did you need the men here?” Casper asked, his brow furrowing with worry. He was reluctant to reduce the security detail around Nettie until he could get a handle on his brother’s erratic behavior and the looming threat that encircled her.
“No, we’re good,” Jesse replied, his tone more reassuring. “Only those who voluntarily returned are going. As expected, we have enough staffing. It’s a kidnapping case involving a diplomat’s child, so I had to turn away agents who were itching to help.”
Casper felt relief and worry wash over him as he processed the situation’s urgency, glancing back at the folder that seemed to hold the weight of his decisions.
“Can I ask you something personal?” Casper hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. With his experience and understanding, Jesse seemed the perfect person to confide in about his predicament.
“Of course! What’s on your mind?” Jesse replied.
Casper took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “How did you navigate the challenges of being a single father while embarking on your career with HIS? Did you ever experience any conflicts when leaving Reagan for extended periods with Mrs. Kessler?”
“It wasn’t easy, I won’t lie. I was fortunate to have Mrs. K. in my life long before Kate and I tied the knot. She was so much more than a housekeeper to us. Now that we’re married, she still helps by looking after Reagan, but we’ve prioritized ensuring that one of us is always home with her. But what’s happening? You seem a bit anxious.”
With a mixture of dread and an unexpected surge of pride in his voice, Casper finally revealed his news. “Well, Jesse,” he said slowly, his heart racing, “I might be about to become a father.”
With the quiet on the other end of the line, Casper thought he’d lost Jesse before his boss said, “I told you not to sleep with the client.”
Casper could feel a storm brewing inside him as he recognized where Jesse’s mind had wandered. He took a deep breath, trying to push the anger down, but it bubbled beneath the surface. “No. No. It’s not her,” he insisted, the words tumbling out fervently. Deep down, he couldn’t deny the flicker of desire he felt for Nettie, but the reality weighed heavily on him. “Kayla is sixteen.”
“Are you certain she’s yours?”
Casper shook his head slowly even though Jesse couldn’t see it, the weight of uncertainty pressing down harder. “No. Cassie did some digging, but before I dive into this mess, I’d prefer to see if Devon can uncover some answers. I’ve already got too much on my plate.” The chaos swirling around him was almost too much to bear. It felt like a tidal wave threatening to crash. He realized he desperately needed to find a way to regain his equilibrium, perhaps with a quiet meditation session to center himself again.
“Not a problem,” Jesse replied, his tone steady. “Just send him whatever you have. He’ll dig into it for you.”
A wave of relief washed over Casper at Jesse’s reassurance. Knowing a plan was in motion made the burden feel a little lighter. “Thanks,” he said, as he began to feel a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.
“Okay, while we’re working through that, how is the protective detail shaping up?” Jesse inquired.
Casper took a breath and began detailing the situation. He explained the unfortunate incident involving the other Assistant District Attorney, weaving in the new adjustments to their plans. “She’s at the office now, trying to keep things normal. I’ve assigned Cowboy and Doc to watch over her during the day, and for the night, Nemo and Pup will take their shifts.”
“Those are solid pairings. Did you consider having one of the women stay with her at home? I can send Rylee if you need reinforcements.”
Casper’s jaw tightened slightly. “I’ve got it all covered.”
“Let me guess,” Jesse said. “You’re planning to crash there yourself.”
Casper rubbed the back of his neck, his discomfort palpable. “Yeah, but don’t worry about it. She thinks I’m one of the bad guys, and I’ve got a steady career waiting for me in Maryland, so nothing will happen,” he hurriedly added, the words spilling out in one breath.
“Uh huh,” Jesse replied, his tone serious. “Just ensure you keep it that way. I mean, not that she thinks you’re one of the bad guys, but that nothing untoward happens.”
“Sure thing,” Casper said.
“Now,” Jesse pressed, shifting the conversation back to business, “where are you with the case? Have you managed to get any leads yet?”
Casper took a deep breath, dread pooling in his stomach as he prepared to unveil the truth to his boss. “I do have a suspect,” he admitted, his voice low and weighed down by the gravity of his revelation. “It’s my brother.”