Page 3

CHAPTER 2

“About time. Nice of you two to finally show up.”

Cooper flipped off Bellamy, stopping at the dog run near the main Brotherhood office before opening the gate — letting Whiskey join the other canines. Soda ran over to greet her older sister, the two trotting off together a moment later.

The realization that Ethan and Rusty were both there, along with Octavia, didn’t bode well. Suggested Hawk might know more than he was letting on, and this was the start of a full-scale operation.

That, or everything Hawk had said was a ruse, and this was some kind of relationship intervention with Cooper and Nova on trial.

Cooper rolled his shoulders, smiling at Nova when she moved in beside him, her hand brushing his. “We were out in five, just like we said. We can’t help it if Hawk drives like an old man.”

“I drive plenty fast, and it was more like fifteen. Though based on how you two showed up at the door, I was impressed.” Hawk motioned to the main office. “I’ve got my IT guy, Waylen Brown, waiting inside. He’ll set up the secure video chat with Assistant Director Cartwright whenever you’re ready, Nova.”

Nova nodded. “I’ll be right in.”

Hawk gave Cooper a quick side eye, before heading inside. Leaving Cooper’s team standing in an awkward silence.

Nova drew herself up, taking a few steps toward the door before stopping and glancing at Cooper over her shoulder. “Hey, Coop? How does my ass look?”

Cooper coughed, looking at his buddies before grinning at Nova as he motioned toward her butt. “Stunning. Why?”

“I just thought it’d be nice to have a baseline before my boss tears me a new one.”

She turned, then must have changed her mind because she was on him a second later, fisting his shirt then dragging him in for a soul-searing kiss — staring at him with that glow Hawk had claimed he’d noticed once she pulled away.

She smiled, swiping her thumb over his lips. “I needed the rush of endorphins. Not to mention you’re just too damn sexy. Give me a few minutes to get my head on straight, then we can all go in. No way Hawk summoned everyone if this only involves me, so...”

She spun and made her way to the main door, stopping short as she took a few deep breaths, looking as if she was reciting some kind of internal mantra.

Bellamy shuffled over, arching a brow as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Coop? Something you want to share with the class?”

Cooper gave him a shove. “Not a damn thing.”

“Right. Hawk mentioned Nova wasn’t staying at the rental I’d arranged. I can’t help but wonder where she’s been shacking up all this time. I don’t suppose you know?”

“Piss off. You know exactly where she’s been staying. And no, I’m still not going to share, so you jackasses can start pouting if you want.”

Rusty ambled over, placing a hand on his chest. “That’s cold, Coop. Really cold.”

“Yeah.” Ethan moved in on Rusty’s left. “It’s bad enough Bellamy’s keeping secrets, but we thought you were better than that.”

Bellamy scowled. “I’m not keeping secrets. You’ve known about me and Octavia since forever.”

Rusty rolled his eyes. “We’re talking about the pregnancy, dumb ass.”

Octavia inhaled, kicking Bellamy firmly in the shin. “You ass. You told Cooper, who obviously told everyone else, after swearing to keep it a secret until we were farther along.”

Bellamy winced, rubbing his shin before he glared at Cooper. “Of course, I told Cooper, just like you told Nova. But my ex -best friend promised he wouldn’t tell anyone else.”

Coop held up his hands. “Don’t look at me. I didn’t say shit about the pregnancy.”

“He didn’t have to. It all started with that grand romantic gesture you had us help with. Since then, it’s been painfully obvious every time you look at Octavia. You really need to work on that stupid love-sick grin you’ve got going.” Ethan crossed his arms over his chest. “Though, we’re a bit insulted Cooper knew, and we had to puzzle it out for ourselves.”

Cooper snorted. “Please, even if Bellamy hadn’t told me I would have figured it out. The sexual tension was so thick between them at that hotel in Columbia, it made its own gravitational field. And I was pretty sure none of us had packed condoms, so it wasn’t hard to guess they’d played baby roulette.” He glanced at Bellamy. “But Ethan’s right. You still need to work on your face.”

“Says the man who goes supernova whenever he looks at our resident DEA agent.” Bellamy winked. “See what I did there.”

“Dad jokes already?”

“I might not be the only one if Nova’s been sleeping where I think she has.”

“Unlike you and Octavia, we have restraint.”

“I happen to have plenty of restraint.” Octavia bumped Bellamy’s shoulder. “I can’t help it if the man couldn’t keep his hands off me.”

“Pretty sure it was the other way around, but…” Bellamy chuckled when Octavia swatted his chest. “And it didn’t look like restraint when Nova kissed you a few moments ago as if her career depended on it.”

Cooper grinned. “Trust me, compared to forty minutes ago that was us exercising restraint.”

“Whatever you say. Though, that reminds me. You owe me fifty bucks.”

“Shut up. I never took that stupid bet that we’d get together, and neither did Nova. And yeah, she told me you’d waved it in her face while she was staying at your place. Real smooth, by the way.”

“Don’t be a sore loser. It’s not a good look.”

Cooper glared at Bellamy, doing his best not to smile as he retrieved his wallet and slapped a twenty in Bellamy’s hand. “That’s all I’ve got on me.”

“You can owe me the rest.”

“That’s more than you deserve, jackass.”

“Are you done talking about me and Cooper or do you need a few more minutes to get all your kicks in?” Nova hitched out a hip. “Because I’ve probably kept my boss waiting long enough.”

Cooper sighed, joining her at the door. “If you’d prefer some privacy, we can wait out here.”

Rusty cleared his throat. “Ethan and I will keep an eye on the dogs, since Bellamy and Octavia were directly involved with Tate, and that might come up. You can shout if you need us.”

“Thanks. Though, I have a feeling you’ll be able to hear Cartwright all the way out here.” Nova reached for the door, but Cooper opened it for her.

He shrugged at her arched brow. “I figured I should get one more good look at your ass. You know, for that benchmark you mentioned.”

She tiptoed up and gave him another kiss, ignoring Bellamy when he said they needed to get a room, then walked inside. Chin held high. Shoulders back.

Cooper shook his head as Bellamy walked past, smirking at him when he made kissing noises then headed for where Hawk was waiting just around the corner. Discovering Hawk talking to Emery McClane, a serious crimes detective involved with one of the other Brotherhood guys, Flint O’Connell, raised that sense of foreboding to a full-fledged premonition. The kind that often came in the heat of battle that every soldier experienced but rarely talked about.

Nova must have been thinking along the same lines because she missed a step, quickly catching her balance before pulling up short — waiting for Cooper to move in beside her.

He sighed, leaning in close. “It’s starting to feel a bit crowded. Are you sure you want all of us here? I’d understand if you’ve changed your mind.”

And damn, the way she looked at him. As if he’d hit his head and was suffering from a concussion. “Are you high? I need someone to help bust me out of here if this ends in handcuffs.” She inched closer. “And not the fun kind.”

He bit back a growl. “You said that on purpose.”

“From the look of things, I’m going to have a lot of free time, so…”

“Cartwright’s not going to fire you.”

“Something’s brewing.”

She struck off, joining Hawk and Waylen by the computer. Nodding when Waylen motioned to the keyboard. They chatted for a while before she moved back, drawing herself up as the monitor flickered to life, a man with angular features and hard eyes appearing on the other end. Who Cooper assumed was this Cartwright guy. And judging from the way he stared at Nova, Cooper had a bad feeling he’d gotten his assumptions all wrong.

—

Crap.

Nova quelled the instinct to cringe as she held Cartwright’s gaze. She’d never seen her boss look at her as intently as he was right now. Eyes narrowed. Brows furrowed. And if he clenched his jaw any harder, he’d likely crack some molars.

The man was pissed.

She gave him a guarded smile, crossing her arms as she met his harsh glare. “Assistant Director Cartwright. You do realize what time it is?”

The man didn’t so much as blink, staring her down until she had to focus on not squirming. “Long past when we should have had this conversation, Special Agent Martin.” He held up a folder. “Do you know what this is?”

“I don’t suppose it contains papers for an upcoming promotion?”

“Glad you still have your sense of humor and no… it doesn’t. It’s a report I received from our federal brothers in the Bureau.” Cartwright leaned toward the camera, his brown eyes searching hers. “You do remember who the FBI is, don’t you? That they have jurisdiction in human trafficking cases? That we’re not supposed to step on their toes unless they ask us to? And no, calling in favors isn’t an official request, regardless of who inside the DEA made that request.”

Nova pursed her lips. He obviously knew Bellamy’s parents, Finn and Jade, had pulled some strings to get Nova involved in the Moody investigation. And it didn’t take a psychic to see what Cartwright thought about Nova venturing outside of his jurisdiction. “I’m familiar with the appropriate protocol, sir.”

“And yet, it states that you knowingly included yourself in a federal case. One directly related to Special Agent Tate’s death and his unsanctioned investigation into Octavia Reynolds, which, in itself, is an epic conflict of interest. All while on mandatory leave. Does that ring any bells?”

“With all due respect, I wasn’t about to leave Tate’s case in the hands of some federal agents who often can’t find their heads stuffed up their own asses. Not when it was practically thrown in my lap. Tate was family, and I conducted myself accordingly.”

Cartwright simply stared at her — his mouth curved into the beginnings of a frown. “You didn’t go to Hawai’i to work on your tan, Agent Martin. You saw an opening to insert yourself into Tate’s case and you took it. Which was bad enough. The fact you’ve been covering for Tate for the past five years. Hiding Octavia Reynolds. Lying to her family, the government, and me in the process, is another matter. Are you saying that was you conducting yourself accordingly too?”

Nova rolled her shoulders, doing her best to ease the tension slowly creeping down her spine. “That was me having my partner’s back. A man who was hands down the best undercover agent the DEA has ever employed. And let’s not forget that his investigation is the reason Eric Moody isn’t still trafficking teens in from Bogotá. That a murderer and all-round evil bastard isn’t a threat anymore.”

“Which is the only reason we’re even having a conversation. And as much as I applaud Tate’s initiative, the man was in way over his head. As are you.”

Nova stood there for a few moments before sighing. She’d assured Tate she’d accept whatever fallout resulted from their rogue mission. And that hadn’t changed because he was dead. “I’m not sure what you want me to say. I’m not sorry for putting my loyalty to my partner before protocol. Especially when Tate was risking everything to ensure justice was served. And if given the chance, I’d do it again. If we’re being frank, I think that makes me a better agent.”

“What it makes you is just as reckless as Tate was.” Cartwright scrubbed his hand across his hair. “I should have seen this coming. You and Tate were always too close. Too alike. But hindsight and all that…”

He placed the folder on his desk. “Which brings me to why I’m calling. Since you’ve been entrenched in the Colombian underworld for the past decade, I’m not sure you’re aware that we opened a satellite office on the Big Island a few months ago, after a string of possible cartel activities was brought to light. Local law felt it would be prudent for their detectives to have direct access to our agency in the hopes of preventing any kind of drug incursion from taking root in the community. It just so happens, Detective Sargent Emery McClane discovered what could be the makings of a distribution lab earlier this evening. And as luck would have it, our resident agent is currently in Honolulu wrapping up a joint operation with ATF. I believe you’ve worked with Agent Paulin before?”

Of course, it had to be Richard Paulin, or Dick where she was concerned. Because it was obvious she wasn’t going to catch a break anytime soon. “We were in the academy together and stationed in Florida for several months before I was partnered with Tate.”

And it hadn’t ended well when Tate had picked her over Paulin. A fact he’d made known to more than one supervisor, not that it had swayed Tate’s decision.

“Good. Then you shouldn’t have any issues.” Cartwright cleared his throat, staring directly at her. “Effective immediately, you’re being reassigned from Bogotá to our satellite branch on the Big Island.”

Had the monitor glitched? Maybe switched feeds? Because she could have sworn Cartwright had just pulled her from Columbia and assigned her to Hawai’i. And was that relief easing all that previous tension? Making her feel almost giddy when it meant she’d have more time with Cooper?

It only took a quick glance Cooper’s way to realize she hadn’t imagined the exchange. She could only describe his expression as a mixture of cautious optimism with a healthy dose of disbelief. As if he wasn’t quite sure he’d heard Cartwright correctly, either.

She refocused on her boss, doing her best to school her features. Though, she now understood why Emery was in the room, despite the nagging suspicion that she could still end up in handcuffs if she didn’t play her cards right. Managed to upset Cartwright even more. “Not to downplay the gravity of the situation here, but I was in the middle of a highly intricate undercover investigation when I had to pull myself out because of Tate’s murder.”

Which hadn’t been easy without burning every contact she’d made or outing herself as a fed.

“I’m aware of how deep you were in. But now, you’re needed there.”

“And the months I’ve spent infiltrating Moreno’s inner circle? Gaining his trust enough that I might have a chance at burning his entire operation to the ground?”

“Is being picked up by Special Agent Ross.”

“Ross?” Nova bit at her bottom lip as she speared her fingers through her hair, praying she’d misheard the other agent’s name because this was worse than having to play nice with Paulin. “Did his parents finally sign his permission slip so he can stay out after dark? Or will they be rooming in a nearby hotel?”

Cartwright cracked a hint of a smile before lacing his fingers together on top of his desk. “Agent Ross has promise. And in case you haven’t noticed, we’re a few agents down.”

“Then why pull me out when I’m your best chance at crushing Moreno? With those two bricks I collected just before leaving — all thanks to that rogue operation everyone’s so upset about — I now have a viable lead on their supply route. What I suspect is much farther-reaching than just Columbia.”

“Because I know how you operate, Nova — your penchant for pushing the limits. And after everything that’s gone down, it’s apparent you’re only one bad decision away from ending up just like Tate.”

“With all due respect, sir, I don’t make bad decisions. Not in the field.”

“The fact Tate was murdered while you were a couple thousand miles away at the time begs to differ.”

Had she winced? Stumbled back a step? Released a concussive shock wave that had cracked the screen? Because she hadn’t expected her boss to voice what had been plaguing her since she’d received that fateful call. The one ugly truth she’d been doing her best to hide from.

She wasn’t the only one who had a visceral reaction, because both Cooper and Bellamy inhaled while Octavia openly gasped, covering her mouth when Nova chanced a quick side eye her way. Looking as if the other woman was about to march over and confront Cartwright until Bellamy hooked her elbow — dragged her in close.

Was she as pale as Octavia? Did she look as if she was going to puke too? Because she was definitely regretting the coffee Cooper had grabbed her on the way over — praying her legs didn’t simply buckle.

Cartwright merely continued, as if he hadn’t just dealt her a lethal blow. “It happens. When you’ve been working undercover for as long as you have, it’s hard to realign your perspective.”

He leaned back in his chair. “No one’s questioning your expertise. Whether I want to admit it or not, you’re a natural, Nova. Always have been. But there’s more to being an agent than exceptional gut instincts and an abnormally gifted ability to lie. I need to know you can play by the rules before I put you back in the thick of it. Consider this your way of proving to me I’m not insane for giving you another chance.” Cartwright stared at her. “Unless you don’t think you’re up to the task?”

Nova swallowed, nearly gagging in the process.

He’d continued talking, but all she heard over the roaring in her head was, “can’t play nice in the sandbox unless it’s filled with cartel or mafia henchmen?”

Did he actually expect her to speak after he’d accused her of getting Tate killed? And all because she obviously cared more about arresting drug cartel than she did Tate’s well-being?

She clenched her jaw, forcing the words out. “Of course not, sir.”

“Good. Special Agent Paulin should be back shortly. You can fill him in on whatever you uncover then. In the meantime, Detective McClane’s your point of contact. And Nova… If you have any hope of becoming Tate’s successor, I need you to impress me.”

The screen winked out, leaving a heavy void in the room. Nova stared at the monitor for a few seconds before tipping back her head — closing her eyes as she counted to ten. Willed the floor to open up and swallow her. Anything to prevent her having to face Cooper and his team.

A hand brushed across her wrist, and she looked up into Cooper’s watchful blue gaze.

He glanced at the screen, shaking his head before turning back to her. “You okay?”

She tried to smirk, failed, then sighed. “Honestly, I’m not sure which part to be more upset about.”

He drew his brows together. “I realize getting pulled from Columbia is a blow, but out of all the other possibilities, is staying here that bad of an outcome?”

She held up one hand. “I never said that.”

“But you’re obviously frustrated that you’re not going back.”

“Of course, I’m frustrated. The man just gave my job to some greenhorn who wouldn’t know an informant if one slapped him in the face. I’ve spent ten years cultivating relationships over there, all of which will be gone the second Ross takes lead, regardless of how this all ultimately plays out.”

She raked her fingers through her hair, yanking on the strands in the hopes of grounding herself. “I’m not saying Cartwright was out of line. I broke ranks, and I knew there’d be a reckoning. Though, I could have done without the bit about Tate’s death. Not that everyone wasn’t already thinking it.”

Octavia marched over, stopping next to Cooper. Hands fisted at her side. A pink hue burning her cheeks. “I’m the reason Tate went to Texas, not you. If anyone’s to blame for his death, it’s me.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but?—”

“No buts. He risked his life to save mine. Period. So, get your boss back on the line. I have a word or two I’d like to say.”

Cooper held up one hand. “While that’s a noble gesture, Octavia, I don’t think it would help the situation. Besides, you’re both wrong. Neither of you are responsible for Tate’s death.”

“Aren’t I?” Nova got closer, resisting the urge to tap Cooper on the chest to get her point across. “Because if I’d been standing beside him in that hotel in Texas, I can assure you things would have turned out differently.”

“You don’t know that. Maybe, you’d both be dead.”

“Maybe, but I can promise you I would have taken Moody down with me. Saved us all the trouble. But Cartwright wasn’t wrong. I was too engrossed in shutting down Moreno’s cartel to have the forethought that maybe this was the time Moody decided to clean up any loose ends, and Tate would pray the price.”

“Nova.” Cooper looked as if he wanted to grab her and shake some sense into her, but he kept his hands to himself. “You didn’t even know Tate was meeting with Moody. No one knew.”

“But I knew Tate. Better than anyone. I should have guessed he’d use the trip to get more dirt on Moody.” She shook her head, distancing herself as much as possible without actually moving. Anything to stop the riotous roil in her stomach. “We can dance around the semantics all night but in the end, Tate’s dead, and I’m alive. It doesn’t take a genius to do the math.”

She turned to Emery, giving her a guarded nod. “Looks like I’m all yours, detective. If you’re okay with having a loose cannon as a partner. Because that is what Cartwright implied, right?”

Emery glanced at Flint, then Cooper, before moving over to Nova. “Sounds like we’re a perfect match. But if I’d known contacting the DEA would result in you getting bullied into working the case?—”

“Pretty sure you’re not the one who’s been lying to Cartwright for the past five years, or who let their partner down, so…” She raked her fingers through her hair, again, shoving all the pain and regret down so far, she’d need a roadmap to find it. “You found a lab. What can you tell me?”

Emery’s smile faltered. “It might be better if I just show you. I’ve got officers securing the scene with our resident vice detective on site. And I’m hoping the coroner and CSI will be wrapping things up by the time we get there.”

“The coroner?”

“We’ve got a security guard down. It looks as if he interrupted a drop or maybe he was part of it. All I know is that if my hunch is right, this is only the beginning.”